Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heliene Mota Pereira, Franciany Braga-Pereira, Luane Maria Melo Azeredo, Luiz Carlos Serramo Lopez, Romulo Romeu Nobrega Alves
Summary: This study investigated the perception of university students regarding different classes of wild vertebrates and the influence of social and educational factors on that perception. The results showed that perceptions varied according to gender, age, income, and study area. Therefore, environmental education, educational policies, and fauna conservation plans should consider diverse audiences and not only focus on charismatic species.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kalli F. Doubleday, Elena C. Rubino
Summary: Human-wildlife conflict affects communities unevenly, especially along gender lines. Research shows clear gender differences in perceptions of reintroducing tigers, with men focusing on economic and ecological benefits while women highlight personal safety and hidden costs. Understanding and documenting gendered perceptions of carnivores are crucial for successful reintroduction efforts globally.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christiaan Willem Brink, Robert Leslie Thomson, Arjun Amar, Marco Girardello, Andrea Santangeli
Summary: The study shows that 22% and 31% of South African commercial farmers used poison over a 1-year and 5-year period, respectively, with hotspots in small stock farming areas. Farmers have a primarily positive attitude towards vultures, and are less likely to use poisons if they frequently encounter vultures on their farm.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
S. M. Kolangath, S. V. Upadhye, V. M. Dhoot, M. D. Pawshe, A. S. Shalini, R. M. Kolangath
Summary: This case report highlights the clinical management of Hepatozoonosis in an Indian jackal and provides important insights into the epidemiology of the disease through molecular investigation.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bernhard Clemm von Hohenberg, Anselm Hager
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the return of large carnivores, specifically wolves, on voting behavior. The findings suggest that wolf attacks are associated with an increase in far-right voting behavior and electoral losses for the Green party. Furthermore, the study reveals a link between wolf attacks and negative sentiment towards environmental protection.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Davide Sogliani, Emiliano Mori, Sandro Lovari, Lorenzo Lazzeri, Alice Longoni, Karol Tabarelli De Fatis, Patrizia Sabatini, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Danilo Russo
Summary: Domestic dogs can have various impacts on wildlife, including predation, competition, harassment, and hybridization. This study combines citizen science data and information from scientists to investigate the potential impact of free-ranging dogs on wildlife in Italy. The results show that dogs have attacked and killed a wide range of species, with mammals and birds being the most affected. The diet analysis reveals that dogs primarily consume mammals, but also consume pet food and remains of domestic sheep. Raising awareness and controlling dog behavior are crucial for mitigating the impact of domestic dogs on wildlife.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sebastiana Lima Santos, Maria Fernanda De la Fuente, Romulo Romeu Nobrega Alves
Summary: Hunting with dogs is an important activity for the survival of the human population in the Brazilian semiarid region. However, it can have implications for game species conservation. This study analyzed the patterns of hunting with dogs activities by characterizing hunters' and hunting dogs' profiles, investigating target and nontarget prey species, hunters' practices, motivations, and perceptions. The findings showed that hunters using dog assistance were mainly men, engaged in agriculture with low income and education. The motivations for hunting with dogs included food, sport, and trade. There were twenty species captured by dogs, but only six were target prey when hunting with dogs. Hunters perceived hunting with dogs to be three times more efficient.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Voon-Ching Lim, Kong-Wah Sing, Kwek Yan Chong, Narong Jaturas, Hui Dong, Ping-Shin Lee, Nguyen Thien Tao, Dzung Trung Le, Timothy C. Bonebrake, Toby P. N. Tsang, Leo Chu, Guo-Jie Brandon-Mong, Wye-Lup Kong, Masashi Soga, John-James Wilson
Summary: Perceptions of and attitudes toward butterflies among urban residents are influenced by exposure to nature and direct observations. Butterflies in urban parks can play a crucial role in building connectedness to nature and promoting pro-environmental behaviors and support for wildlife conservation among urban residents.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Elke Schuttler, Jaime E. Jimenez
Summary: Free-ranging dogs have a negative impact on wildlife conservation, and tourists may play a role in facilitating their access to protected areas. This study in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve in Chile found that free-ranging dogs followed tourists into these areas, even on multi-day trips. The engagement of the tourism sector in wildlife conservation, including promoting responsible pet ownership and confinement of dogs, is crucial.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Astrid Vik Stronen, Jouni Aspi, Romolo Caniglia, Elena Fabbri, Marco Galaverni, Raquel Godinho, Laura Kvist, Federica Mattucci, Carsten Nowak, Alina von Thaden, Jenni Harmoinen
Summary: Hybridisation between wild and domestic taxa raises complex questions for conservation. Social and cultural factors can influence study design and the interpretation, application, and communication of genetic advances in hybrid identification. Further integration of legal and policy perspectives, recognition of unreliable phenotypic traits for identification, and attention to human-dominated landscapes are needed for hybrid research and conservation management. Accurate genetic identification is crucial for understanding the extent of behavioral ecology differences between wild canids and hybrids.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Jerry Owusu Afriyie, Michael Opare Asare, Pavla Hejcmanova
Summary: Local communities in rural areas heavily rely on hunting for their livelihoods and possess valuable knowledge about wildlife ecology. Their perceptions regarding bushmeat prevalence and illegal hunting trends are influenced by factors such as location, gender, and residence time. Understanding local people's knowledge and perceptions can contribute to developing effective conservation strategies and improving local socio-ecological systems.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Merri K. Collins, Seth B. Magle, Travis Gallo
Summary: As urbanization continues to expand globally, research on urban wildlife is crucial for creating livable cities for both humans and wildlife. In the past decade, there has been an increase in urban wildlife publications, but significant knowledge gaps still exist, particularly in areas like herptiles, arthropods, and fish.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Eva Myskova, Marek Broz, Martin Kvac, Bohumil Sak, Oleg Ditrich
Summary: Domesticated dogs in Svalbard showed a low prevalence of intestinal parasites, with minimal transmission to wildlife. The study detected specific DNA of parasitic protists in dogs, indicating potential but limited parasite sharing between dogs and wildlife. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of various parasites in the dogs, suggesting a complex parasitic ecology in the region.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Annah Lake Zhu, Ruishan Chen, Jessica Rizzolo, Jin Qian
Summary: A study reveals that despite ongoing politicized debates about the origins of COVID-19, there is clear support for wildlife reforms in China, which can promote conservation outcomes.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lorena Saavedra-Aracena, Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, Elke Schuettler
Summary: The study found that 39% of free-ranging village dogs in southern Chile had over 5% of their locations in natural areas, with only three dogs going on overnight excursions. Dogs tended to have larger home ranges, move farther away from home or access nature more intensively when they exhibited more exploration, more intensive greetings to their owners, and more passive behaviors in the presence of their owners.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Kristal N. Kostoglou, Wouter F. D. Van Dongen, Michael A. Weston
Summary: The study on ground-nesting shorebirds shows that embryonic vocalizations may influence parental care behaviors, but this influence appears to be species-specific.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maarten H. Jacobs, Sara Dubois, Tetsuro Hosaka, Vukan Ladanovic, Huda Farhana Mohamad Muslim, Kelly K. Miller, Shinya Numata, E. Ranaweerage, Tanja M. Straka, Michael A. Weston, Zulkhairi Azizi Zainal Abidin
Summary: Understanding differences in wildlife value orientations across countries is important for addressing conservation challenges and gaining public support. This study found that people's attitudes towards wildlife vary by country and are associated with demographic factors.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Meghan N. Shaw, Emily M. McLeod, William T. Borrie, Kelly K. Miller
Summary: Viewing photographs of close encounters with animals in zoos can affect public perceptions of the zoo and the animals. The study found that the proximity between humans and animals in the images influenced how respondents perceived the animals' behavior and their suitability as pets. These findings are important for zoos, wildlife tourism, and media organizations to ensure they are conveying clear, positive messages about zoo facilities and animals, as well as providing insights into animal encounter images in wider settings.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chandima Fernando, Michael A. Weston, Ravi Corea, Kelum Pahirana, Anthony R. Rendall
Summary: Wildlife movements within a landscape are influenced by environmental factors such as food availability and the risks associated with encountering humans. For Asian elephants, sharing space with humans can be risky but also rewarding. This study found that elephants primarily visit human-dominated areas at night, with male elephants being more frequent visitors than family groups, and their movements showing a distinct seasonal pattern.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lily M. van Eeden, Andrew Geschke, Fern Hames, Zoe E. Squires, Michael A. Weston
Summary: Encouraging compliance with dog leashing regulations is important for wildlife protection in natural areas. A survey conducted in Victoria, Australia, found that both dog owners and non-dog owners supported leashing regulations, but actual compliance was low. Social norms and habits were key factors influencing compliance, with age, beliefs, and attitudes playing a role in different types of natural areas. By understanding these factors, tailored interventions can be designed to improve compliance.
HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Kelly K. Miller, Trina Jorre de St Jorre
Summary: This study aims to understand employer perceptions of career skills in the environmental science field and explore the utility of micro-credentials in recruiting graduates. The research found that employers use multiple lines of evidence in the recruiting process and value alternative information sources. There is strong support and enthusiasm for micro-credentials, but employers need more information on how to use them and assurance of their rigor and standards.
TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Georgia M. M. Randall, Michael A. A. Weston, Annette Rypalski, Anthony R. R. Rendall
Summary: This study investigated the response of native mammal populations to the presence or absence of European rabbits in Mt Rothwell Conservation and Research Reserve in Victoria, Australia. The results showed that the site occupancy of native mammals was not influenced by the presence of rabbits, but the behavior of smaller co-occurring mammals might be affected.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Max Radvan, Anthony R. Rendall, Michael A. Weston
Summary: Birds in urban parks may adjust their escape behavior based on the proximity of safe places like trees. Our study found that birds flew further when there were fewer trees around. This suggests that plantings in urban parks can influence the coexistence of humans and birds.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Justine Bell-James, James A. Fitzsimons, Catherine E. Lovelock
Summary: Globally, the restoration of coastal wetlands such as mangroves and saltmarsh is urgently needed. Slow progress on restoration in Australia is attributed to legal issues surrounding land ownership and use. This paper presents findings from a survey of coastal zone experts, identifying legal issues and providing recommendations for legislative reform, incentive schemes, and the use of contracts and land-based covenants.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Letter
Ecology
Chris Sandbrook, Shenique Albury-Smith, James R. Allan, Nina Bhola, Heather C. Bingham, Dan Brockington, Achilles B. Byaruhanga, Javier Fajardo, James Fitzsimons, Phil Franks, Forrest Fleischman, Alain Frechette, Kagumaho Kakuyo, Edna Kaptoyo, Tobias Kuemmerle, Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Milagre Nuvunga, Brian O'Donnell, Fred Onyai, Marion Pfeifer, Rose Pritchard, Ameyali Ramos, Madhu Rao, Casey M. Ryan, Priya Shyamsundar, Josefa Tauli, David Mwesigye Tumusiime, Monica Vilaca, Gary R. Watmough, Thomas Worsdell, Julie G. Zaehringer
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
E. Henson, E. M. McLeod, M. A. Weston, K. K. Miller
Summary: This study examined the differences in demographics, attitudes, and normative beliefs between waterbird feeders and non-feeders in an urban wetland residential estate in Melbourne, Australia. The results showed that feeders were more likely to believe that waterbird feeding is acceptable and had different injunctive and descriptive norms compared to non-feeders. The findings suggest that education or behavior change programs on bird feeding should consider the social norms associated with this activity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Remote Sensing
Lachlan G. Howell, Blake M. Allan, Don A. Driscoll, Daniel Ierodiaconou, Todd A. Doran, Michael A. Weston
Summary: Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), or drones, have potential for surveying waterbird species and habitats, but their disturbance could affect count accuracy and bird welfare. This study examined the response of 16 waterbird species to overhead drone flights at different heights and found that most birds had no response, some showed vigilance, and intense responses were rare. The study provides the first evidence of the attenuation of bird species' responses to drones.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Edward H. Miller, Kristal N. Kostoglou, David R. Wilson, Michael A. Weston
Summary: This article presents a detailed qualitative analysis of the calls of red-capped plover and masked lapwing chicks during handling. The calls were structurally complex and differed between species. The study highlights the importance of understanding interspecific patterns in call structure and determining call functions.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Laura X. L. Tan, Kasun B. Ekanayake, Wouter F. D. Van Dongen, Peter Dann, Duncan R. Sutherland, Michael A. Weston
Summary: Little Ravens, a native Australian corvid, have become a dominant predator of Little Penguins. The size of the ravens may play a role in their ability to attack penguin burrows. The interactions between the predator and prey have led to changes in penguin burrow characteristics.
MARINE ORNITHOLOGY
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Shaun Bangay, Adam P. A. Cardilini, Nyree L. Raabe, Kelly K. Miller, Jordan Vincent, Greg Bowtell, Daniel Ierodiaconou, Tanya King
Summary: This research describes and evaluates a viewpoint-sensitive level-of-detail algorithm for generating landscape visualizations for VR/AR presentations. By mixing slippy map tiles across zoom levels, the algorithm generates a continuous terrain mesh overlaid with additional image data.
GRAPP: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 17TH INTERNATIONAL JOINT CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER VISION, IMAGING AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS THEORY AND APPLICATIONS - VOL 1: GRAPP
(2022)