Search Results (246)

The State of Alaska, USA, has a long and controversial history of controlling predators to enhance ungulate populations, including moose (Alces alces). Moose management is complicated by a dual system in which the Federal and State governments prioritize harvesting moose for human consumption over other considerations, such as trophy or sport hunting, but have conflicting regulations regarding who is eligible to harvest moose. Wildlife management for the State is overseen by the Alaska Board of Game (BOG), with advice from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). In accordance with its Intensive Management Policy, the BOG establishes regulations promoting the harvest of moose and other ungulates for human consumption. This typically occurs by controlling bears (Ursus americanus and U. arctos) and gray wolves (Canis lupus) in anticipation of increasing ungulate harvests, often without adequate information on the status and ecology of predator or ungulate populations. We provide a narrative and integrative review of moose population dynamics to help resolve those issues. We argue that the current management of moose and their predators in Alaska does not encompass a full range of management options and fails to consider or implement important aspects of their population dynamics. Predators maintain some moose populations at a low density, reducing the harvest of moose but promoting large-antlered individuals, which are of value to Alaska’s professional guide and tourism industries. Using modern models of population dynamics of moose and other ungulates, we argue that if the proximity of the moose population to K (the ecological carrying capacity) is known, management strategies that increase the human harvest of moose and also promote large-antlered trophies are not mutually exclusive. We list life history and population characteristics to help determine the nutritional status of moose populations in relation to K, thereby guiding wise management of that valuable resource. We also recommend an adaptive management approach to assessing the effects of such activities. We caution, however, that to wisely manage these important wildlife resources, more information on the dynamics of moose and their predators is necessary. A system that embraces more biology and fewer politics would provide greater opportunities to employ the best science in the management of moose and their predators. Full article

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) occurs across several regions of Türkiye and occasionally damages beehives near rural settlements. This study examines temporal data and the spatial arrangement of beehive damage incidents recorded in the Ilgaz district of Çankırı, Türkiye during 2023–2024. The temporal data were evaluated across lunar phases. A chi-square test showed that incidents did not distribute evenly. A higher frequency was found during the Waxing Crescent phase. Spatial intensity was mapped using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), where bandwidth selection followed a cross-validation procedure. KDE results showed clear concentrations of incidents in the southern and southwestern parts of the district, while other areas recorded few or none. A Decision Tree (DT) classifier based on eleven environmental variables was used to identify predictors of incident presence. The DT achieved an AUC of 0.808. It identified “distance to settlement” as the primary separating variable, followed by “distance to road”, “distance to forest”, and the “Human Footprint Index”. Beehive damage followed a non-random temporal pattern across lunar phases. It clustered near settlements. Conflict timing followed both environmental conditions and human activity. The findings provide an empirical basis for reducing apiary losses and improving coexistence measures between local communities and brown bears in the Ilgaz region. Full article

Livestock protection dogs (LPDs) are specifically bred to protect livestock, such as sheep, from predators. These dogs’ primary defense mechanisms include directional actions that deter predators but no attack. Little information is available on the influence of LPDs on the spatial ecology of predators. We analyzed interactions between an LPD, sheep, and Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus, a main predator of lambs) in a ranch located in central Argentina. Between 2018 and 2021, we deployed GPS collars on an LPD and 2 ewes from a flock of 300 sheep and VHF collars on 12 live-trapped Pampas foxes. The home ranges (HRs) of the LPD and the ewes overlapped largely, especially during the lambing period, with the LPD performing minimal excursions outside the area used by the sheep flock. The LPD appeared to effectively reduce predation on lambs. Foxes exhibited a large HR (average 6.42 km²), with considerable intraspecific overlap. The overlaps between the HRs of the foxes and the LPD were variable (range = 0–98%), but their respective core areas never overlapped, and the minimum distance between the core area centers was 950 m. This study highlights the effectiveness of LPDs at reducing predation while enabling the permanence of carnivorous predators in the ecosystem. Full article

Human recreation is an increasingly popular activity; however, an increase in recreational pressure in wilderness areas can contribute to issues such as human–wildlife conflict, introduction of invasive species, vegetation and soil degradation, riparian area impacts, and anthropogenic waste. While remote camera studies are frequently used to assess the response of wildlife species (i.e., grizzly bears) or ecosites (i.e., coastal sand dunes) to human recreational disturbance, classifying and quantifying human recreational behavior, including differences in spatial, temporal, and recreation types, is less common and presents unique design challenges. Here, we present our practical design considerations and lessons learned from a study quantifying human recreation along trails in the northern Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. We describe our standardized protocol to deploy our camera array, and image classification and analysis of recreation use by type and group size. Finally, we provide practical recommendations for future work attempting to evaluate human recreation in wilderness settings relative to landscape management outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives The leopard (Panthera pardus), an apex predator listed in CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is undergoing severe population declines driven by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Rapid and reliable species and individual identification is critical for conservation and forensic applications, particularly when analyzing highly processed or degraded seized wildlife products, where morphological identification is often impossible. We aimed to develop and validate a robust multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay combined with a short tandem repeat (STR) system for the species-specific detection and individual identification of P. pardus. Methods The qPCR assay (Ppar Qplex) was designed to target a mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cyt b) fragment for species confirmation, a nuclear marker (PLP) for general Feliformia detection and quantification, and an artificial internal positive control (IPC) to monitor PCR inhibition. The assay’s performance was validated for robustness, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility, utilizing DNA extracted from 30 P. pardus individuals (hair and feces) and tested against 18 related Feliformia species and two outgroups. Individual identification was achieved using a set of 18 STR loci and a sex determination system adapted from previously published Panthera panels. Results Validation demonstrated high specificity for the Ppar Qplex: mitochondrial amplification occurred exclusively in P. pardus samples. The nuclear marker consistently amplified across all 18 tested Feliformia species but not the outgroups. The assay showed high analytical sensitivity, successfully detecting DNA at concentrations as low as 1 pg/µL, with consistent results confirmed across different sample types, replicates, and independent users. Furthermore, the STR multiplex successfully generated 30 unique individual profiles using the 18 polymorphic loci and the sex determination system. Conclusions The combined qPCR assay and STR system provide a fast, sensitive, and highly specific molecular framework for rapid leopard detection, quantification, and individual identification from a wide range of sample types. These tools strengthen forensic capacity to combat wildlife crime and provide critical data to support evidence-based conservation management of P. pardus. P. pardus, an apex predator listed in CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is undergoing severe population declines driven by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Rapid and reliable identification of seized specimens is therefore critical for conservation and forensic applications, mainly when products are highly processed. We developed and validated a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome b (Cyt b) for species-specific detection. The assay was tested on verified leopard individuals and validated across 18 Feliformia and two outgroup species (Homo sapiens, Canis lupus familiaris). Analytical performance was assessed through robustness, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. Mitochondrial amplification occurred exclusively in leopard samples, while nuclear markers amplified consistently across Feliformia but not in outgroup species. The assay’s limit of DNA detection is 1 pg/µL and produces consistent results across replicates, tested types of samples (hair, feces), and independent users, with internal controls confirming the absence of inhibition. In addition, we present the results of successful individual identification using the set of 18 STR loci and the sex determination system. The developed qPCR and STR systems provide a fast, sensitive, and specific solution for leopard detection and quantification, reinforcing forensic efforts against wildlife crime and supporting conservation of P. pardus. Full article

In Brazil, the presence of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in urban environments has raised concerns due to ecological, sanitary and coexistence challenges. This study investigates the growing presence of capybaras on Santa Catarina Island, Brazil, exploring their integration into urban areas. We interviewed 1505 residents of the Island to understand capybara distribution, public perceptions and associated risks. Beliefs about management strategies were also assessed. The findings reveal that capybaras are present in all neighborhoods of Florianópolis, the sole city in the Island. Participants expressed positive views of capybaras, describing them as “beautiful” and “cute” and showing concerns for their well-being in urban environments. Despite these positive perceptions, participants demonstrated limited knowledge about capybara biology (88%) and potential problems, such as disease transmission (37%), traffic accidents (10%), pet conflicts (56%) and garden damage (42%). Most respondents agreed with the statements: “Capybaras are part of nature and should be left undisturbed, even in urban areas” (70%) and “It is important for people to see capybaras in the city, as long as their population is not causing problems” (82%). After risk awareness, more participants rated these issues as highly relevant: disease transmission (97%), destruction of urban gardens (77%), pet incidents (92%) and traffic accidents (98%). This led to greater acceptance of population control, though elimination remained unpopular. Sociodemographic factors influenced opinions. Addressing knowledge gaps can foster ethical, supported management strategies. This case places Florianópolis within a broader South American phenomenon of urban capybara conflicts, highlighting the global challenge of managing human–wildlife interactions in cities. Full article

Human–wildlife conflicts arise from increasing human populations and the growing demand for land for agriculture and urban development. In Saudi Arabia, these dynamics have increased the impact of baboons on human communities, as expanding settlements encroach upon the natural habitats of baboons, while rising baboon populations increasingly invade urban areas in search of food, shelter, and water. We aimed to assess the effects of human–baboon coexistence on residents in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. From October 2021 to April 2022, we administered a 43-item semi-structured online questionnaire addressing emotional, social, environmental and financial impacts of nearby baboons. A total of 318 residents of the Al-Baha region completed the survey and shared their experiences regarding interactions with hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) near human properties. In addition, three semi-structured life interviews with residents aged over 70 explored historical perceptions. Respondents attributed increased baboon presence to urban expansion, accessible waste, and intentional feeding and strongly supported government-led mitigation plans. Human–baboon interactions in Al Baha produce emotional stress, social disruption, and economic burdens for residents. Findings support integrated management combining public education, improved waste management, non-lethal deterrents, and carefully planned population control measures, developed with community consultation. Limitations of the study include convenience online sampling and reliance on self-reported impacts; future work should quantify baboon abundance and objectively measure economic losses. Full article

Human–wildlife conflicts can be broadly categorized from the perspective of human activities into conflicts (a) caused by the expansion of human activities into wildlife habitats, and (b) resulting from the re-expansion of wildlife habitats due to the decline of human activities. The first type of conflict has been managed through the systematic training of wildlife managers, field specialists, and well-organized institutional frameworks. In Japan, Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) have increasingly come into human contact because of habitat re-expansion. Short-term measures to protect human life and property include the implementation of the 2024 and 2025 revisions of the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Act, which designated bears as “managed wildlife” and “dangerous wildlife” and permitted emergency culling in residential areas. However, Japan’s approach remains limited in scope and depth, relies on ad hoc responses by local hunters, and lacks adequate public education and effective long-term sustainability planning. This study highlights the necessity of a multi-layered policy framework that integrates human–wildlife conflict management, particularly human–bear conflict, by comparing U.S. laws and policies and incorporating them into medium- and long-term strategies for community resilience and national land conservation. This approach may serve as a model for countries and regions facing similar demographic and ecological challenges. Full article

After a series of successful reintroductions, the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is expanding its range throughout Europe. Timely monitoring of beaver activity contributes to early detection of environmental impacts and aids in mitigating human–wildlife conflicts and other threats. However, the signs of beaver presence are difficult to detect in some environments, e.g., densely vegetated river banks or in areas with considerable water level variability. In these cases, new technologies can offer opportunities for easier and faster monitoring. In the current study, we provide a characterisation of the wood-gnawing activity of a newly established beaver population in Northern Bulgaria, using a traditional transect method. In addition, we test the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect and map the signs of beaver activity. The overall gnawing-activity characteristics of newly established Castor fiber populations in Bulgaria follow the pattern documented in earlier studies: the affected trees were mainly willow and poplar, located at less than 10 m from the riverbank, with a diameter mostly under 30 cm. However, there were considerable differences in the tree size and distance from the water between the two studied habitats—the Danube River and its tributaries. No dams were recorded, probably due to the rivers’ sizes. We found no significant difference in the detection rates of the UAV with and without canopy cover. Overall, the UAV-based transects were reliable for the detection of the species’ presence, but not for quantification of its activity patterns, due to the low detection rates, in comparison with ground-level transects. We believe that the method is promising because it is cost- and time-saving but could be improved using cameras with better resolution and by involving machine learning algorithms. The drone detection method could help identify the areas with the densest populations of the species, where Natura 2000 protected zones could then be established. Full article

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a highly adaptable species that has spread into urban-proximate areas, consequently intensifying human–wildlife conflicts in South Korea. Understanding the range and environmental preferences of this species is crucial for efficient population management. Therefore, we investigated wild boar occupancy in Bukhansan National Park (BNP), a protected area near Seoul. We deployed camera traps at 24 locations from March to May 2022 to investigate spring season habitat use patterns. We used single-season, single-species occupancy modeling to explore the impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the distribution of wild boar. During 2208 trap nights, we recorded wild boars at 14 sites, with an average occupancy probability (Ψ) of 0.67 ± 0.03. The distance to human settlements was the best predictor of occupancy, with wild boars avoiding regions near human activity sites. In contrast, proximity to puddles significantly increased detection and occupancy probabilities, indicating the importance of water sources for drinking and wallowing. Wild boars also showed a preference for areas near agricultural lands but exhibited behavioral avoidance of direct human presence. Our spring season findings suggest the need for targeted management strategies that prioritize population control in areas far from settlements but adjacent to water and agricultural boundaries. This study provides critical insights into the spatial ecology of wild boars in urban-proximate landscapes and provides science-based measures for mitigating conflicts and disease risks. We recommend long-term monitoring for the assessment of seasonal variations and efficacy of management interventions. Full article

Ecosystems worldwide are being influenced by climate change in complex ways, leading to profound impacts on biodiversity. While these shifts may constrain the adaptive capacity of some species, they may simultaneously promote the expansion of others, including certain rodents. The Funambulus pennantii (five-striped northern palm squirrel) and Funambulus palmarum (three-striped palm squirrel) demonstrate exceptional adaptability across diverse habitats from rural plantations to densely populated urban areas. Their close association with humans ranges from causing crop damage to becoming urban nuisances, leading to their broad classification as agricultural pests. Hence, this study utilizes ensemble species distribution models to identify the climatic niches of these two species and delineate overlapping suitable habitats within agricultural zones in current and different future climate scenarios. The ensemble model identified 215,748 km² of suitable habitat for F. pennantii and 39,578 km² for F. palmarum under current climatic conditions in India. The future projections indicate habitat increases of about 20.6% for F. pennantii and 48.1% for F. palmarum. The agricultural overlap is also projected to rise by up to 45% and 48%, respectively, compared with present overlaps of 215,595 km² and 39,073 km². The most substantial expansions are projected in the Gangetic Plains, Central Highlands, and parts of the Western and Eastern Ghats and Deccan Plateau. These findings suggest that both species possess high resilience to environmental change and may pose increasing risks to agriculture in a warming climate. The study underscores the need for proactive, ecologically sustainable management strategies to mitigate potential human–squirrel interactions and agricultural losses, offering a foundation for targeted regional interventions. Full article

As human activities such as urbanization encroach on natural areas, some wildlife species adapt to these changes and learn ways to utilize newly available resources. We monitored the use patterns of the Eurasian otter in three urban ponds in southern Spain (Málaga province). We compared weekly otter visits and relative spraint abundance between the urban ponds and two control ponds located in natural areas, testing for differences in use patterns between them using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and the Wald–Wolfowitz run test. We also estimated prey survival rates through Kaplan–Meier estimator curves. We also assessed problems of coexistence with human interests. Relative spraint abundance was not affected by pond type (urban or natural). However, the number of otter visits was lower for urban ponds, and the pattern was not random but concentrated over a short time until prey depletion, suggesting consistent use of the urban feeding patches. Available food resources in urban settings can become a viable option for otters, which appear to explore urban habitats when it suits them. However, in the monitored urban ponds, otters competed with human interests and generated a conservation problem that almost led to lethal measures. Full article

Escalating Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC), particularly involving protected large carnivores such as the wolf, poses a significant challenge in Europe. This problem, exacerbated by ecological pressure, necessitates the development of innovative, non-lethal, and effective prevention methods that overcome the limitations of current passive solutions, such as habituation. This article presents the design and implementation of a prototype for an autonomous, multi-sensory preventive system. Its three-layer architecture is based on a decentralized network of sensory-deterrent nodes that utilize Edge AI for real-time species detection and adaptive selection of deterrent stimuli. During field validation, the prototype’s biological efficacy as a proof-of-concept was confirmed in a crop protection scenario against the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The system’s deployment led to a near-total elimination of damages. The paper also presents key technical performance metrics (e.g., response time, energy consumption) and the accuracy of the implemented AI detection model, verified using both field and historical data. The positive test results demonstrate that the developed platform provides an effective and flexible foundation for preventive systems. Its successful validation on a common herbivore species represents a crucial, measurable step toward the target implementation and further research on the system’s effectiveness in providing protection against large carnivores. Full article

This work addresses the problem of synurbization, with its causes and effects specified using the example of wild boar (Sus scrofa). It presents basic biological parameters of the species, including those that promote its synurbization—small habitat demands, omnivorism, as well as ecological, behavioral, and demographic flexibility. It also discusses intra-species transformations stemming from wild boar adaptation to the urban space and pinpoints habitat fragmentation, ecological restoration, and phenotypic flexibility as the underlying causes of people–wild boar interactions. These interactions are primarily negative because wild boars attack humans and domestic animals and cause many traffic accidents. An analysis of the literature included in this study shows that, unfortunately, there are currently no fully effective methods that could protect urban areas and their inhabitants from the threats posed by wild boars. In order for sustainable urban development policies to be effectively implemented, there is a need for intensive, holistic research and cooperation between experts in many fields: wildlife, economics, public health, sociology, ethics, psychology, and urban planning. The synurbanization of wild boars is a large and growing social problem, but from an ecological perspective, there is a need to take action and develop methods to mitigate human/wild animal conflicts, not only from a human perspective. A one-sided view and action can be a threat to many animal species. Full article

In Central Europe, the fawning season of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) directly overlaps with meadow and alfalfa harvest, typically from late May to early June. During these operations, tens or more likely hundreds of thousands of fawns are mutilated by agricultural machinery. To mitigate this unethical mortality, wildlife managers often deploy odor repellents to drive roe deer individuals from high-risk fields before mowing. Therefore, we evaluated repellent efficacy in a paired design. The abundance of roe deer was quantified by drones equipped with thermal cameras before and after repellent application and then compared with untreated control meadows. Results showed high adult abundance that did not differ significantly among treatments. The highest median was paradoxically observed on meadows “after application” (8.25 ind./10 ha), followed by “not treated” meadows (7.92 ind./10 ha), and “before application” (5.72 ind./10 ha). For fawns, differences between treated and untreated plots were likewise non-significant. Their numbers increased over time after application, consistent with the peak of parturition in the second half of May. Overall, the study confirms that the tested odor repellent, when applied according to the manufacturer’s protocol, did not reduce roe deer presence on meadows. This underscores the need to consider alternative approaches, such as the use of thermal-imaging drones combined with the subsequent translocation of detected fawns to safe locations. Full article