Preservation or Restoration

This study examines the effect of the Burmese python in the Everglades National Park. Burmese pythons are native to Asia but have proliferated in Florida's Everglades due to the release of pythons kept as pets. Researchers find that they have depleted and almost eradicated species of rabbits, foxes, bobcats and opossums in sections of the park.

This report addresses the issue of a growing population and food scarcity. It suggests changes that can be made to have enough food for the projected 9 billion people who will be living on this planet by 2050. Specifically it suggests halting agricultural expansion, closing ‘yield gaps’ on under-performing lands, increasing cropping efficiency, shifting diets and reducing waste.

This poll of over 1,000 U.S. adults finds that 70.4% of tourists are willing to pay to view lions, but only 6.6% are willing to pay to hunt them. This suggests that, in order for Africa to keep its travel and tourism industry healthy, it should focus on the preservation and protection of wild lions and their habitat.

Humane Trends is a barometer of the status of animal protection in the United States. This study brings together a collection of 25 diverse indicators to assess the status and progress of animal well-being, providing a comprehensive view of animal use and abuse in the United States to help inform animal advocates as well as policymakers and the public. Although Humane Trends compiles the most accurate data currently available for each indicator, the overall study is limited by the lack of reliable data regarding animal protection issues. Humane Trends serves to underscore the need for further research and more accurate information about our treatment of animals.

This survey of households with cats investigates the prevalence of cats catching prey animals. The study presents findings about the prevalence of cats bringing prey animals home, what animals are caught, and when it is most likely to occur.

Simple Summary:

"The immense rainforest ecosystems of tropical America represent some of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet. Prominent among these are evolutionary radiations of freshwater fishes, including electric eels, piranhas, stingrays, and a myriad of small-bodied and colorful tetras, cichlids, and armored catfishes. In all, the many thousands of these forms account for nearly 10% of all the vertebrate species on Earth. This article explores the complimentary roles that ecological and geographic filters play in limiting dispersal in aquatic species, and how these factors contribute to the accumulation of species richness over broad geographic and evolutionary time scales."

A survey of prairie chickens in Kansas state indicates that the population of this species has been on the decline, possibly due to inbreeding and low egg viability.

A poll of 1,700 residents of Poland, Norway and Estonia was conducted to assess public attitudes toward large carnivores. Survey results showed that in general, Estonians have rational attitudes toward these predators, and are neither fearful nor contentious toward these animals.

This paper discusses the role of wolf as wildlife and as intruder/predator, discussing various considerations that should be made when engaging with and managing this ecologically important species. Previous cases of wildlife management and ensuing outcomes should be studied so that prior mistakes may be avoided when dealing with this species and its related ecosystems.