Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katherine A. Cronin, Maureen Leahy, Stephen R. Ross, Mandi Wilder Schook, Gina M. Ferrie, Andrew C. Alba
Summary: The trade and private ownership of non-domesticated animals have negative effects on animals and their wild populations. This study investigated the impact of viewing images of reticulated pythons and two-toed sloths in different visual contexts on people's interest in owning them as pets. The results showed that the visual context did not significantly affect respondents' interest in having these animals as pets. However, younger generations expressed more interest in both sloth and python ownership. Males were more interested in python ownership compared to females. Future research should consider the influence of modern media exposure on the development of interest in non-domesticated pet ownership.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vincent Nijman, Thais Q. Morcatty, Hani R. El Bizri, Hassan Al-Razi, Andie Ang, Ahmad Ardiansyah, Sadek Atoussi, Daniel Bergin, Sarah Bell, Franciany Braga-Pereira, Marco Campera, Nabajit Das, Felipe Ennes Silva, Kim Feddema, Grace Foreman, Anna Fourage, Smitha D. Gnanaolivu, Malene Friis Hansen, Elena Racevska, Brittany C. Rapone, Ganga Ram Regmi, Chris R. Shepherd, Sofiya Shukhova, Penthai Siriwat, Jaima H. Smith, Seyed Ahmad Mir Mohamad Tabar, Aline S. Tavares, Ariana V. Weldon, Angelina Wilson, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Mingxia Zhang, Magdalena S. Svensson, K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
Summary: The trade of primates as pets is thriving globally, especially with the increase of online trading. This study used a three-pronged approach to estimate the prevalence and ease of purchasing primates online in different countries. The results found a positive relationship between online primate trade and internet penetration rate, total human population, and human development index. The study provides insights into the nature of online primate pet trade and advocates for increased regulation and monitoring.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shannon N. Rivera, Andrew Knight, Steven P. McCulloch
Summary: This study investigates the barriers to the disposal of confiscated live animals in Southeast Asia, revealing eight categories of obstacles. It proposes seven recommendations to reform the disposal of confiscated animals, aiming to support efficient and humane management of illegally traded wildlife. Increased focus on the illegal global wildlife trade has resulted in greater numbers of live animals confiscated by authorities, increasing the need for responsible management.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luiza Brasileiro, Rodrigo Ribeiro Mayrink, Andre Costa Pereira, Fabio Jose Viana Costa, Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto
Summary: This literature review shows that stable isotope analysis can be used to distinguish between wild and captive animals in different vertebrate groups, rearing conditions, and methodological designs. However, there are still some gaps in the research, especially for certain taxonomic groups, countries, and isotopes that have been studied less. Careful consideration should be given to the conditions of wild and captivity, the tissues analyzed, and the homogeneity of the samples when using this methodology.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joseph Conrad, Jason Norman, Amalia Rodriguez, Patricia M. Dennis, Randall Arguedas, Carlos Jimenez, Jenifer G. Hope, Michael J. Yabsley, Sonia M. Hernandez
Summary: In San Luis, Costa Rica, domestic pets are infected with pathogens that may pose a risk to the local wildlife species. The high prevalence of certain pathogens in pets increases the probability of exposure to wild carnivores, potentially leading to disease spillover between domestic and wild animals.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Guangping Huang, Dunwu Qi, Zhisong Yang, Rong Hou, Wenyu Shi, Fangqing Zhao, Zitian Li, Li Yan, Fuwen Wei
Summary: In this study, intensive metagenomic monitoring of the gut symbionts of captive giant pandas reintroduced to the wild was performed to examine the possibility of using gut symbionts as indicators of reintroduction success. The results showed that the composition of gut microbiome is closely related to the reintroduction process and can be used as an indicator of successful adaptation to the wild environment.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ana Carolina Franca Balbino Silva, Jorge Fernando Saraiva De Menezes, Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues Oliveira Santos
Summary: This study developed a new approach to estimate capybara roadkill hotspots in the big city of Campo Grande, Brazil, and investigated driving factors correlated with roadkill occurrences. The analysis revealed hotspots around large green areas and water bodies where capybara habitat and physiological requirements are likely met. The predictive map identified latent hotspots that have the necessary characteristics for capybaras to live but where observed deaths have not occurred. Speed reduction tools around parks are recommended to mitigate the risk. Reducing capybara roadkills could have a positive impact on human population welfare and material damage caused by collisions.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Biology
David W. Macdonald, Lauren A. Harrington, Tom P. Moorhouse, Neil D'Cruze
Summary: The article highlights ten issues that impede sustainable and humane wildlife trade, questioning whether wildlife trade can meet appropriate standards for biodiversity conservation and animal welfare. It suggests that the responsibility should be on traders to demonstrate sustainability, humanity, and safety in wildlife use, and calls for widespread acceptance of responsibility and behavior change to ensure conservation of wildlife and livelihoods. Conservationists, practitioners, and others are urged to take bold, progressive steps towards reaching consensus and taking action.
Article
Ecology
Dan Parker, Stanislav Roudavski, Theresa M. Jones, Nick Bradsworth, Bronwyn Isaac, Martin T. Lockett, Kylie Soanes
Summary: This article introduces a new design method to improve artificial habitat structures for cavity-dependent animals using computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. By using generative and parametric modeling, 3D printing and augmented-reality assembly, as well as laser scanning and data-driven design, this approach can create geometrically innovative designs, select materials that match the performance of natural structures, and produce precise and easy-to-install designs.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kelli L. Larson, Rosales Chavez Jose-Benito, Jeffrey A. Brown, Jorge Morales-Guerrero, Dayanara Avilez
Summary: Negative interactions between people and wildlife in coexistence is a significant challenge. Past research focused on conflicts involving carnivores in rural areas, and further research is needed in urban areas. This study conducted interviews in Phoenix, Arizona to explore residents' interactions with wildlife. Qualitative analysis identified two groups: those indifferent to wildlife and those appreciating and stewarding it. Findings highlight the positive interactions that foster human wellbeing in urban areas, advancing knowledge and management of coexistence.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophie Tieu, Armen Charchoglyan, Lauryn Paulsen, Lauri C. Wagter-Lesperance, Umesh K. Shandilya, Byram W. Bridle, Bonnie A. Mallard, Niel A. Karrow
Summary: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a therapeutic drug with multiple beneficial effects for treating various diseases. It possesses antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucolytic properties. However, clinical trials have limitations and conflicting results regarding its effectiveness.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Ann Eklund, Asa Waldo, Maria Johansson, Jens Frank
Summary: The coexistence of humans and wildlife can have positive or negative interactions and can also lead to positive or negative interactions among human actors. The concept of Human Wildlife Conflicts (HWC) is criticized for being imprecise, and a distinction between wildlife impacts and social conflicts has been suggested. This review paper disentangles the concept of HWC using the Human-Environment Interaction Model and Appraisal Theory of Emotion. Understanding and empathy between actors are important for future coexistence and sustainable conservation of wildlife in multiuse landscapes.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Seyma S. S. Celina, Jiri Cerny
Summary: Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium that poses a threat to public health and economy. Livestock are the primary source of infection, but wildlife and ticks may also contribute to its spread. Understanding the role of vectors and hosts is crucial in preventing the transmission of Coxiella burnetii.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Jonas Gamso
Summary: The illegal wildlife trade is a global concern due to biodiversity loss, illicit markets, and animal-borne infectious diseases. However, poaching remains prevalent, particularly in impoverished areas with limited alternative opportunities. Foreign aid that addresses poverty and unemployment may reduce illegal hunting, but the effects are conditional, depending on the political institutions of the country. Research on elephant poaching in African and Asian countries shows that aid leads to a reduction in poaching in democracies, but not in authoritarian regimes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose M. Gil-Sanchez, Natividad Aguilera-Alcala, Marcos Moleon, Esther Sebastian-Gonzalez, Antoni Margalida, Zebensui Morales-Reyes, Carlos J. Dura-Aleman, Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Juan M. Perez-Garcia, Jose A. Sanchez-Zapata
Summary: Intentional poisoning is a global wildlife issue and a public health risk that is often overlooked. Current monitoring programs in Spain show biases in the representation of species, with certain groups overrepresented and others underrepresented. Factors such as weight, aerial abilities, and cryptic nature influence the likelihood of a species being overrepresented in the poisoning database.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Steven J. Cooke, Heather L. Auld, Kim Birnie-Gauvin, Chris K. Elvidge, Morgan L. Piczak, William M. Twardek, Graham D. Raby, Jacob W. Brownscombe, Jonathan D. Midwood, Robert J. Lennox, Christine Madliger, Alexander D. M. Wilson, Thomas R. Binder, Carl B. Schreck, Robert L. McLaughlin, James Grant, Andrew M. Muir
Summary: Animal behavior plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating threats to wild fish populations, becoming increasingly important as pressures on aquatic ecosystems rise. Technological and analytical advances are revolutionizing our understanding of wild fish and generating new knowledge for fisheries managers and conservation practitioners.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Brendan D. Shea, Sydney K. Coulter, Kelly E. Dooling, Hana L. Isihara, Jessica C. Roth, Elliot Sudal, Donald J. Donovan, Lisa A. Hoopes, Alistair D. M. Dove, Steven J. Cooke, Austin J. Gallagher
Summary: Sharks, including blue sharks, exhibit exaggerated physiological responses to capture and handling stress. The study found that blue sharks in recreational fishing can withstand capture and handling in a catch-and-release setting without experiencing blood acidosis. However, smaller individuals may be more susceptible to capture stress. The findings have implications for angler education in the recreational fishery.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naomi K. Pleizier, Steven J. Cooke, Colin J. Brauner
Summary: Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation, caused by sources such as hydroelectric dams, can lead to gas bubble trauma (GBT) in aquatic animals. Locomotion is hypothesized to promote bubble nucleation in fish tissues exposed to TDG supersaturation. This study aimed to understand the effects of locomotion on GBT in rainbow trout exposed to TDG supersaturation in static or flowing water conditions. The results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in GBT occurrence between static and flowing water conditions.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
B. S. Etherington, M. L. Piczak, L. LaRochelle, A. J. Gallagher, S. J. Cooke
Summary: Carrion and scavengers play important roles in ecosystem connections and food webs. This study investigated the impact of human disturbance on freshwater riparian zone scavenger communities and their activity. The results suggest that anthropogenic activities may have negative effects on scavenger communities, but flexible feeding strategies might help offset these impacts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. L. Piczak, J. L. Brooks, C. Boston, S. E. Doka, R. Portiss, N. W. R. Lapointe, J. D. Midwood, S. J. Cooke
Summary: The spatial ecology of common carp within Lake Ontario was studied using passive acoustic telemetry across multiple spatial scales. The study found that season and physical habitat conditions significantly affected the habitat preference of common carp, with higher preference for sites with increased submerged aquatic vegetation during spring and summer. Larger individuals were more likely to be absent from the array during summer. Non-resident common carp exhibited extensive movements along the nearshore of Lake Ontario during spring and summer and were detected throughout the entire basin.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marie -Eve Monchamp, Zofia E. Taranu, Rebecca E. Garner, Tessa Rehill, Olivier Morissette, Lars L. Iversen, Vincent Fugere, Joanne E. Littlefair, Naila Barbosa da Costa, Jessica E. Desforges, Joe R. Sanchez Schacht, Alison M. Derry, Steven J. Cooke, Rowan D. H. Barrett, David A. Walsh, Jiannis Ragoussis, Monique Albert, Melania E. Cristescu, Irene Gregory-Eaves
Summary: Biodiversity loss has accelerated in the past century, with freshwater species experiencing the greatest declines. Genetic resources can help evaluate the extent of this loss and allocate conservation resources effectively. However, more efforts are needed to reference DNA sequences of freshwater organisms and prioritize sequencing resources for conservation management.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
William M. Twardek, Jessica J. Taylor, Trina Rytwinski, Sally N. Aitken, Alex MacDonald, Rik Van Bogaert, Steven J. Cooke
Summary: Assisted migration involves moving individuals to more suitable areas to help species respond to climate change. This tactic has been implemented few times for conservation purposes, but more frequently for research or unintentionally. The study emphasizes the need for further research on the outcomes of assisted migration at population and community levels and discusses the potential for assisted migration of Canadian species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Bradley E. Howell, Giulio Navarroli, Eric J. Mullen, Steven J. Cooke, Caleb T. Hasler
Summary: This study examined the effects of ice-angling on behavior and physiology of lake trout. Fish that were ice-angled showed impairment in reflexes and changes in physiological status. Longer fight times resulted in higher lactate and glucose levels, and lower pH. Loss of orientation was the most common reflex impairment observed.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Eric V. C. Schneider, Zachary C. Zuckerman, Brendan S. Talwar, Steven J. Cooke, Aaron D. Shultz, Cory D. Suski
Summary: Near-future climate change is expected to increase sea surface temperature, affecting marine ectotherms and their critical life processes. This study assessed the thermal tolerance and aerobic performance of schoolmaster snapper collected from two different habitats. The results show consistent metabolic rate and swimming performance responses to thermal challenges across habitats, highlighting the importance of intraspecific studies to understand thermal stress outcomes.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
Jessica E. Desforges, Kim Birnie-Gauvin, Fredrik Jutfelt, Kathleen M. Gilmour, Erika J. Eliason, Terra L. Dressler, David J. McKenzie, Amanda E. Bates, Michael J. Lawrence, Nann Fangue, Steven J. Cooke
Summary: The authors synthesized evidence to address methodological concerns and misconceptions surrounding the interpretation of critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in ecological and evolutionary studies of fishes. They highlighted the importance of considering factors that influence thermal limits when interpreting CTmax in ecological contexts. Applications of CTmax include mitigating the effects of climate change, informing infrastructure planning, and modeling species responses to temperature change. Future research directions aim to improve the application and interpretation of CTmax data in ecological contexts.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steven J. Cooke, Christine L. Madliger, Robert J. Lennox, Julian D. Olden, Erika J. Eliason, Rebecca L. Cramp, Andrea Fuller, Craig E. Franklin, Frank Seebacher
Summary: Given limited resources and the urgency to halt declines and rebuild wildlife populations, a more mechanistic approach to wildlife conservation and management is called for. This approach involves using behavioral and physiological tools and knowledge to identify drivers of decline, environmental thresholds, and strategies for restoration, as well as prioritizing conservation actions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Steven J. Cooke, Carly N. Cook, Vivian M. Nguyen, Jessica C. Walsh, Nathan Young, Christopher Cvitanovic, Matthew J. Grainger, Nicola P. Randall, Matt Muir, Andrew N. Kadykalo, Kathryn A. Monk, Andrew S. Pullin
Summary: Despite major threats to humanity, evidence-based decision-making in environment management is relatively nascent. However, there is a growing number of environmental evidence syntheses available for decision-makers. Research is urgently needed to understand patterns and trends in environmental evidence use, and there is a need for reflection and sharing among those involved in producing and using evidence syntheses. It is hoped that these ideas will lead to further scholarship to enhance evidence-based decision-making and benefit the environment and humanity.
ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kim Birnie-Gauvin, Abigail J. J. Lynch, Paul A. A. Franklin, Andrea J. J. Reid, Sean J. J. Landsman, David Tickner, James Dalton, Kim Aarestrup, Steven J. J. Cooke
Summary: Freshwater habitats are facing biodiversity loss at a rate two to three times higher than terrestrial and marine habitats. In order to reverse this trend, we propose four actions to increase the recognition, value, and protection of freshwater biodiversity: reshaping our relationship with freshwater habitats, appreciating indigenous knowledge, linking science and action more directly, and elevating the importance of freshwater habitats in conservation planning (RACE). Both freshwater scientists and the wider conservation community have key roles to play in implementing these actions and ultimately winning the RACE.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Communication
Jessika D. Guay, Jill L. Brooks, Jacqueline M. Chapman, Hannah Medd, Steven J. Cooke, Vivian M. Nguyen
Summary: Shore-based shark fishing in Florida attracts a wide variety of anglers, and concerns about proper handling methods of caught fish arise due to the threat of extinction for many shark species. This study examined the information channels used by anglers to obtain knowledge about fishing skills and best practices for catch-and-release. The findings suggest that interpersonal communications and the internet are the main sources of information for anglers, and support for fisheries management is associated with pro-environmental behavior.
FRONTIERS IN COMMUNICATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jacey C. Van Wert, Brian Hendriks, Andreas Ekstrom, David A. Patterson, Steven J. Cooke, Scott G. Hinch, Erika J. Eliason
Summary: Climate change is causing significant declines in Pacific salmon populations, with warm rivers resulting in high mortality rates for migrating adults. This study compared the thermal performance of two Chinook salmon populations and found that the interior summer-run population performs better at warmer temperatures. The findings highlight the importance of considering intra-specific thermal physiology to aid in the conservation and management of Pacific salmon.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)