Integral Ecology Research Center

GPS tracking study reveals why invasive barred owls are winning the battle for California's old-growth forests, and how barred owl management is giving spotted owls a fighting chance

A GPS tracking study found that invasive barred owls consistently occupy the tallest, oldest, and most complex stands of forest, threatening spotted owls' habitats. Managing barred owl populations reopens habitat for spotted owls to reclaim, conservatively estimating over 1,800 square kilometers of restored habitat.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2026

Illegal cannabis cultivation leaves lasting chemical footprint on California’s public lands

A new study reveals that abandoned illegal cannabis operations leave a lasting chemical legacy on California's public lands, threatening ecosystems and wildlife. Researchers found persistent pesticide and pharmaceutical contaminants at former grow sites in the Six Rivers, Shasta-Trinity, and San Bernardino National Forests.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2025

Novel research sheds light on Amazonian birds’ thermoregulatory strategies in a changing environment

A recent study reveals that terrestrial insectivores in the Amazon rainforest employ behavioral and physiological adaptations to cope with rising temperatures, including modifying their warming routines and using water to regulate body temperature.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalOikos·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

Six-year study finds streams contaminated with pesticides from illegal cannabis grows in Northern California

A six-year study confirms stream contamination with pesticides from trespass cannabis cultivation sites in Northern California, threatening local aquatic species and freshwater resources. The study's findings highlight the need for proactive approaches to mitigate the impacts of these sites on downstream waterways and habitats.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalWater Quality Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022