New research explores monarch butterfly conservation in rangelands and the effectiveness of state regulations for controlling invasive species. Studies reveal that ungrazed pastures support more milkweed and monarch eggs than grazed sites, highlighting the need for selective approaches to conservation.
The ESA's 2026 Annual Meeting will present new findings on wildlife ecology, focusing on the ecological relationships between animals, habitats, and human activities. Researchers will examine topics such as predator recovery, species declines, and rewilding, highlighting how wildlife ecology informs conservation strategies.
Researchers at ESA's Annual Meeting will present new findings on the ecological effects of fire across forests, rangelands, peatlands and urban natural areas. The studies examine changing fire regimes, post-fire recovery, wildlife responses and the ecological effects of smoke, ash and fire retardants.
The ESA Annual Meeting 2026 features presentations on AI in ecology for analyzing large datasets, predicting invasive species spread, and improving food security monitoring. The meeting aims to accelerate discovery and effective application of AI tools in ecological research and conservation.
The Intermountain West faces mounting challenges related to water scarcity, climate change, wildfire, and rapid human development. Scientists will discuss Indigenous-led solutions to restore landscapes and conserve wildlife.
The Ecological Society of America publishes groundbreaking studies on the rights of nature, highlighting widespread support for conservation. Research also reveals owls' role in controlling rodent populations, while clownfish reveal the importance of partner relationships in shaping biodiversity.
Research explores airplane-bird collisions, fungal pathogen's impact on leaf decomposition & plant diversity in sacred forests. A new model predicts bird-aircraft collisions & suggests using onboard signal lights to reduce risk.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Stephen W. Pacala and Kenneth M. Klemow with Eminent Ecologist Award and Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, respectively, for their significant contributions to ecological research and public service.
The Ecological Society of America has announced eight new Fellows and ten Early Career Fellows for their exceptional contributions to ecological research and applications. The recipients include experts in various fields such as plant ecology, community ecology, disease ecology, and ecosystem resilience.
Recent ESA research studies explore supply and demand of bird migration routes, scavenging by mid-sized carnivores, and polar bear adaptation to a thawing Arctic. A new metric compares bird demand with habitat supply to assess stopover sites along migratory routes.
The Ecological Society of America has named 20 graduate students who will receive policy, communication and career training in Washington, D.C., followed by meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
A recent study published by the Ecological Society of America highlights the impact of rainstorms on environmental DNA in streams. Researchers found that rainfall can wash away genetic material from land-based species and deposit it into nearby waterways, providing a fuller picture of who is present. In another study, scientists discov...
Recent research articles explore innovative methods for rehabilitating coral reefs, new observations of masquerading behavior in deep-sea squids, the rapid expansion of Sphagnum peat patches across Alaska's North Slope, trade-offs between protected areas and sustainable development goals, and a surprising first-time observation of moth...
Researchers explored the impact of urbanization on pollinators, found that trees' root systems shift with age, and discovered sea urchin 'halos' as indicators of ecosystem vulnerability. The studies highlight the need for tailored conservation strategies to address regional ecological challenges.
Research from ESA's journals reveals that tiger populations are limited by prey scarcity, not protection. Invasive grasses also boost tick survival in Florida's longleaf pine forests.
Research explores connections between Arctic land and sea, revealing how polar bears' health impacts Arctic fox populations and tundra prey. A study also finds that beaver restoration could boost fire and water resilience in California's Sierra Nevada by storing up to 120 million cubic meters of surface water.
The Ecological Society of America's Annual Meeting in Baltimore will focus on urban ecology, examining strategies for urban tree planting, pollinator behavior, and the role of urban farms and green spaces. The meeting aims to highlight how cities support ecological processes and biodiversity.
The ESA2025 Annual Meeting in Baltimore will feature four 20-minute talks on various ecological themes. The event provides media access to scientific sessions and a press room with refreshments and internet.
Meerkat research reveals how desert specialists handle environmental change, while a new study outlines a pathway to co-management with Tribal Nations, and another finds that marine heatwaves affect fish development, leading to a delayed maturation process. Drylands also contribute to increased methane emissions.
The Ecological Society of America presents a compilation of five research articles exploring various ecological topics. Researchers found that historical nursery catalogues can predict plant invasion likelihood and identify invasive species. Urban ecosystems provide critical habitat for monarch butterflies in Northern California, while...
The Ecological Society of America recognizes William H. Schlesinger with the Eminent Ecologist Award for his global element cycles work, and Carmen R. Cid receives the Distinguished Service Citation for her long volunteer service to ESA. These awards inspire new insights and collaborations.
Diana Wall's posthumous major donation of $514,000 to the Ecological Society of America will support ESA's programs advancing ecological research and supporting ecologists. The gift reflects her dedication to ecology as a critical tool for addressing global environmental challenges.
The Ecological Society of America has elected 18 new Fellows for 2025, honoring their significant contributions to ecological research and its practical applications. The recipients include experts in fields such as theoretical ecology, restoration ecology, conservation biology, and microbial ecology.
Research explores how climate change affects elk populations, alpine plant communities and bee microbiomes. For example, a study found that food availability, not just overall quality, impacts elk pregnancy rates, while another study showed limited changes in mountain plant species over nearly two decades.
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
The Ecological Society of America named ten outstanding graduate students with the 2025 Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award for their dedication to science policy and advocacy. The awardees will participate in policy, communication, and career training in Washington, D.C., and engage with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Researchers investigate optimal seed mixes for prairie restoration, finding that single-origin seeds may be more effective than mixed-species blends. Meanwhile, a study on wind turbines reveals their potential impact on grouse habitats, while another finds giant pandas thriving in protected areas. Beetles, meanwhile, are making wood mo...
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 Ecological Society of America's new Open Access journal, Earth Stewardship, fosters a broad foundation for Earth stewardship through applied and theoretical research. The journal invites submissions from diverse fields and promotes inclusive research to reshape our relationship with the environment.
The Ecological Society of America has elected four new Governing Board members and three Certified Senior Ecologists to serve on the Board of Professional Certification. Rese Cloyd will lead efforts to conserve District of Columbia's ecosystems as ESA's president-elect.
New studies reveal invasive winter annuals are sensitive to changing rainfall patterns, while heat waves impact Colorado potato beetle survival. In salt marshes, mesopredators like mud crabs take over grazing control from top predators, suggesting resilience to their loss.
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 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...
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.
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.
Chinese researchers investigated the causes and consequences of biological invasions, tackling questions on genetics, nutrient pollution, and online trade. The 24 articles highlight valuable insights into future biological invasion research coming out of China.
A shearwater seabird was tracked for 11 hours during Typhoon Faxai, covering 1,146 km and reaching speeds of 90-170 km/hr. The bird's remarkable ride highlights the increasing challenge oceangoing birds face in coping with severe storms.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A team of scientists led by Colleen Smith found that specialist bees focus on the most abundant plant species in an ecosystem. The study suggests that plant abundance could be a mechanism promoting specialization and speciation among bee species.
The Pacific Northwest and Cascadia Bioregion are home to diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests and marine environments. Research presented at the ESA Annual Meeting explores topics such as restoration efforts, plant community recovery, and climate change impacts on salmon populations.
A study published in Ecosphere found that national park attendance numbers remained steady despite the presence of high levels of wildfire smoke. The researchers used breakpoint modeling to analyze data from 1980-2019 and found that even dramatic amounts of smoke did not deter visitors.
The Ecological Society of America showcases the contributions of Black scholars to 21st-century ecology, exploring historical erasure and public health injustices. The virtual collection features open-access articles addressing disparities in environmental engagement and conservation.
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that urban density has a stronger correlation with house sparrow health than other environmental factors like light pollution or noise levels. The researchers also discovered high lead levels in the birds' bodies, which could be linked to bioaccumulation from food sources.
Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.