The return of sea otters can increase the genetic diversity of eelgrass
Contrary to how it may appear, it turns out that sea otters ripping up eelgrass actually does the plant – and the nearshore ecosystem – a favour.
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On ensuring animal welfare in research using live capture
A recent journal article, published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution, draws attention to the need for consistent and high standards for animal welfare in research, and the important role that journals have in maintaining ethical standards in published research. The authors, joined by Raincoast scientists Kate Field, Paul Paquet and Chris Darimont, stress that…
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Spatial alignment between grizzly bear genetic groups and Indigenous language families in coastal BC
In the landscape on the central coast of what is now known as British Columbia, genetic analyses have identified three distinct genetic groups of grizzly bears. The spatial areas of these groups align strikingly well with the geographies of three Indigenous language families (Tsimshian, Northern Wakashan, Salishan Nuxalk). The explanation the research partnership favours is…
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Recommendations towards greater transparency in the science, science communication, and values-driven processes of natural resource management
A new paper, published by a team of researchers including Raincoast scientists, dives into the tangle of cognitive bias, institutional agendas, human interests, and pays special attention to the role of undisclosed value judgments.
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Behind The Glass Hunting with Chris Darimont and Chris Pryn
Chris Darimont spoke with hunter and podcaster Chris Pryn to discuss their shared interests in hunting and habitat protection, and also to figure out where they disagree. It’s a remarkable interview, in part, because both Darimont and Pryn work so hard to have a respectful conversation despite their differences.
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Research: The eroding social license to hunt carnivores
A new study suggests killing predators like wolves, grizzly bears, and cougars for trophy is a potential threat not only to these sensitive animals, but also to other hunters…
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What would it be like to study wolves?
An interview with Dr. Heather Bryan who has been studying wolves with Raincoast since she was an undergraduate student…
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Research: Compliance of small vessels to minimum distance regulations for humpback and killer whales in the Salish Sea
The rise of vessel traffic, the growth of the whale watching industry, increased interactions between whales and small vessels, and the precarious existence of Southern Residents in particular, has given rise to some regulations from the federal government that attempt to mitigate the harm these interactions pose…
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Wolf School
Our aim is to broaden the public’s understanding of wolves, especially the wild population of wolves in British Columbia.
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Wolf School with Chris Darimont
The last episode of this “semester’s” Wolf School looks toward existing and emerging solutions to the conservation of wolves in British Columbia. Raincoast’s Director of Science, Dr. Chris Darimont, will also look back to share how his mentor, Chester “Lone Wolf” Starr, influenced him, all of our wolf research and the direction of Raincoast’s conservation work on BC’s coast…
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Exploring human dimensions of hunting via social science, evolutionary ecology, and personal experience
In episode 140 of The Hunting Collective podcast, Ben O’Brien does a fascinating and good-natured follow up interview with Dr. Barrie Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert is a prominent bear biologist, friend of Raincoast, and previous verbal sparring-partner with Ben (at least when it comes to the hunting of predators). Ben invited Dr. Gilbert back for another interview, and they made productive amends…
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Research: Addressing poor statistical support for wolf control and maternal penning as conservation measures for endangered mountain caribou
A new study shows that while addressing potential threats from wolves does not seem to be effective, an important new signal has emerged from the data: ecotype.
