Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers successfully carried out pioneering fecal microbiota transplantations on Navy bottlenose dolphins, showing significant improvement and increased microbial diversity. The study's findings have important implications for marine mammal medicine, highlighting a non-antibiotic option to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
A global wildlife study during COVID-19 lockdowns found that animal responses to humans varied by landscape conditions and trophic group. Herbivores became more active around humans, while carnivores tended to avoid them.
Researchers discovered that wild animal hair undergoes seasonal changes to insulate against extreme temperatures. The inner microscopic details of the hairs change, allowing animals to survive in their environment.
A new AI-powered study reveals the global extent of threats to bats from hunting and trade, using online records from social media platforms. The research identifies 22 new countries involved in bat exploitation, covering regions such as Bahrain, Spain, and Sri Lanka.
Researchers propose releasing a parasitic wasp to control an invasive avian vampire fly threatening Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands. The study found only two native fly species, emphasizing the urgent need to protect these native species alongside the iconic birds.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have made a groundbreaking discovery that establishes individual baseline values for African elephant blood cell counts, enabling earlier detection and intervention of clinical EEHV infection. This study provides a tool for elephant care facilities to improve preventive medicine and lifesa...
A rare case of an opossum infected with rabies has been reported in Brazil, highlighting the risk of virus transmission to humans. The study found that dogs can act as vectors for the virus and that opossums are key to surveillance in urban environments.
A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that reforestation initiatives can harm wildlife and ecosystems if not done properly. The research highlights issues with tree-planting in non-forest systems, such as savannas and grasslands, which are under threat from increased tree cover.
A recent study published in Biological Conservation reveals that NY bobcat populations remain critically low, with occupancies below detectable limits. Researchers used trail cameras to monitor wildlife populations in central and western NY state, tracking white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, eastern wild turkey, and gray fox numbers.
A global meta-analysis of six continents reveals that large wild herbivores have a significant impact on ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem variability. The study found that megafauna communities with larger herbivores tend to have positive effects on local plant diversity, while smaller species communities decrease it.
A study found that crop diversification in the Cerrado biome leads to increased numbers of native mammals and a decrease in invasive species such as wild boars. Diversified crops helped control invasive species that cause damage to farmers.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered a tiny worm species that can control crop pests in warm, humid environments. The new Steinernema adamsi nematode is nearly invisible and can kill insects with a low dose, making it a potential alternative to pesticides.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to shield plants from herbivorous mammals by fooling them with artificial odors, mimicking plants they naturally avoid. This approach is more humane and low-cost than current methods, and shows promise for protecting valuable plants globally.
A new study published in Science found that eradicating non-native animals to protect plant species can be a flawed practice, costing millions and slaughtering healthy wild animals. The research compared the effects of native and introduced large herbivores on plant communities, finding no significant differences.
Wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and UC Riverside student Phillip Sternes observed a 5-foot-long pure-white shark pup shedding its embryonic layer. The location off central California's coast is proposed as a potential great white breeding ground, which could help protect endangered species.
A study of 370 documented cases found that almost half of hedgehogs injured by electric gardening tools did not survive. The data also show a growing conservation problem due to declining hedgehog populations in Germany.
Researchers have uncovered novel perspectives on domestic and wild cat evolution through the use of cutting-edge genome sequencing and assembly technologies. The study highlights distinct genetic changes that will aid in future disease studies and provide crucial information for those studying feline diseases, behavior, and conservation.
A study published in People and Nature found that large parts of the participants supported the return of wolves and elk to the Oder Delta region, with a strong appetite for rewilding initiatives. Locals, however, showed mixed feelings, with some reservations about the presence of large carnivores like wolves.
Researchers found that wolf spiders can't easily signal others or perceive danger from predators on rain-soaked leaves compared to dry ones. Male spiders use visual and vibratory signals for courtship, but vibrations are better received in dry leaves.
A study using infrared cameras found that high air and ground temperatures limit numbats' ability to forage in the sun, forcing them to retreat to the shade. Climate change may also make the shade too hot for numbats to survive.
Scientists have developed a method to study bobcats using only their pawprints, allowing for extensive data collection and analysis of ancestral background and microbial communities. This technique has the potential to inform better management and conservation of rare or endangered species.
A new study has provided critical information for improving koala care during subsequent fire seasons. Koalas affected by the Australian bushfires were found to have severe footpad burns and lung damage due to smoke inhalation, hindering their tree-climbing abilities and escape from fires.
Researchers found that captive-bred Egyptian vultures improved their flight skills faster than those raised in the wild. The study suggests that early life experiences have a lasting impact on animals' ability to cope with challenging periods like migration.
A new study reveals that landfills in Chile's Loma Los Colorados host the largest known aggregation of Andean Condors. The birds' numbers are linked to food availability in the surrounding landscape and fluctuate with livestock movements. Landfill management is crucial to support condor conservation.
A new study led by Dr. Tyler Frankel has identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary, highlighting the importance of considering exposure pathways in conservation strategies.
Two new tarantula species have been discovered in Ecuador's wilderness, but they are already threatened due to habitat destruction and human activities. The implementation of protected areas is essential to conserve these endangered species and prevent further extinction.
A new method can help estimate the prevalence of disease in free-ranging wildlife by accounting for animal clustering. This approach may reduce the number of samples needed to detect a disease. The researchers focused on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, which tends to cluster in family groups, making this method particularly useful.
Researchers used genetic information from 104 aardvark poop samples to study their distribution and movement across the African landscape. They found regional divisions and larger home ranges, but also restricted movement through arid areas due to climate change.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
A new study from Utah State University reveals that geese have a greater impact on Arctic ecosystems than previously thought, while reindeer only exert a smaller influence. The research found that goose grazing in concentrated patches leads to significant reductions in plant biomass and soil compaction.
A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to quickly detect the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in shipments and captive settings. The new approach tests environmental DNA for Bsal DNA to assess the pathogen's prevalence, providing a way to make an essentially invisible pathogen visible.
A new study reveals that female American Kestrels venture away from their nests to scout future territories, a behavior previously undocumented in the species. These movements, which cover large distances relative to home range size, suggest that females may be holding multiple summer homes and using better habitat after breeding.
In parts of Africa, humans communicate with greater honeyguides to locate bee colonies, sharing knowledge about the location of nests. The bird benefits by eating leftover honeycomb, while people gain access to honey and beeswax. Researchers found that honeyguides learn distinct vocal signals used by different honey-hunting communities.
Researchers found that honeyguides in Tanzania and Mozambique discriminate among human calls, responding more readily to local than foreign calls. This complex communication system benefits both species by increasing their chances of accessing calorie-dense honey and beeswax.
Researchers found that Eurasian jays settle for less preferred food options when rivals are present, while New Caledonian crows consistently choose the better, delayed reward. The study suggests that species' social tolerance and competition levels influence self-control in animals.
Researchers analyzed skeletal remains of ancient Egyptian baboon mummies from the site of Gabbanat el-Qurud, finding lesions and deformations indicative of malnutrition and lack of sunlight. The findings provide insights into how baboons were kept in captivity before their eventual mummification.
Scientists have developed a new tool to track and study polar bears using DNA analysis of skin cells shed in their footprints. This method allows for the monitoring of threatened animals without stressing or harming them.
A new study compiled over 600,000 records from US and Canadian wildlife rehabilitation centers to investigate the threats facing more than a thousand species by region, highlighting human activities such as climate change and extreme weather events
The study found that England's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins has declined to just 48 individuals due to various human impacts. The researchers call for urgent measures to protect the population and its habitats.
A major global study found that animals are being pushed to their physical limits as they struggle to adapt to rising temperatures sparked by human-caused climate change. This is leading to widespread displacement, particularly among marine life that will be forced to abandon their habitats in search of cooler pastures.
Researchers investigated the effects of megafires on California's wildlife habitat, analyzing over 600 species. They found that high-severity fires impacted 100 species, with 16 considered conservation concern, yet some species may find refuge in unaffected habitats.
A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.
A team of researchers used trail cameras and GPS collars to track the effects of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park's mammal community. They found that body size was a key predictor of survival, with smaller animals more vulnerable to the storm's impact.
A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that grey wolves' habitat selection changes during recolonization in Germany, moving from early-stage 'cherry-picking' to late-stage less-selective choices. This shift affects predictions of wolf distribution and expansion in the country.
Researchers found rabies virus variants closely related to those in White-tufted marmosets in bats, highlighting potential for human transmission. Genetic sequencing revealed complex spillover dynamics between hosts, emphasizing the need for public health measures and animal conservation.
A new deep learning AI tool called ECOGEN has been developed to generate lifelike bird sounds, enhancing the samples of underrepresented species. This allows for improved bird song classification accuracy and contributes to the conservation of endangered bird species.
Researchers observed Canada goose flocks before and after a population-management cull, finding that the birds strengthened existing relationships rather than forming new connections. This social conservatism helps reduce the potential for increased disease transmission.
A new conservation tool, Lion Localizer, helps authorities track the origin of illegally traded lion parts by analyzing mitochondrial DNA. The tool provides critical information on population impact and resource allocation, supporting efforts to protect tiny West African lion populations.
Researchers tracked endangered thick-billed parrots using solar-powered satellite transmitters, revealing new critical habitat and migratory routes. Less than 20% of the newly identified habitat is protected from timber industry, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
A new five-year research project combines AI, virology, and ecology to anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 strains that could pass between animals and people. The team will use artificial intelligence to predict variants and assess risk of spillover from people to wildlife.
A new analysis of European Red List species reveals that 19% are at risk of extinction, including a large proportion of invertebrates. Agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to counter biodiversity loss.
A new study found that mountain lions avoid areas with artificial light, even during the day, which can impact their habitat selection and distribution. The research adds to concerns about the species' extinction within decades due to human activities.
A global study reveals that regions with abundant large herbivores have a more variable tree cover, benefiting biodiversity. This finding highlights the crucial role of megafauna in shaping ecosystems and underscores the need for conservation strategies to protect these species.
Researchers found that chimpanzees are more likely to climb hills when heading towards contested borders, where they can quietly rest and hear distant sounds of rival groups. This behavior suggests that chimpanzees gauge the distance of rivals and act accordingly to avoid costly fights.
Researchers studied over 100 noctilionoid bat species, finding that different dietary types drove modifications in tooth number, size, shape, and position. For instance, fruit-eating bats have shorter jaws with reduced middle premolars, while nectar-feeders have longer jaws with room for more teeth.
A new study by Princeton researchers reveals widespread illegal hunting in China, resulting in the loss of over 20% of native species, including endangered ones. The study estimates that at least 28% of China's terrestrial vertebrate species may have been taken during the six-year period.
Researchers investigating sihek health have found that female birds are at greater risk for death and disease than males. The study also highlights reproductive diseases as a major threat to the species' survival, with females succumbing to these diseases more frequently.
A study in sustainable-use reserves found local game species abundance decreases about 5 kilometers from nearest human community. Human impact on biodiversity is mitigated by management strategies, supporting community-based wildlife management for food security and conservation.
Researchers discovered a bacterium, Bisgaard taxon 45, responsible for the deaths of six elephants in Zimbabwe and possibly more in neighboring countries. The finding highlights infectious diseases as a threat to endangered African elephant populations.