Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhen Miao, Qiang Wang, Xinyi Lu, Dongxiao Chen, Wei Zhang, Xuehong Zhou, Douglas Craig MacMillan
Summary: The study found that there are significant differences in public support for sustainable wildlife management, especially in issues related to animal welfare and rights, wildlife utilization and captive breeding, and trophy hunting. The survey revealed that vegetarians, religious believers, and individuals with lower educational levels show weaker support for SWM, while those with a positive attitude towards SWM are more inclined towards a rational scientific approach.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alexandra Martinez, Marco Campera, K. A. I. Nekaris
Summary: Films provide a unique opportunity to share messages with a wide audience, but the messages portrayed can have negative effects on animal conservation. This study found that films with computer-generated imagery (CGI) primates were more likely to have higher profits and critic scores. The use of CGI medium can positively impact the general public perception of primates and has implications for conservation efforts.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lourdes Lobato-Bailon, Adria Lopez-Baucells, David Guixe, Carles Flaquer, Jordi Camprodon, Xavier Florensa-Rius, Maria Mas, Laura Torrent, Laura Ordeix, Oriol Tallo-Parra, Maria P. Ribas, Ignasi Marco, Annais Carvajal, Manel Lopez-Bejar, Sebastian Napp, Lola Pailler-Garcia, Johan Espunyes, Oscar Cabezon
Summary: Long-term mark-recapture studies are important for bat conservation. The use of forearm rings for marking bats is cost-effective but can cause skin lesions and discomfort. In this study, we compared the impact of forearm rings and PIT tags on bat species, finding that the majority of bats with forearm rings had skin lesions while none of the PIT-tagged bats did. We recommend a ban on forearm rings for bat species until further species-specific studies are conducted.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Isabella L. K. Clegg, Rebecca M. Boys, Karen A. Stockin
Summary: Traditional conservation strategy focuses on population-level effects, while the emerging discipline of animal welfare science and societal focus on individual value are prompting changes in conservation practices. Workshop discussions and literature analysis reveal limited research on marine mammal welfare, highlighting the need to explore differences and common themes. Research indicates a need for interdisciplinary collaboration, common language, and practical solutions to integrate welfare principles into marine mammal conservation efforts.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Christopher A. Bobier, Benjamin L. Allen
Summary: Animal welfare and ethics have a significant impact on wildlife conservation practices. Compassionate conservationists argue for respecting the rights of individual sentient animals and avoiding direct harm to them. However, there is no clear distinction between compassionate conservation and traditional conservation in practice, as both may implement similar conservation practices and produce similar outcomes for animals.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Debora Silvia Racciatti, Alejandra Feld, Laura Analia Rial, Carlos Blanco, Oriol Tallo-Parra
Summary: This study developed an animal welfare assessment protocol for wild animals in captivity, aimed at multiple species to overcome the limitations of generic checklists and provide an alternative to time-consuming species-specific tools.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Simon Coghlan, Adam P. A. Cardilini
Summary: Compassionate conservation argues that compassion should transform conservation, despite facing strong critiques. It emphasizes the moral value of sentient animals, conservation, and science in conservation practice. While it has nontraditional necessary conditions, it also allows room for pluralism in values and scientific judgment.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jes Hooper
Summary: This paper examines the diversity and disparity of conditions for zoo animals globally, with a focus on the management of civets in zoos and the rising trend of civet coffee production and tourism in Asia. Through qualitative analysis, the paper calls for enhanced reflexivity and decolonisation of animal-based tourism, and suggests ways in which zoos can answer this call.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sumaira Aslam, Hira Aftab, Jose Moleiro Martins, Mario Nuno Mata, Hamza Ahmad Qureshi, Ana Maria Adriano, Pedro Neves Mata
Summary: Human industrial activities are causing significant physiochemical changes to the environment, resulting in uncertain climate changes and water scarcity. Effective conservation programs are necessary, with personal well-being identified as a significant predictor of both current and future water conservation behavior. Conversely, stress does not play a significant role in predicting water conservation behavior, while subjective happiness is a significant predictor for future water conservation behavior.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patricia Maia Noronha
Summary: Jean-Luc Kanape combines ancestral knowledge with technology to protect the region's caribou from predators and environmental damage.
Article
Ecology
Delagnon Assou, Angie Elwin, John Norrey, Emma Coulthard, David Megson, Delphine Ronfot, Mark Auliya, Gabriel H. Segniagbeto, Rowan O. Martin, Neil D'Cruze
Summary: Researchers explored the trade in African Grey parrots for belief-based use by interviewing five vendors at the largest fetish market in West Africa, Togo. Findings revealed that parrot heads were the most valuable and frequently traded body part, while feathers were commonly traded for spiritual purposes. Most vendors noted an increase in the rarity of Grey parrot body parts over the past few years.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hayley Squance, Carol MacDonald, Carol Stewart, Raj Prasanna, David M. Johnston
Summary: In emergencies, people's decision-making and actions are heavily influenced by their relationship with animals. A holistic approach recognizes the important interrelationships between animal welfare, human well-being, and the physical and social environment, and breaking down barriers of collaboration is vital. One Welfare framework with human-animal-environment interdependencies at its core provides a way to integrate animals into emergency management effectively.
Article
Ecology
Jennah Green, Pippa Hankinson, Louise de Waal, Emma Coulthard, John Norrey, David Megson, Neil D'Cruze
Summary: This study aims to characterize the social and economic value of wild animal species used in traditional medicine in South Africa, as well as explore plant-based alternatives. The study found a wide range of animal species were used for medicinal and magico-religious purposes, including threatened species. Lions were particularly valued in the traditional medicine market, but their availability has decreased in recent years. The study provides valuable insights into the socio-economic drivers of traditional healing practices and suggests further research is needed to inform approaches to managing pressures on South Africa's wildlife populations.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Cynthia Ebere Nwobodo, Blessing Nwokolo, Juliana Chinasa Iwuchukwu, Violet Amarachukwu Ohagwu, Remigius Ikechukwu Ozioko
Summary: This study analyzed the determinants of ruminant farmers' use of sustainable production practices for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Enugu State, Nigeria. The results showed that access to veterinary services, income level, and knowledge level significantly influenced the use of sustainable practices.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alex S. C. Maia, Gustavo A. B. Moura, Vinicius F. C. Fonseca, Kifle G. Gebremedhin, Hugo M. Milan, Marcos Chiquitelli Neto, Bruno R. Simao, Victor Paschoal Consentino Campanelli, Rodrigo Dias Lauritano Pacheco
Summary: Provision of shade reduces heat load and improves welfare and performance of feedlot cattle. The proposed novel shade design optimizes shade distribution and protects cattle from solar radiation and adverse weather conditions, resulting in economic benefits and sustainability.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Simon D. Schowanek, Matt Davis, Erick J. Lundgren, Owen Middleton, John Rowan, Rasmus o. Pedersen, Daniel Ramp, Christopher J. Sandom, Jens-Christian Svenning
Summary: Reintroducing extant herbivores to their native ranges can partially restore the body mass and diet composition of herbivore assemblages to pre-anthropogenic conditions, but complementary interventions would be required for complete functional restoration.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kate J. Brandis, Debashish Mazumder, Patricia Gadd, Boyu Ji, Richard T. Kingsford, Daniel Ramp
Summary: Waterbirds are highly mobile and their movement patterns in utilizing ephemeral resources in dryland environments are largely unknown. By using X-ray fluorescence of feathers to detect elemental signatures, researchers gained insight into the movements of 24 waterbird species, highlighting the significance of the Murray-Darling basin as a key source of waterbirds across the continent.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erick J. Lundgren, Daniel Ramp, Juliet C. Stromberg, Jianguo Wu, Nathan C. Nieto, Martin Sluk, Karla T. Moeller, Arian D. Wallach
Summary: Research has shown that in the deserts of North America, wells dug by donkeys and horses increase water availability, reduce distances between water sources, and at times become the sole source of water, leading to higher vertebrate richness and activity. This ecosystem engineering by equids, even if introduced or feral, can help buffer water availability and enhance resilience to ongoing human-caused aridification.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chris D. Hasselerharm, Esty Yanco, Jeannine S. McManus, Bool H. Smuts, Daniel Ramp
Summary: By using remote tracking methods to detect vegetation and environmental changes on rangeland farms in South Africa, it was found that wildlife-friendly farming practices had higher vegetation productivity, stronger response to rainfall, and greater vegetation cover and grass cover compared to rotational grazing practices. This study highlights the potential benefits of adopting wildlife-friendly farming practices in rangeland ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
E. I. F. Wooster, R. Fleck, F. Torpy, D. Ramp, P. J. Irga
Summary: The study found that green roofs are more effective in attracting and supporting urban animals, providing greater biodiversity and numbers than traditional roofs. Like other urban green spaces, green roofs can have ecological significance by attracting and supporting urban fauna that may improve the functional capacities of previously depauperate spaces. This study highlights the potential for widespread adoption of green roofs in creating more biologically diverse cities.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Loic Quentin Juillard, Daniel Ramp
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of drought on eastern grey kangaroo populations, finding that body condition declined and fewer males were observed as environmental conditions became more extreme. The proportion of juveniles increased when more favorable conditions returned. Kangaroos with poor body conditions were more likely to become hosts to ticks, while higher parasite egg burdens in feces occurred in autumn.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Brooke P. A. Kennedy, Nick Boyle, Peter J. S. Fleming, Andrea M. Harvey, Bidda Jones, Daniel Ramp, Roselyn Dixon, Paul D. McGreevy
Summary: This article describes how a panel of experts discussed the challenges of managing invasive and native fauna in Australia and proposes the One Welfare concept to guide the ethical treatment of animals, each other, and the environment. The panel revealed intersecting perspectives and provided a framework for further discourse.
Article
Ecology
Erick J. Lundgren, Daniel Ramp, Owen S. Middleton, Eamonn I. F. Wooster, Erik Kusch, Mairin Balisi, William J. Ripple, Chris D. Hasselerharm, Jessica N. Sanchez, Mystyn Mills, Arian D. Wallach
Summary: This study documents the predation of juvenile feral donkeys by cougars in North American deserts, and explores how cougar predation affects donkey behavior and desert wetlands. The findings indicate that cougar predation leads to decreased donkey activity and disturbance, as well as changes in vegetation structure.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Eamonn I. F. Wooster, Daniel Ramp, Erick J. Lundgren, Adam J. O'Neill, Esty Yanco, Gavin T. Bonsen, Arian D. Wallach
Summary: The study found that fox occupancy was highest at sites where dingoes had been eradicated, and foxes avoided peak dingo activity more at predator friendly sites than at predator persecuted sites. Contrary to predictions, foxes showed the least fear and the highest social interactions at predator friendly sites.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gavin T. Bonsen, Arian D. Wallach, Dror Ben-Ami, Oded Keynan, Anton Khalilieh, Uri Shanas, Eamonn I. F. Wooster, Daniel Ramp
Summary: This study assessed the cascading effects of acceptance of Arabian wolves on other canids in relation to human land-use and density. The findings showed that wolves were less recorded in pastoralist landscapes, leading to cascading effects. Additionally, wolves facilitated the increase of foxes by reducing pressure from jackals.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arian D. Wallach, Daniel Ramp, Ana Benitez-Lopez, Eamonn I. F. Wooster, Scott Carroll, Alexandra J. R. Carthey, Erin I. E. Rogers, Owen Middleton, Kyle J. A. Zawada, Jens-Christian Svenning, Ella Avidor, Erick Lundgren
Summary: The prey naivety hypothesis suggests that introduced predators are more successful at hunting prey because prey species haven't had enough time and generations to develop avoidance responses. However, a global meta-analysis of small mammal responses to the scent of mesopredators found no significant difference in wariness between native and introduced predators. Phylogenetic and functional distance between predators had no effect on wariness, and prey wariness was only associated with predator-prey body mass ratio. Animals do not seem to recognize whether their predators are native.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianguo Li, Zunyi Xie, Xiaocong Qiu, Qiang Yu, Jianwei Bu, Ziyong Sun, Ruijun Long, Kate J. Brandis, Jie He, Qi Feng, Daniel Ramp
Summary: Heavy metal(loid)s continuously enter the food chain, causing great harm to the environment and public health. In this study, a methodological framework combining a species distribution model with physical environment and human variables was proposed and applied to map the distribution of heavy metals at catchment scale. The results showed the potential of the species distribution model in simulating the spatial distribution of heavy metals and predicting their accumulation in river water. This framework offers new insights for studying heavy metal contamination transport.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Margarita Steinhardt, Susanne Pratt, Daniel Ramp
Summary: This paper discusses the relationship between felids and humans and the conservation initiatives, proposing the notions of coexistence and flourishing. It introduces the concepts and important areas of compassionate conservation and multispecies studies.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrea M. Harvey, Daniel Ramp, David J. Mellor
Summary: This review provides foundational knowledge for assessing horse welfare using the Five Domains Model. Understanding the usual conditions and impacts on body function is crucial for evaluating animal welfare. The four physical/functional Domains of nutrition, physical environment, health, and behavioral interactions provide objective information, while inferences about animal mental experiences aligned with Domain 5 are not considered. The review also highlights the importance of understanding the impacts of human interventions on horse welfare in both free-roaming and domestic situations.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrea M. Harvey, Ngaio J. Beausoleil, Daniel Ramp, David J. Mellor
Summary: The welfare of animals is determined by their mental experiences, which are linked to their physical and functional states. The Five Domains Model is used to assess welfare by measuring indicators in the physical/functional domains and inferring their affective consequences. It is important to scientifically validate these indicators and establish the relationship between physical/functional states and mental experiences.