Animals

LONDON, Aug. 31 (UPI) — U.K. scientists have developed a method to monitor rare and endangered species over large landscapes — and it’s as easy as clicking a camera shutter, they say.
Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London collect images from remote “camera traps” that automatically photograph anything that walks, [...]

COLUMBIA, Mo., Aug. 31 (UPI) — “Free as a bird” may not be as free as it sounds, researchers say, as a study suggest what’s on the ground greatly affects where birds fly.
Scientists at the University of Missouri says the findings could be useful to foresters and urban planners alike to improve bird [...]

BALTIMORE, Aug. 30 (UPI) — U.S. researchers have demonstrated a kinder, gentler way of collecting dolphin DNA for scientific study, scientists say.
A harmless “breath” test using the dolphin’s “blow” or exhalation is replacing traditional “dart biopsying,” which involves firing a dart with a small barb into the flank of the animal that yields a [...]

CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 30 (UPI) — Oil sands mining in Canada is polluting the Athabasca River with metals known to be toxic at even low concentrations, a team of university researchers says.
University of Alberta scientists say elements being discharged by mining operations into the Athabasca include mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium, all toxic [...]

CINCINNATI, Aug. 30 (UPI) — A female rhino at the Cincinnati Zoo will make history by giving birth to the first Indian rhino calf conceived by artificial insemination, zoo officials say.
Mother-to-be Nikki has added 60 pounds to her 4,120-pound figure since June and is expected to deliver in October, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
For zoo [...]