Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
A recent study found that modern fish communities in coastal Kenya have significantly different life histories compared to ancient Swahili refuse heaps. This shift is attributed to overfishing, which has reduced larger species and increased smaller species with shorter life spans.
The Conservation Genetics Lab uses genetic techniques to identify inbred populations and introduce new genetic variation. They also apply this technique to endangered species in captive breeding programs and use DNA evidence to catch wildlife criminals.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has received a $150,000 grant to support efforts by eco-guards to protect Grauer's gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The grant will help equip park rangers with field equipment to monitor and limit poaching within the park.
A two-year study reveals the daily habits of feral and free-roaming house cats, with some having surprisingly large territories. The owned cats had significantly smaller territories and were less active than the un-owned cats, which had to search harder for food to survive.
Researchers discovered infected cats and wildlife with Toxoplasma gondii in a natural area, suggesting feral cats are the source of infection. The parasite is shed in cat feces and transmitted to animals through soil, water, or contact with infected animals.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society recommends a disease screening program for farm-raised caiman in Argentina's caiman ranches. The researchers found Salmonella bacteria in 77% of samples, posing health risks to humans and wild animal populations.
A Spanish-Mexican research team found that wild birds exhibit ageing in terms of reproductive capacity and DNA damage. As males age, their germline becomes damaged, increasing the risk of genetic illnesses in their offspring.
The Asiatic wild ass is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. The species' range is limited to areas with low biomass production, forcing it into unproductive habitats. Conservation efforts could benefit not only the wild ass but also other rare mammals by opening up migration corridors.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that rotational grazing techniques can benefit both cattle and wildlife in native pasturelands. The results show a greater forage base, producing larger, more valuable cattle while reducing incentives for deforestation and habitat loss.
Conservationists should consider prehistoric records to make informed decisions about animal reintroductions. R. Lee Lyman, a University of Missouri anthropologist, warns that the southeastern Ozarks may not be suitable habitat for elk due to food and terrain issues.
A European study finds that over 60% of key wildlife sites receive excessive aerial nitrogen pollution, threatening biodiversity. Concerted action is needed to address the issue and link conservation, air pollution, and agricultural policies.
Researchers have observed a rise in 'naked' penguin chicks with feather-loss disorder in both Argentina and South Africa, causing concern among scientists. The disorder is thought to be related to increased energy spent on thermoregulation, potentially linked to pathogens, thyroid disorders, or nutrient imbalances.
Two new studies by UC Davis researchers found a direct link between lead ammunition and lead poisoning in scavenger birds like eagles and turkey vultures. The studies suggest that hunting with lead ammunition can have devastating effects on these bird species, causing inability to fly, starvation, anemia, blindness, seizures and death.
A recent European study found that dormice in certain habitats live longer due to fewer predators and successful avoidance methods. The animals' ability to accumulate fat reserves helps them survive harsh winters.
A new study found that human metapneumovirus and bacterial pneumonia contributed to the deaths of mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. The virus was closely related to strains circulating in South Africa, suggesting that tourists may have carried it into the parks.
A new study finds that a human respiratory virus has killed two mountain gorillas in Rwanda, confirming the risk of disease transmission between humans and animals. The virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), was detected in both gorillas, highlighting the need for increased conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals.
India has released its first updated tiger population numbers since 2007, estimating 1,706 tigers, an increase of 225 from the previous count. The figure includes an additional reserve in the Sundarbans, resulting in a corrected total of 1,636.
Researchers found that 55 white-lipped peccaries tested positive for Leptospirosis, with older animals showing higher serovar diversity. The study highlights the need for further research on disease transmission between livestock and wildlife.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research propose targeted captive breeding programmes to supplement wild animal protection. The study reveals that up to 25% of endangered mammal species and 20-25% of bird species are kept in zoos, with specialist zoos showing greater breeding success.
The study found that the Teshekpuk Lake region contains some of the highest nesting bird densities and nest productivity across Alaska's Arctic. Additionally, nests at the site showed higher nest survivorship rates compared to another site in the Prudhoe Bay region with oil extraction activities.
A study by Smithsonian scientists found that suburban areas can be ecological traps for breeding birds due to high predation rates, particularly from domestic cats. The team tracked 69 fledgling catbirds and found that almost 80% were killed before reaching adulthood, with most deaths occurring within the first week after fledging.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a report listing 25 most endangered turtle species, many of which are found in Asia and are threatened by illegal hunting for food and the pet trade. The report calls for better enforcement of trade laws, habitat protection, and captive breeding to prevent extinction.
The One Health concept aims to integrate surveillance activities across species to monitor and respond to emerging zoonotic diseases. ProMED-mail's global surveillance system has reported over 10,000 animal health issues, highlighting the need for improved interspecies collaboration.
A study by Michigan State University found that students enrolling in fishery and wildlife programs are leaving after completing coursework due to limited hands-on experiences and challenging academic requirements. The researchers identified seven categories for student departure, including engagement, employment, and academic rigor.
A new fungus has killed over 1 million bats in the eastern US, with the disease expected to spread to California in the next several years. UC Davis experts are calling for a national response to combat the threat, which could have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
A new study by WWF scientists finds that tiger reserves in Asia can support over 10,000 wild tigers if managed as large-scale landscapes. The researchers believe that protecting core breeding sites and developing forest corridors can ensure tiger population growth.
Scientists seek to create rat poisons that specifically target rats without posing a threat to people, pets, or wildlife. Researchers are working on tracking rodent consumption and studying resistance mechanisms to develop safer alternatives.
Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.
A study of 14 years of observation of Kanyawara chimpanzees found that females tend to play with sticks more often than males and occasionally treat them like mother chimps caring for infants. This suggests a possible link between biological predilections and sex-stereotyped socialization in object play.
Researchers argue that the US Fish and Wildlife Service should consider societal values when determining whether species need protection from extinction. A study analyzing public opinions on wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains found mixed results, contradicting the agency's claim that attitudes have improved over time.
A study by scientists at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a critical connection between conservation and disease. Loss of species large and small can increase pathogens, leading to increased disease transmission. The authors call for careful monitoring of areas with high animal densities to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers found that apes prefer to play it safe when odds are uncertain, mirroring human behavior. They distinguish between risk and ambiguity, with greater hesitation towards unknown outcomes.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology found that hares with genetic variation at a specific gene locus have higher reproductive success, including increased fertility and fecundity. The research suggests that variability at the individual level can provide advantages for survival and reproduction.
More than 1,069 tigers have been seized in tiger range countries over the past decade, with India leading the way. The seizures highlight severe poaching pressure on Indian tigers, with potentially more than 100 wild tigers being plundered each year.
Two new tools, Wildlife Health Event Reporter and Outbreaks Near Me, enable public reporting of sick or dead wild animals to detect wildlife disease outbreaks that may pose a risk to humans. These tools can also provide early warnings of emerging diseases.
A University of Alberta research team has found a mechanism underlying both addiction and obesity, which could lead to new treatments for these diseases. The study revealed that dopamine plays a key role in the formation of spatial memories in the brain, and its release is associated with feelings of reward.
Researchers from Ohio State University found that urban bird nests have lower nest survival rates due to human-provided food sources like trash cans and birdfeeders. Despite higher predator numbers in urban areas, these birds are less likely to be attacked because they can feed themselves.
A new peer-reviewed paper reveals most of the world's remaining tigers are clustered in just six percent of their available habitat. Effective conservation efforts focused on these 42 'source sites' can prevent extinction and seed a recovery of the wild tiger, requiring an additional $35 million annually.
A study found that organic farms have more butterflies than conventional farms, but a combination of conventional farming and nature reserves could support even more butterflies. The research suggests that the trade-off between food production and wildlife conservation depends on the quality of the spare land.
The Wildlife Picture Index, a new monitoring tool, shows a 36% net decline of biodiversity in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Camera traps collected thousands of images, revealing that large mammals declined faster than small primates and deer.
Research from the University of East Anglia has shown that commercial farming of porcupines is driving hunting and contributing to a devastating decline of wild populations. The study found that half of farmers interviewed were unregistered, with many using wild animals as founder stock or capturing them for sale.
A recent study led by Daniel Streicker analyzed hundreds of rabies viruses from 23 North American bat species, providing estimates of cross-species transmission (CST) frequency. CST occurs only once for every 72.8 transmissions within the same species, with factors like geographic range and genetics influencing its likelihood.
Researchers documented a wild cat species imitating the call of its intended victim, a small monkey known as a pied tamarin, to draw it within striking range. The behavior was confirmed through observations in the Amazonian forests of Brazil, providing insights into the psychological cunning of wild felids.
A study of banded mongooses in Uganda found that these animals pass on traditions from one generation to the next, a practice previously thought to be reserved for humans and intelligent animals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how complex cultures can develop.
Researchers from UC Davis Health have found E. coli O157:H7 in fecal samples of wildlife species common to California's Central Coast region, including cowbirds, coyotes, crows, mice, and feral pigs. While the presence of the bacterium is rare, it suggests there are potential sources of pathogen movement that need to be assessed.
A new study found that protected areas with strong anti-poaching efforts are critical for maintaining populations of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees in the Ndoki-Likouala Conservation Landscape. The region is considered one of the most important sites in Central Africa for all three species.
New research from the University of Leeds found that organic farming provides only a 12% increase in biodiversity compared to conventional farming, which produces higher yields. The study raises questions about how to balance food production with wildlife protection on agricultural land.
Researchers used genetic data and oceanographic information from satellites to find two distinct populations of franciscanas in Argentina's coastal waters. The findings suggest that environmental factors, such as water temperature and turbidity, play a significant role in shaping population structure in marine animals.
Scientists have discovered lingering oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill is still being ingested by wildlife in Prince William Sound. The study used biomarkers to reveal long-term exposure to oil in harlequin ducks, demonstrating that consequences of oil spills can last for decades.
Ferrets, introduced for rabbit hunting, are spreading across La Palma, with a growing population affecting the island's native fauna. The researchers found that the ferret population is directly related to prey availability and shelter in rural areas, highlighting concerns over their impact on bird species and endemic lizards.
The World Wildlife Fund's latest report reveals that the China-Myanmar border is allowing illegal wildlife trade, with vendors selling tiger bone wine and other products to buyers in China. The report highlights the need for effective enforcement of laws to end all illegal trade.
The Kaiser's spotted newt, a Critically Endangered species, is being proposed for an Appendix I listing due to e-commerce sales threatening its survival. Online trade in endangered wildlife products will be regulated through CITES governments' increased efforts.
The CITES Standing Committee has given Peru a six-month deadline to address critical issues over the illegal mahogany trade, including implementing a computerized tracking system and harmonizing harvest and export quota systems. Failure to meet these requirements may result in suspension of mahogany exports from Peru.
The World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies has urged its members not to use tiger bone or other endangered wildlife parts, citing lack of medicinal benefits. The call aims to support tiger conservation and reduce trade in big cat products.
International conservationists warn that allowing Tanzania and Zambia to sell their stockpiled ivory could lead to increased slaughter of elephants throughout Africa. The team argues that the two countries have not met the necessary criteria to demonstrate their elephant populations are secure and law enforcement is effective in combat...
A study by Argentine scientists reveals that yellow fever outbreaks in howler monkey populations in northeastern Argentina have tragic conservation implications for the endangered brown howler monkey. The research emphasizes the importance of wildlife monitoring as an early detection method for pathogens affecting both animals and humans.
Recent biologging studies reveal surprising behaviors, such as Atlantic bluefin tuna's 5,000-foot dives and elephant seals' annual 40,000-mile migrations. The research also provides insights into ocean animals' physiological parameters, environmental preferences and conservation status.
A study published in BMC Ecology found that rescued chimpanzees in Cameroon are from the same region, suggesting local trade is a significant issue. The research also revealed that protected areas are being targeted for poaching, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered subspecies.
Researchers at Purdue University emphasize the importance of understanding local human cultures in conserving African wildlife. Their study highlights how selective logging can help sustain local antelope populations, reducing hunting pressure on protected species.