Articles tagged with Wildlife
Researchers have found that Burmese pythons can swallow deer and other large prey whole, with a gape circumference of over 81 centimeters. This increased capacity could lead to a significant impact on native wildlife populations in Florida and potentially beyond.
Research shows that animals, including humans, can become less sociable as they age to avoid diseases and parasites. This phenomenon, known as social ageing, may bring benefits, such as reduced competition and increased safety.
A comprehensive study examining over 16,000 necropsy records from 292 vertebrate species found significant differences in cancer prevalence. Cancer rates increase with body size and cellular mutation rates but decrease with longer gestation periods.
A Simon Fraser University study ranks Canadian terrestrial vertebrates by their level of evolutionary distinctness, finding that amphibians and reptiles are the most distinct species. The spiny softshell turtle is the most evolutionarily distinct terrestrial animal in Canada.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered thousands of bacteria and fungi on the wings of bats in Lillooet, British Columbia, which may help combat white-nose syndrome. The findings suggest that a probiotic cocktail could be effective against the disease, with promising results from previous tests.
A new tracking method using mobile phone networks and Bluetooth technology provides reliable high-frequency tracking data for urban living animals. Field testing with birds demonstrated the feasibility of this approach to study movements and social networks.
The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.
A research team, led by Francesco Ferretti, located signs of white sharks at four sites in the Sicilian Channel, a stronghold of the endangered species. The team used improved methods and technologies, including eDNA sampling and camera traps, to detect the presence of the sharks.
A new genomic study reveals high genetic diversity and low inbreeding in the endangered Oriental Stork population, a common finding in many critically endangered species. The study provides hope for the species' long-term survival and suggests that protecting its habitats could rapidly rescue this species from extinction.
Researchers detected microplastic particles in the breath of wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting inhalation may be a key route of exposure. The study supports the idea that dolphins could be exposed to potentially harmful microplastics through this pathway.
A study found that western spotted skunks have a home range of up to 12 square miles, exceeding similar size mammals and even deer. The skunks' extensive range is likely due to limited food resources. Their sensitivity to winter weather also raises concerns about climate change impacts.
Researchers at University College Cork found that wild birds' gut microbiome impacts their growth, weight, and survival. The study manipulated the birds' microbiome by feeding them beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus kimchicus.
Researchers analyzed compacted hairs from Tsavo lion museum specimens to find that historic lions preyed on humans, giraffes, wildebeests and oryx. The study provides insights into the ecology and diet of lions in the past and potential human-lion conflicts in Africa.
A new study uses insect evidence from illegally killed rhinos to determine the post-mortem interval. This technique has been used to construct cases against poachers and has led to a rebound in rhino populations over the past 30 years.
Climate change affects deer populations by altering their physiology, behavior, and distribution. As temperatures rise, some species adapt to milder winters, while others struggle with heat stress and parasites.
A new study reveals that many Vietnamese orchid collectors are unaware of the dire status of endangered species and the harm caused by over-harvesting. The researchers suggest targeted awareness campaigns and collaborations can transform these collectors into key conservation allies.
New research on genetically modified crops reveals potential environmental impacts, including increased pesticide use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the need for further research to support sustainable agriculture practices.
A new report highlights the perils and promise of wild meat hunting, consumption, and trade in Africa and Southeast Asia. The report proposes a four-pronged approach to make wild meat value chains fairer, safer, and more sustainable, while reducing zoonotic disease risks.
Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.
A new study provides further evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, likely originated from animals sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. The analysis of genetic data found that wildlife species such as raccoon dogs and civet cats were present at the market and may have carried the virus.
A new international study provides a list of wildlife species present at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale market where SARS-CoV-2 likely arose. Genetic material from raccoon dogs, civet cats, and other species was found in samples from market stalls.
A new study from Cornell University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reveals bald eagles are most vulnerable to lead poisoning from bullet fragments, with many species at risk due to scavenging deer carcasses. The researchers used bald eagles as a bioindicator for ongoing monitoring of lead hazards.
Conservation efforts focused on 25 EDGE Zones could protect one-third of threatened and unique tetrapod species. The study identifies areas with high levels of evolutionary distinctiveness and global endangerment as key to saving these species.
Researchers argue that studying group sleep can reveal insights into animal social structures and behaviors. By analyzing sleep patterns in groups, scientists can better understand the impact of sleep on individual and group fitness.
A new Conservation Letter reviews the impact of built environments on raptors, identifying vehicles, wind turbines, and windows as consistently problematic obstacles. Proposed solutions include flight diverters, bird-friendly products, and habitat management to reduce collision fatalities and support conservation efforts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 4 in 10 cat owners report their feline companions playing fetch, while 78% of dog owners say their canine friends engage in the behavior. The research also highlights differences in fetching behavior between breeds and demographic factors.
A team of experts discovered a dugongine sea cow attacked by an ancient crocodile and tiger shark, shedding light on prehistoric food chains. The fossils showed signs of both active predation and scavenging, providing new insights into the region's food chain networks during the Miocene epoch.
Scientists discovered the highest natural blood sugar levels in mammals, found in a species of bats that can survive on a diet rich in sugars. The study's findings suggest that these bats have evolved unique strategies for glucose regulation, which may hold potential for managing metabolic diseases in humans.
A new study by Lund University found that socioeconomic status plays a crucial role in determining children's relationships with nature, rather than their location. The research also showed that direct access to nature near home is linked to improved well-being and positive attitudes towards wildlife.
The center aims to harness new technologies to detect, investigate, and prevent pandemics at their source. It combines expertise from four UC Davis powerhouses: veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture, and medicine.
The Fundão dam collapse, one of the world's most significant environmental tragedies, has left a lasting legacy of devastation in Brazil. Researchers have found that the environmental damage has intensified over the years, threatening human and wildlife health.
A study sequenced the genomes of nearly 300 rabbits to understand their colonization success. Researchers found that domestication-linked genes are often eliminated in feral populations due to natural selection, leading to a mix of domestic and wild origin. This helps explain how domestic animals can thrive in the wild.
Rewilding efforts in Europe could help countries meet conservation goals with 70% of opportunities in colder climates. Passive and active strategies are proposed to create self-sustaining ecosystems.
A new study found that Lake Erie walleye growth is influenced more by the size and experiences of their parents than by recent environmental conditions. The study analyzed data from 1982 to 2015 and found that cold winters and larger mothers were associated with faster growth in offspring.
A new study reveals disturbing practices in South Africa's captive lion industry, including evading detection and animal welfare violations. The research calls for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to transition away from current practices and end the industry.
A new study by UC Riverside demonstrates that calorie restriction does not significantly reduce voluntary exercise in mice. Researchers found that mice continued to run at similar levels regardless of the amount of food they ate, challenging the long-held belief that dieting drains workout energy. The study's findings have implications...
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
Researchers have trained dogs to sniff out Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the droppings of farmed and wild deer. This method offers a promising non-invasive approach for detecting CWD.
A recent study maps landscape connections to optimize elephant movement corridors and reduce genetic isolation, addressing a major conservation priority in southern Africa. The research provides insights into how elephants navigate their vast home ranges and identifies key routes to maintain gene flow across protected areas.
New research reveals that flamingos are 'middle of the road' when it comes to preening time among waterbirds. The study found that captive flamingos actually spend less time preening compared to wild birds and other waterbird species like pelicans and gannets.
A global analysis of wildlife on money reveals that native fauna are depicted on 15.2% of banknotes, with a strong bias towards terrestrial species and bird and mammal representations.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in six common backyard species, including deer mice, Virginia opossums, and raccoons, with unique viral mutations found in some animals. The study highlights the need for broad surveillance and suggests that areas with high human activity may serve as points of contact for cross-species transmission.
Researchers documented male elephants using 'let's go' rumbles to signal group departures from a waterhole in Namibia. The vocalizations were initiated by dominant males and involved sophisticated coordination, suggesting the use of syntax and verb-verb combinations in elephant language.
Researchers found that chimpanzees' gestures follow a rapid-fire pattern of turns, similar to human conversations, with short pauses between gestures at around 120 milliseconds. This suggests shared underlying rules in communication and may indicate that human language is not unique.
A new study uses machine learning to analyze the genetic diversity of two amphibian species, finding that different processes shaped their evolution. The research suggests that population demographic events and contemporary landscape factors played a significant role in shaping the genetic variation of these species.
The ELTE Eötvös Loránd University has digitised over 431 animal skulls, including those of 152 dog breeds and 12 wild relatives. This unique collection is now available online, enabling researchers to conduct comparative anatomical and evolutionary studies.
Jordan Brown, a postdoctoral research associate at UTA, received a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from the NSF to analyze bird specimens from European museums and track changes in air pollution levels. His research aims to understand how industrialization affected wildlife and contribute to the study of climate change.
A recent study by the University of Exeter warns that intensive livestock farming may raise the risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). The researchers highlight the need to consider social and economic factors in traditional assessments.
Co-cultures refer to mutual cultural sharing between distinct animal species, influencing each other in substantial ways. These relationships have been observed between humans and nonhuman animals, as well as between different species of nonhuman animals, driving evolutionary adaptations and preferences.
The University of Montana has received a $3 million federal grant to investigate three North American bat species' adaptations to white-nose syndrome and climate change. Researchers will use computational models, bioinformatics, and ecological data to forecast bat movement across landscapes and understand population resilience.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that wolves' return to northeast Washington has had a limited impact on white-tailed deer populations. Habitat quality and cougar predation were the primary factors shaping deer populations, with wolf predation having a smaller effect.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute tracked the heart rates of male common noctule bats during flights, revealing a significant increase in heart rate from 6 to 900 beats per minute. The study found that bats consume up to 42% more energy in summer compared to spring, and develop unique strategies to survive in different seasons.
Researchers found that blue and great tits possess 'episodic-like' memory, recalling past experiences such as food availability, location, and timing. This ability may help the birds cope with environmental stress and fluctuation influenced by climate change.
The e-COL+ project aims to capture and reconstruct France's natural history collections in 3D, covering nearly 6% of the world's total natural specimens. The project will provide modern equipment, create a comprehensive dataset of 3D models, and build AI tools to improve model reconstruction.
New research reveals surprising differences in songbirds' diets and gut microbiomes in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Contrary to expectations, birds growing up in radiologically contaminated habitats have a higher diversity of insects in their diet.
Human disturbance disrupts leopard-hyena competition, favoring hyenas. The study shows that male leopards retain dominance over hyenas but female leopards change behavior due to size disadvantage. Human expansion poses threat to leopards' survival and ecosystem balance.
Researchers tracked free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats and found they possess high cognitive abilities, including episodic memory, mental time travel, and delayed gratification. The study revealed that older bats can estimate time passed since their last visit to a tree and avoid those with stopped bearing fruit.
Nerve cells in the hippocampus region of the bat brain encode information on multiple characteristics of other individuals, including sex and dominance hierarchy. This study sheds light on how the brain operates and generates thinking processes and behavior.
New research found that non-native burros are altering plant growth, reducing ground cover and foliage density, and negatively impacting native wildlife species in the Sonoran Desert.
A study found that heath goannas are more effective in removing blowflies from the landscape than introduced European mammals. This reduces the emergence of 'fly strike', a disease affecting sheep, and has significant implications for the Australian sheep farming industry.