Articles tagged with Wildlife
A new genus of bat, Niumbaha superba, has been identified in South Sudan with a unique pattern of spots and stripes. The discovery highlights the country's rich biodiversity and underscores the need for conservation efforts.
The rapid development of synthetic biology presents new dialogue opportunities between conservation and synthetic biology communities to address ecological and ethical concerns. The authors highlight five emerging issues requiring discussion, including potential impacts on biodiversity and conservation strategies.
A new study by WCS-India reveals leopards inhabit landscapes with high human populations and no wilderness, defying conventional conservation strategies. Camera traps captured five adult large carnivores per 100 square kilometers, showcasing adaptability of humans and wildlife to each other's presence.
A new study reveals that Nevada's black bear population is increasing and expanding its former range due to conservation efforts. The study analyzed historic records and found that the bears were once widespread but vanished by 1931, only to rebound in recent years.
Researchers found that carnivores, including lions and hyenas, can share space with humans without major conflicts. The Maasai people's unique approach to managing their environment allows for coexistence between humans, livestock, and carnivores.
Conservationists and representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda have joined forces to highlight the plight of threatened wild cheetahs due to the illegal pet trade. The CITES Conference of the Parties has accepted a proposal for a study on the cheetah trade, which could impact the survival of cheetah populations in Africa.
African lion populations face extinction due to human-lion conflicts. Fencing can protect people and wildlife; a global funding agency could fund large-scale fencing projects. The 'Marshall Plan' for African wildlife conservation is proposed by the leading lion researcher.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that homes in neighborhoods with protected open space have sales prices 20-29% higher than those without such features. The 'conservation development' approach protects natural resources while providing social and economic benefits to people.
A study by Brigham Young University reveals that mothers prioritize their male offspring with high leadership potential, providing better nourishment and habitats. This investment has a lasting impact on the males' survival and health even after independence.
Conservationists confirm a staggering 62% loss of African forest elephants over the past decade due to poaching. The species' survival is threatened by human density, infrastructure development, and poor governance.
Researchers studying the endangered lemur found that females live longer than males, on average into their early 30s. The team's findings suggest that age-specific dispersal behavior may carry greater costs for males, leading to earlier mortality.
Researchers observed wild meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert, where dominant females yield to lower-ranked individuals to cross roads, revealing a complex adaptation mechanism. This phenomenon may be an innate response, allowing animals to cope with novel threats and minimizing group risk.
Researchers at Harvard University challenged long-held assumptions about juvenile primate tooth development and weaning by studying chimpanzees in the wild. The study found that many young chimps continued to nurse as much, if not more, than before after their first molar erupted.
Lowland tapirs, the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, have been found thriving in a protected area spanning five national parks. Camera trap data reveals higher abundance under protection than outside, and estimates at least 14,500 individuals exist, making it one of the continent's most important strongholds for conservation.
African sleeping sickness, caused by a brain-invading parasite transmitted by tsetse flies, can persist in areas with no human cases due to wild animal populations. A new study suggests that targeting humans alone may not be enough to control the disease and that efforts must factor in wild animals.
A new study using historical records from iconic naturalists Henry David Thoreau and Aldo Leopold found that native plants in the eastern US are flowering up to a month earlier due to climate change. This shift affects not only agricultural crops but also animals and insects that depend on these plants for survival.
A recent study by EcoHealth Alliance found Ebola virus antibodies in approximately 4% of the bats screened in Bangladesh, indicating that Rousettus fruit bats may be a natural reservoir for Ebola virus. The study extends the known range of Ebola to mainland Asia.
Researchers have successfully photographed a male jaguar and an adult male ocelot using automated wildlife monitoring cameras in the Santa Rita Mountains. The images provide clear evidence that the big cats travel between Southern Arizona's mountain ranges, shedding light on their distribution and ecology.
A study by Michigan State University found captive hyenas excel at solving novel problems, suggesting limitations in applying captive animal results to the wild. The researchers, led by Sarah Benson-Amram, discovered that captive hyenas were more willing to tackle challenges and explored solutions.
A study by the University of Exeter found that badgers sleeping in outlying dens were more likely to carry TB, highlighting the importance of behavior in disease transmission. The research could inform measures to manage bovine TB in parts of the UK.
A new University of Florida study shows that animal bones can provide valuable geographical data for conservation efforts. By analyzing bone accumulations on the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, researcher Joshua Miller identified critical areas for elk survival during spring and winter.
Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.
Meat from wild animals like antelope and rodents is increasingly important in African diets due to scarcity of traditional livestock. Researchers highlight the nutritional value of bushmeat, providing protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
A proposed state-based national conservation-support network aims to improve coordination of resources and planning among states, regions and nationwide. The network would facilitate the resolution of large-scale conservation challenges and advance collaborative conservation.
Researchers emphasize that connectivity is complex and requires understanding animal behavior, genetics, adaptation, and habitat. Managing wildlife sanctuaries involves trade-offs and adapting to climate change, which can cause unpredictable species movements.
A new study identifies 27 countries most vulnerable to declining coral reef fisheries, with low-income nations lacking adaptation capacity and middle-income nations sensitive to climate change. The top two countries at risk are Indonesia and Liberia, while Malaysia and Sri Lanka are the least vulnerable.
A new report by Panthera reveals widespread illegal hunting and bushmeat trade in African savannas, posing significant ecological, economic, and social impacts. The report highlights the urgent need for greater efforts to address this issue, or risk losing valuable wildlife resources.
A new study reveals that Indonesia's coral reefs in Aceh are benefiting from the 'Panglima Laot' customary system, which has resulted in higher fish biomass and hard-coral cover due to mutually agreed gear restrictions. The system's success lies in its design principles promoting social harmony and sustainable resource management.
A new database allows users to search for information on Florida's endangered species with ease. The tool, developed by a team of researchers, provides access to comprehensive data on threatened and endangered vertebrates in the state.
Madidi National Park has been documented to have an incredible array of species, including 1,088 bird species and over 200 mammal species. Despite this wealth of biodiversity, much remains unknown about the park's tropical montane forests.
A free high-tech tool called SMART has been launched to combat wildlife poaching. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool uses GPS data to identify poaching hotspots and enable rapid responses, ultimately maximizing the impact of anti-poaching efforts.
A North Carolina State University survey finds that feral cat management is a contentious issue between 'cat people' and bird conservationists, with differing opinions on the impact of feral cats on wildlife. The study suggests that common ground can be found in caring for animals, and collaborative solutions such as involving cat care...
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a list of Asian species at the conservation crossroads, calling for governments to take immediate action. These species face daunting challenges from habitat loss, hunting, and trade, but WCS believes they can be saved using the 'three R's approach: recognition, responsibility, and recovery.
The Wildlife Conservation Society and partners are calling on governments to take urgent action to save shark and ray species from over-fishing for international trade. Currently, only a handful of species are listed under CITES, but numerous others qualify for protection.
In Chitwan National Park, Nepal, tigers have shifted their nocturnal activity to coexist with people, indicating a potential middle ground for human and tiger survival. The study suggests that conservation efforts can consider both nature and humans, paving the way for sustainable solutions.
The National Association of Science Writers has awarded $2,500 to investigative journalists who reported on the impact of science on society. The winners include authors of books like 'Panic Virus' that shed light on vaccine controversies and environmental issues.
A study finds that citizens do a better job of picking threatened species than the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Citizen-initiated listings are more likely to pose conflicts with development, but those species are also significantly more threatened on average.
A new study reveals that protected areas are crucial habitats for animal species to colonize and thrive as they migrate towards the poles. The research analyzed millions of records from citizen scientists and found that nature reserves are 4 times more likely to be colonized than expected, providing vital refuges against climate change.
Wild meerkats employed nine separate learning processes to solve a foraging task, with social factors drawing them in and asocial processes aiding solution. This study provides insight into the relationship between social learning mechanisms and cultural development.
A recent study published in Nature found that many tropical protected areas are struggling to sustain their biodiversity, despite being our best hope for preserving tropical forests. However, the research also highlights the importance of eliminating threats outside park boundaries and maintaining existing parks.
A Michigan State University study reveals that people's attitudes towards tigers are influenced by benefits and pragmatic costs of having tigers nearby, suggesting a combination of psychological responses drives tolerance. The research provides critical information on how to protect species by understanding human-neighbour relationships.
A new report concludes that commercial 'wildlife encounter' operations promoting captive lion reintroduction do little to conserve African lions. Wild-born lions are better equipped for survival and release compared to captive-bred ones. These programs divert critical resources from projects addressing declining wild lion populations.
Deer hinds in dominant positions select nutrient-rich foods, outperforming subordinates with lower-quality options. The study demonstrates preferential access to high-energy food sources, improving body condition and milk production.
Conservationists hope that Cambodia's vultures can come back from the brink as a study reveals critical steps towards saving these scavengers. The creation of new feeding stations and restoration of wildlife populations represent next important steps in vulture conservation.
Researchers found cheetahs' longer strides and faster stride frequencies allow them to reach high speeds, while greyhounds maintain a constant stride rate. The study suggests wild cheetahs may be able to outstrip their captive cousins due to biomechanical differences.
A study by University of Nevada, Reno scientists found that female black brant geese experience a 16% decline in survival after losing their mate. Only the fittest females with better body condition can re-pair and reproduce again.
Wildlife researchers at UMass Amherst have captured photographs of the rare Sumatran striped rabbit, which may now be found only in two remote national parks on the Indonesian island. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these areas from encroachment and development, which threaten the survival of the species.
A study by Johns Hopkins University and The National Aquarium found that captive dolphins have lower levels of mercury in their systems compared to wild dolphins. This difference was attributed to the diet of the captive animals, which consisted mainly of small fish from North Atlantic waters with lower mercury pollution levels.
A recent study recommends focusing on collecting animal samples from carcasses during Ebola outbreaks, with a 50% success rate compared to less than 6% when sampling live animals. This approach is crucial for early detection and learning more about the virus.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that intense gas development is driving away wildlife from their traditional wintering grounds. In Wyoming's Jonah and PAPA gas fields, researchers discovered an 82% decline of high-quality habitat for pronghorn, a sharp increase in infrastructure, and behavioral shifts among the animals.
A recent study found that bigger male gorillas are more successful at attracting mates and raising offspring. The research, conducted over 12 years in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, revealed positive correlations between physical traits such as head-crest size and gluteal muscles with an adult male's average number of mates.
Researchers found that hazel dormice exhibit a complex reproductive strategy, with early and late birth peaks, due to hibernation. Early-born juveniles outpace late-born counterparts, while females with higher body mass can invest in early reproduction.
Researchers at Zoological Society of London developed a method to assess disease risks associated with translocations, guiding successful reintroduction programs. The approach is now used on all reintroduction programs in Natural England's Species Recovery Programme.
Researchers found that wild orangutans in north Borneo exhibit an immediate stress response to eco-tourist interactions, but levels return to baseline after the encounter. The study suggests that low levels of predictable disturbance may have a minimal impact on these endangered species.
A study by Virginia Tech wildlife researcher Kathleen Alexander found that Botswana buffalo carry the brucellosis pathogen, which can be transmitted to humans through bush meat consumption. The disease can cause chronic fevers and joint pain in humans, and domestic livestock may need to be destroyed.
Sawfishes use their saws to impale prey on rostral teeth and detect electric fields, enabling agile hunting in murky waters. Their unique sensing abilities challenge traditional views of these critically endangered fish.
A new study found that Sumatran tigers are nearing extinction due to human activities such as forestry and agriculture. The study highlights the importance of preserving large contiguous forest blocks for tiger conservation.
A recent study found a steady decline in illustrations of natural environments and wild animals in award-winning children's picture books. The researchers examined nearly 8,100 images from nearly 300 Caldecott Medal winners and found that built environments dominated the scene, with natural environments and wild animals virtually absent.
A rare fungus has been identified as the cause of mass deaths among eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in southern Illinois and similar cases in the northeast US. The fungus, Chrysosporium, is not normally seen in free-ranging animals but has been linked to disease in captive reptiles.
A multi-year study published in PLoS One found that domestic cats and wild cats living in the same area share diseases such as Toxoplasmosis, Bartonellosis, and FIV. This can happen through contact with shared habitats, even if they don't come into direct contact.