A new study using data from 123 studies worldwide found that smaller habitats lead to more species extinctions when compared to larger habitats. The researchers developed a way to develop more realistic biodiversity forecasting models by accounting for ecosystem decay.
Research shows a correlation between epidemics in humans and local biodiversity loss, with the number of epidemics increasing as endangered species disappear. Livestock expansion worldwide exacerbates this risk, facilitating the transmission of pathogens.
A global transition to agroecological production is crucial to reduce threats to biodiversity and support ecosystems. Agroecology can enhance biodiversity, promote connectivity between protected areas and increase species' ability to respond to environmental threats.
Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.
A recent study using 2.7 million human activity records found that humans have extensively used Antarctica over the last 200 years, with only 16% of Important Bird Areas located within negligibly impacted areas. This highlights the need for swift action to declare new protected areas and conserve biodiversity.
A team of researchers has quantified human activity across Antarctica, revealing that almost every area has been visited. Biodiversity is not well-represented within these areas, highlighting the need for swift action to declare new protected areas.
A study by international researchers predicts that a 20-30% increase in invasive alien species will lead to massive global biodiversity loss. The spread of these species is driven primarily by human activities such as trade and climate change, highlighting the need for ambitious countermeasures.
A study analyzed biogeographic distributions of 52,318 marine fossils and found the latitudinal diversity gradient flattened rapidly during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction due to intense global warming and reduced ocean oxygen levels. The curve gradually returned to resemble modern biodiversity patterns after around 5 million years.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for greater collaboration between biodiversity collections and other fields of study. Biodiversity data can be used to prevent or mitigate future infectious outbreaks. New investments are needed to support research and education in biodiversity science.
New international research reveals that forest cover loss amplifies both gains and losses in global biodiversity. The study, spanning 150 years and over 6,000 locations, finds that forests support around 80% of all land species, with some species declining rapidly after forest loss.
A new study reveals that global forest loss is amplifying both gains and losses in species diversity, leading to changes in ecosystems. The research found that some tropical areas experience significant declines in animal species due to forest loss.
A new study examines Permo-Triassic mass extinction event's impact on tetrapod diversity, finding temperate latitudes held higher biodiversity before and after the extinction. The research suggests that regions now known for rich ecosystems were once too hot to support large animal communities.
Experts demand a prominent target of 20 species extinctions per year to lower biodiversity loss rates and protect ecosystem services. The proposed target is comparable to the 2-degree climate target, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Research highlights the importance of soil biodiversity in achieving sustainability goals, including nutrient cycling, food production, and pollution remediation. Soil health is crucial for regulating climate and supporting human well-being, with traditional agricultural practices already leveraging its benefits.
Researchers are exploring areas of landscape less prone to disturbances like fire and drought, known as disturbance refugia, to understand why change doesn't occur as quickly in some landscapes. These refugia may hold the key for conserving forest landscapes and biodiversity in a changing climate.
Elsevier has launched a free access special issue of curated content focused on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and protecting the planet. The collection features over 60 carefully selected journal articles and book chapters supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A recent study found that tropical biodiversity in the ocean is declining, with a potential decrease in diversity by the end of the century. The research, led by Drs Moriaki Yasuhara and Timothy C Bonebrake, used fossil records to project future marine biodiversity patterns.
Researchers analyzed sea-surface temperatures and planktonic foraminifer shells to determine that tropical ocean biodiversity started declining around 15,000 years ago, before the Anthropocene era. Continued global warming may further reduce biodiversity in tropical oceans.
A new study maps genetic diversity in terrestrial mammals, revealing regions with high evolutionary history and stable climates as strongholds of genetic diversity. The research suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize the protection of these 'arks of biodiversity' due to climate change.
Researchers found that specialized cold-water invertebrate communities have persisted through time even after deglaciation, suggesting that high-altitude streams and snow-fed water sources are key to preserving mountain biodiversity. The study used biological and glacier retreat data from Glacier National Park to support these findings.
A new study reveals that strong relationships between diversity and a healthy ecosystem persist, even in stressed reefs. However, human-driven pressures from warming oceans and invasive species continue to diminish ecosystems.
A new study using DNA metabarcoding reveals the dynamics of metacommunities in a threatened boreal wetland, detecting a broader range of biodiversity per sample compared to traditional methods. The study found that patterns of community assembly were nearly random, suggesting a strong role of randomness in the metacommunity.
The Belt and Road Initiative's six terrestrial infrastructure corridors crisscross ecologically fragile geographies, threatening 150,000 square kilometers of critical habitat. Financiers' lack of binding biodiversity impact mitigation requirements poses significant risks to the world's species.
A study by University of Queensland found that developers face challenges in finding enough land to offset biodiversity impacts, limiting global conservation goals. The research highlights the limitations of existing offset policies and the need for governments to account for land availability constraints.
Researchers assessed 1062 Mediterranean marine protected areas and found that 95% lack regulations to reduce human impacts on biodiversity. Effective levels of protection represent only 0.23% of the region.
A new study analyzed 1,800 tropical reef sites worldwide to understand conditions for maximizing reef health and biodiversity. The findings suggest that high conservation levels can support all three key ecological metrics when human use is low, but become increasingly challenging with increased pressure.
The article concludes that economic growth is not compatible with biodiversity conservation and proposes seven alternative proposals to ensure prosperity beyond growth. The studies outlines actions such as limiting commercialization of resources, restricting extractive industries, and promoting agro-ecological development.
A new method enables predictions for the development of species-rich forests, which can help mitigate climate change and promote biodiversity. The method uses a digital experiment to simulate tree growth, death, and reproduction, and has been shown to be reliable with only five strategy types.
A new study predicts that climate change risks to biodiversity will surge suddenly, with up to 15% of ecosystems facing irreversible damage by 2100. This is due to a 'series of cliff edges' where species face conditions they've never experienced before, leading to extinction.
Over 2000 renewable energy facilities are built in biodiverse areas, posing a significant threat to plant and animal species globally. The research team urges governments and industries to reconsider locations and prioritize biodiversity conservation.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Matthew Knope found that ecologically diverse animal groups are more resistant to extinction and dominate the modern ocean's biodiversity. The study analyzed fossil and living marine animals over 500 million years, showing a link between diversity and resistance to mass extinctions.
A new study reveals that biodiversity increases the efficiency of energy use in grasslands by storing more energy, having greater flow of energy and using energy more efficiently across all trophic levels. Ecosystems with higher plant diversity contain twice as much standing biomass compared to monocultures
A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that forest arthropods thrive in areas closer to river courses, with social wasps being the most affected by distance. Traditional forest management practices are essential for preserving biodiversity, including the richness of understories and chestnut tree dominance.
A new study finds that biodiversity loss is causing a smaller, less diverse snake community in the tropics. The decline of tropical snakes is an 'invisible' outcome of biodiversity loss and has upward effects on higher-order predators.
Target-based ecological compensation provides a framework for linking compensatory requirements to biodiversity targets, ensuring no net loss of species habitats. This approach resolves uncertainty and promotes better outcomes for the planet and people.
A global research team has identified 13 invasive species that threaten biodiversity on the Antarctic Peninsula. Non-native species can be transported via human visitation, boats, or food supplies, and require mitigation measures to prevent harm to delicate ecosystems.
An interdisciplinary study found that biodiversity increases yield and revenue in semi-natural grasslands. The researchers discovered that maintaining higher levels of plant diversity leads to improved forage quality and increased income from milk sales, comparable to the difference between extensively and intensively farmed land.
A new study highlights the need for systematic surveys and novel data collection methods to assess poaching's impact on biodiversity in forested areas. The research provides critical information for protecting rare species in landscapes with severe defaunation.
A new study reveals that the world's most biodiverse regions are under threat from human-driven climate change, with tropical ecosystems expected to lose over 75% of their climate-safe habitats by the end of the century.
A study by TUM found that higher biodiversity increases economic value, but only up to a certain point. Adding more species beyond this threshold doesn't produce significant benefits. Instead, a medium level of biodiversity is often most beneficial for ecosystem functionality and risk diversification.
A global meta-analysis of organic farming systems reveals a significant increase in biodiversity and profitability relative to conventional agriculture. The study found that larger field sizes around organic sites are associated with higher biodiversity, but lower crop yields and profit margins compared to conventional sites.
A new study warns that global conservation efforts may not be making progress due to ecological time-lags. Conservation measures can take decades to show results, and current targets may not accurately reflect success or failure. The research proposes using milestones to track progress towards biodiversity goals.
Researchers found that animal carcasses contribute to increased plant growth, attracting herbivorous insects and their predators. This has a positive impact on the local food chain, persisting even five months after death.
A new study found that climate-related variables have a greater impact on small mammal biodiversity patterns across entire forest systems than deforestation does. This approach incorporates functional and phylogenetic diversity measures to uncover patterns that inform conservation efforts.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning procedure that resolved Paleozoic biodiversity to within 26,000 years, clarifying diversification and extinction events. The improved resolution revealed new aspects of Paleozoic biodiversity and showed a correlation between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and paleobiodiversity change.
Research reveals that marine protected areas increase total fish numbers and common species richness, with stronger gains among sensitive species. Network effects accumulate between individual reserves, suggesting synergistic benefits from regional marine protected area systems.
Angola's rich biodiversity is under threat due to illegal hunting and bushmeat trade. The study found that despite existing legislation, there is no effective law enforcement mechanism to control the trade.
A study examining 220,000 records of land use in western France found that conversion to crop production has long-lasting impacts on biodiversity. Functional diversity was relatively high in areas with old, permanent grasslands, highlighting the importance of retaining these sanctuaries.
Recent fossil discoveries revealed three evolutionary patterns on the Tibetan Plateau: local endemism, out-of-Tibet dispersal, and intercontinental exchange. These patterns reflect the biological responses to tectonic uplift and its impact on biota globally.
A recent study found that biodiversity in the Camargue has substantially changed, with declines in grasshoppers, crickets, and amphibians detected. The research also revealed increases in vascular plants and some bird species, but highlights the failure of current protection measures to safeguard certain taxa.
The article suggests that large carnivores and zoos can catalyze public engagement with nature and pro-environmental behavior, fostering an emotional appreciation for diverse species. By exploring connections between people, large carnivores, and zoos, this approach provides a rich multifaceted framework for biodiversity conservation.
Research reveals that current patterns of tropical and subtropical mammal diversity are shaped by both past and present climate and human impacts, with specific effects varying by region. The study found that legacies of the ancient past continue to structure patterns of life on Earth today.
The study highlights the severe impacts of urban growth on natural habitats, particularly in tropical coastal regions. Researchers suggest that scientists are not studying the issue adequately and propose future research focusing on lower-income countries, indirect impacts, and quantifying urban effects on biodiversity.
Researchers found that direct urban expansion leads to significant habitat destruction, but the broader environmental impacts of urbanization are much greater, with climate change and land-use change driving global biodiversity loss. The study highlights the need for more research on indirect effects in developing countries.
A new study suggests that global biodiversity levels could be lower than previously thought due to the long-lasting impact of abrupt land changes. Biodiversity assessments may be underestimating species loss at sites with recent disturbances, such as deforestation or agriculture intensification.
A global study reveals that demand for electric power poses significant threats to biodiversity, particularly in countries where coal is a major energy source. The research suggests shifting to renewable energy sources could mitigate these impacts.
A new study predicts that 80-83% of New Guinea's language areas will experience decreased plant species diversity by 2070 under a 2°Celsius warming scenario. The Science Advances Special Collection proposes climate-smart expansion of protected areas to account for biodiversity and cultural traditions.
A survey of stakeholders in the wind energy field reveals a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity protection over climate change concerns. Stakeholders agree that measures to make wind energy production ecologically sustainable should be taken, with most suggesting increased research and improved efficiency.
A study by NRRI scientist Chris Filstrup found that the evenness of species distribution is a stronger signal of ecosystem function than species richness. This discovery has implications for conservation practices and understanding biodiversity loss impacts, especially in the face of climate change stress.
A new study by an international team of scientists identified key knowledge gaps to overcome biodiversity loss and achieve ecosystem sustainability. The research calls for more relevant, solutions-focused research that addresses the social-ecological crisis.