Conservationists are Drawing Eyes on Cattle to Scare Predators
References: newsroom.unsw.edu.au & boingboing.net
A creative, low-cost conservation campaign developed by a research team at the University of New South Wales hopes to prevent cattle in Botswana from being preyed upon by lions that hunt in the same area. The campaign, informally entitled 'iCow,' is simple: researchers paint sets of intimidating eyes on cows' rumps, which cause the offending lions to believe they have been spotted and forgo an attack.
Lions hunt via stalking and ambushing, and so their method requires surprise. In the wild, if a lion recognizes that a gazelle, for instance, has seen it, it won't waste time and energy pouncing, since the gazelle will surely run away. Professor Neil Jordan noticed this behavioral trait and decided to apply it to a conservation campaign. Over the course of a ten week trial, three unpainted cattle were eaten, while none with the painted rears were attacked.
Though still early, more thorough success in this campaign would illustrate the benefit of thinking outside the box when addressing ecological concerns.
Lions hunt via stalking and ambushing, and so their method requires surprise. In the wild, if a lion recognizes that a gazelle, for instance, has seen it, it won't waste time and energy pouncing, since the gazelle will surely run away. Professor Neil Jordan noticed this behavioral trait and decided to apply it to a conservation campaign. Over the course of a ten week trial, three unpainted cattle were eaten, while none with the painted rears were attacked.
Though still early, more thorough success in this campaign would illustrate the benefit of thinking outside the box when addressing ecological concerns.
Trend Themes
1. Creative Conservation Campaigns - Using innovative methods to address ecological concerns.
2. Low-cost Conservation Strategies - Developing cost-effective solutions for conservation efforts.
3. Behavioral Insights in Animal Conservation - Applying understanding of animal behaviors to protect vulnerable species.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - Implementing creative conservation campaigns in the agricultural sector.
2. Ecotourism - Utilizing low-cost conservation strategies to attract eco-conscious tourists.
3. Wildlife Conservation - Applying behavioral insights in animal conservation to protect endangered species.
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