New monkey discovered in Brazil
A new monkey species, Mura's saddleback tamarin, has been discovered in the Amazon region of Brazil. The monkey is related to saddleback tamarins and faces threats from planned dams and highway construction.
Wildlife
Articles tagged with Wildlife
Climate change and the mystery of the shrinking sheep
A study found that climate change is causing wild Soay sheep in Scotland to shrink in size, as milder winters make survival conditions less challenging. The 'young mum effect' also plays a role, where young ewes produce smaller offspring.
Wildlife faces cancer threat
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that cancer is a major threat to wild animal populations, with certain species at risk of extinction due to contagious cancers and pollution. The study highlights the need for increased health monitoring and resource allocation to safeguard animals and humans.
The straight poop on counting tigers
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that analyzing fecal DNA can accurately estimate tiger populations. This non-invasive technique allows researchers to identify individual animals and establish baseline numbers in areas where camera trapping is impractical.
1 moose, 2 moose: Scientist seeks correction in number of species
Kris Hundertmark challenges the two-species concept of North American and Eurasian moose based on DNA analysis revealing three genetic groups with regional variation. The chromosome and morphology differences between the two species are minor and not functional.
Wildlife Conservation Society supports world's first study of egg-laying mammal
The first study of a rare egg-laying mammal, the long-beaked echidna, reveals elusive habits and provides new data on nocturnal foraging behaviors and home-range sizes. The research, published in Journal of Mammalogy, informs conservation strategies for the species threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
Wiping out the world's mass migrations
A recent study analyzes the impact of human activity on large-scale terrestrial migrations, revealing that up to a quarter of migrating species have gone extinct. Human activities such as fencing, farming, and water restrictions have altered habitats and reduced migration routes, leading to significant declines in animal populations.
Nature parks can save species as climate changes
A network of wildlife conservation areas can save up to 90% of bird species in Africa affected by climate change. The research team found that protected areas will provide new habitats for birds forced to move due to changing temperatures and rainfall.
Mosquito evolution spells trouble for Galapagos wildlife
Researchers discovered that the Galapagos giant tortoise and marine iguana are targeted by mosquitoes feeding on reptile blood, raising fears of devastating native wildlife diseases. The mosquito's adaptation to life in Galapagos could enable rapid spread of new diseases due to the islands' lack of immunity.
Research: Mockingbirds, no bird brains, can recognize a face in a crowd
Researchers found that mockingbirds can recognize individual humans who pose a threat to their nests, leading to aggressive behavior. The birds' ability to recall these threats may be key to their success in urban environments where many species struggle to thrive.
NOAA, USFWS study finds potential disease threats to Washington sea otters
Researchers found that 80% of tested sea otters in Washington State had morbillivirus and 60% had Toxoplasma, with implications for the ecosystem's balance. The study highlights the need to monitor the health of the state's otter population, as they are 'sentinels' for environmental problems.
Animals on runways can cause serious problems at small airports
A Purdue University study found that animals can easily access runway areas, increasing the likelihood of plane strikes. The study suggests enclosing airport perimeters with partially buried fencing and frequent maintenance to deter wildlife.
Wildlife trade threatens public health and ecosystems
The US wildlife trade is plagued by a lack of coordination and regulation, leading to the importation of millions of animals each year. This can have devastating effects on native species, food supply chains, and human health, as evidenced by previous disease outbreaks such as monkeypox.
Report shows US wildlife trade poorly regulated
A recent study by Brown University and the Wildlife Trust found that US wildlife imports are fragmented and insufficiently coordinated, failing to accurately list over four in five species entering the country. This lack of regulation poses significant risks to human health, food supply chains, and ecosystems.
Google Earth aids discovery of early African mammal fossils
Researchers used Google Earth to locate a quarry site in Egypt where they discovered fossilized remains of small mammals from the early Miocene Epoch. The finds may provide insights into the migration of animals from Asia to Africa and the evolution of African wildlife.
UC Davis launches 'One Health' care for wild mountain gorillas and human neighbors
UC Davis establishes Mountain Gorilla One Health Program to conserve gorillas & address human health, livestock, and agricultural issues. The program aims to improve gorilla health & prevent disease from affecting human populations.
New study shows widespread and substantial declines in wildlife in Kenya's Masai Mara
A new study reveals widespread and substantial declines in wildlife populations in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. The researchers found that a growing concentration of human settlements near the reserve is linked to large losses of wildlife, including giraffes, hartebeest, impala, and warthogs.
Virginia Tech graduate student receives first Rachel Carson award for scientific excellence
A Virginia Tech graduate student has received the first-ever Rachel Carson Award for Scientific Excellence from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for her work developing successful culture systems and feeding regimes for endangered freshwater mussels. The award recognizes Mair's extraordinary results in fish and wildlife conservation ...
Wildlife biologist named Roger Tory Peterson Medal recipient, speaker
Russell Mittermeier, a leading expert on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, will deliver the Roger Tory Peterson Memorial Lecture at Harvard University. He has been recognized for his critical work on biodiversity hotspots and species conservation, offering hope for the future of conservation efforts.
Tracking tigers in 3-D
Researchers use new software to rapidly identify individual tigers and estimate populations by matching unique stripe patterns from camera trap photos. The software is up to 95% accurate in identifying tiger species from scanned photos, aiding tiger conservation efforts.
Lincoln Park Zoo researcher awarded prestigious conservation biology fellowship
Sarah Keenan Jacobi, a Lincoln Park Zoo researcher, has been awarded the prestigious Smith Fellowship to develop a framework for efficiently allocating resources for conservation. The fellowship program will support her research on managing habitat and controlling invasive species such as reed canary grass.
Village bird study highlights loss of wildlife knowledge from one
A survey in a Yorkshire village found that people are less aware of past changes in local bird populations, indicating 'generational amnesia.' The study's results suggest that wildlife knowledge is not being passed on from older to younger people.
Findings raise new questions about evolution of hormones in mammals
Researchers at San Francisco State University are using non-invasive techniques to study hormones in wild mammals, revealing surprising results about behavior, social systems, and hormone function. These findings challenge previous research models and suggest species-specific adaptations for reproduction and survival.
Penguins marching into trouble
Long-term research reveals a quarter-century of data on penguin numbers, showing a decline of over 20 percent in the last 22 years. Penguins are struggling with food scarcity, leading them to nest outside protected areas where they fall prey to predators.
Study says 'middle class' coral reef fish feel the economic squeeze
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that middle-class communities in Eastern Africa have lower fish levels due to increased motorized fishing vessels and decreased cultural restrictions. In contrast, wealthy communities have healthier fish populations due to diversified economies and technological advancements.
Federal scientists recognized for contributions to knowledge of bird ecology and habitat
Two federal scientists, Martin Raphael and Eric Forsman, have won national awards for their research on the habitat and ecology of the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl. Their work emphasizes a strong partnership between research and management to improve the status of these bird species.
Research uncovers surprising lion stronghold in war-torn central Africa
A recent study suggests that the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda could support a large lion population, with estimates suggesting up to 905 individuals. The research, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Adrian Treves, used aerial surveys and prey data to predict lion abundance.
Lincoln Park Zoo awarded $1.5 million grant for new research institute
The Urban Wildlife Institute aims to mitigate wildlife and human conflicts in Chicago through holistic ecosystem health research. The institute will utilize sound science to create pragmatic solutions for zoonotic disease threats and urban habitat preservation.
Biofeedback from the zoo
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a program that analyzes animal behavior to understand and treat OCD. By comparing human behavior to animal rituals, the model identifies abnormal patterns and provides a tool for mental health practitioners. This innovative approach may motivate patients to correct their compulsive actions.
Study links water pollution with declining male fertility
New research reveals a connection between water pollution and declining male fertility, with anti-androgenic chemicals identified as key players. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may contribute to reproductive problems in humans, particularly those affected by testicular dysgenesis syndrome.
Golf course: Playing fields, wildlife sanctuaries or both
A new University of Missouri study examines the effect of golf courses on salamander populations, finding suitable habitats for species native to the area. The researchers propose managing landscapes for human recreation and biodiversity preservation, creating a win-win situation for stakeholders and wildlife.
Rooted plants move mysteriously down greenways, scientists say
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that rooted plants can mysteriously move down greenways, contradicting expectations based on physical forces. The study found that plants with no obvious mechanism for dispersal colonize corridors more quickly and at farther distances than isolated habitats.
Roads bring death and fear to forest elephants
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that roads in Central Africa's Congo Basin are creating 'siege mentality' among forest elephants, forcing them to become isolated and confined. This reduces their ability to find suitable habitat and increases the risk of poaching.
Study: Wildlife need more complex travel plans
A new UC Davis study found that symmetrical systems of wildlife corridors may do less good for natural communities than designs with randomness or asymmetry built in. This research provides insights for land managers and community planners designing corridors, shedding light on what works and what doesn't.
Saving Sumatra: Indonesia reaches historic agreement
The Indonesian government and World Wildlife Fund announce a commitment to protect Sumatra's forests and critical ecosystems, home to endangered species. The agreement aims to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development on the island.
Beavers: Dam good for songbirds
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that beaver dams provide critical habitat for migratory songbirds in semi-arid regions of the West. The more dams built, the more abundant and diverse local songbirds become.
Integrated curriculum enhances academics
A recent study by ASHS found that students participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Schoolyard Habitat Program showed significantly increased math scores compared to those using traditional curricula. The program improved academic performance, particularly among Hispanic students, but not equally across all ethnic groups.
Animals farmed for meat are the No. 1 source of food poisoning bug, study shows
A recent study by University of Chicago researchers found that animals farmed for meat are the primary source of campylobacteriosis, a common food poisoning bug. The bacteria were commonly found in chicken and livestock, with 57% of cases linked to chicken consumption.
'Estrogen flooding our rivers,' Université de Montréal study
A study by Université de Montréal researchers found that Montreal's water treatment plants dump up to 90 times the critical amount of estrogen products into the river. The presence of these hormones can disrupt the endocrine system of fish and decrease their fertility, threatening aquatic ecosystems.
Photos reveal Myanmar's large and small predators
Researchers from WCS have gathered data on Myanmar's tiger and smaller carnivore populations using remote camera traps, revealing estimates of 7-70 tigers in the Hukaung Tiger Reserve. The study also confirms the existence of 18 smaller carnivores across various habitats.
UT Knoxville wins $16M NSF mathematics and biology center
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has been awarded a $16 million NSF grant to create the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, or NIMBioS. Researchers from around the world will collaborate on finding creative solutions to pressing problems in fields like animal disease control and wildfire management.
Unexpected large monkey population discovered
A report by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals a large population of threatened monkeys, including 42,000 black-shanked douc langurs and 2,500 yellow-cheeked crested gibbons, in Cambodia's Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area. The populations have remained stable since 2005 and are estimated to be the largest known in the world.
Veterinarians adapt human tests for monkeys
Researchers have adapted a human test to screen for elevated iron levels in marmosets and tamarins, enabling early identification and treatment of hemosiderosis. This diagnostic tool also helps veterinarians provide tailored care to individual animals.
Wildlife Conservation Society discovers 'Planet of the Apes'
The Wildlife Conservation Society has discovered a significant increase in western lowland gorillas, with a census showing over 125,000 individuals in the Republic of Congo. The census data revealed high densities of gorillas in some areas, indicating successful conservation efforts and a food-rich habitat.
Newly discovered monkey is threatened with extinction
The kipunji monkey is critically endangered with only 1,117 individuals remaining in the wild. Habitat degradation and poaching pose significant threats to its survival.
Bovine tuberculosis in wildlife threatens endangered lynx and cattle health
A study published in PLOS ONE found that bovine tuberculosis is prevalent among wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer in Doñana National Park, threatening the health of endangered lynx and domestic cattle. The high prevalence suggests that a feeding ban alone would have limited effect on controlling the disease.
Ouch! Taking a shot at plague
In a bid to control an extensive plague outbreak in South Dakota, biologists are vaccinating endangered black-footed ferrets with a vaccine given by the U.S. Geological Survey. The vaccine has been used during a major plague epizootic for the first time and is administered to prairie dogs and ferrets through initial shots and boosters.
Lead shot and sinkers: Weighty implications for fish and wildlife health
Numerous studies have documented adverse effects of lead on wildlife, particularly waterbirds and scavenging species, due to ingested lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers. The use of lead ammunition remains common despite bans on waterfowl hunting, with upland game and scavenging birds continuing to be exposed.
Conservation Leadership Program announces 2008 awardees
The Conservation Leadership Programme awarded 28 research teams in 14 countries with $475,000 support. Winners focus on protecting endangered species and habitats worldwide, including tigers, hooded cranes, and threatened amphibians.
Study of guanacos launched in Chile
A WCS study in Chile's Karukinka reserve aims to understand guanaco movements and habitat impact. The research will help restore overland migrations of guanacos, critical for biodiversity in Latin America.
First electrophysical recording of sleep in a wild animal
Researchers successfully recorded the electrophysiology of sleep in a wild animal, three-toed sloths, and found they slept 9.63 hours per day, significantly less than captive sloths. This study provides insight into the function of sleep in mammals and challenges previous comparative studies conducted in captivity.
Dying bats in the Northeast remain a mystery
The U.S. Geological Survey is investigating the cause of thousands of bat deaths in the northeastern US, with most affected species showing signs of emaciation and poor body condition. Environmental samples have been collected to determine if toxicants or secondary microbial pathogens are contributing to the illness.
Bison can thrive again, study says
A recent assessment by the Wildlife Conservation Society and other groups suggests that bison can thrive again in large areas from Alaska to Mexico within the next 100 years. The study identified prime locations across Canada and the US, as well as parts of Mexico, where ecological restoration could take place.
Ugandan monkeys harbor evidence of infection with unknown poxvirus
Researchers in Uganda have discovered a new orthopoxvirus in red colobus monkeys, similar to those causing monkeypox and cowpox. The finding highlights the potential for unknown pathogens to emerge in wildlife and pose risks to human health.
Why fruit-eating bats eat dirt
A scientific study found that fruit-eating bats ingest mineral-rich water and clay to detoxify secondary plant compounds in fruits. Female bats take up large amounts of these minerals to counteract the detrimental effects on their embryos and juveniles.
Slowly-developing primates definitely not dim-witted
A new study by Duke University researchers found that big-brained primates, such as humans and chimpanzees, live longer and have more complex social skills due to their larger brain size. This extended life span allows them to reproduce for a longer period, increasing their chances of survival and passing on their genes.
Lincoln Park Zoo launches first-of-its-kind wildlife reintroduction database
The Avian Reintroduction & Translocation Database (ARTD) centralizes information on 128 bird species, 405 release sites and 1,207 events. It provides a valuable tool for wildlife managers to design future programs based on lessons learned from past projects.
Wildlife Conservation Society releases definitive 'state of the wild'
The Wildlife Conservation Society's new book, State of the Wild, explores pressing conservation issues including wildlife disease, climate change, and conservation as diplomacy. The book features expert essays from top scientists and thought leaders, providing a comprehensive look at the current trends affecting wildlife worldwide.
Maximizing species protection with unprecedented conservation roadmap
A new analysis maps the best remaining habitats for thousands of rare species in Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot with over 2,300 endemic species. The study prioritizes regions most vital for saving the greatest number of species, including lemurs and other unique species.
Massive study of Madagascar wildlife released
A massive study of Madagascar's wildlife provides a blueprint for conservation, highlighting key areas to protect and prioritizing endangered species. The research uses data from thousands of species and advanced techniques to identify the most important areas for saving fauna and flora.