Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shane C. Campbell-Staton, Brian J. Arnold, Dominique Goncalves, Petter Granli, Joyce Poole, Ryan A. Long, Robert M. Pringle
Summary: The study found that ivory poaching during the Mozambican Civil War had strong selective pressure on the evolution of African savanna elephants in Gorongosa National Park, resulting in the emergence of tuskless elephants. Genome scans identified two candidate genes (AMELX and MEP1a) related to elephant tooth development, with one gene, AMELX, associated with human tooth growth.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Apinya Chaitae, Iain J. Gordon, Jane Addison, Helene Marsh
Summary: The Asian elephant is culturally significant to the Thai people, with legal protection dating back to the 17th century. In 2015, the Thai government introduced legal reforms to impose stricter controls over the possession and domestic trade of ivory from captive Asian elephants, aligning with CITES regulations. However, debates on the sustainable use of Thai ivory persist despite international pressure to close the commercial trade in domestic ivory.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Cristina Roque
Summary: This article examines ivory and ivory trade in early 16th century Southeast Africa from historical and environmental perspectives. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and the integration of diverse data sources to fully comprehend the complexities of the ivory trade and the sociodynamics of the region. The article also discusses the limitations of the historical documents used and stresses the need for caution when interpreting limited evidence.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thure E. Cerling, John E. Brown, Yves Hoareau, Paula Kahumbu, Tobias Odhacha, John R. Southon, Samuel K. Wasser
Summary: The age of animal death can be accurately determined by analyzing the 14-carbon in animal tissues. The study found that most illegal ivory in the wildlife trade is from recent poaching activities, but there is a seizure with a large fraction of ivory that is more than 30 years old, indicating it originated from a government stockpile.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Gabriel Hoinsoude Segniagbeto, Kossi Thomas Agbodji, Thomas E. J. Leuteritz, Daniele Dendi, Julia E. Fa, Luca Luiselli
Summary: Despite efforts made by the government, the illegal trade of African elephant ivory in Togo is still widespread. Surveys indicate that there may be only 150 elephants in the country's protected areas, primarily in the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park. Over the period of 2008 to 2018, at least 41.65 tons of ivory were intercepted in Togo. As an intermediary country for the illegal ivory trade, Togo poses a tangible threat to the survival of elephants across their range countries.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yingwei Chen, Yifu Wang, Hannah S. Mumby
Summary: Ivory bans are critical policy instruments in strengthening regulation and reducing ivory trade. China's comprehensive ban in 2018 significantly changed the country's ivory policy direction and restricted international and domestic ivory trade. However, the ban has limitations and potential for improvement, such as exemptions for certain cases and the need for clearer criteria for policy implementation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Timothy Kuiper, Res Altwegg, Colin Beale, Thea Carroll, Holly T. Dublin, Severin Hauenstein, Mrigesh Kshatriya, Carl Schwarz, Chris R. Thouless, Andrew Royle, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Using criminology theory and literature evidence, we generated hypotheses about factors that may drive, facilitate or motivate ivory poaching. By analyzing data on illegally killed elephants, we found evidence supporting the association between poaching and poor governance, weak law enforcement, household wealth and health, and global ivory prices. Results suggest that addressing systemic challenges of human development, corruption, and consumer demand would help reduce poaching.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Yufang Gao, Yuntian Liu, Yu Luo, Duan Biggs, Weiyang Zhao, Susan G. Clark
Summary: Mass media has played a significant role in raising awareness about illegal wildlife trade and its impact on wildlife conservation. Through analyzing newspaper articles published in China from 2000 to 2021, we examined how media framing of elephant ivory influenced public opinion and the effects of wildlife policies. We found that topics related to ivory crimes were the most prevalent in news articles over the past two decades, while topics about ivory arts and culture showed a significant shift in media salience before and after key events. Contrary to popular belief, our results indicated that Chinese public opinion on ivory became more negative after the approval of ivory importation but less negative after the announcement of the ivory ban.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christie Sampson, Jenny Anne Glikman, S. L. Rodriguez, David Tonkyn, Paing Soe, David O'Connor, Aung Myo Chit, Peter Leimgruber
Summary: Both rural and urban communities in Myanmar support elephant conservation, but urban areas show more positive attitudes towards elephants and have different conservation priorities compared to rural areas. Rural communities are more informed about the challenges faced by conservation agencies and are more negatively affected by elephant poaching.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Apinya Chaitae, Ronnarit Rittiron, Iain J. Gordon, Helene Marsh, Jane Addison, Suttahatai Pochanagone, Nattakan Suttanon
Summary: The study investigated the use of NIR spectroscopy combined with PLS-DA to discriminate between ivory from African, wild Asian, and domesticated Asian elephants. The results showed a 100% accuracy in determining ivory provenance, highlighting the potential use of handheld NIR spectrometers as a forensic tool for enforcement of ivory trade regulations.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Wu Shan, Zhang Ming-zhe, Yu Hui-zhen, Chen Zhe, Yin Wen-xiu, Zhang Quan, Shen Xu-fang, Sun Chao, Qiu Hui, Shuai Jiang-bing, Zhang Xiao-feng
Summary: The trade of elephant ivory and its products is banned in China, but smuggling still persists. Identifying ivory is crucial for combating smuggling, and visual identification of characteristic features is possible. However, if these features are absent or disappear after carving, morphology-based identification is challenging. In this study, a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) identification model was established, providing a simple, non-destructive and efficient method for identifying ivory.
SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xueying Sun, Mingyue He, Jinlin Wu
Summary: This paper systematically analyzed the chemical composition and crystalline properties of mammoth ivory and ivory. The results showed that microscopic crystalline hydroxyapatites are the major mineral component in both mammoth ivory and ivory, with significantly lower Ca/P ratios compared to apatite. The refined cell parameters and crystal sizes were similar between mammoth ivory and ivory. The calculated crystallinity of both kinds of ivory was much lower than that of geological mineral fluorapatite due to tissue function and organic matrix effects.
Editorial Material
Quantum Science & Technology
Marianna S. Safronova, Dmitry Budker
Summary: The extraordinary progress in quantum sensors and technologies has opened new ways to explore the universe and challenge the assumptions of modern physics. This issue focuses on using quantum sensors for new physics discoveries, outlining a roadmap for the development of a wide range of quantum sensors and new technologies in the next decade. It covers various next-generation technologies, including atomic and nuclear clocks, atomic and diamond-based magnetometers, and optomechanical systems, aiming to solve major problems in fundamental physics.
QUANTUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Natalia A. Prado, Janine L. Brown, Joseph A. Zoller, Amin Haghani, Mingjia Yao, Lora R. Bagryanova, Michael G. Campana, Jesus E. Maldonado, Ken Raj, Dennis Schmitt, Todd R. Robeck, Steve Horvath
Summary: Age-associated DNA-methylation profiles have been used to develop highly accurate biomarkers of age (epigenetic clocks) for African and Asian elephants. These clocks were developed using novel DNA methylation profiles of known age samples, and can be used for conservation efforts where accurate estimates of age are needed. Epigenome-wide association studies identified age-related CpGs and their proximal genes, revealing their importance in cellular differentiation, organismal development, metabolism, and circadian rhythms.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad A. Zenaidee, Joseph A. Loo
Summary: Extending mass spectrometry measurements of biomolecules into the megadalton regime is challenging. However, using single ion-charge detection Orbitrap mass spectrometry, a mass accuracy of 0.001% has been demonstrated for protein particles larger than 9 MDa.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
F. Blake Morton, Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith, Sarah F. Brosnan, Bernard Thierry, Annika Paukner, Jennifer L. Essler, Christopher S. Marcum, Phyllis C. Lee
Summary: This study utilized observer ratings to examine individual differences in innovative behavior among 127 brown capuchin monkeys, finding that innovation predicted learning performance and motivation predicted task participation. Dominance predicted social rank and sociality predicted proximity to others. Age, sociality, and task motivation had independent effects on innovativeness, while sex, dominance, and group size were not significant factors.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Benson Okita-Ouma, Michael Koskei, Lydia Tiller, Fredrick Lala, Lucy King, Richard Moller, Rajan Amin, Iain Douglas-Hamilton
Summary: The study found that elephants in Kenya's Tsavo National Parks use wildlife underpasses and culverts to cross a newly constructed railway, but some elephants choose to cross the railway directly instead of using these passages. Their movement speed changes before and after crossing the railway, with female elephants and family groups moving faster when using the underpasses.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Phyllis C. Lee, Cynthia J. Moss, Norah Njiraini, Joyce H. Poole, Katito Sayialel, Vicki L. Fishlock
Summary: Cohort effects can have persistent consequences on growth, reproduction, longevity, and lifetime reproductive success. In a study on African elephants, it was found that severe droughts led to increased mortality, especially among calves and older females. The loss of oldest females also resulted in social disruption. While females did not show long-term effects on reproduction, males experienced complex consequences in terms of dispersal and reproductive onset.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maggie Wisniewska, Ivan Puga-Gonzalez, Phyllis Lee, Cynthia Moss, Gareth Russell, Simon Garnier, Cedric Sueur
Summary: Selective harvest, such as poaching, has both direct and indirect impacts on group-living animals by killing individuals with desirable traits and altering social network structures. This study focuses on African savanna elephants and demonstrates that targeted elimination of socially central individuals decreases network connectivity and efficiency. The findings highlight the need for further research on resilience and interaction-mediated socioecological learning in wild animal populations.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aaron S. Bernstein, Amy W. Ando, Ted Loch-Temzelides, Mariana M. Vale, Binbin Li, Hongying Li, Jonah Busch, Colin A. Chapman, Margaret Kinnaird, Katarzyna Nowak, Marcia C. Castro, Carlos Zambrana-Torrelio, Jorge A. Ahumada, Lingyun Xiao, Patrick Roehrdanz, Les Kaufman, Lee Hannah, Peter Daszak, Stuart L. Pimm, Andrew P. Dobson
Summary: The lives lost and economic costs of viral zoonotic pandemics have been increasing over the past century. Some policymakers argue that future pandemic catastrophes should be addressed through detecting and containing emerging zoonotic threats. However, this article suggests that proactive actions should be taken to minimize the impact of future pandemics and proposes three practical measures.
Article
Ecology
Norbert J. Cordeiro, Francesco Rovero, Maurus J. Msuha, Katarzyna Nowak, Andrea Bianchi, Trevor Jones
Summary: By using camera traps and direct observations, researchers found that birds closely follow giant sengis in Tanzanian forests, suggesting that following sengis may represent an adaptive foraging strategy.
Editorial Material
Zoology
Phyllis C. Lee
Article
Development Studies
Andrea Schapper, Clemens Hoffmann, Phyllis Lee
Summary: Resource conflicts and human-environment conflicts are prevalent globally. Decarbonisation policies and practices in response to carbon-induced climate change contribute new dimensions to existing conflicts. Using Ethiopia and Morocco as examples, this article demonstrates the unintended conflicts and adverse ecosystem impacts that arise when nature is not involved in decision-making processes. The transition to low-carbon economies generates and exacerbates multi-dimensional conflicts of interest between state and society, as well as between society and ecosystems. The authors propose establishing procedural rights of nature through considering scientific expertise, enhancing environmental safeguards, and linking funding to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the participation of nature in decision-making processes through legal guardians. Counterfactual analyses are used to show how procedural rights of nature could make green economy and climate mitigation projects less conflict-prone and more sustainable in the cases of Ethiopia and Morocco.
THIRD WORLD QUARTERLY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lydia N. Tiller, Lucy E. King, Benson Okita-Ouma, Fredrick Lala, Frank Pope, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Chris R. Thouless
Summary: This study used GPS tracking data to explore the movements of five translocated African bull elephants moved to Tsavo, Kenya, and compared them with five resident bull elephants. The study found significant differences in group size and composition between the translocated and resident elephant groups, as well as more problematic behavior in the translocated elephants. However, there were no significant differences in home ranges and displacement rates between the resident and translocated elephant groups.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Josephine B. Smit, Charlotte E. Searle, Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith, Paolo Strampelli, Lameck Mkuburo, Victor A. Kakengi, Edward M. Kohi, Amy J. Dickman, Phyllis C. Lee
Summary: Elephants employ temporal and social strategies to reduce human-induced mortality risk. This study in the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem, Tanzania, utilized camera trap surveys to investigate elephant responses to anthropogenic risk. The findings revealed that elephants demonstrated altered activity patterns, avoidance of roads, and changes in social associations and behavior in high-risk sites. The implications of these findings for elephant survival and reproduction are discussed.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corey T. Callaghan, Thomas Mesaglio, John S. Ascher, Thomas M. Brooks, Analyn A. Cabras, Mark Chandler, William K. Cornwell, Indiana Cristobal Rios-Malaver, Even Dankowicz, Naufal Urfi Dhiya'ulhaq, Richard A. Fuller, Carlos Galindo-Leal, Florencia Grattarola, Susan Hewitt, Lila Higgins, Colleen Hitchcock, Keng-Lou James Hung, Tony Iwane, Paula Kahumbu, Roger Kendrick, Samuel R. Kieschnick, Gernot Kunz, Chien C. Lee, Cheng-Tao Lin, Scott Loarie, Milton Norman Medina, Mark A. McGrouther, Lera Miles, Shaunak Modi, Katarzyna Nowak, Rahayu Oktaviani, Brian M. Waswala Olewe, James Page, Silviu Petrovan, cassi saari, Carrie E. Seltzer, Alexey P. Seregin, Jon J. Sullivan, Amila P. Sumanapala, Aristide Takoukam, Jane Widness, Keith Willmott, Wolfgang Wuester, Alison N. Young
Summary: This article explores the benefits of acting as an identifier on iNaturalist and emphasizes the importance of identifying observations to the finest taxonomic level to maximize their value for biodiversity research.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samira Mubareka, John Amuasi, Arinjay Banerjee, Helene Carabin, Joe Copper Jack, Claire Jardine, Bogdan Jaroszewicz, Greg Keefe, Jonathon Kotwa, Susan Kutz, Deborah McGregor, Anne Mease, Lily Nicholson, Katarzyna Nowak, Brad Pickering, Maureen G. Reed, Johanne Saint-Charles, Katarzyna Simonienko, Trevor Smith, J. Scott Weese, E. Jane Parmley
Summary: Given the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of avian influenza, and other zoonotic pathogen activity, there is an urgent need for a deeper understanding of the human-animal-environment interface and factors influencing the emergence, spread, and impact of zoonotic diseases. We propose a One Health approach and Action Plan for Canada, focusing on strategy and governance, technical leadership, equity, education, and research. A paradigm shift is needed to restore balance with the natural world and recognize the intrinsic value of all living species for the health of all.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Katarzyna Nowak, Dinah Bear, Anwesha Dutta, Myles Traphagen, Michal Zmihorski, Bogdan Jaroszewicz
Summary: There is a growing trend of nation states invoking national security and emergency declarations to build state-sponsored infrastructure projects for border defense, energy production, and transportation. This compromises established laws and regulations for nature and cultural heritage protection, compromising the function of protected areas. This trend also undermines democratic principles, environmental policy stringency, and the human right to a healthy environment.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Georgia Troup, Robert Heinsohn, Lucy E. King, Katie L. Edwards
Summary: The study assessed adrenal activity, nitrogen concentrations, and habitat quality variations among elephants in Tsavo East National Park and Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, finding poorer habitat quality during the dry season. However, there were no significant differences in stress hormone concentrations among elephants, suggesting potential adaptation to seasonal changes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elizabeth A. McCullagh, Francesca Bernardi, Monica Malta, Katarzyna Nowak, Alison R. Marklein, Katie Van Horne, Tiffany Lee Clark, Susan J. Cheng, Maryam Zaringhalam, Lauren L. Edwards
Summary: Women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) are still underrepresented. 500 Women Scientists created a global online directory to increase the visibility of women and other underrepresented genders in STEMM fields. Through assessments using surveys, Google Analytics, and focus groups, they identified the effectiveness of the directory and areas for improvement in boosting the visibility of underrepresented individuals in STEMM.
