Wildlife Research & Conservation

It was certainly a weekend of celebrations in West Virginia.  In addition to participating in the 143rd Commencement at West Virginia University, Dr. Tina Dow’s research was highlighted  in the latest edition of the WVU Alumni Magazine. Big Impact, Big Research Written By Jake Stump/ Photographs By Scott Lituchy The story of Tina Dow’s love …

Across the globe animal species are going extinct.  From such contributing factors such as disease, persecution, poaching, displacement, and habitat destruction, we are losing some of our most amazing creatures at an alarming rate.  Unfortunately, species extinctions are nothing new.  But can we learn from past mistakes to ensure more magnificent animals do not do …

Happy Earth Day!  Initiated in 1970, Earth Day is an annual event encouraging people around the world to make their lives a little more greener.  By doing so, people conserve resources and help ensure that what we have today will be here tomorrow.  With hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas that can help to reduce …

As science itself evolves, a new way of conducting research is emerging.  Although a newly coined phrase, Citizen Scientists have been around for a very long time, lending a helping hand to researchers around the globe.  Although these individuals may lack a formal education, what they do not lack is passion and enthusiasm.  Participation of …

Recently, Dr. Tina Dow was featured in the Researching the Researcher section of the latest edition of the Journal of the Elephant Managers Association (JEMA).  The article highlighted Tina’s doctoral research while at West Virginia University and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.            

Award-winning videos feature WVU’s true story on YouTube Six WVU University Relations-produced videos honored with prestigious Telly Award. Yes, substantive content does exist on YouTube. Beyond the guitar-shredding cats, personal pleas to Justin Bieber and brouhahas in fast food parking lots, the true stories of West Virginia University’s academic heart and soul can be seen, heard and …

A deadly threat has been identified in a Southern Illinois population of Massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus).  In 2008, biologists found 3 eastern massasaugas with disfiguring lesions on and around their head.  In addition, the snakes had multiple growths and ulcers, and experienced swelling that extended throughout the skin and skeletal muscle.  Another massasauga with a …

In the past, poaching of wildlife for bushmeat or sale of animal products was typically carried out by people living locally to wildlife habitats.  Particularly in severely impoverished areas, poaching was done to feed and support families.  In the last few years the face of poaching has changed.  Poaching has become very sophisticated utilizing GPS, …

I have always thought that “Wildlife Management” was a loose term.  Regardless of geographical location, wildlife lives in fragmented habitats, held inside imaginary borders meant to protect and conserve.  It is a daily struggle for humans and wild animals to co-exist.  As the human population continues to increase, wildlife is pushed to the edge of …

The dragon is both revered and feared in many cultures around the world.  This year the Chinese will celebrate the upcoming new year as the Year of the Dragon.  A symbol of strength and royalty, you can find interpretations of these mythical beasts adorning clothing, wall tapestries, statues, and even etched into flesh.  But what …