Articles tagged with Applied Ecology
A new study by Umea University researchers found that mixed forests with multiple tree species are less prone to damage from fungi, insects, and fires. The results suggest that increasing the number of tree species in production forests could reduce forest damage risk and financial losses.
A machine learning study predicts that global plastic waste could double by 2050 without intervention, but a combined policy approach could cut mismanaged plastic waste by up to 91% and decrease emissions by a third. The UN treaty negotiations provide a crucial blueprint for tackling the plastic crisis.
Record-high temperatures in Svalbard and East Finnmark create conducive conditions for tree growth, exceeding the classic 10°C threshold. The growing season and average temperature criteria were met at multiple weather stations, indicating a suitable climate for forest establishment.
The MEMELAND project will analyze sediments and soil in lakes across Europe to reveal how medieval farming shaped today's landscapes and biodiversity. The study aims to protect northern Europe's essential biodiversity by understanding the environmental changes that occurred during this period.
Researchers found that while protected areas show promise for some bird species, many others suffer from limited effectiveness. The study used citizen science platforms to analyze data from over 90 million records and identified a need for better staffing and funding to support endangered species.
US wildfires have surged in growth rates over the last 2 decades, with fast fires accounting for 89% of structures damaged or destroyed. These rapid-growing fires present significant challenges to evacuation efforts and firefighting operations, resulting in greater loss of life and infrastructure damage.
A new study found that artificial nests outperform natural nests in boosting African penguin breeding success by 16.5%, but each type of nest has strengths and weaknesses. Colony-specific conservation strategies are needed to address the unique threats faced by each colony.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals that harbor seals in Alaska's Iliamna Lake are genetically isolated from other seal populations across the Pacific. The researchers found significant differences between the lake seals and marine populations, suggesting they may be a unique endemic form of harbor seal.
Research finds that low stream diatom biodiversity on islands may decrease oxygen production due to reduced biodiversity. This could have implications for freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them. The study examines how island location, age, and distance from continents affect diatom diversity and oxygen levels.
A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.
A new study found that large-scale removal of discarded fishing gear and plastic debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands significantly reduced entanglement rates of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The findings suggest that marine debris cleanup programs are successful and that reducing plastic inputs can maximize conservation outco...
A recent FAU study reveals that mesophotic corals can replenish declining shallow reef populations with strong genetic connectivity between shallow and deep zones. The research suggests that deeper corals could be a key source of genetic diversity for shallow reefs, providing valuable opportunities for recovery and restoration efforts.
The British Ecological Society has announced the winners of its annual photography competition, Capturing Ecology. The competition showcases stunning images that capture the beauty and diversity of ecological systems.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
New study challenges prevailing conservation theories by finding no discernible impact of Maasai cattle grazing on the reserve's ecological well-being. The research confirms that large wild herbivores share spaces with cattle and that their direct effect is minimal.
A study of 230 fisheries worldwide found significant biases in stock biomass estimates, particularly for overfished stocks, leading to underestimated declines and insufficient management. The findings suggest that 85% more stocks than currently recognized have likely collapsed below 10% of their historical biomass.
By 2070, human-wildlife overlap is projected to increase in about 57% of global lands, primarily due to expanding human populations. This shift will lead to more conflicts between humans and animals, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Research by University of Queensland reveals that Australian environmental laws are inadequate in stopping high rates of tree clearing for agriculture and development. The study found that 75% of cases in Queensland were exempt from assessment under the state's main vegetation management law, leading to severe deforestation rates.
A UK-based study reveals that an offshore mussel farm is reviving shellfish reefs off the English south coast, a process previously unseen in 150 years. The research found mussels deposited on the seabed create habitats for commercially important species like European lobsters and brown crabs.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have created a proof-of-concept for a unique aquaponics system that grows fish and vegetables together, producing more produce while using less energy than traditional systems. The closed-loop system recycles fish waste through anaerobic digestion, reducing waste production and carbon emissions.
A WVU team investigates how different management practices affect Appalachian forest life and carbon sequestration capabilities. Preliminary data reveals changes in species distribution and ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.
A study found that invasive cicad aulacaspis scale alters leaf litter decomposition dynamics of cycad species, releasing nutrients too quickly. This damage threatens ecosystem balance and conservation efforts in invaded islands.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Human disturbance disrupts leopard-hyena competition, favoring hyenas. The study shows that male leopards retain dominance over hyenas but female leopards change behavior due to size disadvantage. Human expansion poses threat to leopards' survival and ecosystem balance.
A new North Carolina State University study found a dearth of useful depictions of farmworkers in commercial stock photo libraries, highlighting the need for more relevant educational materials. The research suggests that these images can impact farmworker engagement with safety behaviors.
A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of ecological studies in national parks where gray wolves were extirpated overlooked the historical presence of these apex predators. This exclusion can lead to inaccurate assessments of ecosystem changes, which can have serious implications for conservation and wildlife management.
The Ecological Society of America honors its 2024 award recipients, including Juan Carlos Castilla for his pioneering research on marine ecology and Alan R. Berkowitz for his long-standing service to ESA and education in ecology. These awards recognize outstanding achievements across various domains.
A new University of Michigan study concludes that nearly half of the food produced globally each year goes to waste. Implementing fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide could eliminate 620 million metric tons of global food loss and reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
A study by the University of Göttingen investigated regional differences in bird diversity within cocoa agroforestry systems in Peru. The research team found that biodiversity decreases with increasing distance from natural forests, with greater richness of species found in humid subtropical forests than in dry tropical forests.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
A global meta-analysis of 186 studies reveals that conservation actions have a net positive effect on biodiversity in two-thirds of cases. Conservation efforts targeting species and ecosystems, such as invasive species control and habitat restoration, show the largest impact.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers suggests that revitalizing Indigenous aquaculture systems, known as loko iʻa fishponds, can increase locally available seafood production. This revival has the potential to boost local food production and provide a sustainable solution to Hawaiʻi's seafood supply.
Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.
Researchers have developed an active learning strategy to accelerate the synthesis of high-performance engineered biochar with enhanced CO2 uptake. The approach nearly doubled CO2 capture performance, showcasing its transformative impact.
Researchers have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, essential for fertilizers, by developing a new catalyst that works stably at relatively low temperatures. This breakthrough reduces the amount of energy needed to synthesize ammonia, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
A new report by a team of experts outlines an approach that combines Indigenous knowledge with Western science to develop more resilient forest management practices. The 'braided' approach aims to promote the health and diversity of forests, which are increasingly threatened by climate change.
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, demonstrated a new method for visualizing vegetation gradients in hilly terrain. This analysis showed that 'hillslope-impacted vegetation' is a common global phenomenon, widely distributed across various climates and regions.
Researchers have discovered a virus that infects the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes heart failure in frogs and toads. The virus could be engineered to control the fungal disease and potentially save amphibian species.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that severe hurricanes can increase the recovery of coral reef sponges by boosting the influx of juveniles and promoting gene flow. Genetic analyses revealed that populations of clonal marine species may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes to maintain gen...
A new study published in Nature Sustainability suggests that decommissioned offshore structures may only provide limited long-term ecological benefits. The research analyzed over 530 scientific studies on the effects of marine artificial structures and found no conclusive evidence to support their use as artificial reefs.
A study found that organic fields can help reduce pesticide use on surrounding organic fields by increasing pest control in those areas. Conversely, clustering organic fields together decreases overall pesticide use across both organic and conventional farms by mitigating spillover effects.
Researchers review advances and challenges in applying SLA to evaluate unconventional reservoirs, highlighting its simplicity and convenience. The study proposes modifications to address reservoir heterogeneity and suggests combining SLA with machine learning algorithms for improved accuracy.
Researchers mapped disease dynamics in foothill yellow-legged frogs, tracing patterns of infection across a large geographic range. The study found that drought, rising temperatures, and agricultural land conversion drive Bd infection, with the pathogen affecting nearly entire region from southern coast to central Oregon.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed new computer-based models of masting to understand its effects on ecosystems and food webs. The models predict that masting can affect tree mortality, population dynamics, and animal-forest interactions, with implications for mitigating negative impacts of climate change.
A team of conservationists has made the first-ever report of a breeding population of an incredibly rare turtle in India. The Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle was discovered in the Chandragiri River in Kerala using local knowledge from villagers, who shared tales of historical sightings and provided leads on current occurrences.
A new study found that relocated songbird chicks can successfully learn the diversity of songs they need to communicate and survive. Despite an initial lack of song diversity, the population recovered as it increased in size, suggesting that translocating nestlings may not lead to long-term problems.
Researchers propose new statistical index to detect river ecosystem changes, potentially preventing tragedies like the Oder River crisis. The developed index is more versatile and responsive to variations in individual parameter values.
A study in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy found that invasive big-headed ants disrupt a mutualism between native ants and acacia trees, leading to overgrazing by elephants and reduced lion zebra kills. As a result, lions shift their prey to African buffalo, reducing zebra kills from 67% to 42% between 2003 and 2020.
A study published in Science found that an invasive ant species is altering tree cover in an East African wildlife area, making it harder for lions to hunt their preferred prey, zebras. The ant's arrival has shifted predator-prey behavior, potentially jeopardizing lion populations already on the brink of endangerment.
Chinese researchers investigated the causes and consequences of biological invasions, tackling questions on genetics, nutrient pollution, and online trade. The 24 articles highlight valuable insights into future biological invasion research coming out of China.
A new University of Michigan-led international study finds that urban agriculture produces food with a carbon footprint six times larger than conventionally grown produce. However, certain city-grown crops, such as tomatoes and air-freighted crops like asparagus, showed comparable or even lower carbon intensity under specific conditions.
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
Researchers found that biodiversity data is concentrated in wealthy countries, with implications for conservation projects. This context should be considered to prevent inequitable implementation, Chapman argues. The team hopes to see more inclusive science policy collaboration to ensure that biodiversity data is applied justly.
A comprehensive assessment reveals that roughly two-thirds of Atlantic Forest tree species are threatened with extinction, including 82% of endemic species. The study suggests that conservation efforts may need to be revised due to the high extinction risks for tropical forests worldwide.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an uncrewed surface vehicle to measure nitrate concentration and water depth in a reservoir. The study reveals seasonal variations in nitrate levels and the importance of considering timing and weather conditions in water quality assessments.
A recent study suggests that the Arctic cold snap significantly contributes to the heightened uptake of carbon dioxide by the East Sea. The research found that the internal circulation along the East Coast strengthened due to the Arctic cold wave, leading to a surge in carbon dioxide absorption. This phenomenon presents a promising sol...
Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.