Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers have developed a method to save endangered freshwater mussels by collecting and depositing parasitic larvae onto suitable fish hosts. This process allows for the mass production of juvenile mussels, which can then be released into the wild to improve water quality.
A recent study assesses the jaguar's long-term survival prospects and identifies priority areas for conservation. The researchers found that the big cats are likely to survive in 70% of their current range, with the Amazon Basin being a key region for protection.
A new report identifies knowledge gaps in Central American flora, particularly among fungi and mosses. The Mesoamerican and Caribbean Herbarium Network, which holds over one million plant specimens, is a key resource for future discovery.
A study has discovered an HIV-like virus in a wild chimpanzee, providing evidence that the virus originated from this species. The virus, SIVcpz, was found in one animal from the Gombe National Park, revealing a different strain than previously known viruses.
Researchers have discovered that male orangutans engage in homosexual behavior in the wild, a phenomenon previously only observed among captive animals. This finding highlights the complexity of primate social behavior and challenges existing assumptions about great ape sexuality.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will use the grant to manage and protect key areas with intact ecosystems, such as the Ndoki-Likouala rain forest in the Republic of Congo and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. WCS's Living Landscapes approach aims to balance human needs with wildlife conservation.
A team of scientists from Texas A&M University has developed a mathematical model to better understand wildlife habitats and interactions. The model uses equations to describe how animals and plants live, grow, and interact with each other in different environments.
The Southern Highlands region of Tanzania is facing significant biodiversity loss due to widespread harvesting of African orchids. The Wildlife Conservation Society is working to establish a national park in the region to protect the area's floral significance and prevent further depletion of the species.
Biologists from UCLA and Swedish universities have uncovered the history of how wild horses were domesticated, revealing widespread interbreeding across multiple regions. The study found that genetic diversity was much higher than previously thought, suggesting a more complex process of domestication.
In mice lacking b7 integrins, B cell-mediated secretion of antiviral IgA is lacking, and CD8+ T cells reach the intestinal epithelium in smaller numbers. Despite this, these cells are sufficient to clear rotavirus efficiently from the gut.
Researchers found that hamsters use day length information to anticipate winter, and this memory is retained for a season. The study suggests that the hamsters' brain processes seasonal changes in daylight to adjust reproductive cycles.
The Isle Royale wolf population has rebounded after years of decline, with five new pups added to the total count. The Middle Pack now controls most of the island's area, increasing access to moose for food. Meanwhile, the East Pack maintains control over the eastern end of the island.
The program aims to control the raccoon rabies epidemic by delivering oral vaccines through baits. The goal is to protect citizens and companion animals from exposure to the deadly virus.
A study found that male mangabeys in secondary forests weigh less and are more likely to leave their groups, making them vulnerable to predators. The research suggests that logging may impact the health and behavior of primates in African forests.
The Chinese alligator is critically endangered with fewer than 150 remaining in the wild. Conservationists believe that restoring populations through habitat improvements and captive breeding can help stage a comeback for this culturally significant species.
A Colorado State University professor believes that groundhogs emerge from hibernation based on their linoleic and linolenic acid levels. He suggests that these fatty acids affect the animal's activity levels during hibernation, rather than traditional shadow tricks.
A new species of deer, the leaf deer, has been identified in remote mountain regions of Southeast Asia. The species was confirmed through DNA sequencing and represents a significant discovery in conservation biology.
Logging in tropical forests has sparked a 'deadly second harvest' of wildlife, including gorillas and elephants, with increased access providing markets for bushmeat. The Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that annual bushmeat harvest exceeds one million metric tons.
The caiman harvesting program in Venezuela, which began in 1983, has harvested over a million spectacled caimans, generating $115 million in export value. However, the program's direct link to conservation is threatened by changes to funding allocations and market instability.
A study published in the journal Science warns that regional populations of large predators are at risk of collapse due to high mortality rates outside national parks. The researchers recommend expanding 'no-kill' zones, improving hunter education, and increasing park size to protect roaming wildlife.
A Virginia Tech researcher is studying the life cycles of black bears, including their mating habits and hibernation patterns. The study has revealed that bears implant embryos before denning, but the exact timing may vary from year to year.
A recent survey found that over half of the island's wolves have died, likely due to a sharp drop in food supply after a major moose die-off in 1996. The remaining wolves are now less than five years old, with reproductive performance being a key area of interest.
A new study reveals that chimpanzees can determine whether their partners are aware of danger, indicating a shared ability to perceive knowledge states and intentions. This suggests a stronger cognitive connection between chimps than previously thought.
A recent study and court ruling have led to the listing of jaguar as an endangered species in the US. The decision is based on evidence of rare sightings and potential population dispersal from Mexico.
A 16-month study will assess genetic diversity in beaver and spruce grouse populations in Acadia National Park, aiming to understand how habitat fragmentation affects their long-term viability. The project aims to develop conservation strategies based on the findings.
The Duke Primate Center aims to capture three diademed sifakas for breeding in captivity, addressing the animals' critically endangered status due to habitat destruction and poaching. The expedition, set for October 2-18, will help build a captive breeding stock to replenish wild populations.