Red Wolf Research Articles

Management Effects on Gastrointestinal Disease in Red Wolves (Canis rufus) Under Human Care: A Retrospective Study.

Red wolves (Canis rufus) are the most critically endangered wolf globally, with over 95% of individuals living under human care. Gastrointestinal (GI) disease is one of the leading causes of death among adult red wolves under human care, yet links between management practices and this condition remain unclear. By integrating studbook data, survey-based husbandry information, veterinary records, and necropsy reports, our study explored the relationships between management practices and post-mortem diagnoses of GI mucosal disease among 36 adult red wolves between 2004 and 2022. For final diets fed for a minimum of 4 months before death, we report that wolves fed diets limited to only kibble were more likely to exhibit a greater severity of GI mucosal disease than those fed diets that integrated whole prey or other meat items. In addition, while living at their final facilities for a minimum of 9 months before death, wolves treated with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug exhibited more severe GI issues than those who were not. Conversely, we found no effect of housing and life history traits on GI health. This study highlights the importance of evaluating management and veterinary protocols on red wolf GI health.

Binary Yellow Supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds. I. Photometric Candidate Identification

Recent works have constrained the binary fraction of evolved populations of massive stars in local galaxies such as red supergiants and Wolf–Rayet stars, but the binary fraction of yellow supergiants (YSGs) in the Hertzsprung gap remains unconstrained. Binary evolution theory predicts that the Hertzsprung gap is home to multiple populations of binary systems with varied evolutionary histories. In this paper, we develop a method to distinguish single YSGs from YSG plus O- or B-type main-sequence binaries using optical and ultraviolet photometry, and then apply this method to identify candidate YSG binaries in the Magellanic Clouds. After constructing a set of combined stellar atmosphere models, we find that optical photometry is, given typical measurement and reddening uncertainties, sufficient to discern single YSGs from YSG+OB binaries if the OB-star is at least ∼5M ⊙ for T eff,YSG ∼ 4000 K, but requires a ∼20M ⊙ OB star for YSGs up to T eff,YSG ∼ 9000 K. For these hotter YSG temperatures, ultraviolet photometry allows binaries with OB companions as small as ∼7M ⊙ to be identified. We use color–color spaces developed from these models to search for evidence of excess blue or ultraviolet light in a set of ∼1000 YSG candidates in the Magellanic Clouds. We identify hundreds of candidate YSG binary systems and report a preliminary fraction of YSGs that show a blue/UV color excess of 20%–60%. Spectroscopic follow-up is now required to confirm the true nature of this population.

Applying Reiss’ expectancy theory to locals’ perceptions of a potential red wolf reintroduction to Ozark National Forest, AR

ABSTRACT Although perceptions of risk related to wildlife have been well-studied, little research has evaluated the root causes of these perceived risks. Using a semi-structured instrument, we interviewed 20 interested parties who reside and/or recreate near Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, to explore perceptions of a potential red wolf (Canis rufus) reintroduction to the region. We employed Reiss’ (1991) expectancy theory to identify cause and effect relationships between previous conditioning events interested parties had experienced (i.e. sensitivities) and perceived risks related to the reintroduction (i.e. expectancies). We found respondents drew parallels to previous events including the red wolf reintroduction to North Carolina, other wildlife reintroductions in Arkansas, gray wolf (Canis lupus) reintroductions in Yellowstone National Park, and conflicts with other wildlife in Arkansas, where distrust for wildlife agencies underpinned these experiences. Based on our findings, we recommend agencies preemptively build trust and practice clear and frequent communication among interested parties when reintroductions are being considered.

HEMANGIOSARCOMA IN RED WOLVES (CANIS RUFUS) AND GRAY WOLVES (CANIS LUPUS) IN HUMAN CARE: SIX CASES.

Wolves are commonly housed in zoological institutions and captive breeding facilities that are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and for the recovery of declining populations. Neoplasia is a common cause of mortality in wolves, but hemangiosarcoma has not previously been described. This condition was diagnosed in four red wolves (Canis rufus) and two gray wolves (Canis lupus) housed at five different institutions between 2008 and 2018. Animals were 11-16 yr of age at the time of presentation. Clinical signs included loss of body condition, abdominal distension, lethargy, weakness, ataxia, and hyporexia. Three animals were mildly anemic. All animals were humanely euthanized within an average of 3 d from onset of clinical signs. Two animals had primary splenic tumors, two had pelvic tumors with one originating from the aorta, and one had a cranial mediastinal mass. Diagnosis was made on postmortem histologic examination in all cases. Four wolves had evidence of metastases with foci in the lungs, lymph nodes, mesentery, liver, subcutis/skeletal muscle, kidney, adrenal, and thyroid gland. Hemangiosarcoma should be considered in geriatric wolves presenting with nonspecific signs, particularly if abdominal distension, free peritoneal fluid, or anemia is present.

Trichinella spp. in wolves (Canis lupus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of southern Italy

Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite.

High-frequency hearing sensitivity does not systematically imply aversion to ultrasounds in large terrestrial mammals

ABSTRACT Crop damage and vehicle collisions caused by wild ungulates require effective deterrents. Many commercial acoustic devices use ultrasonic signals, presenting them as aversive to these animals. However, unconvincing results reported in previous studies using (non-frequency modulated) ultrasounds bring their effectiveness as deterrent signals into question. Here, we explored the deterrent effectiveness of ultrasounds in several large mammalian species that are expected to perceive these high frequencies. Specifically, we tested the effect of different ultrasonic signals on red deer, peccaries, and wolves. Animals were exposed to sequences of nine acoustic signals in the 20–30 kHz frequency range, and to a lower-pitched signal (2–3 kHz). While red deer showed no aversion to ultrasonic signals (inaudible for humans), lower frequency (audible for humans) modulations increased aversive responses. Conversely, peccaries showed strong flight responses to several ultrasonic signals. Wolves also reacted to ultrasounds but did not flee. Our study confirms that ultrasonic signals are not suitable for deterring European red deer. However, our results suggest that their effectiveness in other species should be systematically tested, without assuming that their hearing frequency range is a reliable predictor of their behavioural responses to ultrasonic signals.

Writing Stories of Anthropocene Extinction: Barbara Kingsolver’s Fiction and Nonfiction

ABSTRACT Humans are the most numerous big animals on Earth, deciding the fate of other species. As the massive geological force in the current epoch, the Anthropocene, human-driven alterations of the Earth’s environment take the form of a few dangerous trends: climate disruptions, species extinction, pollution of air, land, and sea, and growth of the human population. Barbara Kingsolver’s fictional works Prodigal Summer (2000) and Flight Behaviour (2012) are environment writings and narratives that foreground the current ‘Anthropocene extinction’ crisis. She recounts the stories of the coyote clan and the already extinct red wolf, the American chestnuts that became nearly extinct, the Monarchs changing their flight direction to more severe climate conditions, the booming trade of wildlife and pet animals, and numerous other species readily available for human consumption and use. Kingsolver’s writings amalgamate scientific knowledge with poetics and intersect the fiction and realities of global species extinction. The paper examines why exploring literary texts on species extinction is important and focuses on the storytelling mode of Kingsolver’s extinction narratives. This study also presents the texts as new narratives of hope presenting the affirmative visions of a sustainable future and the coexistence of human-nonhuman species.

“GOOD GIRLS AND BAD WOLVES?” - A READING OF BLURRED GENDER ROLES AND PARENTHOOD IN THE GRAPHIC NARRATIVES OF THE RED RIDING HOOD

Though not so iconised and popularized as the other fairy tales characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, or Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood has seen multifarious subversive revisions and adaptations in modern and postmodern art and literature. The role of motherhood is inextricable from the traditional narratives of the fairy tales; nonetheless, the recent retellings of the story in fiction, poetry, and notably in graphic narratives show a blurring of the gender archetypes. This paper analyzes the blurring of gender boundaries and parenthood in the graphic retelling of the popular fairy tale, Red Riding Hood, namely The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais, “Red” by Teloka And Pi, and Emily Carroll’s short comics “In Conclusion” and “His Face All Red”. These graphic narratives will be analyzed with the theoretical discourses of Julia Kristeva, Luce Irigaray, and Marina Warner.

Path Planning for Autonomous Mobile Robots Using the RFO-GWO Optimization Algorithm

Path planning is a challenging navigation problem that can be handled using multi-objective methods. This paper, present a thre Path planning is a challenging navigation problem that can be handled using multi-objective methods. This paper presents a three-stage multi-objective path-planning method. The first stage is to locate the best or near-best solution path and avoid detected obstacles using a hybrid of the red fox–gray wolf optimizer (RFO–GWO), which finds a route from the start position to the target position. In the second step, a mutation operation using an evolutionary algorithm is utilized to enhance the length, integrity, and smoothness of the route generated by the RFO–GWO algorithm. The final step of the suggested method is refined further using a multiphase technique. By integrating the real sizes of the mobile robots and the size of the barriers and phrasing the issue as a traveling object in the available area, the suggested path-planning method resembles the actual world. The simulation results indicate that this strategy creates the most viable path even in complicated surroundings, overcoming the disadvantages of traditional approaches. Furthermore, when compared to prior path-planning methods, the simulation’s outcomes indicate that the suggested RFO–GWO method is effective in terms of the route, and the strategy is extremely competitive. The results showed a significant improvement, where the total percentage convergence time (in seconds) for RFO–GWO for the three maps was 15%, 12%, and 10%, respectively, whereas it was 35%, 41%, and 43% seconds in GWO and 34%, 35%, and 37% seconds in RFO. There was also a significant improvement in the number of nodes for RFO-GWO (2%, 3%, and 2%) compared to GWO nodes (64%, 65%, and 62%), and RFO nodes (32%, 30%, and 35%) for the same three maps. Subsequently, the smoothness of the path formed by the recommended approach was enhanced using the evolutionary algorithm (EA), where the total percentage length of the path in the worst scenario for GWO was 28% and for RFO was 26% in units, but after improvement with the RFO-GWO with EA, it became 22% in units. stages multi-objective path planning method: The first stage is to locate the best or near-best solution path and avoid the detected obstacles using a hybrid of the Red Fox-Grey Wolf optimizer (RFO-GWO) method, which finds a rout from the start position to the target position. In the second step, a mutation operation by evolutionary, are utilized to enhance the length, integrity, and smooth of the rout generated by the RFO-GWO method. the final step the suggested method is refined further by using the multiphase technique. By integrating both the real sizes of the mobile robots and the size of the barriers and phrasing the issue as a traveling object in the available area, the suggested path planning method resembles the actual world. The simulation results indicate that this strategy creates the best viable path even in complicated surroundings, overcoming the disadvantages of traditional approaches. Furthermore, when contrasted with prior path-planning methods, simulation outcomes indicate that the suggested RFO-GWO in terms of route effectivity, the strategy is extremely competitive.

Spatio-temporal interactions between the red fox and the wolf in two contrasting European landscapes

Relationships among carnivore species are complex, potentially switching from competition to facilitation on a context-dependent basis. Negative associations are predicted to increase with latitude, due to limited resources emphasising competition and/or intra-guild predation. Accordingly, a stronger negative correlation between large- and meso-carnivore abundances should be expected at higher latitudes, with a substantial spatio-temporal partitioning favouring interspecific coexistence. Human presence may influence spatio-temporal relationships between (meso)carnivore species, as it can be perceived as a risk factor, but anthropogenic food can also provide an important additional food resource. Using camera-trap data, we studied the spatio-temporal associations between two of the most widespread carnivores in Europe, i.e., the red fox and wolf. We compared their monthly/daily spatio-temporal partitioning between two different landscapes: Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland) and the Mediterranean Maremma Regional Park (Italy). We predicted a stronger interspecific partitioning, as well as more attraction of red foxes to humans in the northern site (Poland). Temporal activity patterns of the two carnivores overlapped in both sites, and their detection rates were positively associated, even though in weaker way in Poland. We observed a positive spatial association of red foxes with human activity in Białowieża, but not in Maremma. This association occurred only at a monthly temporal scale and disappeared at a daily scale, suggesting some disturbance in the shorter term. Our results provided partial support to our predictions and suggest that, despite the ecological differences between our study areas, only weak differences in wolf-fox relations were observed, suggesting that red fox responses to wolves may be relatively comparable over large spatial scales.

Kibble diet is associated with higher faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in zoo-managed red wolves (Canis rufus).

The red wolf (Canis rufus) is a critically endangered canid that exists solely because of the establishment of the ex situ population in the late 1980s. Yet, the population under human care suffers from gastrointestinal (GI) disease in captivity. While the cause of GI disease is unknown, it is speculated that environmental factors can influence GI health of zoo-managed red wolves. The goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, a biomarker for stress, and environmental factors for zoo-managed red wolves. Faecal samples were collected from 14 adult wolves three times a week for 5 to 12months. Using a single-antibody cortisol enzyme immunoassay, FGM concentrations were quantified. Environmental factors were collected for each participating wolf on dietary type, sex, type of public access to enclosure, density (enclosure size [ft2]/number of wolves living in enclosure) and a monthly average status of GI health. Red wolves that ate a commercial kibble diet had both higher FGM concentrations over time and higher baseline FGM concentrations compared to individuals that received commercial kibble mixed with commercial meat. Density, public access or GI health were not related to FGM concentration; however, males had higher baseline FGM concentrations compared to female red wolves. Our findings suggest that management conditions, particularly diet, can strongly influence FGM concentration in the zoo-managed red wolf population. Findings from this study highlight the importance of management choices on individual welfare. Maintaining a healthy captive population of red wolves is imperative for the persistence of the species, including successful future reintroductions.

ТЕРИОФАУНА КАЗАХСТАНСКОЙ ЧАСТИ БАССЕЙНА ИРТЫША

The article presents the results of a review of literary data and personal observations, and an assess-ment of the level of study of mammals in the Irtysh River basin is provided. The aim of the work was to compile a list of mammals, analyze the species diversity, and evaluate the impact of anthropogenic and natural factors on the state of the fauna of the Irtysh. The research methodology included field observa-tions in two model areas – in the Black (Cherniy) Irtysh and the Pavlodar Irtysh region. A list of species was prepared, and a characterization of the theriofauna of the research area was given. Eighty-seven species of mammals from 6 orders and 19 families inhabit the two regions, five of which are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Jaccard similarity index for the studied territories was 0,62. Seven alien species are recorded here, three species – the tiger (Panthera tigris), red wolf (Cuon alpinus), and saiga (Saiga tatarica) – have disappeared from the Irtysh fauna; the European beaver (Cas-tor fiber) continues to restore its historical range. The conducted study has high scientific and practical significance, contributes to understanding the state of biodiversity of this region, and emphasizes the need to develop measures for the conservation and sustainable use of mammals in the face of climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Cultural attitudes and behavioural change: A conceptual examination of the wolf and the publisher

Abstract Cultural transformation is required to support positive attitudinal change towards the natural environment. Cultural intermediaries are influential in the dissemination of environmental knowledge since they support and promote cultural activities through their role as gatekeepers and tastemakers of culture. They are, therefore, influential in knowledge transfer, through their work as publishers, arts managers, producers, and curators. Consequently, they play a pivotal role in the creation of an individual’s attitudes. This conceptual article, is specifically, concerned with publishers and how they can influence a person’s attitudes towards the Eurasian wolf ( Canis lupus lupus ) and its cousins, the North American grey wolf ( Canis lupus ) and red wolf ( Canis rufus ). Furthermore, a change of attitude can impact on an individual’s beliefs, feelings, and behaviour. Especially since any attitudes an individual holds are often a result of social learning, rather than direct contact or knowledge of the wolf. Consequently, to achieve behavioural change, it is necessary to challenge existing knowledge and attitudes, here the work of cultural intermediaries can be critical. For example, publishers can help to create cognitive dissonance within individuals which may support positive behavioural change towards the natural environment. Given the significant role intermediaries have within European and North American societies and their ability to change individual behaviour, it is crucial that their impact on environmental knowledge and attitudes be considered.

Ecological effects of a declining red wolf population

AbstractCarnivores, especially wolves (Canis sp.), have profound impacts on their ecosystems, affecting the abundance and behavior of prey and competitors, but this has not been examined in detail for red wolves (C. rufus). We studied a population of red wolves that was reintroduced to eastern North Carolina in 1987 and initially thrived, peaking at 120 animals. Due to an increase in anthropogenic mortality and a decline in government support, the population experienced a crash starting in 2014. We evaluated changes in the relative abundance of prey and competitor species during the red wolf decline with 25 camera traps run primarily on National Wildlife Refuges from 2015 to 2021. If red wolves were having an ecological effect on the mammal community, we expected this effect would decline as the wolf population waned, resulting in increased prey and competitor populations. Supporting this, we found that relative abundance increased for most prey and competitor species including American black bear (Ursus americanus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and Northern raccoon (Procyon lotor). For all species, this increase was most notable after spring 2018, the second year with low red wolf reproduction. For some species, the increase was dramatic; the detection rate for raccoon, bear and bobcat doubled from the spring of 2018 to the spring of 2021. White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) showed a general increase in relative abundance but remained prevalent even at their lowest detection rates. Our results lend correlational support to the hypothesis that red wolves had a strong effect on their ecosystems by suppressing prey and competitor populations when they were at their peak. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that reintroductions of large predators have ecological impacts, with the caveat that these impacts can decline rapidly if the predators dwindle back to critically low numbers.

ON THE PATTERNS AND CAUSES OF CHRONOGRAPHIC VARIABILITY OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN SOME MAMMALS: THE ORDERS RODENTIA AND CARNIVORA

Chronographic variations in some craniological features in the Spotted ground squirrel, the Red fox and the Wolf in the middle of the 20th to early 21st centuries have been established. They represent their temporary deviations from the average size towards an increase which, after several generations, is replaced by a return to the original values. The influence of trophic and climatic factors, parasites, diseases and population densities during the development of young individuals is considered. Chronographic changes in the condylobasal length and zygomatic width of the skull are established as temporary and reversible, increases in their values being replaced by their decreases. Increases in the size of the skull of the Spotted ground squirrel and the Red fox occur “suddenly” in individuals of one generation, and their return to the initial values occurs gradually in individuals of several subsequent generations. Chronographic variations in the size of the skull of the Spotted ground squirrel and the Red fox correlate with changes in reproduction rates and some other varying factors. They correspond to certain phases of population abundance. Increased sizes of the Red fox and Wolf skulls are observed in the phases of quitting a depression to the beginning of a population growth. The probable causes of chronographic changes lie in somatic heterosis, caused in natural habitats by the alternation of the prevailing mating types (inbreeding or outbreeding), these being due to massive rearrangements of individuals as a result of deep population reductions from natural or anthropogenic impacts.

MicroCT imaging of canid diaphyses: bone ontogeny from a zooarchaeological and digital perspective

X-ray microCT offers the possibility of studying the internal structure of animal remains by detecting age-related changes in bone microstructure. In the present work, we analyse developmental patterns of the diaphyseal structure in canids. In particular, the first metacarpal of current and archaeological individuals of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and wolf (Canis lupus) was analysed. Variables describing bone structure were measured by inferring bone development through the observation of cross-sections. The results show how bone structure changes over the course of a lifetime and how this approach makes it possible to separate young and older individuals. This is important from a zooarchaeological point of view to estimate the age at death of fragmentary animal remains and to discriminate taxa characterised by similar morphology but different adult body size using a non-destructive approach.

RED WoLF hybrid energy storage system: Algorithm case study and green competition between storage heaters and heat pump

Green house gases reduction is critical in current climate emergency and was declared as major target by United Nations. This manuscript proposes the progressive adaptive recursive multi threshold control strategy for hybrid energy storage system that combines thermal storage reservoirs, heat pumps, storage heaters, photovoltaic array and a battery. The newest control strategy is tested in numerical experiment against primal dual simplex optimisation method as benchmark and previous iterations of RED WoLF threshold approaches. The proposed algorithm allows improvement in reduction of CO2 emissions by 9% comparatively to RED WoLF double threshold approach and by 26% comparatively to RED WoLF single threshold approach. Besides, the proposed technique is at least 100 times faster than linear optimisation, making the algorithm applicable to edge systems. The proposed method is later tested in numerical experiment on two measured datasets from Luxembourg school and office, equipped with batteries and ground source heat pumps. The system allows the reduction of CO2 emission and improvement of self-consumption, size reduction of the photovoltaic array installed at the facilities by at least by half as well as substituting battery storage by thermal storage, reducing the initial investment to the system. Intriguingly, despite 3.6 times difference in efficiency between heat pumps and storage heaters, the system equipped with latter have potential to achieve similar performance in carbon reduction, suggesting that energy storage have more prominent carbon reduction effect, than the power consumption, making cheaper systems with storage heaters a possible alternative to heat pumps.

Echinococcus Species Infections among Wild Canids in Pennsylvania, USA.

Echinococcus species are zoonotic tapeworms that can impact the health of wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, and humans. Two species of interest in North America are Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus canadensis (Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato). The primary wildlife definitive hosts for E. multilocularis and E. canadensis are similar, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and wolves (Canis lupus). These two Echinococcus spp. use different intermediate hosts, including small mammals for E. multilocularis and artiodactylids for E. canadensis. Although historically absent from much of the eastern US, recent reports in new US states (e.g., Virginia, Vermont, Maine, Missouri) highlight the need for Echinococcus spp. surveillance in this region. During 2019-2020, 308 gastrointestinal tracts were collected from wild canids in Pennsylvania and microscopically screened for adult Echinococcus species. Two coyotes (2/155) were co-infected with both E. multilocularis and E. canadensis as determined by molecular confirmation. No red foxes (n=137) or gray foxes (n=16) were positive. These data indicate both Echinococcus species are present in Pennsylvanian coyotes, highlighting the need to better understand the ecological and epidemiological consequences for human and animal health.

Anthropogenic predictors of varying Holocene occurrence for Europe's large mammal fauna.

Understanding how species respond to different anthropogenic pressures is essential for conservation planning. The archaeological record has great potential to inform extinction risk assessment by providing evidence on past human-caused biodiversity loss, but identifying specific drivers of past declines from environmental archives has proved challenging. We used 17 684 Holocene zooarchaeological records for 15 European large mammal species together with data on past environmental conditions and anthropogenic activities across Europe, to assess the ability of environmental archives to determine the relative importance of different human pressures in shaping faunal distributions through time. Site occupancy probability showed differing significant relationships with environmental covariates for all species, and nine species also showed significant relationships with anthropogenic covariates (human population density, % cropland, % grazing land). Across-species differences in negative relationships with covariates provide ecological insights for understanding extinction dynamics: some mammals (red deer, aurochs, wolf, wildcat, lynx, pine marten and beech marten) were more vulnerable to past human-environmental interactions, and differing single and synergistic anthropogenic factors influenced likelihood of past occurrence across species. Our results provide new evidence for pre-industrial population fragmentation and depletion in European mammals, and demonstrate the usefulness of historical baselines for understanding species' varying long-term sensitivity to multiple threats.

The untapped cases of Workplace Bullying and its concealed impacts on Healthcare Employees

The stress caused by workplace bullying affects not only mental health but also impacts physical and social life of employees. Thus, bullying is a red wolf for organizations by affecting employee performance. One of the most critical organizations affected by bullying is healthcare facilities. The competence, coordination, and mental, physical and social relations of healthcare workers determine their work performance during duty hours and is a matter of life and death for ailing patients. This research paper tries to identify the prevalence and intensity of workplace bullying among employees. For this study, the collection of data was carried out from 318 hospital working employees. The findings reveal a higher prevalence in the targets found through negative acts behavior than self-identified as a target. Besides, this study explores that the intensity of bullying is the same in all groups, i.e. targets, witnesses and non-exposed employees. The results show that workplace bullying affects the work quality of employees and its a negative impact on work performance.