Wildlife News
9th July, 2024
| Greg Howard
Winter Weather Effects on Activity of an Invasive Predator in Northern Regions
Raccoon dogs in Finland remain active even in harsh winters, unlike native foxes and badgers. This adaptability, aided by human food sources, could make them a growing threat to cold ecosystems as climate change leads to milder winters, impacting native species and biodiversity.
8th July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
First Observations of Mating Behavior and Sounds in Wild Leopard Seals
Baylor University's study unveils the first wild courtship of leopard seals in South America, highlighting distinct male and female behaviors and complex vocalizations. This research deepens our understanding of their mating rituals and the role of vocal communication.
7th July, 2024
| Greg Howard
Forest Structure Matters for Fishers: Specialized Resting, Generalized Movement
A U.S. Forest Service study reveals Fishers need different habitats for different activities. While mature trees are crucial for resting, varied habitats are used for foraging and moving. This highlights the importance of considering behavioral states in wildlife conservation.
7th July, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Habitat and Recovery of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher After Wildfires
The Coastal California Gnatcatcher, a threatened species, faces habitat loss and wildfire threats. A U.S. Geological Survey study reveals 23% occupancy in surveyed areas, stressing the need for fire management and native plant restoration to aid recovery and conservation efforts.
6th July, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Comparing Climate Preferences in Different Habitats for Persian Fallow Deer
The study on Persian fallow deer in Iran reveals climate differences between original and translocated areas, suggesting the species may adapt to new conditions. This emphasizes the need to consider climate variables in future conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
29th June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Ticks and Lyme Disease Bacteria in Urban Areas
Urban green spaces enhance well-being but also harbor ticks, posing Lyme disease risks. A study in Zielona Góra found 26.1% of ticks carried Borrelia bacteria. The findings stress the need for ongoing monitoring and management of urban green areas to mitigate health risks.
29th June, 2024
| Greg Howard
Understanding Urban Nest Choices in Gulls: A Study of Habitat and Trash Levels
A study by the Institut de Ciències del Mar reveals yellow-legged gulls in urban areas prefer nesting on flat roofs with gravel, away from ports and on buildings under 12 meters. Enhanced waste management and roof modifications could ease human-gull conflicts in cities.
28th June, 2024
| Greg Howard
Balancing Wildlife Conservation and Community Challenges in Mankira Forest
Human-wildlife conflicts in Ethiopia's Mankira Forest cause significant crop and livestock losses, with 95% of locals affected. The study highlights the need for targeted education, better management, and community involvement to balance conservation and human needs.
26th June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Rebuilding Ant Communities in Reforested Areas
Reforestation in Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce region is restoring ant communities, crucial for ecosystem health. The COBIGA project shows older reforested areas support more diverse and complex ant species, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in reforestation efforts.
22nd June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Future Habitats for Two Colorful Birds in a Changing Climate
A study from Debre Markos University predicts shifts in the ranges of Ethiopian birds T. ruspolii and T. leucotis due to climate change. Using the MaxEnt algorithm, researchers highlight the urgency of identifying and protecting new habitats to ensure species survival.
19th June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Parasite Levels in Captive and Wild Saffron Finches
A study on saffron finches found higher parasitic oocyst counts in captive birds than wild ones, emphasizing the need for cleaner environments in captivity to reduce infections. This highlights the parasitic challenges faced by these birds in different settings.
15th June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Raccoon Dogs Choose Their Homes and Move Around Using GPS Data
The Asiatic raccoon dog has spread across Europe, favoring moist, tree-covered areas. A study using GPS data shows they move slower in preferred habitats and faster in less favored ones, with peak activity at night. This insight aids in predicting and managing their spread.
14th June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Unique Viruses Found in New Zealand's Lizards
A University of Otago study reveals how New Zealand's diverse skinks and geckos have influenced virus diversity through their evolutionary history, shedding light on host-virus co-evolution and the emergence of new viral strains in these reptiles.
14th June, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Bird Nesting Boxes Boost Mite Biodiversity
Researchers at Adam Mickiewicz University discovered that bird nesting boxes in Bory Tucholskie National Park host diverse mite communities, with L. orbicularis dominating and the rare Ch. nidiphila also present, highlighting the ecological importance of these microhabitats.
14th June, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Seabirds Stick to Favorite Spots but Adapt When They Find New Information
Researchers at Bush Estate reveal how animals' loyalty to specific foraging spots can be both beneficial and costly. Their study shows that while some species stick to familiar areas, others adapt based on environmental changes, impacting survival and conservation strategies.
12th June, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Invasive Bumblebees Disrupt Pollination of Senna Flowers
This study reveals how the invasive bumblebee Bombus terrestris disrupts the adaptive significance of heteranthery in Senna arnottiana flowers by not adhering to the division of labor seen in native bees, potentially affecting the plant's reproductive success.
9th June, 2024
| Jim Crocker
New Breeding Record for White-Capped Seabirds on Remote Islands
A White-capped Albatross was found breeding 7000 km from its usual range, challenging the belief in their strict return to birthplace. This discovery could reshape conservation strategies, highlighting their potential to adapt to new environments.
28th May, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Nesting Habits and Breeding of Invasive Pond Turtles in Urban Areas
The pond slider, an invasive turtle species, is thriving in Romania's urban wetlands despite some nesting failures. A study by Ovidius University reveals 18.6% hatchling viability, stressing the need for active management to curb its spread and protect native wildlife.
28th May, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Behavior Affects Road Choices
The University of California's study reveals that wildlife responses to roads vary by species, season, and behavior. This nuanced understanding helps in crafting effective conservation strategies to mitigate road impacts on ecosystems.
24th May, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Seasonal Diversity of Hoverflies in Apple and Peach Orchards
The University of Georgia's study reveals hover flies' crucial role in North Georgia orchards, offering pest control and pollination. Findings suggest targeted floral plantings could enhance these benefits, optimizing agricultural practices and boosting ecosystem services.
21st May, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Domestic Cats Choose Their Homes in Different Seasons and Neighborhoods
A study by Queen’s University Belfast tracked 56 domestic cats, revealing similar ranging behaviors in urban and rural areas, with males more active in rural settings. Findings suggest uniform management strategies, like buffer zones, to protect wildlife from cat predation.
17th May, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Tracking Moose Antler Size Changes Over 20 Years Using Public Photos
A hunting ban in Poland led to a significant increase in moose population and changes in antler traits. From 2005 to 2021, antler size and complexity grew, highlighting the impact of reduced hunting pressure and the value of citizen science in ecological research.
16th May, 2024
| Jim Crocker
AI Predicts Habitats for Wide-Ranging Carnivores in Diverse Regions
Researchers at the University of Montana found that machine-learning methods like random forest outperform traditional logistic regression in predicting mule deer habitat preferences. This approach uncovers complex interactions, offering deeper insights for wildlife conservation.
16th May, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Assessing the Status of a Reintroduced Lynx Population in the Palatinate Forest
Researchers reintroduced 20 Eurasian lynx to Germany's Palatinate Forest, finding a low population density due to dispersal and other factors. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring and supportive measures to ensure the success of lynx conservation efforts.
7th May, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Diversity of Mosquito Species in Natural Water-Filled Plant Containers
Discovering diverse mosquito species in natural plant water containers on Car Nicobar Island emphasizes the need for tailored control strategies to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
6th May, 2024
| Greg Howard
Deadly Virus Found in Endangered Red Goshawk Birds
Groundbreaking study finds endangered Red Goshawks can contract a harmful virus previously known to affect parrots, posing new risks to bird conservation.
4th May, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Wildfire Effects on Tree Hollows and Their Impact on Tree-Dwelling Animals
Australian forests' tree hollows, crucial for wildlife, are at risk after severe 'Black Summer' bushfires, threatening species like the endangered southern greater glider.
3rd May, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Roe Deer Find Their Way Across Roads
Exploring beyond collision hotspots, University of Freiburg researchers study if low wildlife-vehicle collision areas are safer or avoided by animals, impacting future road design.
29th April, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Solitary Nesting: A Unique Breeding Strategy in Penguins
Researchers reveal that solitary-nesting Adélie penguins in Antarctica face higher chick mortality rates, yet this risky strategy may help pioneer new colonies.
20th April, 2024
| Greg Howard
Trading Exotic Squirrels: Legality and Disease Risks
Oxford researchers reveal the illegal trade of Prevost's squirrels poses risks of disease spread and becoming invasive, with the majority caught wild and sold often outside legal terms.
19th April, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Lizards Evolve Together in Hawaii
Researchers find that three lizard species in O‘ahu have evolved different body sizes and limb lengths, suggesting competition drives these physical adaptations during invasion.
2nd April, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How White-Tailed Deer Choose Homes While Moving Through Landscapes
Discover why animals pick certain habitats. Twitchy about change, creatures show 'habit burnout', but new methods hint at why they might shuffle digs.
1st April, 2024
| Greg Howard
Farm Habitat Choices of a Resident Bird Year-Round
Exploring the balance between agriculture and bird populations, researchers aim to develop strategies that protect crops while preserving wildlife and their ecological roles.
26th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Dolphin and Whale Conservation Efforts Are Falling Short
Over 22% of small cetaceans, including dolphins and porpoises, are on the verge of extinction, primarily due to small-scale fisheries and coastal habitat destruction.
25th March, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Stress Hormones and Habitat Affect Bird Conservation
Researchers found that high stress hormone levels in birds indicate abundant suitable habitat, offering a new tool for assessing wildlife conservation needs.
23rd March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Behavior of African Malaria Mosquito Swarms in Uganda
Research in Uganda reveals insights into the mating swarms of malaria mosquitoes, key to developing better pest control and limiting spread of the disease.
21st March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Widespread Frog Numbers Drop in Farming Areas
Modern farming may put resilient spined toads at risk, with a French study showing sparse populations in intensive agriculture areas contrasted with preserved habitats.
16th March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How American Alligators' Size Affects Their Environment
A University of Florida study reveals how the size of American alligators in the Greater Everglades affects their body shape and growth patterns, a key insight for conservation.
14th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Hazardous Roommates: Birds and Bat Predators Living Together
Italian researchers reveal that greater noctule bats may not threaten nesting birds like Eurasian blue tits, suggesting nuanced predator-prey dynamics.
13th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Saving the Rare Three-Striped Turtle Through Genetic Study
Despite a significant decline over 2,000 years, India's critically endangered three-striped roofed turtle still has moderate genetic diversity, offering hope for its conservation.
12th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Great Tits Unaffected by Tough Environments in Social Learning
Generalist foraging birds, like the great tit, may not rely more on social learning in harsh environments, challenging the assumption that tougher conditions always lead to stronger social learning skills.
7th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Parasitic Infections in Wild Americas' Mammals: An Overview
Researchers highlight gaps in understanding of Hepatozoon parasites in America's wild mammals, pointing out limited data and the need for more advanced diagnostic methods.
4th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Building Local Knowledge by Studying Nature Together
WildTracker combines citizen science and professional research, engaging Tasmanian landholders in wildlife conservation through data collection and shared insights.
4th March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Monitoring Shows Some Bats Visit Fewer Flowers Over 10 Years
Thai researchers warn of an 80% decline in certain bat species crucial for plant pollination, linking this to habitat changes and underscoring conservation needs.
24th February, 2024
| Greg Howard
Boosting Lizard Immunity Against Warmer Weather with Gut Health
A study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals desert lizards may adapt to climate change via changes in gut microbes, improving their immunity and resilience to warmer temperatures.
11th February, 2024
| Greg Howard
How certain tree smells boost male bird testosterone levels
Birds, especially songbirds, use plant-emitted chemical SOS signals to locate food, but a study found male great tits had increased testosterone when exposed to such signals, potentially affecting their breeding readiness, unlike females who showed no change in egg production.
7th February, 2024
| David Palenski
Unlocking the Design Secrets of Nature's Stingers
From scorpion stings to narwhal tusks, nature's piercing structures follow a universal pattern for optimal performance. Researchers' study could lead to better medical needles and engineering tools, inspired by the strength and precision of these natural forms.
31st January, 2024
| David Palenski
How Disease Influences Gene Variations in Rocky Mountain Elk
In a race against a devastating disease, researchers have found that a genetic variant may help Rocky Mountain elk combat chronic wasting disease. As CWD spreads, elk with this gene appear to resist its symptoms longer, hinting at a complex interaction between genetics, ecology, and disease.
30th January, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Weather, Land, and People Affect Conflicts with Elephants
Elephant encounters on farmlands may seem like folklore, yet this is a real challenge for many. A study predicts a sharp rise in human-elephant conflict by 2050 due to crop density, population growth, and climate change, especially under high-emission scenarios. However, there's hope: proactive land management and conservation could foster coexistence.
26th January, 2024
| Mary Jones
Understanding and Managing Wild African Honey Bees
Exploring the time-honored traditions of African beekeeping, this article delves into how local practices have preserved the natural resilience of bees. It highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge and the need for tailored bee management, emphasizing the crucial role bees play in local livelihoods and ecosystems.
24th January, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Leaf-Footed Bugs Developed Complex Weapons
Leaf-footed bugs engage in an evolutionary arms race, with males developing complex biological weaponry for mating rights. Researchers discovered a cyclical pattern of gaining and losing weapon parts, highlighting a dynamic evolutionary process.
24th January, 2024
| David Palenski
Discovering a New Virus in a Rare Bat's Liver Sample
The discovery of adenovirus YN01 in a bat species highlights the critical link between animal and human health. Unraveling its genome offers insights that could prevent future pandemics, emphasizing the need to understand bat-borne viruses.
17th January, 2024
| David Palenski
Evaluating Lake Life to Monitor Ecological Health at Finima Park
Researchers at Finima Nature Park monitor macrozoobenthos in FNP Lake, gaining ecological insights into water health. Their findings highlight key factors like pH and oxygen levels, providing benchmarks for future studies and conservation efforts.
17th October, 2023
| Jenn Hoskins
Discovering Two New Leaf-Miner Species in China
China's biodiversity gets a boost with the discovery of two new Lyonetia moth species, highlighting the intricate beauty of the insect world & the importance of scientific detective work in understanding intricate ecosystems.
22nd August, 2023
| Jenn Hoskins
Discovering a New Leaf-Mining Moth Species
Entomologists have discovered a new species of leaf-mining moth, Dactylotula phragmitella, in China's Yellow River Delta. Identified by DNA barcoding, the moth thrives on Phragmites australis reeds, providing insights into the region's biodiversity and highlighting the hidden complexity of ecosystems.
5th January, 2024
| David Palenski
Discovering New Species: A Look at South Korea's Leaf-Mining Moths
Researchers in Korea have identified eleven new species of the leaf-mining moth genus Phyllonorycter, including two that were previously undescribed, enriching our understanding of biodiversity and highlighting the intricate role these creatures play in ecosystems.
