A recent assessment of Alaska's carbon cycle reveals both alarming signs of rapid warming and potential counteracting effects. The state's forests, permafrost, lakes, and rivers store significant amounts of terrestrial carbon, which could be released into the atmosphere at an increased rate due to climate change. However, warmer temper...
A new study reveals that wild cobras frequently eat other snakes and engage in cannibalism, with five out of six species displaying the behavior. Males are more likely to participate in cannibalism events, raising questions about its evolution and impact on intrasexual competition.
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) donated $17,500 to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana to offset environmental costs from its 2018 Annual Meeting. The donation will help the organization further its commitment to coastal restoration and wetland preservation in the Gulf Coast region.
Research finds 73% of tree species have shifted westward, largely associated with changes in moisture availability. Climate change impacts are more near-term and related to moisture availability than temperature changes.
Research presents coldwater stream habitats as potential refugia against climate change, enabling persistence of ecosystems and species. Conservation strategies can be effective with understanding of these habitats' persistence, helping management practices such as dam removal and trout stocking.
Representative Walter J. Leger III will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his commitment to science-based restoration of the Gulf Coast. He has championed coastal restoration and preservation, and works to ensure proper use of funds intended for coastal protection and restoration.
Research suggests mangroves can reduce elevation loss and promote wetland stability through root production. However, mangrove conversion to mudflats can have long-lasting negative impacts on ecosystem resilience against extreme events.
Using tree-fall patterns, researchers estimated the near-surface wind speeds of an actual tornado event in Naplate, IL, with results compared to wind speeds from residential houses and damaged infrastructure. The method also applied to crops damaged by tornadoes, providing a new approach to estimating tornado intensity.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Michael T. Kohl, Benjamin J. Wilson, and Emily E. Ernst for awards in outstanding student research and exceptional presentations. The recipients were awarded for their contributions to ecology and conservation.
The ESA Annual Meeting explores how extreme events challenge populations, communities, and ecosystems, as well as human health and living conditions. The meeting delves into topics such as pastoralism in the 21st century, drought resilience and recovery, and coastal ecological resilience and climate change adaptation.
Researchers developed a new method to detect insect invaders using eDNA, while coral reef studies highlighted the importance of cultural values in conservation. Additionally, designers created fish-friendly architectural engineering designs for marine infrastructure, and a study examined the effects of oil sands on wildlife populations
Researchers found that boldness in male and female yellow-spotted monitor lizards was associated with higher mating success. However, this boldness came with a cost: exposed individuals were at a higher risk of being eaten by predators during the wet season.
The article explores four key strategies to prevent environmental generational amnesia, which can accelerate environmental degradation. Coral reef restoration is also discussed, highlighting the importance of herbivory, reducing coral predation, and promoting algae-farming fishes. Additionally, passive acoustic monitoring in freshwater...
A recent study found that vertebrates are essential pollinators for many plants, including crops like dragon fruit and durian. The study revealed that the exclusion of bat pollinators resulted in an 83% drop in fruit production, highlighting the importance of these animals in plant reproduction.
The study explores ways to improve compatibility between livestock grazing and fish habitat in the Blue Mountains. New approaches, such as range riders and flexible on and off dates for livestock, emerged from stakeholder conversations.
Researchers discover active life in a frozen Quebec lake, with tiny red zooplankton buzzing in the dark water. The bright red coloration serves as protection against oxidative stress and helps the copepods accumulate essential fatty acids.
Research suggests that sixbar wrasse baby fish settle on coral reefs during the moon's last quarter, resulting in a 10% larger size, likely due to delayed arrival. This delay allows them to avoid predators on bright full moon nights and increases their chances of survival.
Researchers tracked individual albatrosses for their entire lives to identify intrinsic quality that drives performance, including reproductive success and longevity. The study found that birds born in warmer years were smaller and performed poorly, while those from denser populations had reduced success.
Wildlife researchers developed a structured decision-making process to set sustainable wild turkey harvest targets when reliable abundance estimates are not available. The approach incorporates uncertainty about population and harvest parameters, allowing managers to apply principles of structured decision making.
Researchers from Montana and Wyoming biologists projected routes for grizzly bears to pass through human-occupied territory around Helena, Butte, and Bozeman. The predicted routes matched well with verified sightings of grizzly bears outside their usual ranges, offering more continuous habitat.
Scientists report that four penguin species target gelatinous animals for meals, providing a new link in the food web. The findings suggest that gelatinous organisms play an underrated role in the carbon cycle and can sustain large marine animals.
A study of New Orleans' plant life post-Katrina found that demographic factors, such as wealth and race, were better predictors of vegetation patterns than flood intensity. The research highlights the need for better public policy and management to address the social and environmental challenges in post-disaster recovery.
Research suggests that land protected by regulation lacks adequate space for animals to roam, while land acquired for conservation provides better habitat. However, the study's findings indicate that incidental protection regulations can still have a positive impact on biodiversity.
The American pika's behavioral adaptations to climate change include shifting mating seasons, migrations, and adjustments in feeding and foraging strategies. However, these adaptations are limited by physiology and may incur costly trade-offs with other essential activities.
A researcher tracked Sahara mustard's spread through California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, finding it adapted to local conditions by shifting germination timing. The plant's rapid growth and self-fertilization enabled its successful invasion, but eradication may be possible with targeted efforts.
In a unique mechanism of seed dispersal, goats spit out argan tree seeds during rumination, benefiting the trees' survival. This novel method may be essential for some plant species.
The Ecological Society of America honored Michael J.M. McTavish with the Murray F. Buell Award for his presentation on selective granivory of exotic earthworms, while Julienne E. NeSmith received the E. Lucy Braun Award for her poster on interactive effects of soil moisture and plant invasion.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes six graduate students for their policy work, providing them with training and opportunities to meet policymakers. The students will learn about the legislative process and federal science funding, aiming to bridge the gap between science and policy.
Research suggests that biodiversity is linked to lower infectious disease prevalence in people, contradicting concerns that intact ecosystems pose a danger. However, animal species do not present an equal threat of disease transmission, and some families like rodents transmit disease more commonly than others.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Diana Harrison Wall, Kathleen Weathers, and Debra Peters with the Eminent Ecologist Award, Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education, and Distinguished Service Citation, respectively, for their outstanding contributions to ecology.
A study in Norway's boreal forest reconstructs past events over the last 700 years, showing a surge in human-instigated fires during the 17th and 18th centuries followed by fire suppression after AD 1800. The analysis provides valuable insights into historical fire patterns, guiding forest management planning.
In a study, magpies won the race for Cheetos, completing tasks faster than crows. However, crows stole food more frequently, suggesting that the smaller birds may not compensate with increased foraging efforts. The findings highlight the complex relationship between competition and cooperation in urban ecosystems.
Drone-launched fireballs can aid in wildfire suppression and ignite prescribed burns for grassland restoration. High-intensity fires are effective in killing invasive shrubs, promoting fire-adapted grasses.
Climate effects of major eruptions deliver 'just right' conditions for vulnerable saguaro seedlings. A study by biogeographer Taly Drezner found that distant volcanic paroxysms fostered population growth in the Sonoran Desert.
Research at the ESA Annual Meeting highlights the complex relationships between mosquitoes and their environments. Mosquito life cycles are connected to temperature and humidity, but warming climates may not always increase disease transmission. A study found that invasive mosquito species can even help break the spread of parasites.
Shannon Estenoz, Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives, receives the Ecological Society of America's Regional Policy Award for her collaborative work protecting the Florida Everglades from pollution, climate change, and invasive species. The award recognizes her decades-long commitment to conservation.
Researchers argue that network governance models can help big conservation alliances govern themselves and strengthen connections through communication. This approach emphasizes inclusivity, allowing disparate stakeholders to envision common goals and choose metrics for measuring progress.
The Ecological Society of America has selected six graduate students for the 2016 Graduate Student Policy Award. These students will participate in policy training and attend meetings with US Representatives and Senators to discuss federal funding for biological sciences.
The study reveals that the decline of traditional women's work in the marshes has led to a narrowing of daily life to domestic tasks. The Marsh Arab women's unique cultural relationship with the ecosystem is being lost as natural resources vanish, and their roles are taken over by men.
The US National Vegetation Classification provides a standardized system for vegetation classification, allowing land managers to collaborate across ownership boundaries and analyze trends on a landscape, regional, and national scale. The classification is based on rigorous data and reflects the functional ecology of plant communities.
A New Brunswick family's initial attempt to trap snowshoe hares for sport inadvertently created an ecological experiment that shaped the vegetation of tiny Hay Island and Kent. The hares' impact, including mowing down young saplings and altering tree growth patterns, has now been reversed as scientists monitor the island's recovery.
A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.
The article explores ecological innovations for infrastructure in the face of climate change, focusing on harmony rather than control. It highlights the importance of understanding natural systems to create sustainable and resilient cities.
The Ecological Society of America releases a report highlighting the benefits of citizen science in ecology, including improved data quality and increased public engagement. The report showcases successful case studies and provides guidance for organizations to design effective citizen science projects.
The Ecological Society of America will create a new network for 21st century STEM professionals in environmental biology with an innovative mindset. The project aims to prepare students for rapidly evolving career tracks and addresses NSF's goal of building the professional STEM workforce for tomorrow.
Scientists explore reviving extinct Mediterranean forests through minimal human disturbance and restoration of native vegetation. They also investigate the impact of ocean noise pollution on undersea animals and propose internationally binding commitments to monitor and limit noise.
The US is set to harden its shoreline by 22,842 km if current trends continue, with most new development focusing on soft marshy estuaries and lagoons. Coastal wetlands provide essential ecosystem services, including filtering pollution and buffering against storms.
Senator Ben Cardin receives the 2015 ESA Regional Policy Award for his decades-long commitment to environmental protection and ecosystem health. The award recognizes his efforts to promote Chesapeake Bay restoration, address climate change, and ensure science is at the table in federal policymaking.
Researchers found that the risk of white shark attack for individual ocean users in California has fallen strikingly by over 91 percent since 1950. Information on coastal population growth, seasonal and weekly beach going, surfing, scuba diving, and swimming empowers ocean users to avoid large predators.
Biochar, a product of cooking chicken manure into charcoal, can retain nitrogen in soil longer than traditional fertilizers, capturing carbon in the process. This approach has been shown to improve nutrient retention in agricultural fields, offering a potential solution to the Chesapeake Bay's pollution problems.