That's the next challenge for researchers: understanding how different players respond to games, tracking what people actually do after playing, and working more closely with game developers to create experiences that could have a positive impact beyond the screen. 5/6

While we know video games can shape how people think about nature, we still don't have strong evidence that they lead to real-world conservation action. 4/6

3/6

2/6

Can video games encourage people to care about biodiversity? 🎮 Researchers reviewed 380 papers covering 450 video games across 5 languages to find out how gaming links to nature engagement. Read the paper led by WildCRU’s Katie Blake 👉 doi.org/10.1145/3811... 1/6

Findings highlight how bait location and timing can improve vaccination success and provide practical guidance for designing wildlife disease control programmes wherever domestic animals threaten endangered carnivores Paper led by Beth Preston 👉 doi.org/10.1111/1365... royalvetcollege.bsky.social

Results show that Ethiopian wolves were primary bait consumers (46%), especially in the evening after bait was distributed. However, near human settlements, domestic dogs and non-target species can reduce vaccine uptake, accessing bait during the day, leaving less for Ethiopian wolves visiting later

Over 1,000 meat baits containing an oral rabies vaccine were delivered to 29 Ethiopian wolf packs across five populations. Camera traps confirmed species uptake for 416 of these baits.

Can oral vaccination help save one of the world's rarest canids? With approximately 500 Ethiopian wolves remaining, rabies transmitted by domestic dogs is one of the greatest threats to their survival. @bethpreston.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk

Despite recording some of the highest jaguar densities ever reported (up to 15.15 individuals per 100 km²), the study found the population was slowly declining. Female density fell by 77% over the study period, while male numbers increased through immigration. 2/3

17 years of camera-trap data from Brazil's Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve reveals the first estimates of survival and recruitment for Amazonian jaguars. Paper led by Raíssa Sepulvida & coauthored by WildCRU’s Gui Costa Alvarenga 👉 besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... 1/3

A survey of 1,505 people in Germany examined public support for killing wolves, lynx, and bears that have caused problems for people. Support was highest for bears, after attacks rather than scares, when people were harmed, and when only the responsible animal was targeted. 2/4

Large carnivore coexistence in Europe is at a critical point, with the European Commission's downlisting of wolves potentially leading to increased use of lethal control. What do people really think about killing wolves, lynx, and bears? 👉 doi.org/10.1098/rspb... 1/4 @biology.ox.ac.uk

Sophie Lund Rasmussen’s dedication to hedgehog research, conservation & science communication has been recognised through the naming of a new ward at the Parisian wildlife rescue centre 'Le Centre de Sauvegarde de la Faune Sauvage - Erinaceus France' 🦔 @biology.ox.ac.uk @drhedgehog.bsky.social

Congratulations to the new Dr Jennifer Linden! 👏 Jenny assessed potential impacts of climate change on endangered African wild dogs, finding that environmental change could drive widespread but spatially variable declines in the species. Well done from everyone at WildCRU!

We are delighted to be part of an exciting new chapter at Pembroke College, Oxford, made possible through the longstanding generosity of Dr Thomas Kaplan. The new Recanati-Kaplan Minerva Institute will bring together experts to tackle global challenges in conservation and security. 1/2

We welcomed Bryan Leonard (University of Wyoming) to discuss satellite data, migratory corridor conservation & the cost of connectivity in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Bryan shared insights on how property rights, markets & policies shape environmental & economic outcomes. @biology.ox.ac.uk

Daniella Skinner (Mabula Ground Hornbill Project) shared the challenges that the Southern Ground Hornbill faces, leading to a 70% decline in the species' former range in South Africa. Her research also explores the African hornbill trade and contributes to international policy.

Amy was joined by Richard Turere, who created Lion Lights - solar-powered, automated LED lights designed to deter predators from livestock enclosures. The Lion King musical reminds us why landscapes and species matter, and why conservation has never been more important. 2/2 @biology.ox.ac.uk

Amy Dickman was invited to experience The Lion King to celebrate Disney’s collaboration with the National Geographic Society. Amy later spoke at London Zoo, sharing insights from the field and discussed the importance of protecting wildlife and ecosystems in East Africa for future generations. 1/2

What do people really think about reintroducing species to the wild? At a late-night event at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Josh Sains and Darragh Hare invited visitors to take part in a pilot study on unlicensed species reintroductions, sometimes called "guerrilla rewilding."

Researchers recorded 407 detections across Sabah's western highlands, confirming the species in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve for the first time. The ferret badger is known only from the Kinabalu-Crocker-Trusmadi mountains, highlighting the importance of protecting unique highland ecosystems 2/2

The Bornean ferret badger (Melogale everetti), currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN, is endemic to Sabah and remains one of Borneo's least-known mammals. New research identifies the last refuge of this rare species. 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... 1/2

Lynx are often apex predators in healthy forest ecosystems but their conservation and reintroduction can be controversial. WildCRU researchers are investigating public perceptions of lynx reintroductions and what the implications could be for biodiversity and local communities. @biology.ox.ac.uk

Tune in to the Nature Conservation Talk Show The Morally Contested Conservation Project explores challenging issues at the intersection of wildlife conservation & economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, focussing on perspectives of communities living alongside wildlife 1/2 @biology.ox.ac.uk

WildCRU wins the Vice Chancellor’s ‘Making a Difference Globally’ Award! The award recognises the exceptional work of the team, who share their expertise globally to build local capacity, support equitable livelihoods, strengthen policy, and improve human-wildlife coexistence. @biology.ox.ac.uk

In celebration of WildCRU’s shortlisting for the Vice Chancellor’s Awards 2026, the team shared their amazing work at yesterday’s research showcase. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with fellow researchers, students and the public. Keeping our fingers crossed for the ceremony tomorrow!

The WildCRU team will be sharing their research at the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Showcase tomorrow, celebrating the group's hard work to understand and protect species around the globe. WildCRU has been shortlisted for the Vice Chancellor's 'Making a Difference Globally' Award. @biology.ox.ac.uk

The team have collected spraint from Kent to the Shetland Isles and the samples are currently by analysed for cortisol levels, an indicator of stress. The work forms part of the team’s efforts to understand animal welfare in wild animals. 2/3

Today is World Otter Day! 🦦 Otters are not just cute, but they are also the perfect animal to study. They have relatively small linear territories which they mark with spraint (poo). Researchers are looking at stress levels in otters and how they vary with population density 1/3 @biology.ox.ac.uk