Wildlife News
4th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Sandflies in Laos reveal new species and disease risks
A 10yr Laos study identified 25 sandfly species, including a new one, but found no evidence of Leishmania parasites in collected insects. Unexpectedly, DNA from unknown Trypanosoma species was detected, highlighting pathogen complexity & the need for wider surveillance.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Dwarfism and differing traits in male and female lizards and toads
Researchers found unusual size reduction, or dwarfism, in lizards & toads in North America’s San Luis Valley. Valley populations were ~33% smaller, with disrupted typical size differences between males & females.
27th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Deer browsing reshapes forest plant life during recovery after farming
Deer significantly impact forest recovery after events like logging. An 18yr study found they increase seed variety in the soil, altering future plant communities, but hinder tree growth, delaying forest regeneration. These effects on seeds may have lasting impacts.
23rd December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Smart parrots can learn to trade rewards based on their weight
Goffin’s cockatoos excel at basic weight sorting but struggle with more complex tasks requiring associating heavier/lighter weights with specific rewards. This suggests task type, not inherent intelligence, impacts learning success, mirroring results in primates like chimpanzees.
20th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Genetics and camera traps reveal origins of Oklahoma’s expanding bear population
Black bear sightings are rising in Oklahoma’s Panhandle, prompting a study to understand their presence. Researchers used cameras & hair samples, finding the bears originate from New Mexico & number ~26.
14th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Rare gecko's DNA reveals clues to its survival on Reunion Island
Critically endangered Manapany day geckos on Reunion Island face low genetic diversity, limiting adaptability. Study of 452 geckos revealed limited gene flow between fragmented habitats & populations are isolated by distance.
12th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Do moon jellyfish prefer to be alone? New research explores social behavior.
New research challenges the idea jellyfish gather for safety. Moon jellyfish actually avoided others in new tanks, suggesting aggregation isn’t driven by social attraction. They may maintain family groups despite wide dispersal, & show complex behavior beyond simple reflexes.
7th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Hidden threat: New insights into the Bussuquara virus and its impact
A little-known virus, Bussuquara, discovered in the Amazon in 1956, is now under scrutiny. Research reveals it can infect many animals, including people, and cause damage to cells.
5th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Decoding dolphin sounds to understand their behavior
Dolphin sounds reveal a lot about their lives. A new study of bottlenose dolphins found they vocalize more during training, feeding, and especially play. Analyzing these whistles & clicks helps understand their needs & boosts conservation efforts.
4th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Do nest boxes help endangered species bounce back after wildfires?
Endangered gliders need tree hollows to survive. After devastating fires, scientists tested artificial hollows to aid recovery, but saw limited impact on glider numbers.
25th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Loss of large mammals reshapes Brazil’s dry tropical forests
Brazil’s Caatinga region faces a severe mammal loss—up to 80% in many areas—driven by hunting & habitat destruction for farming. This ‘defaunation’ harms ecosystem health, impacting vital services.
24th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Radar system accurately tracks small, free-flying bats
Wind farms threaten bat populations. New research shows marine radar—originally for ships—can track bat flight paths over large areas, unlike current methods.
23rd November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How weather and butterfly traits shape daily activity, revealed by volunteers
New research using data from volunteer nature observers reveals how temperature and daylight hours influence butterfly activity. Larger butterflies tend to be active when it’s hottest, but size doesn’t affect temperature sensitivity as much as expected.
16th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread from farms to wild birds
Brazilian researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically a strain linked to livestock, in wild birds.
11th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Structure of scent glands in Japanese martens revealed by detailed study
Japanese martens possess abdominal scent glands in all individuals studied. These contain common oily glands & unique ones secreting unknown compounds, likely for communication. Further research will pinpoint the scents’ role in territory & mating.
10th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New system helps track bat deaths at wind farms
New tech uses heat-sensing cameras & AI to find bat deaths at wind turbines, improving upon slow & often incomplete ground searches. The system rapidly analyzes footage, pinpointing where to look for carcasses & helping refine strategies to protect bats.
7th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Rising sea levels threaten Florida horseshoe crab breeding grounds
Rising sea levels threaten coastal habitats crucial for wildlife like horseshoe crabs. A Florida study predicts significant loss of mangroves & tidal flats by 2100, impacting crab breeding grounds.
4th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
What factors affect how much venom India’s most dangerous snakes produce?
Snakebites are a major health issue in India, but accurate data has been lacking. New research details venom amounts from the “big four” snakes, finding significant variation based on species, age, and location. This improves antivenom development & bite treatment.
30th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How road crossings affect which species use them
Roads harm wildlife, but crossings like overpasses can help. New research developed a tool to predict which crossing designs mammals will use most, considering location, structure & surrounding environment.
26th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
New tool identifies overlooked areas crucial for protecting animals
New tool anticipates biodiversity loss better than current methods. The Proactive Conservation Index considers future threats like climate change & species traits to prioritize conservation, revealing reptiles face high risk.
24th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Parasitic mites transmit a lethal bacterium to honey bees
Honey bee declines are linked to Varroa mites, but new research reveals a key role for the bacterium Morganella morganii. Mites efficiently spread this lethal pathogen, not just viruses, causing high bee mortality.
20th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Where and when whale sharks strand, and what ocean conditions may be to blame
Whale shark strandings are rising in Indonesia, particularly among young sharks. Research links these events to upwelling zones where they feed, but pollution & exploitation likely worsen the problem. Proactive conservation is vital to protect this endangered species.
10th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Octopus use smell to locate prey
Octopuses can follow scent trails to find food, even in darkness, researchers discovered. They don’t swim straight, but zig-zag, pausing to detect the plume’s source. Arms, not just noses, seem key to sensing chemicals, supporting complex navigation despite limited smell organs.
27th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Microplastics: A high-risk threat to endangered River Dolphins
Indus River dolphins, a critically endangered species, show widespread microplastic ingestion averaging 286 particles per animal. PET from bottles/packaging was common. Pollution poses medium to high risk, potentially harming their gut health & raising disease susceptibility.
27th September, 2025
| Greg Howard
How farm runoff poisons the food web of an endangered bird species
Selenium, vital for health in small amounts, becomes toxic at high levels in wetlands, threatening birds like the endangered Yuma Ridgway’s rail. Research shows marshes fed by farm drainage have the highest selenium, creating a potential ecological trap.
26th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Combining fieldwork and community science to study salamander colour and social life
Eastern red-backed salamanders are studied to track forest health. New research combined traditional surveys with observations from the public platform iNaturalist.
24th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Viral Diversity Revealed in Bat Populations Using DNA Analysis
Portuguese bat coronaviruses show potential to infect bats, pigs, and humans according to new research. Scientists identified novel viruses in these bats & predicted strong binding to key cell receptors in multiple species.
24th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Frogs Survive Despite Population Declines
Ornate Chorus Frog numbers are declining, with 36% of historical areas possibly empty. Good habitat, winter rain, & protected lands help them thrive, while urban sprawl hurts. Key areas for survival are in FL, AL, & GA. This study helps focus conservation efforts.
18th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Bacteria on eggs reveal bird nesting habits in wetlands
Bird eggs host diverse bacteria, vital for health but also potential illness. A new study reveals wet nests harbor far more bacteria than dry ones, shaping eggshell communities.
17th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How Surroundings Affect Snail Numbers and Where They Live
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting millions, spreads through freshwater snails. A new study in Nigeria identified environmental factors influencing snail populations – water depth, temperature, and chemistry – crucial for disease control.
11th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Public Involvement Helps Restore Rockfish Populations
Washington State’s rockfish recovery efforts were assessed to determine if public outreach increased understanding & fishing rule compliance. A varied approach—engaging communities & building partnerships—proved most effective, fostering trust & shared responsibility.
8th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Roads and Wildlife: How Structures Help Animals Cross Forests
Roads fragment habitats, hindering wildlife movement & reducing genetic diversity. A Vermont study modeled 8 mammal species’ travel, finding forest cover is key for species like bear, while raccoons navigate developed areas.
5th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Amyloidosis in Stone-curlews
Researchers studied a protein buildup disease in wild stone-curlews, finding it linked to long-term inflammation, often from infections. They identified the main protein involved (AA amyloid) plus others consistently present, expanding understanding of this disease in birds.
4th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Citizen Science Tracks Spread of Invasive Asian Mantleslug
An Asian slug, new to Brazil since the 1990s, is spreading rapidly and now found in 7 states. Research using citizen science data mapped its range, linking it genetically to China. This slug carries a parasite that can infect people, raising public health concerns.
2nd September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Shortfin Mako Shark Survival After Capture in Atlantic Fisheries
Shortfin mako shark numbers are declining due to overfishing, despite bans on landing them. New research shows 59-64% survive being caught and released, varying by location and fishing practices. Longer fishing times, warmer water, and larger sharks reduce survival.
30th August, 2025
| Greg Howard
How Quickly Changing Climates And Landscapes Affect Bird Diversity
us bird communities are rapidly changing due to environmental shifts, with land use changes like deforestation proving more impactful than climate change over 30 years. species are being lost as others move in, altering ecosystems. protecting habitats is key for conservation.
29th August, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Badgers Use Their Home Range: A Movement Study
New research used advanced data analysis to track badger movements in the uk, revealing how they organise socially and respond to interventions like culling.
28th August, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Fungal Disease Found in Wild Mammals
Ecuadorian research shows the fungus causing histoplasmosis infects 14% of wild mammals studied, mainly bats, with the coast region posing the highest risk.
28th August, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Survey of endangered woolly monkeys in city forests
Rapid city growth threatens wildlife, but a study in Peru shows endangered San Martin titi monkeys survive in remaining forest areas.
27th August, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Ecology Impacts Virus Risk: Mosquito and People Interactions in Wetlands
Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika & West Nile virus are increasing globally. A new study in Spain shows risk peaks with mosquito activity (June-Oct), varying by location: Aedes albopictus thrives in cities, Culex in rural areas.
23rd August, 2025
| Greg Howard
How Ocean Nutrients Affect Island Reptiles That Eat Insects and Plants
Marine nutrients significantly support lizards on arid islands in the Gulf of California, especially where terrestrial food is scarce. Researchers found greater reliance on these resources—delivered via seabird waste—in drier, northern islands.
22nd August, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Tick Life Cycles, Host Relationships, and Disease Tracking in a Texas Forest
Tick-borne diseases are rising, prompting a Texas study of four tick species in Sam Houston National Forest. Researchers tracked tick life cycles & pathogens on wildlife hosts.
21st August, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Cooperative Hunting and Social Life in the Vampire Bat
New research reveals spectral bats, once thought solitary, share food – likely helping young learn to hunt – and coordinate foraging.
8th August, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Dance Behaviour In Cockatoos: What It Tells Us About Thinking and Well-Being
Think only humans dance? Think again! Parrots, like cockatoos, groove to music with diverse movements, linked to their ability to learn sounds. New research confirms their complex dance, but suggests music isn't the sole trigger for these moves in captive birds.
24th July, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Nutritional Value Of Traditional Foods From The Amazon
New research confirms Amazon wild meats are packed with protein, a vital nutrient for local communities. This data is crucial for understanding how traditional diets combat issues like anemia and undernutrition, highlighting wild meat's key role in Amazon food security.
28th June, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Comparing Drones and Ground Tools for Shoreline Ocean Tracking
Monitoring elusive harbor porpoises is challenging. A study found that land-based optical tools excel at tracking them, while drones are superior for counting group sizes. Using both together provides a comprehensive, vital view for protecting these marine mammals.
5th June, 2025
| Greg Howard
Genetic Clues Reveal Fall-Spawning Group in the Apalachicola River
New research reveals Gulf sturgeon in Florida spawn in two distinct seasons, highlighting a complex breeding behavior. This dual strategy calls for refined, group-specific conservation efforts.
1st June, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Habitat and Population of Introduced vs Native Japanese Weasels
Researchers used droppings and DNA to track invasive Japanese weasels on two islands, revealing that forested habitats boost their numbers and highlighting how tailored control efforts can help protect native wildlife.
31st May, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Unraveling Genetic Differences Among Populations in Two National Parks
Research in Mozambique shows tsetse flies in two national parks are genetically isolated, yet accidental movement via livestock transport may help them cross natural barriers and challenge eradication efforts.
26th May, 2025
| Greg Howard
Social Context Influences Parasitic Infections in Pigs
In Alberta, invasive wild pigs are spreading rapidly, threatening crops, ecosystems, and public health. A recent study found over 15% carry toxoplasmosis and nearly 4% have trichinosis parasites. Effective management and monitoring are essential to control their impact.
14th May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Potential Spread and Circulation of the Coronavirus in the Wild
A French study finds urban rats are unlikely to spread COVID-19, including the Omicron BA.5 variant. Testing hundreds of wild rats and lab experiments showed no active infections, indicating rats aren’t a significant reservoir for the virus.
10th May, 2025
| Greg Howard
Snow Leopard Populations and Habitats: Enhancing Conservation Methods
Researchers in Ladakh used tracks and camera traps to estimate snow leopard populations, finding around 477 individuals with higher densities in resource-rich areas. The study highlights effective methods and the crucial role of these big cats in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
8th May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Using Biology and Engineering to Reduce Power Plant Impact
A Florida power plant team-up with wildlife experts developed a submerged barrier that slashed horseshoe crab entrapment by 97%, safeguarding crucial marine ecosystems and demonstrating effective solutions for energy infrastructure’s environmental impact.
7th May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Costs of Wind Energy Permitting Compliance Actions
North America's wind energy boom faces challenges protecting endangered bats. A study finds median compliance costs of $4.68M for regulations and introduces a model to help companies budget ESA requirements. Balancing clean energy growth with wildlife conservation is key.
17th April, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Whales Helping Sick Companions When Trapped in Fishing Gear
Humpback whales display remarkable resilience by supporting distressed mates tangled in ocean debris from fishing and shipping. A recent study reveals their adaptive behaviors in the face of growing human threats, highlighting the critical need for enhanced conservation measures.
1st April, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Creating a Health Index for Stranded Marine Animals
A new Health Index evaluates stranded marine animals' health, tested on 6,332 cases in Brazil. Sea turtles showed the poorest conditions, revealing environmental threats. This tool helps monitor marine ecosystems and supports conservation and policy efforts.
29th March, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Extraordinary Siblings: Understanding Unique Relationships
A University of Utah study reveals how social norms, alongside genetic ties, drive human cooperation. Using the Brothers Karamazov Game model, researchers show that societal rules enhance altruism beyond family bonds, offering new insights into teamwork and community support.
27th March, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Genetic Insights into Diversity and Height in Endangered Populations
Protecting genetic diversity in animals is crucial for adapting to changes. A study on China's Ningqiang ponies revealed unique genetics and genes linked to their size. Findings highlight the need for conservation to preserve these local breeds’ resilience and sustainability.
22nd March, 2025
| Greg Howard
Diversity and Habitat of Medium and Large Mammals in Dhidhessa Sanctuary
The study in Ethiopia's Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary identified 27 mammal species, with riparian and savanna grasslands supporting the most diversity. Anubis baboons were abundant, while endangered leopards were scarce. Findings will guide effective wildlife conservation efforts.
20th March, 2025
| Greg Howard
Wind Farm Noise Disrupts Communication in Dry Forests
Wind farm noise in Brazil’s Caatinga disrupts frog calls essential for mating, threatening their reproduction and ecosystem health. A study shows wind turbines alter frogs’ vocal patterns, highlighting the need to balance renewable energy with wildlife conservation.
25th February, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Food and Predators Shape How Neighboring Groups Use the Landscape
New study on Guinea baboons in Senegal finds their overlapping territories lead to low food competition, emphasizing the role of social bonds and cooperation in maintaining group cohesion and enhancing survival.
10th February, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Key Movement Traits for Conservation and Fisheries Management
Researchers used acoustic tracking to study red snapper behavior across diverse habitats, revealing storm-driven movements, high site fidelity, and small habitat preferences. Findings highlight the need for standardized methods and adaptive conservation strategies.
8th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
City Layout Affects Where Birds Are Most Attractive
Griffith University's study reveals how landscape changes impact traits like color and song in bird species, which are crucial for aesthetic and recreational benefits. High vegetation diversity boosts these traits, but urban areas with higher human density diminish them.
3rd August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Nomadic Movement Patterns of Small Fish in a Fragmented Desert River
Researchers at Utah State University studied the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow's movement in fragmented habitats. Their findings highlight the need for integrated management to ensure survival, emphasizing habitat restoration and improved fish passage through dams.
25th July, 2024
| Greg Howard
Host and Environment Influence Skin Bacteria of Axolotls
Recent research highlights the unique skin microbiomes of four endangered axolotl species, revealing how host and environment shape these microbial communities. This understanding could lead to targeted probiotic treatments to protect salamanders from deadly pathogens.
25th July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Heart Rate Slows During Egg Incubation, Study Shows
Researchers developed a non-invasive device to monitor blue petrels' heart rates during egg incubation, revealing significant physiological adaptations to prolonged fasting. This innovative method offers valuable insights into seabird energy management without disturbing them.
