A recent study found that 78% of the world's bird species struggle to thrive in heavily modified environments, leading to declining populations and increased risk of extinction. Conservation efforts can be targeted towards species most sensitive to human activity, such as the Great Snipe and Nkulengu Rail.
A new study reveals that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions, with average costs exceeding $26.8 billion annually globally. Wealthier nations can mitigate this issue by investing in invasive species management in neighboring countries.
Research on South Georgia reveals that invasive species are colonizing newly exposed ground as glaciers retreat due to climate change. This process allows exotic plants and animals to rapidly adapt and spread across the island.
A study predicts that climate change will lead to a major species turnover in North American cities by the end of the century. Cities with cooler and wetter climates are expected to gain new species, while warmer cities may lose many species.
A new study analyzed over 5,700 invasive plant species and found nearly one-third exhibited lag periods between introduction and rapid expansion, with the average time being 40 years. This latency allows them to be overlooked, contributing to their eventual emergence as a serious ecological threat.
Researchers propose releasing a parasitic wasp to control an invasive avian vampire fly threatening Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands. The study found only two native fly species, emphasizing the urgent need to protect these native species alongside the iconic birds.
Genetic research revealed many new fern species in tropical America, with 18 newly named and described species. The study found that similar-looking species were previously thought to be a single widespread species.
Research shows that invasive Asian honeybee population in North Queensland has overcome a genetic bottleneck to grow into a thriving colony. The study highlights the importance of this case for understanding population resilience and provides insights into how some species can adapt quickly despite low genetic diversity.
Researchers found that reduced fire severity due to drought creates an environment conducive to invasive species, particularly non-native grasses. This transformation leads to a decline in native species abundance and diversity. The study advocates for strategies considering wildfire frequency and invasive species control post-fire.
Researchers have created an online survey to gather information from gardeners about ornamental plants showing 'invasive behaviour'. The results identified 251 potential invaders, including Mexican fleabane and Himalayan honeysuckle, highlighting the critical role of gardeners in early detection and prevention strategies.
Researchers at ANU and CSIRO discovered three distinct species of delicate mouse in Australia, previously considered a single species. The discovery sheds light on the conservation status of these tiny rodents, which have evolved over five million years.
A recent study published in Invasive Plant Science and Management identifies the most likely invasive plants to expand into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US states by 2050. These high-impact species are associated with negative impacts on ecological communities and socio-economic effects.
A comprehensive database of invasive plant impacts in Europe has been created, featuring 266 peer-reviewed publications and 4,259 field studies. The dataset highlights the widespread effects of invasive species on native ecosystems, including impacts on plants, animals, and microbes across various trophic levels.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) outside the NHS breast screening programme are four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer and die from breast cancer. The increased risk lasts for at least 25 years after diagnosis, suggesting longer-term monitoring is needed.
A global team of biologists used nearly two decades of field data from the Galápagos Islands to study the relationship between beak traits and individual longevity in four species of Darwin's finches. The researchers found that each species' unique beak traits correspond to fitness peaks, which are essential for survival.
Invasive plants can form persistent seed banks that remain under the soil for years, making eradication impossible. Human activities such as gardening and urban planning fragment natural habitats, facilitating the introduction of new species that adapt to human-modified spaces.
A comprehensive assessment reveals that roughly two-thirds of Atlantic Forest tree species are threatened with extinction, including 82% of endemic species. The study suggests that conservation efforts may need to be revised due to the high extinction risks for tropical forests worldwide.
A new species of pit viper, the Ayeyarwady pit viper, has been discovered in central Myanmar, exhibiting a blend of characteristics between its sister species. The discovery reveals that this species is highly variable, with varying degrees of morphological features.
A team of experts led by Deah Lieurance evaluated 460 species and ranked them according to their likelihood of invasion and potential ecological, economical, and human health impacts. The top 40 species pose the greatest threat to Florida's natural areas, with some, like the crab-eating macaque, already established in the state.
Researchers mapped the role of horticulture in spreading invasive species, projecting future hotspots and abundance under 2°C warming. The study found that plant nurseries are a primary pathway for invasive plant introduction, exacerbating climate-driven invasion.
A recent study found that public gardens and arboretums are inadvertently spreading nonnative, invasive plants to wild areas, threatening native ecosystems. Many examples were cited from Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, including the spread of exotic trees and shrubs with seeds dispersed by wind or birds.
A meta-analysis found that prioritizing native species can increase invasion resistance by over 50% and reduce invasive alien species' performance. High-density seeding of functionally similar or multifunctional seed mixtures is effective in controlling invasive species, with priority effects strengthened by increasing time advantage.
Two bee species thought to be distinct are found to be the same, males and females of a single species, using DNA sequencing. The study uses barcoding to identify the species, which is crucial for understanding conservation needs.
Researchers detected genetic diversity and population structure of invasive round goby fish using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. This technique helps trace the source of new invasive populations and prevent further invasion, enabling natural resource managers to take targeted action.
Researchers confirm invasive red fire ant species Solenopsis invicta has established itself in Sicily, with potential to spread across Europe due to climate change. Urban areas are particularly at risk, and the team plans a multi-year treatment plan to eradicate nests and monitor the ants' spread.
A study has confirmed the establishment of red fire ant in Europe, with a high risk of spread due to climate change. The invasive species could impact urban areas, causing significant economic losses and posing a threat to human health.
A new study shows that large herbivores can protect local nature by eating and trampling on invasive plant species. Native plants have evolved to withstand the treatment of these herbivores, while invasive plants usually cannot.
A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
Researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and found a universal pattern of species abundance distributions, with most species being rare but not extremely rare. The study's findings may help answer Darwin's question about why some species are common while others are rare.
A team of researchers from Göttingen University has identified seven new species of leaf insects, showcasing their unique camouflage abilities. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these distinct species from extinction.
The invasive orange pore fungus has won the third BMC Ecology and Evolution image competition, highlighting its potential threats to Australian ecosystems. The winning image depicts bright orange fruiting bodies growing on deadwood in the Australian rainforest.
Scientists successfully removed invasive spectacled caimans from specific areas of the Everglades, reducing competition with native alligators and crocodiles. The efforts demonstrate early detection, rapid response, and persistent removal can effectively control invasive species, with implications for other invasive species management.
New study reveals pervasive within-species spatial repulsion in adult tropical trees, challenging conventional understanding of species coexistence. The results suggest that competition among conspecifics drives this phenomenon, enabling the exceptionally high diversity of tropical forests.
A new study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to all listed plant and lichen species, with only a minority of conservation plans taking direct action to address this issue. The researchers urge policymakers to use their findings to inform conservation planning and recovery efforts for these endangered species.
Researchers created a five-part checklist to identify native and invasive common reed populations based on observable traits like stem color and fungal spots. The tool helps land managers target invasive reeds while protecting native plants.
A recent study by Dr. Monica Mowery at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that urban habitats provide a safe haven for invasive brown widow spiders, protecting them from parasitism and predation. This allows the species to thrive in high densities, contrary to what is observed in natural desert habitats.
A study by the University of Illinois examines how family forest landowners in Maine and New Hampshire approach invasive species management. The researchers found that landowners prefer mechanical control methods, which are more expensive but less effective than chemical control, due to strong neighborhood effects. This has implication...
Researchers at Flinders University use machine learning to identify species interactions and predict which species are most likely to go extinct. By analyzing species traits and interactions, the algorithm can help plan interventions before extinctions occur.
A new study by CABI reveals that invasive non-native species (INNS) in the UK cause an estimated £4bn in economic losses each year. The study found that fungi are the costliest group, accounting for 52.9% of total costs.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have developed a non-invasive approach to predict retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Nailbed capillaroscopy identifies high-risk patients, eliminating the need for invasive eye exams.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered twenty species of sea lettuce in the Baltic Sea region, including three invasive species. The survey highlights the importance of knowing which species grow in specific areas to maintain and protect valuable ecosystems.
A recent study on buffelgrass control in Arizona's Saguaro National Park highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and surveillance. Low levels of buffelgrass can quickly expand by multiple orders of magnitude, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to manage its spread.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two hornet species, revealing clues to their invasive success. The study found rapid genome evolution and genes related to communication and smell, which may help explain why hornets are successful as invasive species across the globe.
A global survey of 1000 forest areas reveals how past climate change has impacted tree species diversity and distribution. The study found that temperature changes since the last ice age have had a significant impact on today's biodiversity.
Researchers at UToledo developed a new model to estimate the abundance of rare species like invasive grass carp in freshwater ecosystems. The model helps guide management strategies and provides insight into the effectiveness of control efforts.
Researchers found that widespread species tend to increase in occupancy through time, while narrowly distributed species decrease. Habitat protection can mitigate some effects of biodiversity change, particularly for small-ranged species.
Guinea grass, an invasive species in Texas, uses a combination of crowding and chemical toxins to suppress native plants. The researchers found that the toxicity of guinea grass increases dramatically when its shading effect is combined with its chemical warfare, making it harder for native plants to survive.
Researchers developed an updated conservation metric, EDGE2, incorporating scientific uncertainty and status of related species. This approach identifies top-priority species for protection, preserving over 700 million years of evolutionary history, and allocates limited funds effectively.
A comprehensive report on 'Extinct in the Wild' (EW) species synthesizes data on plant and animal species at risk. Most EW populations are small with low genetic diversity, making conservation efforts crucial.
A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.
Researchers at Griffith University have identified Streptolysin O (SLO) as a crucial factor in the severity of Strep A infections. The study found that SLO alters host cell interactions and increases Strep A viability, leading to more severe cases.
Ultrafast MRI provides beneficial information for predicting DCIS upgrade to invasive cancer, including time to enhancement and lesion size. A study found that UF-MRI can accurately predict lesions diagnosed as DCIS at percutaneous biopsy that will be upgraded to invasive cancer at surgery.
A new study predicts which invasive non-native species could pose a future threat to the UK's Overseas Territories, with Gibraltar and Saint Helena most at risk. The list includes species such as green mussels, little fire ants, and brown rats that could outcompete native species and alter unique ecosystems.
A global study involving 5,869 patients from 50 countries found that 35% could not be successfully weaned from invasive mechanical ventilation. Researchers recommend a systematic approach to reduce weaning duration and improve survival rates, with higher sedation levels associated with delays in initiating weaning.
A new study reveals that vertebrate species involved in the live wildlife trade exhibit distinctive life history traits, including large numbers of offspring across long reproductive lifespans. This profile is likely financially advantageous for trades involving captive breeding, but also increases the risk of species becoming problema...
A new study found that Black patients have lower odds of undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery and higher odds of serious complications or death compared to white patients. This inequity is linked to factors such as Medicaid insurance, hospital resource, and surgeon experience.
A UConn researcher has compiled a comprehensive database of invasive plant species in Central America, revealing that over 60% have been introduced for ornamental purposes. The study highlights the urgent need for action against tropical invasions, which threaten biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.
Forests with multiple tree species have been shown to be more productive, as different species fill distinct niches and compete less. Additionally, genetic diversity within each tree species also promotes forest productivity by increasing resource use efficiency and reducing damage from herbivores and fungi.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
Researchers identify two southward migration events of Arctic ostracods in the Last Glacial Period, revealing the impact of East Asian winter monsoon on marine ecosystems. The study's findings help understand Asian monsoon dynamics and their effects on polar species distribution, highlighting the risk of extinction under climate change.