Researchers tracked 87 Adélie penguins using electronic tags, revealing how they interact with sea ice during their long-distance migrations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species in the Southern Ocean and how climate change may impact Adélie penguin populations.
Researchers have discovered a potential bottleneck in Adélie penguins' annual cycle, which could be exacerbated as the climate continues to change. The study found that seasonal Antarctic sea ice plays a crucial role in the penguins' molting periods, with low sea ice concentration signaling extended gaps in post-breeding diving activity.
A study has identified 20 consistent indicators to support sustainability on U.S. ranches, focusing on ecological, social, and economic aspects. The indicators aim to help ranchers track progress toward sustainability goals and communicate improvements to their operations.
A new study reveals that climate change will affect Antarctic seals, such as crabeater and Weddell seals, in distinct ways. Crabeater seals are more vulnerable due to their specialized diet and breeding on unstable pack-ice, while Weddell seals are less affected.
A New Zealand-led international study used satellite images and citizen science to uncover the secret lives of crabeater seals in Antarctica. The researchers found that crabeater seal distribution overlapped mostly with Antarctic krill habitat, highlighting the importance of conserving this ecosystem.
A study published in Restoration Ecology found that mountain meadow restorations using the 'pond and plug' technique increased bird populations over time. The study's authors concluded that both hydrologic measures and vegetative measures were helpful in creating habitat for birds, with the latter approach accelerating positive impacts.
The study found that removing invasive mice from the Farallon Islands would reduce the presence of overwintering burrowing owls, which in turn would decrease mortality rates among ashy storm-petrels. The researchers project a stable or increasing population trend for the threatened bird species.
Researchers found that many bird species responded positively to the climate conditions associated with the drought, potentially offsetting negative habitat impacts. The study's results suggest that birds may be more resilient to temperature increases than previously thought, but also highlights the need for further research on their r...
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that small and isolated habitat patches are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. The research highlights the importance of conserving these small patches, which can sometimes be the last remaining habitats for species.
Researchers found that streamside forests store an average of 168-390 tons of carbon per acre in mature trees, while soil carbon can triple with restoration. Actively restoring forests jump-starts the process, gaining more than twice the rate of naturally regenerating forests over the first ten years.
A study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that restoring forests can benefit both carbon storage and biodiversity, but optimizing for one may come at the expense of the other. The researchers identified areas with high tree density had more carbon stored in trees, but lower bird density and diversity.
Financial incentive programs created critical waterbird habitat in the Central Valley of California during severe droughts. Satellite data revealed a 61% increase in flooded rice fields and up to 100% of available habitat created by these programs.
The study found that wildfire had a strong effect on the density of many bird species, with some reaching maximum densities after high-severity fires. The researchers also discovered complex patterns in species' responses to fire severity and time since burning, highlighting the dynamic nature of avian communities after fires.
A recent study published in Conservation Biology makes a strong case for using detailed wildlife density data to inform conservation planning. The research found that prioritizing areas with higher species richness led to the protection of more individuals of each species.
A recent study found that over 50% of National Forest land in the northern Sierra Nevada is designated to promote mature, closed-canopy forest, while many bird species prefer undergrowth and habitat outside reserves. The study suggests a need to balance old-growth forest management with diverse forest habitats for all species.
A recent study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that changing grazing practices to give land more time to rest improved the health of native grasslands in California. This approach increased the growth of native perennial grasses, allowing water to better infiltrate soil and reducing erosion.
A new study published by Point Blue Conservation Science found that aggressive removal of conifers can restore aspen stands in the Sierra Nevada, increasing groundwater, enriching soils, and supporting biodiversity. The study's authors used bird species to measure the effectiveness of the restoration approach.
In a recent study, scientists document the importance of irrigated agricultural crops to the Long-billed Curlew, a species of continental conservation concern. The study highlights the need for allocating water reliably to wetlands and flooded agricultural lands to support the species' survival.
A new study suggests that climate change may have a lesser impact on bird populations than previously thought, with housing development potentially causing greater harm. The research found that some species projected to expand their ranges due to climate change may actually lose ground when faced with future development.
A new study reveals that restoring floodplain forests helps migratory songbirds survive the winter, providing vital habitat for birds from Alaska and Canada. The research also found that restored forests are equally preferred to existing older forests by some species, including Lincoln's and White-crowned Sparrows.
For the first time, researchers have mapped the exact migration route of Golden-crowned Sparrows from California to their breeding grounds in coastal Alaska. The study, published in PLoS ONE, reveals that these small songbirds travel up to 2400 miles one-way and spend only 29 days on their northbound migration.
A new study identifies nearly 130 bird species at risk due to climate change, with 72% of threatened and endangered species projected to be further impacted. The research provides a comprehensive list of vulnerable species for conservation action, prioritizing wetland birds and those dependent on sea or near-shore habitats.
A new study projects a bleak future for San Francisco Bay's tidal marshes under high-end sea-level rise scenarios, with up to 93% of the bay's tidal marshes potentially lost. However, the study also highlights the importance of restoration efforts and sediment management in preserving these vital ecosystems.