Latest news with #UniversityofWisconsin-StevensPoint
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Photographer stunned as new technology captures haunting images in rainforest: 'The ultimate thrill'
After setting up his camera in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, a 4,000-square-kilometer (1,545-square-mile) expanse of lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mongabay reported that photographer Will Burrard-Lucas captured stunning shots of elusive wildlife. "For me, the ultimate thrill is to photograph predators," Burrard-Lucas told Mongabay. "It was an incredible moment when I returned to one camera and found a photo of the most impressive male leopard I have ever seen!" The biodiversity in the DRC is rich — 450 mammal species, 15,000 plant species, and 1,150 bird species roam the world's second-largest tropical rainforest area, according to Interactive Country Fiches. Burrard-Lucas set up four cameras in the national park. Such camera traps provide valuable research about the status of and threats to wildlife populations, particularly those that are endangered. African forest elephants are among the critically endangered species in the area that the cameras managed to capture. Other delightful creatures caught in action — often at night — include duikers, water chevrotains, giant pangolins, etc. Seraphin Ngouna, a staffer at one of Nouabalé-Ndoki's research sites, told Mongabay, "These photos are amazing; I am really happy that thanks to these cameras we are able to take pictures of the animals that are very difficult to spot." Without intervention, such as reduced interaction with humans or habitat protection, the next step for endangered species can be extinction. However, such candid photography can help researchers and governments document what species are endangered and how to help. Doing so benefits the entire world, as a blend of different species from the plant and animal kingdom creates healthy biodiversity for a functional ecosystem. Conservation efforts have proved to work, such as with the monarch butterfly. After facing threats due to the extensive loss of their sole food source, milkweed, the area the monarch butterfly covers has doubled from 2024 to 2025. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point researchers have developed heat-sensing drones to protect threatened waterfowl. The stunning photos from the Congo were a hit in the comments, as one person said, "Absolutely brilliant photo[,] well done all of you involved in this project." Another remarked, "This is amazing." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers develop heat-sensing drones that could help save endangered species: 'It's an exciting step forward'
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have developed drone technology that can help biologists monitor and protect waterfowl populations, according to a news release. Amanda Griswold, a graduate student in the College of Natural Resources, has worked on a two-year study along with her adviser, assistant professor Ben Sedinger, to survey wetland areas and identify waterfowl species. Waterfowl, a diverse family of bird species normally found near water sources, are some of the most commonly recognized birds in the world. They include ducks, swans, geese, and more. According to Animal Diversity, 39 species of waterfowl, or anseriformes, are listed as threatened, with five critically endangered and seven endangered. These include the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian duck, and long-tailed duck. According to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the most common threat to waterfowl is habitat loss due to agriculture expansion and urban development. Ducks Unlimited estimates nearly 113 million acres of wetlands have been lost since settlement. Other threats include hunting, invasive species, and the recent outbreak of bird flu. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has created wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota to protect waterfowl. Much of the funds for waterfowl protection comes from the Federal Duck Stamp. To accurately survey and protect waterfowl, traditionally biologists have relied on aerial flights or satellite monitoring, which help avoid human disturbances. However, these surveying techniques come with limitations because of their expenses. By using drones, Griswold significantly cut costs and minimized impact on the natural behaviors of waterfowl. Griswold's drones used thermal imaging technology to greatly increase the ability to monitor and survey waterfowl. According to the university, Griswold identified 773 breeding pairs and 573 waterfowl broods, the young of the family. "Our findings show that drones are a reliable and efficient tool for monitoring breeding waterfowl populations," Griswold said. "They improve detection rates while reducing the need for time-intensive ground surveys." Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Griswold's research helps provide critical data on waterfowl breeding habits, allowing biologists and conservationists to prioritize certain efforts and areas. The information on breeding pairs and the density of the pairs helped reaffirm the Wisconsin Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy, a 15-year plan to identify prime conservation of wetland areas for waterfowl. "Pair presence and density aligned well with the conservation rankings and wetland areas," Griswold said. "But brood densities depended more on seasonal timing and local conditions. This suggests our models need refinement to capture the complexities of quality brood habitat fully." Even with the limitations, the project created a more affordable conservation effort by limiting labor, reducing costs, and maximizing efficacy. According to Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Griswold's project will give conservationists the tools to respond to habitat loss, habitat degradation, and the effects of climate change on waterfowl more quickly and more efficiently. "This research combines advanced technology with ecological expertise to address real-world conservation challenges," Sedinger said. "Drones give us the ability to observe waterfowl in ways we couldn't before, allowing for more precise conservation strategies. It's an exciting step forward for waterfowl and wetland conservation." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
