Researchers are using Cold War spy satellite images to detect environmental changes, including deforestation in Romania and ecological damage from bombs in Vietnam. The study reveals previously unseen changes in the environment and provides new findings on the extent of large-scale deforestation in Romania.
Research analyzing England's early-adopter councils found that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies resulted in habitat losses despite promises of net gains, with lower-quality habitats being compensated for higher-quality ones years later.
A DNA catalogue of Indian greater one-horned rhinoceroses has been created using dung samples, allowing researchers to identify unique individuals and track their populations. This forensic tool helps pinpoint poaching hotspots and trade routes, aiding conservation efforts.
Research finds common starfish can't survive amplified marine heatwaves projected at the end of the century and experience lasting negative effects from current heatwaves. Heatwaves can also negatively affect their feeding, leading to weight loss and potential ecosystem disruptions.
A new study identifies three main groups of Indonesian songbird owners: hobbyists, contestants, and breeders. The research suggests that up to 7 million households represent the greatest threat to Indonesia's avian biodiversity, with a preference for convenience and availability driving demand.
Researchers observed black imported fire ants using sand to draw liquid food out of containers when faced with drowning risk. The ants' tool-making skill reduced drowning risk and provided a larger space for collecting sugar water.
Increasing crop diversity in landscapes with high proportions of semi-natural habitats increases the diversity of beneficial insects like pollinators and ground beetles. This benefit was only observed in landscapes with both high crop diversity and semi-natural habitat cover.
A review by Dr Chawla finds that connecting with nature supports young people's happiness, health, and environmental awareness, while also generating complex emotions linked to climate change. The study highlights the need for strategies that balance promoting a positive connection with nature with addressing its challenges.
Researchers successfully trained AI models to recognize individual birds using labeled images and camera traps, achieving over 90% accuracy in wild populations. This breakthrough enables long-term monitoring of populations and protects species from climate change pressures.
Research on blennies reveals that flexibility in diet and behavior allows fish to transition onto land, while specialization leads to successful adaptation. The findings provide insights into the challenges faced by fish out of water and offer a unique perspective on the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.
Researchers found that providing high-quality supplementary food boosts urban great tits' breeding success, with insects playing a crucial role in their development. Urban areas support fewer insects than natural habitats, leading to reduced breeding success.
Research on the Great Barrier Reef found severe coral loss is associated with increased biomass and productivity of large, long-living herbivorous fish. However, decreased recycling of this biomass could leave the ecosystem vulnerable to crashing.
Research shows that grey squirrels carrying a parasitic helminth negatively impact native red squirrel behavior, reducing their activity and altering relationships with native parasites. This study highlights the effects of parasite-mediated competition on red squirrels' personality and foraging efficiency in invaded habitats.
Research found that ash dieback is less severe in isolated ash trees with open canopies, and high crown temperatures make the disease development unfavorable. Climate change may reduce the disease's impact due to increased summer temperatures above 35°C.
A 600-year study of lava flows on Réunion Island reveals a significant decline in large frugivore species after human colonization, leading to reduced plant diversity. The findings suggest that rewilding projects could help restore native frugivores and promote ecosystem recovery.
The study found that human disturbance increased the proportion of trees with seeds dispersed by animals, leading to a shift towards small-seeded species. These changes could have long-term implications for carbon storage and drought sensitivity in tropical forests.
Researchers discovered that both the yellow color and the black and yellow mosaic pattern are essential for luring prey during the day. The study also found that the yellow color alone was very effective at luring nocturnal insects.
The journal will publish short-form 'From Practice' articles and data articles, bridging the gap between natural resource managers and applied scientists. The new online repository Applied Ecology Resources will facilitate information exchange among practitioners and academics.
A global study on the impacts of human land-use found that predators and small ectotherms are disproportionately affected, with abundance reductions of 25-50% compared to natural habitats. The researchers analyzed over 1 million records from 80 countries and 25,000 species.
A meta-analysis of North American and European studies found that less intense lawn mowing leads to increased pollinators, plant diversity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, intense mowing favors pest species, weeds, and drought events. Long grass also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Research finds that pine martens in Northern Ireland are contributing to the recovery of native red squirrels, as grey squirrels decline. However, urban areas pose a threat to this success, and addressing control issues is crucial for long-term conservation.
Researchers found that bumblebees consuming more nectar due to sub-lethal radiation exposure may impair colony growth. This effect could have significant consequences for pollinator ecosystem services in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
A new research from a cross-organisational consortium in the Amazon found that indigenous knowledge can be as accurate as scientific transect monitoring. The study used the cultural consensus approach to develop suites of species for which their abundance could reliably be estimated.
Researchers found that four-species mixtures of perennial ryegrass, chicory, red clover and white clover outperformed monocultures in terms of yield stability during drought. The study revealed higher yields in the multi-species mixtures, with an average drop of 1.08 tonnes ha-1 compared to 1.41 tonnes ha-1 for monocultures.
A school-based citizen science project improved children's knowledge of UK mammals, increasing their ability to name species and distinguish between native and introduced species. The project also fostered a connection to nature, leading to increased outdoor learning in schools.
A new study suggests that investing in pollinator monitoring schemes can yield significant economic benefits, with potential savings of at least £1.50 for every £1 invested. The research, presented at the British Ecological Society's annual meeting, explores cost-effective methods for improving pollinator monitoring in the UK.
The FrogPhone allows scientists to remotely call and monitor frogs in the wild using solar-powered technology, transmitting real-time acoustic surveys over the phone. The device enables researchers to track frog populations with greater frequency and ease, supporting biodiversity conservation studies.
Researchers used drones to take aerial photos of southern right whales, allowing them to calculate body volume and mass without weighing live whales. This innovative method enables new avenues of research into whale physiology and ecology.
A study by the University of Pavia found that Mediterranean private boats have a high potential to spread alien species through biofouling. Boats traveling to new marinas were likely to be transporting alien species, with visible biofouling in niche areas such as ladders and propellers being key predictors of high species richness.
A recent study analyzed four popular David Attenborough series, finding that Netflix's Our Planet dedicated more time to environmental threats and conservation than the BBC's Blue Planet II. The researchers highlight the lack of visual depictions of human impacts on nature in these documentaries.
Researchers developed a method to predict Painted Lady butterfly migrations and found that the species relies on reproductive success in both Africa and Europe. The model suggests that overwintering might occur near the equator between December and February, posing a risk due to climate change.
Researchers found that tortoises cannot distinguish the lower petal surfaces of daisies with closed flowers, which are camouflaged to avoid herbivores. This novel defense mechanism does not negatively impact pollination interactions.
The British Ecological Society is conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare single- and double-blind peer review processes. The study aims to assess whether author characteristics affect peer-review scores and acceptance of papers, with a focus on reducing bias in science publishing.
Researchers studied African penguins' responses to changes in local fish abundance, finding that penguins' foraging behavior and chick body condition are directly linked to fish availability. The study suggests that penguins could be key indicators of local ecosystem health, informing fisheries management and conservation efforts.
A collaboration between astrophysicists, conservationists, and ecologists is using drone technology with thermal-imaging cameras to count orangutans. The method has proven successful in detecting the great apes in the Bornean forest canopy, even at night or in fog.
Research finds that dung beetles and soil bacteria naturally suppress pathogens like E. coli, reducing foodborne illness risks on organic farms.
A new study reveals that disrupting the ability of wolves to travel on linear developments, such as pipelines and roads, can reduce their access to caribou habitat. This strategy is more effective and less invasive than traditional methods like wolf culling or building fenced enclosures.
Researchers found nematodes produce distinctive chemical cues that deter Colorado potato beetles and make potato leaves less palatable. This could provide a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
A non-biting midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is found to release large volumes of nutrients into the soil on Signy Island, affecting peat decomposition and biodiversity. The single introduced species can lead to a three- to four-fold increase in nitrogen relative to areas without its presence.
A new study reveals that tourists in Morocco object to using barbary macaques as photo props, citing concerns about animal welfare and potential health risks. The practice is perceived as unacceptable by 88% of respondents, who also raise concerns about hygiene and the risk of infections.
A year-long field study examined the effects of Hurricane Maria on tropical dry forests in Puerto Rico, revealing that trees adjust key characteristics of their newly grown leaves to compensate for damage. The study found that 11 of 13 species increased CO2 intake and changed leaf shape to efficiently extract gas from the atmosphere.
Warmer UK winters may delay blackcurrant growing seasons, leading to reduced yields and poorer fruit quality. Researchers found that different varieties respond differently to climate change, but breeding new resilient ones is key.
Researchers used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect European nightjar nests in a pilot study. The method proved effective, allowing for accurate location of nests without disturbing the birds. This technology could have wider applications for detecting warm-blooded species.
Researchers found that those involved in field sports prioritize human mastery over wildlife rights, while conservation groups support protection and monitoring. Diversionary feeding was the most favoured technique among surveyed groups.
A new study reveals that insects can transport pollen from one continent to another, enabling the mixing of plant species across vast distances. By analyzing the DNA sequences in this pollen, researchers were able to identify 157 species of plants from Africa and Europe.
Researchers gathered data on popular ecological phenomena like flying ant emergence and starling murmurations using Twitter hashtags and text, replicating most findings from primary citizen science studies. The study shows that passive citizen science via social media can generate robust and interesting data for ecological research.
Coastal wetlands in the southeastern United States are expanding and building soil to keep pace with sea level rise. Mangroves are showing increased surface elevation when warmed, indicating their potential as a natural barrier against severe weather events like hurricanes.
A new study finds that warm-water kelp species are outcompeting cold-water species in UK kelp forests, leading to changes in ecosystem functioning. The warm-water kelps provide a continuous supply of food but also harbor less biodiversity.
A new study reveals severe declines in mountain hare populations on Scottish grouse moors, with numbers decreasing by nearly 5% every year from 1954 to 1999. The decline accelerated dramatically between 1999 and 2017, with counts in 2017 showing less than one percent of original levels.
A large-scale study confirms pesticides negatively affect bee learning and memory abilities, even at field-realistic dosages. Bees exposed to pesticides are less likely to learn and memorize rewarding scents.