Wildlife Conservation Society

The short-eared dog ( Atelocynus microtis ) is one of the world’s least-known canids and one of Latin America’s least-known carnivores. We performed a systematic summary of published and unpublished distributional records for the species across Bolivia ( n = 500), and between 2001 and 2024, we ran 34 intensive camera-trap surveys across the lowland portions of the Greater Madidi-Tambopata Landscape (northwestern Bolivia and southeastern Peru) and the Llanos de Moxos Biocultural Landscape (northern Bolivia), which resulted in 594 independent events for the short-eared dog. Short-eared dogs were primarily diurnal, with camera-trap capture frequencies of 0.18–2.4 independent events per 100 camera-trap nights across 21 (61.8%) of the 34 surveys. A comparison with camera-trap data from ocelots ( Leopardus pardalis ) extrapolated an average density of 15 individuals/100 km 2 , suggesting that short-eared dogs are less abundant than other medium-sized carnivores but more abundant than larger-bodied carnivores (e.g., jaguar). Our results reveal variation in short-eared dog relative abundance and occupancy between survey sites and over time. Occupancy analyses emphasized a strong preference for intact forest, underscoring the importance of protected areas and other management units that preserve forest cover in the Amazon.

Quantifying animal movements is necessary for answering a wide array of research questions in ecology and conservation biology. Consequently, ecologists have made considerable efforts to identify the best way to estimate an animal's home range, and many methods of estimating home ranges have arisen over the past half a century. Most of these methods fall into two distinct categories of estimators that have only recently been described in statistical detail: those that measure range distributions (methods such as kernel density estimation that quantify the long-run behavior of a movement process that features restricted space use) and those that measure occurrence distributions (methods such as Brownian bridge movement models and the Correlated Random Walk Library that quantify uncertainty in an animal movement path during a specific period of observation). In this paper, we use theory, simulations, and empirical analysis to demonstrate the importance of appropriately using these two categories of distributions and their estimators. Conflating range and occurrence distributions can have serious consequences for ecological inference and conservation practice. For example, in most situations, home ranges estimated using estimators of occurrence distributions are too small, and this problem is exacerbated by ongoing improvements in tracking technology that enable more frequent and more accurate data on animal movements. We encourage researchers to use estimators of range distributions to quantify home ranges and estimators of occurrence distributions to answer other questions in movement ecology, such as when and where an animal crossed a linear feature, visited a location of interest, or interacted with other animals.

Accurate biochemical reference values for large felids have historically relied on anesthetized or stress-induced sampling, potentially confounding true physiological baselines. This study establishes the first non-anesthetic biochemical reference ranges for tigers (Panthera tigris), defining authentic renal, electrolyte and cardiac parameters under voluntary conscious conditions. Forty captive tigers conditioned for voluntary tail-vein blood withdrawal provided 80 samples without sedation or restraint. Analytes included renal markers (BUN, creatinine, SDMA and uric acid), electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl−), and cardiac indices (cTnI, NT-proBNP and CK-MB). Mean ± SD values were: BUN 15 ± 2 mg/dL, creatinine 1.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL, SDMA 8.0 ± 0.5 μg/dL, uric acid 4.5 ± 0.6 mg/dL, Na+ 151 ± 2 mEq/L, K+ 4.6 ± 0.4 mEq/L, Cl− 111 ± 3 mEq/L, cTnI 0.02 ± 0.01 ng/mL, NT-proBNP 200 ± 25 pg./mL, and CK-MB 7.5 ± 1 U/L. Strong BUN–creatinine (r = 0.82 p < 0.001) and SDMA–creatinine (r = 0.80 p < 0.001) correlations confirmed synchronized glomerular filtration, while Na+–Cl− coupling (r = 0.92 p < 0.001) validated ionic balance. Cardiac indices exhibited low variability (CV < 10%) and a moderate SDMA–NT-proBNP relationship (r = 0.46 p < 0.01) demonstrated a functional cardiorenal continuum. Using voluntary sampling, this study defines the first physiologically valid biochemical and cardiorenal reference baselines for tigers supporting improved welfare, greater diagnostic reliability and earlier identification of renal and cardiac pathology in managed large felids.

Open wells in agricultural regions of India pose a critical, yet underreported threat to terrestrial wildlife. This study investigates incidents of wildlife falls into open wells across Pune and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra between 2009 and 2024. Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) were the most frequently affected species, accounting for 67.6% of the 68 documented cases. Temporal trends indicate an increasing frequency, with peaks in 2019 and 2023. Other species affected include golden jackals, small Indian civets, Asian palm civets, striped hyaenas, and sambar deer. All animals were successfully rescued and released through operations led by Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department. Twenty-one high-risk wells were covered as part of mitigation efforts. The findings underscore the urgency for expanded, proactive programs to cover the wells to reduce wildlife mortality and foster coexistence in human-dominated landscapes.

Globally, the detrimental effects of anthropogenic marine debris on mangrove ecosystems have drawn considerable scientific and public concern. Yet, in Sri Lanka, where mangroves represent a vital component of coastal resilience and blue carbon storage, the in-depth research on litter contamination in mangrove ecosystems and its ecological consequences remains poorly studied. With that motivation, this present study examined the abundance, composition and pollution status of marine macro litter (>2.5 cm) and impacts on mangrove vegetations at four mangrove sites in Sri Lanka (Kallady, Negombo, Kandakuliya, and Balapitiya), located along the coastline of the northern Indian Ocean. Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Abundance Index (PAI), Hazardous Item Index (HII), and Environmental Status Index (ESI) were used to evaluate the mangrove floor pollution levels. A total of 6,527 litter items were collected from four beaches representing 8 typologies. The average density of the litter collected was 0.47 to 0.87 items/m 2 . Plastic items constituted the majority of litter found, accounting for 60%. According to the CCI, four mangrove areas were classified as 'moderate' and 'dirty.' All locations fell under category 'II' on the III, indicating the presence of some hazardous marine debris scattered across sites. The PAI indicated 'low' to 'moderate' plastic contamination, while the ESI classified all sites as having a 'bad' environmental status. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between total litter density and physical damage impact categories, including damaged roots, leaves, and branches. To conserve these valuable habitats, the study recommends taking remedial measures to reduce incoming litter loads and to remove existing litter from the mangroves, despite ongoing awareness and cleanup efforts.

Summarising CBD target 3 to “30 × 30” emphasizes area coverage, but conservation success depends on MPA quality. Many existing MPAs are under-protected, and rapidly designating new areas risks creating ‘paper parks’ without ecological or social benefits. Prioritizing strictly or fully managed MPAs, supported by a clear and shared definition, is essential to achieve meaningful biodiversity outcomes. Quality-focused strategies ensure that global targets benefit both nature and people, rather than merely meeting numerical goals.

ABSTRACT Monitoring of the critically endangered Far Eastern leopard is crucial for understanding population status and trends to assess the effectiveness of conservation interventions. This study provides an up‐to‐date assessment of the Far Eastern leopard population in the southwest of Primorsky Krai, Russia. Population parameters were derived from camera trap monitoring data conducted in the protected areas in 2022. The analysis of population size and density was carried out using the spatially explicit capture‐recapture method. A total of 116 individuals were identified: 104 adults and 12 cubs. The estimated population size was 118 individuals (95% CI: 115–121), with a population density of 2.46 individuals/100 km 2 , which is 20% higher than previously published estimations for 2020 and doubled since 2014. A reassessment of the global population of Far Eastern leopards will require a combination of data from both Russia and China, as was done in 2014 and 2015.

Background Modern zoos seek to support their audiences in taking conservation action. To increase participation and maximize environmental impact, zoos should consider their community members’ perspectives from the outset -- i.e., in the selection of the action -- including understanding perceived barriers, benefits, current participation, and ease of taking the action. Focus of the Article This article focuses on a zoo’s process to integrate community perspectives when selecting conservation actions for messaging. We collected data from four audiences and applied community-based social marketing (CBSM) and other decision-making models to identify conservation actions in which efforts by the zoo could increase community engagement and behavior change. Research Question How can a zoo incorporate community perspectives into the process of selecting conservation actions for messaging?. Importance to Social Marketing Field Using the CBSM decision-making equation and a novel decision-making equation inspired by research with zoo visitors (the NERO model), the Queens Zoo balanced environmental impacts, community perspectives, and its’ expertise in developing and implementing conservation campaigns. Other institutions, like schools, museums, and universities looking to engage their communities in actions should apply this strategy to maximize the impact of their campaigns, especially when an action does not need to be done at home. Methods We used a two-phase mixed-methods design to answer our research question. Phase 1 included a content analysis, a survey of 42 zoo educators, interviews with 28 Queens Zoo visitors, and focus groups with 24 community members to identify eight conservation actions that were local priorities. We explored these actions more deeply in Phase 2, fielding an online survey to 400 residents of the New York City metro area. We used survey and environmental impact data to assign numeric values to the variables in two decision-making equations: CBSM and the NERO model, which is based on research with zoo visitors. Using the scores, we ranked the eight actions relative to each other and used these results to inform discussions with zoo leadership to strategically identify actions where the zoo’s expertise can support broad and sustainable behavior change. Results Conservation actions prioritized during Phase 1 primarily included protecting the environment in general and protecting wildlife and habitats. Phase 2 survey data and application of the decision-making equations highlighted four actions nested within those themes -- enrolling with a clean energy provider, advocating for green space, reducing plastic use, and creating wildlife habitat -- as having high potential to engage many people and have meaningful environmental impact. Discussions with zoo leadership focused on how these actions align with zoo priorities and expertise and how the zoo could support communities in conservation action. Recommendations for Research or Practice Conservation organizations seeking to support people in the behavior change process should consider how decision-making equations and data from their communities can help them select actions for campaigns. Incorporating community perspectives throughout the design of a conservation action campaign will increase relevance and interest and maximize participation and environmental impact.