National Geographic Society’s Post

I found this on NewsBreak: Texas Parks & Wildlife warns of invasive species. "They might not look like much, but marbled crayfish, which have become popular pets, are spreading quickly in environments where they have been introduced, posing a threat to local ecosystems. They are all female, and reproduce by cloning, which means a single crayfish can easily become the first of an entire invasive population." - Fox #news #journalism #astacology #marinescience #marinebiology #marineecology #marinechemistry #marinepharmacology #freshwaterecology #invasiveecology #insectecology #entomology #foxnews #newsbreak

The first chapter of my dissertation is out in Journal of Wildlife Management! We used a long-term American woodcock VHF tracking dataset to assess male habitat selection over time and investigate how selection may differ between the sexes, give it a read! https://lnkd.in/e9x9AjYN

🔍 Exploring Parallels: Risk Assessment & Wildlife Biology 🌿 Last week, our colleague Olaf Fülling had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Association of German Wildlife Biologists and Wildlife Scientists (Vereinigung der Wildbiologen und Jagdwissenschaftler Deutschlands e.V.). The event proved to be an excellent platform for discussing recent developments in methodologies of wildlife biology. One of the most intriguing aspects highlighted during the conference was the striking similarity between the data collection methods used in wildlife biology and those in higher tier risk assessment. Both fields prioritize profound knowledge of animal ecology and handling, as well as comprehensive data analysis to make informed decisions. Whether tracking animal populations or evaluating potential risks, robust data collection is the backbone of reliable conclusions. The conference underscored the importance of such gatherings as forums for exchanging experiences and developing joint methodologies. By bringing together experts from different disciplines, we can foster a deeper understanding and create innovative approaches that benefit both fields. Kudos to the organizers and participants for creating a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between wildlife biology and risk assessment. Looking forward to seeing the continued evolution of these shared methodologies! #WildlifeBiology #RiskAssessment #DataCollection #Research #Collaboration #MethodDevelopment #teamtier3

Things always seem better with friends. Of the more than 350 wildlife species found in sagebrush country, none are more closely tied to it than the greater sage-grouse and the pygmy rabbit. 🐣🐇 Neither can survive without the shelter and food that healthy sagebrush habitats provide. Pygmy rabbits and sage-grouse chicks are especially vulnerable because of their size. The pygmy rabbit is the smallest of all Earth’s rabbits and hares and the greater sage-grouse chicks weigh just shy of an ounce when they hatch. The dull coloring of both animals helps them hide from predators. We are building stronger protections for sagebrush habitat on public lands. Help shape our plans for conserving sagebrush lands for wildlife and Western economies ➡️ https://ow.ly/I4Bi50R6H01. Comment on a range of options through June 13, 2024 ➡️ https://ow.ly/4ZYC50R6H02. 📸Pygmy rabbit and greater sage-grouse chicks; H.Ulmschneider/BLM-R.Dixon/IDFG; Gerrit Vyn/Cornell Ornithology Lab #WildlifeWednesday

🌼 **Day 5 of Pollinator Week!** 🌼 As we highlight the critical mission to save Pollinators, we’re also bringing urgent attention to the Monarch Butterfly. In less than six months, the Monarch could be listed as an Endangered Species in the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has updated their timeline, with a decision expected by December 4, 2024. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now planning to submit to the Federal Register for publication either a warranted or not warranted finding for the monarch butterfly by no later than December 4, 2024. This extension will give our agency sufficient time to consider all the best available scientific and commercial data pertaining to the species and to go through any necessary levels of internal review.” Previously, the decision was expected in September 2024. The monarch is being re-evaluated after a 2020 decision found it warranted for listing. @nativemonarchs #savethemonarchs #savethepollinators #savethebees #savetheplanet

The April issue of the Journal of Wildlife Management is available. Articles include a look at California elk genetics, harbor porpoise distribution, human disturbances on giant pandas and more. https://hubs.li/Q02mjlqj0

🐈⬛ DNA Confirms Big Cat Presence in the British Countryside 🧬 A groundbreaking discovery was made last week when DNA from a 'Panthera genus' big cat (most likely a Leopard 🐾), was identified on a swab taken from a dead sheep in the Lake District. This is the first ever confirmed instance of big cat DNA found on a carcass in the UK. 🔬 The analysis, conducted at the University of Warwick's laboratory under the direction of Prof Robin Allaby, shifted his perspective dramatically. "It makes me a convert to the existence of non-native big cats in the UK," Allaby stated, lending credibility to over 2,000 reported big cat sightings across the UK in the last decade. Implications of the Discovery: 🐺 Supporting Predator Reintroduction: The confirmation of big cat DNA boosts efforts to reintroduce apex predators like Lynxes and Wolves in the UK, suggesting that local ecosystems could once again sustain these species. ⚖️ Restoring Ecological Harmony: Reintroducing apex predators is key to maintaining ecological balance by naturally regulating herbivore populations. This is particularly critical in areas like Scotland, where Deer overpopulation has led to degraded landscapes. 🌍 Amplifying Biodiversity: Apex predators such as Leopards can play a vital role in preventing overgrazing and sustaining diverse ecosystems. Their predatory habits support the health and resilience of plant and animal communities. Prof Allaby's venture into wildlife DNA analysis began 12 years ago following the discovery of a scavenged roe deer carcass near Stroud, Gloucestershire, which revealed only fox DNA, highlighting the underestimated predatory impact of foxes. His lab has since become a critical hub in uncovering the mystery of big cats in the UK, with evidence like a claw sent anonymously from northern England confirming the presence of a Panthera genus cat. (📷 Credit: Documentary ‘Panthera Britannia Declassified’, Dragonfly Films / SWNS) #BigCat #ApexPredator #Leopard

The Red-legged Seriema, (Cariama cristata), is a unique bird species found in South America, primarily in the cerrado and caatinga habitats of Brazil, as well as parts of Bolivia, Uruguay, and Argentina. They inhabit open grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and dry forests. They are well-adapted to these environments and are often found in areas with scattered trees or bushes. The Red-legged Seriema has a striking appearance with predominantly gray plumage, a distinctive crest on its head, and bright red legs. It has long legs and a long neck, which it uses to forage and hunt. Red-legged Seriemas are primarily terrestrial birds, spending most of their time on the ground. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include loud, piercing calls that resemble the sound of a human scream. These calls are used for communication and territory defense. Their diet consists mainly of small vertebrates such as insects, lizards, snakes, birds, and small mammals. They also consume fruits and seeds when available.

How can we broaden wildlife trade discussions so that they better represent the diversity of species that are traded? Our new Special Issue, Beyond Charismatic Megafauna in Illegal Wildlife Trade, has some suggestions and is out today in Conservation Biology! After more than a year of work to put this together with my fellow guest editors Dr Jared Margulies (University of Alabama Department of Geography and Dr. Alice C. Hughes (The University of Hong Kong) we ended up with 21 papers from more than 125 authors on a wide range of wildlife trade issues associated with a lot of different taxonomic groups. There are original research articles, reviews and perspective pieces looking at broad issues associated with multiple species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fungi and small mammals, as well as papers on more specific trade issues associated with cacti and succulents, carnivorous plants, crayfish, hornbills, parrots, sea snakes, snails, seahorses, totoaba, tarantulas, and turtles. The issue will be fully open access (most of it is already!) and can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e7uAzU-u Oxford Martin School Department of Biology, University of Oxford