Scientists Mas and Dietsch examined publicly available criteria for shade-grown coffee certification programs, finding that some distinguish farms with beneficial levels of shade for biodiversity conservation. The study suggests setting specific realistic conservation goals based on habitat use and forest fragment protection.
The Ecological Society of America presents an action plan to address growing environmental challenges globally. The report emphasizes the need for integrating ecological knowledge into policy and management, fostering an ecologically knowledgeable public, and building infrastructure for ecology.
Research shows that older mothers produce faster-growing and more resilient larvae, while smaller ants disrupt native seed dispersal patterns. Exotic plants also adapt quickly to new environments, and artificial night lighting can harm migrating birds.
The aquarium trade poses a significant threat to marine and freshwater ecosystems due to the introduction of invasive species. Experts recommend regulating the industry by listing safer alternatives and using bonds to cover potential damage costs.
Research reveals that beavers' selective herbivory affects plant types in their community, favoring hybrid cottonwoods with lower tannin levels. This study suggests a link between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through genetically-based plant traits.
A study examining coastal and southern California shrublands found that fire hazard risk was relatively constant at 2.7% annually, contradicting the assumption that older vegetation fuels cause larger fires. Regional differences may contribute to these findings.
Research by Ostfeld and Holt found that mobile predators like foxes, coyotes, and falcons effectively suppress rodent numbers, reducing disease transmission to humans. In contrast, specialized predators like weasels cause periodic population booms, promoting the spread of rodent-borne pathogens.
Researchers found that bottom gears like dredges and trawls inflict the most harm on habitats and marine vertebrates. The team suggests banning or limiting these gears in sensitive areas.
A new study reveals that parasitic flatworms use light to locate hosts, while water temperature increases their swimming speed. The findings suggest that the larvae's movement is largely controlled by themselves rather than environmental factors.
The presentation highlights the impacts of major water restrictions and efforts toward community communication during severe droughts. Researchers explore the management of freshwater inflow criteria for affected regions, examining vulnerability to aquatic resources and allocation of water resources in South Africa.
Caterpillars' shelter-building habits impact insect communities by reducing diversity, whereas artificial habitats have similar effects as natural ones. The study suggests regional patterns of insect herbivore diversity may be influenced by these ecosystem engineers.
Research found significant species diversity in riparian areas, with up to 40 times more exotic species per plot compared to uplands. Flood frequency also impacts species richness, with decreased numbers of exotic species as flood frequency decreases.
A recent study uses sunflowers to predict the likelihood of genes from hybrid crops entering wild populations. The research found that domesticated crop genes can persist even when hybrids perform poorly, suggesting a challenge for controlling their spread.
Researchers use tree ring analysis to estimate salmon returns, following historical catch records. The study provides insights into the relationship between tree-ring growth and salmon populations, paving the way for more accurate reconstructions.
Researchers found that invasive ants build shelters for mealybugs, allowing them to feed safely. The mealybugs produce a significant amount of honeydew, providing 32% of the daily energy for fire ant colonies.
Research suggests that consuming flying foxes, foraged on cycad seeds with high neurotoxin levels, may be a source of ALS-PDC. Economic changes in Guam led to increased hunting and trade of bats, contributing to the disease's rapid spread and decline.
Adam Davis's work focuses on integrating economic value into land conservation for private landowners, using current regulations to drive the economic value of conservation. Companies are finding that investing in protected environments is not only good for the Earth but also a sound financial investment.
A mathematical model supports the use of drug cycling as a tool to control TB resistance, particularly in regions with increased mobility. The EU is identified as an example where this approach could be applied to address global health concerns.
A new model predicts that an animal's body size determines how often it encounters food in its environment. The researchers found that larger animals have bigger home ranges due to their ability to perceive and average over different scales of resource availability.
The Ecological Society of America honored its 2002 award winners for their contributions to ecology, including George Mercer Award recipient Jonathon Levine's innovative approach to managing invasive species. The Eugene P. Odum Education Award was given to Margaret Lowman for her work in ecology education and research.
A new study found a striking connection between malformed amphibians and the presence of Ribeiroia, a parasitic infection. The parasite was linked to limb malformations in over 12,000 amphibians across 11 species, with Pacific treefrogs exhibiting the greatest number of abnormalities.
Researchers found that some bird species experience population increases when nesting in fragmented landscapes due to the availability of suitable habitats. The study revealed that regional landscape patterns play a significant role in determining population trends among forest-nesting birds.
The Ecological Society of America advocates for a broader view of freshwater resources, prioritizing ecological needs alongside societal requirements. Healthy freshwater systems provide essential goods and services like food supply, flood control, and habitat, which are costly to replace with technology.
A study found that recreational boating can transport zebra mussels via entangled aquatic weeds, engine cooling systems, and live wells. The risk of spread to new water bodies is significant due to the high volume of transient boat traffic.
A new study reveals that salmon populations are mutually dependent on riparian vegetation, which provides shade and large woody debris that support successful spawning. The researchers found a significant increase in nitrogen levels in plants near spawning sites, suggesting a two-way relationship between salmon and their ecosystems.
Research reveals that US nature reserves are unevenly distributed across ecological zones, leaving many plant and animal species unprotected. The study suggests that involving the private sector in conservation strategies can help preserve America's biodiversity.
The project, initiated in 1997, incorporates multiple viewpoints from the scientific, corporate, and environmental communities to balance ecology and economics in forestry management. The team's approach has formed notable partnerships and is regarded as a model for others striving to achieve this balance.
Researchers explore how ecological principles, such as the dilution effect, predict the movement of parasites and diseases in various ecosystems. Studies examine the impact of animal diversity on disease transmission, with findings highlighting the importance of community diversity in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Researchers investigate biocontrol insect failures, such as Urophora gallflies failing to control invasive knapweed, while also exploring chemical cues to deter mosquitoes. Additionally, studies on butterflies reveal increased populations following ponderosa pine restoration and nectar flower abundance.
The traditional 'ponderosa pine model' of forest fire management is being questioned due to its limitations. Presenters will present data on the ineffectiveness of prescribed burns in California's shrubland areas and boreal forests, highlighting the dominant role of weather and human demographics in fire regimes.
Researchers examine dam removal's effects on rivers, considering ecological, engineering, social and legal perspectives. The symposium explores how dam removal affects nutrient flow, habitat, and flood patterns, highlighting the need for better restoration strategies.
Researchers will examine climate change's effects on ecosystems, societal perceptions, and natural resources in the United States. Key findings include vulnerabilities of specific regions and possible coping strategies for adapting to projected water and nutrient shortages.
The Ecological Society of America honored outstanding researchers with awards, including the Murray F. Buell Award to Jennifer Klug and David Lytle, and the W. S. Cooper Award to Thomas Swetnam and Julio Betancourt for their work on climate variability in the American Southwest.
Researchers discovered that touching plants can affect insect feeding behavior, with some species experiencing increased leaf area loss and death when visited. The study suggests that future ecological studies should consider the potential effects of researcher interactions on plant biology.
A study by Oklahoma State University researchers found that changes in the American Great Plains have affected birds, with some species benefiting from woody habitat and others declining due to habitat loss. Management options such as prescribed fire and grazing animals may help mitigate these impacts.
A study published in Ecology found that interplanting eucalyptus with nitrogen-fixing trees, such as albizia, increases carbon sequestration in soil. This practice has the potential to significantly impact global efforts to measure and promote carbon sequestration in tropical tree plantations.
The study found that cold, wet springs decrease survival rates of adult owls, while a mixture of old growth forest and other vegetation types promotes high survival and reproductive output. Habitat quality also buffers owls during unfavorable weather periods, but current logging practices do not generate the observed mosaic.
A new study evaluates the efficacy of using shade-grown coffee as a bird conservation measure. Researchers found that while shade coffee habitats support many birds, some sensitive forest species still need forests to survive. Protecting canopy shade trees in these plantations is crucial for conservation.
Ranchers are adapting to environmental changes by incorporating conservation techniques, such as managing grazing patterns and using native species. The symposium showcases successful examples of progressive management, including the use of beavers to restore woodlands and improve biodiversity.
The symposium explores the ecological implications of these stressors on Western mountain ecosystems. Research has helped quantify stress effects at regional scales, challenging land managers and policymakers.
Dr. David Suzuki will speak at the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting, discussing his efforts to prevent ecological crises and find ways for humans to live in balance with nature. He focuses on Climate Change and Pacific Salmon Forests, aiming to educate the public about urgent strategies for reducing global warming.
A study found that forest fragments have insufficient food for some songbirds, leading to reduced feeding visits and longer breeding cycles. The researchers believe that microclimates within small fragments may contribute to lower insect populations, affecting the birds' survival.
Researchers found that mountainous areas can receive dramatically different amounts of pollutants and excess nutrients, creating 'hotspots' with high ecological sensitivity. The study suggests that estimates of atmospheric deposition must take into account complex mountain landscapes, elevations, aspect, and vegetation type.
The Ecological Society of America has released three new publications on biodiversity, biotic invasions, and forest management. The reports provide insights into how changes in ecosystems affect productivity, stability, and environmental damage. The ESA also offers expert advice for managing U.S. National Forests sustainably.
A study found that human presence near bald eagle nests decreased their brooding time by 59% and feeding bouts by 20%, potentially impacting nestling eagles' growth rates and survival. The researchers warn of the need for management strategies to mitigate human impact on wildlife populations.
A recent study by Janice Christian and Scott Wilson found that crested wheatgrass can precipitate a decline in soil quality and increase atmospheric carbon dioxide. The introduction of non-native species like crested wheatgrass may have far-reaching negative repercussions on ecosystems.
A symposium by the Ecological Society of America explores the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of genetically engineered organisms. The discussion will cover case studies on engineered plants, arthropods as tools in disease control, and risk assessment in ecosystems.
Research reveals that nectar robbing by bumble bees reduces pollen transfer and pollination success in the scarlet gilia plant. The study found that high robbing rates attract fewer pollinators, leading to decreased reproductive success.
A study found that pine cones' spines hinder finches' ability to access seeds, encouraging seed dispersal. Researchers discovered a link between spine growth and the length of time seeds remain on pine cones.
Two studies published in Ecological Applications found that wildlife corridors increase the movement and population density of butterflies and other habitat-restricted species. The most effective corridors were those that connected isolated patches of open space with existing forest, allowing for improved plant diversity and food sources.