A new study by U.S. Forest Service scientists shows that changes in forest structure may be contributing to declines in native bee populations. Bees prefer open forests with diverse herbaceous communities, which require prescribed fire to maintain. Managing for open forests can also help sustain other species and pollination.
A US forest service research team has released bats treated for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungus that has killed an estimated 5-6 million bats. The treatment, developed with native soil bacteria, showed promising results in field trials and could potentially reduce mortality of bats affected by the disease.
Recent research by Solomon Dobrowski, a University of Montana professor, finds that forest canopies play a crucial role in buffering juvenile trees from drought and heat. The study suggests that climatic buffering from forest canopies is important to consider when projecting the likelihood of regeneration in future forests.
A recent study found that over 50% of National Forest land in the northern Sierra Nevada is designated to promote mature, closed-canopy forest, while many bird species prefer undergrowth and habitat outside reserves. The study suggests a need to balance old-growth forest management with diverse forest habitats for all species.
Researchers use statistical analysis to predict the spread of invasive European earthworm species Dendrobaena octaedra into Canada's boreal forest, forecasting it will expand from 3% to 39% of the forest floor by 2056. The worms are entering the forest via roadways, altering soil pH and decomposition rates.
A new set of global forest maps provide a more accurate view of forests, combining recent remote sensing data, statistics, and citizen scientist input. The maps are freely available for exploration and download on the Geo-Wiki Web site.
A study reveals that 70% of the world's remaining forests are within a half-mile of their edges, facing harm from urbanization and agricultural influences. Habitat fragmentation reduces plant and animal diversity by 13-75%, with negative effects magnifying over time.
A new study found that post-fire logging can reduce woody fuels for up to four decades following wildfire in dry coniferous forests. Harvesting fire-killed trees also helps forest managers manage fuels, with logged stands having lower fuels than unlogged stands over time.
A team led by Montana State University ecologist Jia Hu will investigate the movement of nitrogen through a western Montana forest to provide baseline information on nitrogen availability and forest productivity. The goal is to help forest managers make informed decisions leading to healthier forests across the West.
A study found that below 43% forest cover, species loss becomes more rapid and widespread in the Amazon. Researchers recommend focusing on maintaining 50% forest cover over entire landscapes to prevent biodiversity loss.
A study in California's Sierra Nevada region found a nine-fold increase in standing dead trees and nearly three times more logs on the ground, but smaller and more decayed pieces. This shift poses a challenge for forest managers, who must balance habitat value with fire hazard reduction.
Research by University of Utah-led team finds shade coffee to be bird-friendly, but some species thrive in forest habitats. The study suggests organic shade coffee is the best choice for biodiversity, with native trees and no chemicals.
A UCI study reveals that conifer tree species drive different types of fires in North America and Eurasia, with varying climate effects. These patterns have large-scale implications for fire ecology, climate modeling, and forest management.
Researchers observe orangutans walking on newly constructed logging roads in East Kalimantan's Wehea Forest, suggesting a potential adaptive strategy for survival. The finding highlights the rapid loss of Borneo's forest habitats and underscores the need to protect remaining forests.
Researchers found that future carbon accumulation rates are highly sensitive to land use changes, with afforestation and deforestation impacting rates. Forests in the region are relatively resilient to natural disturbances, but aging forests and land use transitions can slow down accumulation.
Researchers combined traditional ecological knowledge and scientific methods to identify forest conditions preferred by beargrass harvesters. Key findings include differences in coarse woody debris, tree density, and beargrass leaf color between 'good' and 'poor' sites.
A recent study found that gold mining has led to significant deforestation in tropical forests of South America, resulting in the loss of around 1680 km2 of forest between 2001 and 2013. The research highlights the growing environmental impact of gold mining in biologically diverse regions.
A study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that salvage logging increases sediment in water runoff, causing erosion and damage to fish habitats. Leaving slash on the ground, breaking up equipment trails with water bars, and replanting vegetation are recommended best management practices for minimizing ecological effects.
A 50-year study on Australia's protected rainforests has found that the earliest life stages of individual trees are more critical to the overall diversity of the forest than later stages. The research, conducted by LSU ecologist Kyle Harms and his collaborators, used a dataset from Joseph Connell's long-term ecological research study.
Forest carbon projects offer benefits beyond carbon storage, including cooling effects and biophysical feedbacks. Deciduous broadleaf trees provide stronger cooling benefits than evergreen needleleaf trees in temperate ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Missouri estimated that salamander populations are 2-4 times higher than previously thought, and may be up to 10 times higher in some regions. This finding could help drive conservation efforts and forest management by acknowledging salamanders as a key food source.
A new study reveals that long-used field inventory plots are not representative of tropical forests, leading to biased results. Advanced three-dimensional forest mapping techniques provide a more accurate understanding of forest structures and systems on large geographic scales.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) is a native disease that has gone rogue, threatening the health of black walnut trees. The fungus, Geosmithia morbida, and its long-time host beetle have co-evolved, creating a complex that can spread rapidly across landscapes.
The US Forest Service advocates for a holistic approach to managing wildfires, considering both ecological and human dimensions. Strategies include adopting land use regulations, developing locally appropriate vegetation management strategies, and improving evacuation planning and household plans.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a small Polynesian population in New Zealand initiated rapid forest transition around 750 years ago, with drier forests shifting to shrub land over decades. The high rate of deforestation was likely due to native and previously burned vegetation vulnerability to fire.
A new report by Rights and Resources Initiative sheds light on Asia Pulp and Paper's (APP) past failures to respect community land rights in China. The study found that APP's historic land acquisitions posed risks to the company's investments and operations, with significant challenges remaining to be addressed.
The new map is based on a collaboration between the Woods Hole Research Center and Mexican institutions, integrating field measurements with satellite data to provide continuous estimates of carbon stocks. This biomass map represents an important step forward in accounting for carbon emissions from the land sector in Mexico.
Research suggests that human activities such as clear-cutting and fire suppression have a greater impact on forest tree composition than climate change. The study analyzed 190 datasets to determine the relative impacts of climate versus altered disturbance regimes for various biomes across the eastern United States.
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that forest fragmentation results in up to a fifth more carbon dioxide being emitted by vegetation, with an estimated loss of over 68 million tonnes of carbon in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in ten years.
A study by CTFS-ForestGEO reveals global change effects on forests in 24 countries with 59 monitored sites. Forests have warmed by over 1 degree F and experienced up to 30 percent changes in precipitation.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that trees have accelerated their growth rate by up to 70% since the 1960s. The growth is attributed to rising temperatures, increased CO2, and nitrogen levels, which also led to a temporary slowing effect of acid rain on tree growth.
A new study predicts that climate change will increase forest fire danger in Europe by 200% by 2090. However, prescribed burns and improved firefighting can reduce this risk to below 50%. The study examined adaptation options for forest fires on a pan-European scale.
Researchers used leaf vein density to study stratified forests with canopy-dominant flowering plants. They found that venation density is higher in leaves from the forest canopy and decreases towards lower levels. This pattern suggests that flowering plants emerged in the upper forest canopy by the Paleocene, around 58 million years ago.
A new study suggests that conserving the precious Atlantic Forest in Brazil could be achieved by investing US$198 million per year, equivalent to 0.01% of the country's annual GDP. This would require setting aside land for reforestation and preserving at least 30% of native habitat to maintain current levels of biodiversity.
A University of Oregon team, with NSF support, is building a computational model to probe the influence of forest governance and climate on deadly insect infestations. The research aims to improve existing knowledge on mountain pine beetle infestation by identifying large-scale patterns of forest change under various scenarios.
A new study reveals that only five percent of the world's pre-agricultural primary forest cover is found in protected areas, with most forests under threat from industrial logging, mining, and agriculture. Experts call for international policies to reduce pressure on primary forests, preserving their biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A new study by US Forest Service scientists found that eastern hemlock loss due to the hemlock woolly adelgid insect has no significant effect on short-term stream flow, but increases peak flows after extreme storm events. The loss of foundation species in forested riparian zones could amplify climate change impacts.
A new study published in Global Change Biology found that habitat fragmentation significantly alters the cycling of carbon and nutrients in woodland ecosystems. The researchers discovered that drier conditions at the edges of forest patches slow down the decay of dead wood, leading to a reduction in wood decomposition rates.
A special journal section assesses regional interactions between climate change, fire, and forests in the US, providing insights into projected changes and ecosystem services. The goal is to inform forest management choices and policy responses to mitigate these impacts.
A new study reveals that trees are saving more than 850 human lives a year and preventing 670,000 instances of acute respiratory symptoms by removing pollutants. The study found that tree cover in urban areas has substantially greater impacts on human health due to their proximity to people.
Forest cover in Borneo declined by up to 30% between 1973 and 2010, with logging and fire contributing to the loss. The study analyzed LANDSAT satellite images to understand long-term forest change patterns, aiming to aid conservation planning.
The yellow crazy ant's invasion of the Seychelles UNESCO palm forest has led to reduced abundance and species richness of endemic fauna, as well as absent molluscs in infested areas. Research is needed to assess control or exclusion options and promote resistance through habitat management.
A new U.S. Forest Service study introduces a network model to assess risk of forest pest spread via recreational travel. The model identifies likely origin and destination locations for campers transporting infested firewood, enhancing survey and public education efforts.
Researchers say restoring tropical forests can lead to biodiversity loss and soil erosion if not done thoughtfully. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecosystem dynamics and defining what constitutes a forest to minimize environmental impacts.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking experiment in Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest to study the impact of global warming on tropical forests. The goal is to determine how sensitive these ecosystems are to temperature changes and what physiological changes they may undergo.
The State of the World's Forest Genetic Resources report highlights the importance of tree genetic resources for food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. The report calls for establishment and strengthening of information systems to support decision-making on forest resource management.
Research reveals that debris from forests supplements the diets of microscopic zooplankton and fish that feed on them, leading to larger and stronger fish. The study found that areas with more forest cover have fatter fish, while those with less forest cover have smaller and weaker fish.
A $440,000 grant-funded global project aims to protect remaining old-growth forests and promote sustainable reforestation through a multidisciplinary approach. Researchers from 14 countries will work together to understand factors leading to forest regrowth and provide tangible recommendations for policymakers.
A new study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists has determined that as forests age, their ability to grow decreases due to reduced carbon dioxide uptake and respiration. This finding suggests the future growth of US forests will decline, potentially impacting the country's role as a carbon sink.
Tropical forest carbon accumulation is reduced by nearly 20% due to invasive vines. Lianas block sunlight for tree growth and don't compensate for displaced carbon.
Researchers found that conventional oil and gas development in northern Pennsylvania is altering bird communities, with songbird species being pushed out and generalist species taking their place. The study revealed changes in avian guilds resulting from oil and gas development, suggesting a loss of community uniqueness.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully treated patients with recurrent lung cancers using a second course of radiation therapy, achieving a cure rate of over 70%. The innovative treatment approach uses precise targeting and high doses to knock the cancer back, offering new hope for these patients.
A new study quantifies the implications of recent changes to Brazil's Forest Code, identifying opportunities and challenges for conservation. The law reduces the area to be reforested from 500,000 km2 to 210,000 km2, sparking concerns over environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.
A US Forest Service study reveals that five anthropogenic factors, including urbanization, invasive species, and lack of forest management, will significantly alter northern forests over the next 50 years. The report highlights the need for proactive conservation efforts to ensure resilient and healthy forests.
A recent study found that severe droughts and repeated fires in the Amazon lead to high tree mortality rates, with 60% of trees dying in a single experiment. The researchers warn that climate change will exacerbate this issue, making it essential to implement policies and programs to control forest fires and prevent deforestation.
A new study found that prolonged droughts cause more intense and widespread wildfires, consuming more forests than previously understood. Climate change is expected to lead to shorter rainy seasons and longer dry seasons, increasing the risk of forest fires.
Researchers at Winrock International have developed a new method to estimate carbon emissions from forest degradation caused by selective logging in tropical regions. The approach measures logging-associated emissions from extracted timber, surrounding forest damage, and infrastructure.
A study by the University of Southampton found that Autumn is becoming significantly later in the year, while Spring is arriving slightly earlier. The researchers analyzed satellite imagery and vegetation data to identify changes in vegetation growth cycles, finding a delay in Autumn's onset.
Researchers found a shift in soil microbial communities as shrubs invaded remnant hill prairies, with woody fungal communities emerging in response to increased shrub density. This change could impact the ability to restore prairies, as shrubs may outcompete grasses and alter ecosystem function.
Research by the USDA Forest Service finds that woodland salamander predation on invertebrates increases litter retention and carbon capture. The study, led by Dr. Hartwell Welsh Jr., suggests that these small animals play a significant role in regulating forest ecosystems.