A new study predicts that the population of San Nicolas Island foxes will remain at a low risk of extinction due to their isolated habitat and relatively dry environmental conditions. The researchers suggest strategies such as biosecurity, restoration of habitats, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict to increase the foxes' resilience...
A comprehensive study of Lepidoptera's transparent wings reveals multiple approaches to achieve transparency, including the absence of scales and varying scale densities. The research suggests that transparency acts as ultimate camouflage, making butterflies less visible to predators.
A new study suggests that resisting ecosystem changes may be futile, instead recommending a 'RAD' framework that involves accepting, directing, or resisting transformations. The authors argue that embracing change is a viable response to environmental shifts, rather than viewing it as a last resort.
The LTER Network's 40 years of careful science reveals the connections between ecosystems, allowing researchers to anticipate and adapt to changes. The network's team-oriented approach and collaborative research facilitate solving complex environmental problems.
The Ecological Society of America's virtual annual meeting will explore the theme 'Vital Connections in Ecology' from August 2-6, 2021. The event will feature live plenaries, panels, and pre-recorded presentations with accompanying discussion sessions.
A new study found that whooping cranes migrate around wind turbines to select safe rest and refueling locations. The researchers suggest placing infrastructure outside migration corridors to mitigate negative impacts on bird populations.
The US is ill-prepared to confront disease outbreaks and food-supply threats caused by airborne organisms due to fragmented research. Unifying atmospheric biology research could improve the country's response to pandemics and other national security threats.
A new study suggests that farmers' individual practices, such as continuous maize cultivation, can contribute to the spread of western corn rootworm resistance. Regular crop rotation and planting non-Bt maize can effectively manage rootworm and delay resistance development in surrounding populations.
A new study published in Ecological Applications reveals that Nebraska anglers tend to visit the same seven popular fishing spots consistently, drawn from the same ZIP codes throughout the year. This finding provides valuable insights for natural resource managers seeking to optimize lake management and sustainable fishing experiences.
A study published in Ecological Monographs reveals that sugar maple leaf microbiomes change along the transition from coniferous to deciduous forests. The findings show that southern sugar maples have similar microbiomes, while northern trees host bacterial communities resembling those of other dominant species.
Researchers used advanced technology to study fish communities residing on two World War II shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast. The study found large predatory fish thriving on the wrecks, challenging current understanding of how they find such remote habitats.
Researchers use cameras, drones, geolocators, and sensors to track wildlife and greenhouse gas emissions. Computing advances help analyze terabytes of data, enabling ecologists to scale up ecological research and address environmental challenges.
Researchers found that ferrets generalize avian smells, while hedgehogs do not, which could inform strategies to protect bird colonies by saturating the area with bird smell. The study provides insights into the hunting strategies and priorities of invasive predators.
A new study examines the impact of warming and increased precipitation on seeds in the Tibetan Plateau's soil seed banks. The research finds that these changes can harm the seeds, affecting their ability to germinate, grow, and survive due to factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and pathogens.
Researchers found opossums removing bracts and eating nectar from Scybalium fungiforme flowers, confirming a nearly three-decade-old theory. The study also revealed hummingbirds as secondary pollinators, adding complexity to the plant's adaptation.
Sex-changing fish species can recover faster and more predictably than fixed-sex species when fishing is eliminated within Marine Protected Areas. This is because they can replace lost males with females, increasing reproduction rates.
A new study found that lower elevation Silversword plants are less drought-resistant than higher elevation plants, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers suggest using suitable habitats for the plants in a changing climate rather than breeding them with drought-resistant genes.
A new study highlights the importance of building roosts for little brown bats' survival during maternity season. Researchers found that 84% of reproductive females roost in attics, while males prefer rock crevices or trees.
Researchers analyzed over 65 years of records and data on hatchery-origin Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea, finding that larger fish are being released but still vulnerable to predators. The study suggests a narrow two-week window of release may lead to 'boom or bust' dynamics, affecting sustainability.
A new study investigates how wild pig invasions are dependent on the availability of crops and non-agricultural food sources. The researchers found that pigs eat and damage agriculture more when it is highly available, but this behavior lessens when non-agricultural food sources are also highly available.
Research found that vehicles and aircraft are the main culprits masking iconic natural sounds in peaceful national parks. The study analyzed nearly 47,000 hours of audio clips from 66 national parks, revealing that anthropogenic noise causes a ten-fold increase in natural background sound levels in over a third of parks.
The report examines wind energy impacts on sensitive wildlife, citing the need to balance wildlife conservation with rapid greenhouse gas emissions reductions. It highlights areas where further research is needed to minimize wind turbine effects on birds and bats.
The Ecological Society of America donates over $13,800 to Louisville Grows to support its urban agriculture and forestry programs. The organization's efforts prioritize inclusion and diversity in promoting sustainable communities.
Representative John Yarmuth receives the ESA Regional Policy Award for his advocacy on clean water, environmental stewardship, and climate change. The award recognizes his use of ecological science to inform policy decisions.
A recent study suggests that restoring forests can stabilize carbon stocks and reduce the risk of severe wildfires. By thinning out dense vegetation and promoting biodiversity, restored forests can store more carbon than damaged ones. This approach has the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Agrivoltaics combines solar panels and agriculture to create a more efficient and sustainable system. This practice reduces evaporation of irrigation waters in summer and increases photosynthesis, leading to improved crop growth and reduced water usage.
A new study reveals that non-native tree species thrive in areas where their close relatives do not, thanks to the lack of soil pathogens. This 'enemy-release' effect gives invasive species a competitive advantage over native species, leading to their rapid spread and dominance.
Researchers studying lionfish ear-bones found that these fish are more mobile than previously believed, moving at least once throughout their life. This discovery has implications for managing the invasive species, as understanding habitat choice can inform effective removal and conservation efforts.
A legal framework is needed to address human-induced land use change and its impact on disease risk. Patricia Farnese proposes adaptive models and guidelines for land-use planning that consider the intersection of human activities and natural landscapes.
In a rare African damselfly species, females facilitate reproductive success of inferior males when their health is at risk. By evading dominant males' attention and preserving their health, females inadvertently enable sneaker male paternity.
The Ecological Society of America's 104th Annual Meeting emphasized the importance of inclusive approaches in ecology, fostering connections between disparate landscapes and disciplines. Key sessions explored the intersection of human and non-human nature, agricultural practices, and environmental justice issues.
A new study reveals the role of the exotic pet trade in introducing invasive vertebrate populations across the globe. The researchers found that socioeconomic and socioecological factors drive the trade, with basic market forces being the main impetus for exotic vertebrates.
Research reveals that pop-up parks (PUPs) can significantly boost insect and spider diversity, providing habitat refuges for threatened species. PUPs also offer social benefits, including opportunities for physical and psychological restoration, and increased time spent outdoors.
A study reveals that nearly half of protected areas face staffing shortages, affecting conservation progress. Meanwhile, researchers identify remote high-elevation areas with ancient trees in China. Fuel breaks aim to prevent wildfires but may create new problems, such as altering predator migration routes.
Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Galapagos giant tortoises over multiple years using GPS technology. The study found that these tortoises do not adjust their migration timing based on current environmental conditions such as fog, rain, and temperature, unlike many other migratory species.
Researchers found that cities like Chicago, Houston, and Dallas have the highest levels of exposure to artificial lights, disrupting nocturnal bird migration patterns. A study also showed that humans' connection to nature decreases with age, particularly in teenagers and males. Meanwhile, a network for tracking urban wildlife and using...
Researchers found that soil treatments mimicking floods led to the highest woolly star survival rate, while no treatment favored invasive grasses. The study suggests that restoring natural flood pulses can help reestablish the plant species in degraded habitats.
A new study explores the reasons behind declining northern spotted owl populations, forecasting future habitat conditions and species interactions. Researchers suggest a two-fold approach to manage spotted owl survival: short-term barred owl removal and long-term forest preservation.
The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal publishes research on parasites hidden in museum specimens that can teach us about past and present diseases. A review reveals non-native species contribute to more plant and animal extinctions than native species.
Researchers estimate 6856 arthropod species in soil samples, adding over 2500 new DNA sequences to GenBank. Traditional field methods combined with DNA sequencing reveal diverse insect and beetle populations on Hauturu Island.
Research reveals that pika populations decline at lower elevations with high vapor-pressure deficit, while mid-elevation pikas face cold stress. High-elevation pikas thrive with sufficient snow cover, promoting healthy reproduction and population growth.
Researchers say that scale is a key contributor to conflicts involving introduced-species management, particularly for charismatic species. These imbalances in public perception influence the way those organisms are managed, leading to difficulties in enacting policies aligned with ecosystem behavior and species invasions.
The ESA releases new research on the Great Barrier Reef, where sharks are declining despite protected areas. The study suggests that illegal fishing is a major factor, while stricter regulations have led to fish population recovery in the Northeast Atlantic.
A new mathematical model predicts a 50-99% decline in ringed seal populations by 2100, primarily driven by insufficient snow on the ice. This decline will lead to smaller juvenile populations and reduced survival rates for adults.
Researchers found that elephants prefer locations with better past forage conditions over current availability, especially during the dry season. They also showed a preference for walking along roads to conserve energy and access food sources.
A study found that mountaintop removal mining disproportionately alters the habitat of timber rattlesnakes, a docile reptile species. The mining operations destroy ridgelines and habitats, cutting into biodiversity.
Researchers tested flashing light deterrents to protect llama and alpaca herds from pumas and found them effective but not against Andean foxes. Surface coal mining was also shown to alter or eliminate rattlesnake habitats, while small ponds acted as carbon sinks with higher rates of organic carbon burial than many other terrestrial ha...
Researchers observed a hummingbird defending its nest against a caterpillar disguising itself as a snake, highlighting the complexity of animal interactions. A tiny robot designed to mimic a snake-like appearance could potentially test various responses from nesting birds and provide insights into defense mechanisms.
A new paper highlights the importance of open and usable data sets in ecology and other field research. By sharing data and code, scientists can save time and effort, as well as foster critical inquiry and new knowledge.
Researchers confirm monito del monte (Dromiciops gliroides) frequently climbs to high points in trees, suggesting a significant impact on seed germination and dispersal. This discovery sheds new light on the species' importance in southern South American temperate rainforests.