A new method to monitor elusive species uses genetic material found in soil, increasing time window for detection. Eastern indigo snakes can be detected in less than two minutes and remain detectable for up to 10 days.
Researchers have mapped critical habitat characteristics for Canada lynx in western Colorado and southern Wyoming, revealing that over half of lynx habitats overlap protected areas. However, wildfire poses a major threat to lynx populations, with around one-third of potential habitat overlapping with disturbance areas.
New research predicts that wildlife species in the continental US will experience year-long droughts nearly five times as often in the coming decades. Three-year droughts may become nearly seven times more frequent, with implications for conservation strategies and wildlife management.
Researchers found that reducing surface and ladder fuels through thinning, coupled with prescribed burning or pile burning, can significantly reduce future wildfire severity. The study's findings support the effectiveness of proactive ecological forest management in changing fire behavior and mitigating wildfire severity.
A recent study published in Current Biology indicates that outdoor recreation noise can trigger a fear response in wildlife, altering their behavior and habitat use. The research, conducted in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, found that different types of recreation noise, group size, and human presence affected animal responses.
A collaborative research study found that frequent, low-severity fires support Mexican spotted owl habitat, while high-severity fire is detrimental. This finding suggests that restoring historic fire regimes could benefit both owl conservation and forest resilience.
Scientists at USDA Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station studied foraging habits of wild bees to understand their nutritional needs. The study found that different bee species have unique nutritional requirements, which are met by foraging on specific plant pollen types.
Researchers investigated the effects of megafires on California's wildlife habitat, analyzing over 600 species. They found that high-severity fires impacted 100 species, with 16 considered conservation concern, yet some species may find refuge in unaffected habitats.
Researchers developed an analysis framework to predict wolf movement and conflict risk in advance, identifying a complex of federal Wilderness areas as the best location for reintroduction. The study highlights the critical role of Wilderness areas in providing habitat and connectivity for species with a history of conflict with humans.
A new synthesis paper presents opportunities for prescribed fire in wilderness areas to restore natural qualities and honor human relationships with the land. Experts agree that deliberate restoration of fire can increase ecosystem health under more predictable conditions.
A new study identifies locations where proactive forest management can reduce carbon loss and protect communities from wildfires in the Western United States. Proactive forest management techniques like thinning, prescribed fire, and cultural burning can help keep carbon in forests and reduce wildfire risk.
Scientists found that contemporary fires in dry conifer forests are burning hotter and killing more trees than in previous centuries, due to a lack of low-severity fires. Regular management and prescribed fires can help mitigate this trend and restore resilience to these ecosystems.
Dr. Dave E. Calkin has been recognized with the prestigious Ember Award for his contributions to wildland fire science, including developing tools and strategies for risk management and decision-making. His work aims to improve the effectiveness of wildfire management systems, supporting the health of public lands and communities.
A study found that protected areas are unlikely to provide connectivity for species shifting ranges due to climate change, with two-thirds of the world's 30,000 protected areas expected to fail. Conservation strategies must prioritize effective use of protected areas to help species adapt to a warming planet.
New research models COVID-19 spread in wildfire incidents, showing vaccines and social distancing reduce impact on workforce. The study highlights the importance of communication outside fire environments.
Research highlights the need for strategic conservation plans to protect at-risk species as they shift their ranges due to climate change. Climate conditions are expected to change in over a quarter of global protected areas under a scenario of 2°C warming, posing physical and non-physical barriers to species migration.
Forest restoration reduces severe fire risk by half, safeguarding California spotted owl habitats. This study suggests that targeted forest management can mitigate climate change impacts on species conservation.
Wildland management must adapt to unprecedented ecosystem changes due to climate change, invasive species, and land use conversion. Scientists from the Rocky Mountain Research Station suggest a more inclusive governance model to improve collaboration and learning.
A new technique using environmental DNA from snow samples has been developed to improve the tracking of rare carnivores. This method outperforms traditional lab techniques in detecting genetic samples and reduces errors in species identification.
A new study suggests that strategic directional fencing and/or corridors can be a viable solution for lion conservation by maintaining protected areas and directing lions to suitable habitats. The research highlights the critical role of landscape connectivity in the survival of African lions.
Research suggests that decreasing winter winds are a primary driver of streamflow declines and reduced precipitation in the Pacific Northwest mountains. This decrease can lead to increased wildfire risk, earlier and lower streamflows, and decreased water availability for communities and industries.