A new study on non-migratory birds found that environmental variability influences life history strategies, with fast-living birds prioritizing reproduction and long-lived birds hedging against bad years. Climate change may alter the odds of these bets, posing a challenge to species' adaptability.
Research by Montana State University ecologist Diane Debinski found that eastern monarch butterflies are delaying their fall migration, staying in the field for nine days longer than they did in 2003. This delay was linked to a similar shift in the timing of milkweed blooming, which could have implications for population dynamics and v...
The journal of the Italian Society of Vegetation Science has changed its name to Vegetation Ecology and Diversity, launching a new website and introducing new Topical Collections. The journal now offers publication fee waivers and discounts for young researchers.
The Ecological Society of America has selected four outstanding early- to mid-career Ph.D. ecologists from underrepresented groups as 2025 EEE Scholars. The scholars will receive a $5,000 award over two years to support their research and participation in ESA events.
The new CABI book synthesises information on the invasion of natural ecosystems in Africa by alien Prosopis trees. It addresses how the problem came about, what we know about how it works, and how it can be managed at different scales to mitigate its negative impacts on biodiversity.
The Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography has launched several initiatives to combat desertification, including a Green Technology Park in Mauritania and the African Great Green Wall initiative. These efforts aim to address livelihood crises and improve economic development in Africa.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
A new study suggests that the northern muriqui monkey population remains at risk despite being almost four times larger than it was in 1982. Habitat disturbances are thought to be a contributing factor to the population decline, with predation and environmental stressors such as climate change also playing a role.
A new study confirms the UK's effective action against the invasive Asian hornet has prevented its establishment. The invasive species, which devastates honeybee colonies in France and Italy, was first reported in the UK in 2016 but has not spread due to rapid eradication efforts by authorities and vigilant citizens.
Researchers found that people consistently hold ecology stereotypes across diverse cultural backgrounds, suggesting a connection between environmental context and stereotypical beliefs. The study's findings challenge traditional biases related to race and family structures, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of how ...
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that bird wing shape is a key factor shaping biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide. The study revealed how birds' dispersal abilities influence the number of species found on islands, with low-dispersal birds leading to steep species-area relationships.
Researchers are assessing the impact of spongy moth defoliation on blacklegged tick survival and the spread of Lyme disease. The team set up 144 mesh enclosures to study ticks in different conditions, including heavily defoliated areas and those with lower defoliation.
Research articles highlight the limitations of the 'tens rule' in invasion ecology, while also showcasing the growing use of crowdsourced science in environmental reviews. Additionally, a study uses artificial intelligence to identify individual animals with high accuracy, improving conservation strategies.
The MEMELAND project will analyze sediments and soil in lakes across Europe to reveal how medieval farming shaped today's landscapes and biodiversity. The study aims to protect northern Europe's essential biodiversity by understanding the environmental changes that occurred during this period.
A group of international researchers presents a framework for using biologging data to test scientific theories and generate ecological insights. The framework emphasizes the power of theory-driven research and highlights the potential of biologgers to inform hypotheses and refine ecological theories.
The study found that monarchs are dying off during their fall migration south to Mexico, with roost sizes declining by as much as 80%. Climate change is not believed to be the primary cause, but rather a debilitating parasite and captive breeding may be to blame.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have identified a key connection between ecology and speciation in Darwin's finches, famous residents of the Gal pagos Islands, Ecuador. The study shows that beak-driven changes to song impact species recognition, driving the separation of species.
The number and scope of forest ecology/forestry research are expanding, with a shift towards more applied topics and the use of advanced statistical tools. Publications in eight ecology journals increased from 820 in 2010 to 2,354 in 2021.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology predicts high-risk towns across Europe for dengue fever outbreaks, with southern France and northern Italy being most affected. The research uses advanced high-resolution modeling to provide daily risk assessments for each area.
A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.
A Rutgers-led study found that one-third to two-thirds of farms worldwide suffer from low crop yields due to insufficient pollinators. However, researchers estimate that improving pollinator management and research can increase efficiency in existing fields to meet global nutritional needs.
A University of Arizona study has found a consistent pattern: Animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores. This relationship holds true across major land vertebrate groups, and is linked to the unique digestive challenges posed by plant-based diets.
A team analyzed 45 zooarchaeological remains and compared findings with contemporary data to assess the effect of sustained subsistence harvests on beluga genetic diversity, population structuring, and foraging ecology. The study found no significant changes in genetic diversity or population structuring over time.
The 19th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology will convene in Cape Town, bringing together over 1,500 scientists from 50 countries. The event aims to understand the relationship between microorganisms and their environment.
The upcoming ESA2024 conference will bring together fire ecology experts to present the latest research on wildland fires. Understanding past, present, and future fire regimes is crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies. The event will feature talks and posters on topics such as fuel breaks, long-term mon...
The Ecological Society of America's Annual Meeting in Long Beach will feature symposia addressing nonmaterial ecosystem services, nature-based solutions to urban heat and stormwater runoff, conserving soil biodiversity, harnessing AI for ecology, and other topics. Media attendees can access scientific sessions, press room amenities, an...
A global database of animals with four feet has identified significant gaps in tetrapod knowledge, including biases in biodiversity data. Researchers used artificial intelligence to predict missing data and improve the accuracy of ecology, evolution, and conservation studies.
A study found that 94% of recommended Tropical Ecology authors are white and 80% are from universities outside the tropics. Dr. Stewart White aims to decolonize the curriculum by promoting local research and increasing diversity among authors.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that Covid-19 lockdowns increased the quality of species' habitats due to decreased pollution and human mobility. This led to improved water quality, cleaner air, and more affordable natural resources, ultimately benefiting both biodiversity and human health.
A new study warns that increasing CO2 levels could decrease nutrient content in plants, harming herbivore populations. This phenomenon, known as Nutrient Dilution, may already be affecting plant-eating animals and could cause further population declines.
A team of international experts emphasizes the need for collaboration across borders and within countries to address the growing threat of invasive alien species. The paper, published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution, highlights the critical evaluation of existing knowledge on invasive alien species and their control.
The Ecological Society of America honors its 2024 award recipients, including Juan Carlos Castilla for his pioneering research on marine ecology and Alan R. Berkowitz for his long-standing service to ESA and education in ecology. These awards recognize outstanding achievements across various domains.
Ancient rodent middens offer critical archives of the last 50,000 years, preserving plants, insects, bones and other specimens. Researchers are calling for improved preservation, new research and field studies to understand how populations responded to past climate change.
A new study found that human impacts on waterways are accelerating decomposition rates, releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and disrupting food chains. The study suggests that reducing human activity could improve water quality and help fight climate change.
A study led by Spanish researchers reveals Bonelli's eagles colonized the Mediterranean 50,000 years ago due to early human settlement, displacing golden eagles as the dominant species. Human activities now threaten the eagle's survival.
A collection of landmark studies in statistical ecology has been published, featuring 36 papers that have provided ecologists with crucial analytical tools for gaining insight into the natural world. The development of novel analytical techniques has mirrorled the history of the field as a whole.
The Zipkin Quantitative Ecology lab examines 36 highly cited papers on statistical ecology published in the journal Ecology since its inception in 1920. The team found a persistent evolution of models and concepts in the field, driven by refinements in techniques and exponential increases in computational power.
Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.
Researchers found DNA traces of placozoans in the stomachs of predatory snails that live in seabed sediments, contradicting previous theories. The discovery indicates a more diverse genetic makeup than previously thought, with five genetically distinct lineages identified in just two snails.
A sample of almost 4,000 haiku references butterflies, bees, ants, and flies most frequently, describing their color, flight patterns, and ecology. The study provides new insights into the diversity and complexity of arthropod references in traditional Japanese poetry.
A new study reveals how deep-seated geographic isolation drove divergent evolutionary paths among mammals, resulting in unique biodiversity patterns. The research highlights the crucial role of isolation in shaping modern ecosystems, with implications for conservation efforts and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems.
A new study published in Trends and Ecology & Evolution recommends using absolute abundance to monitor biodiversity, providing a more precise estimate of species population sizes. This method is harder to collect but offers a more accurate picture of biodiversity, enabling effective conservation actions and policy decisions.
The rapid assessment of the Kakhovka Dam breach has estimated that half a million hectares of protected habitats have been exposed to hazards, including nutrients and pollutants. The study will support international action to restore a biodiversity hotspot in southern Ukraine.
Historical spy-satellite photographs provide insights into past ecosystem changes, species populations, and human influences on the environment. The study's findings can aid conservation planning and ecosystem restoration efforts by mapping historical ecological baselines.
Researchers found Joro spiders can thrive near busy roads, attacking simulated prey 59% of the time, despite slight differences in attack rates, without compromising their health or body mass. The species' ability to tolerate urban vibrations and sounds is likely a key factor in its exponential growth
The Cary Institute's new program provides nine teachers with six weeks of collaborative research experience in ecosystem science. They will develop innovative curricula based on their research, increasing their capacity to educate students about ecology and global change.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
Fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time, providing a rare and unusual behavior that sheds light on their ecology. This unexpected finding may help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
Researchers mapped crocodile family trees to shed light on their evolution and conservation. Climate change and competition played key roles in shaping modern-day crocodile diversity, with ecology being an unexpected factor in survival.
Researchers developed a novel modeling approach to predict microbial community behavior, improving sustainability and efficiency of biological wastewater treatment. The new framework uses high-resolution molecular data to forecast composition and activity of microbial communities up to three years into the future.
A new AI method combines satellite imaging and ecological analysis techniques to interpret large amounts of data from tumor tissue, providing insights into how cancer works. This approach aims to tailor cancer treatments to individual needs and avoid unnecessary side effects.
A new five-year research project combines AI, virology, and ecology to anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 strains that could pass between animals and people. The team will use artificial intelligence to predict variants and assess risk of spillover from people to wildlife.
Researchers investigated rooster mirror self-recognition, finding that their behavior indicates recognition despite failed traditional tests. The study's results provide new insights into the cognitive ecology of mirror self-recognition in birds.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that global precipitation patterns, particularly seasonal variability, shape animal diversity. The research found that certain regions with moderate precipitation levels and stable climates have the ideal ecological conditions for a diverse range of predators and herbivores.
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has awarded four $15,000 Kessel Fellowships to support the research of Dr. Lucia Mentesana and three others focused on conservation, behavior, evolution, and ecology. The fellowships aim to advance ornithology globally by funding innovative projects.
The five-year grant will utilize ecological and evolutionary principles to study non-small cell lung cancer growth and treatment resistance. Researchers aim to uncover novel therapeutic strategies that can suppress the evolution of resistance in this common type of lung cancer.
A recent study by the University of North Florida's Rosenblatt Lab found that living on a golf course changes alligator feeding habits, leading to different dietary patterns and prey communities. The research, published in Ecology and Evolution, highlights the impact of land use changes on large predators.
A recent study published in Journal of Ecology reveals how natural regeneration develops in protected European forests. The researchers found that positive interactions between trees are rare and dependent on tree species and environmental factors.
A new paper suggests that ecology can inspire more powerful, resilient, and socially responsible AI to solve complex problems. Artificial intelligence systems can incorporate greater amounts of data and diverse sources, discovering new interactions and drivers that may not have been considered before.
A study published in Ecology and Evolution found that bison bulls in northern Yellowstone are breaking aspen saplings, preventing them from growing into trees. The researchers suggest that this behavior may be related to displays of aggression, and could hinder the recovery of aspen stands.