Articles tagged with Applied Ecology
The planned releases of radioactive wastewater from Fukushima Daiichi will have negligible effects on the environment, according to a study published in Science. The predicted radiation doses from the discharges are smaller than exposure to natural radiation or medical x-rays, posing no real threat to local seafood consumers.
A new study finds that drier ecosystems in savannas and grasslands have a greater potential for carbon storage when fires are less frequent. Over the past two decades, soil carbon rose by an estimated 23% in dryland savanna-grasslands, while it declined by 25% in more humid regions.
Researchers recommend prioritizing ecosystem services in mangrove conservation to protect infrastructure, communities, and fisheries while safeguarding billions of dollars' worth of coastal property value. This approach could safeguard 6.1 million people against flooding and sequester over one billion tonnes of carbon.
Researchers developed a framework for climate-resilient fisheries, analyzing 18 diverse fisheries across ecological, social and governance dimensions. The framework identifies five archetypes of resilient fisheries with unique pathways to achieve sustainability and benefits to society.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
A new paper suggests that ecology can inspire more powerful, resilient, and socially responsible AI to solve complex problems. Artificial intelligence systems can incorporate greater amounts of data and diverse sources, discovering new interactions and drivers that may not have been considered before.
A deep learning approach has unveiled a significant change in the characteristics of global daily precipitation for the first time. The research found that on more than 50% of all days, there was a clear deviation from natural variability in the daily precipitation pattern since 2015.
A new study reveals that large national parks can enhance bird diversity inside their borders and boost mammal diversity in nearby unprotected areas by up to 194 per cent.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that artificial light at night links with lower survival for two backyard bird species, the gray catbird and house wren. The study used data from a citizen-science program to investigate how light pollution affects birds' survival rates.
Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.
Researchers analyzed aerial images of seal colonies to study distribution patterns and found harbour seals stay at larger distances from conspecifics than grey seals, suggesting an evolutionary response to respiratory virus susceptibility. This finding provides opportunities to gather more information about pinnipeds in remote regions.
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A recent study by BirdLife International reveals that nearly four in 10 of Europe's bird species are now of conservation concern, including 14% of global concern. The continent's nature is facing an urgent need for comprehensive restoration legislation to halt and reverse the decline in threatened bird species.
A six-year dune restoration project in Santa Monica Beach, California, has shown promising results in increasing the beach's resilience to sea level rise. The project involved creating a natural dune system using native vegetation, which trapped sand and formed hummocks and dunes.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Center have made significant advancements in predicting droughts and food shortages in the Eastern Horn of Africa, enabling agencies to take effective actions and provide humanitarian assistance. These early warnings have helped prevent devastating famines and saved millions of people f...
A University of Michigan-led study found that transnational conglomerates' palm oil supply chains contribute to deforestation in Guatemala. Seven Key Biodiversity Areas and 23 protected areas are impacted by oil palm expansion. Environmental certification programs like RSPO do not effectively mitigate deforestation risk.
A study found that even no-take MPAs in California and globally are vulnerable to marine heatwaves, leading to mass species mortality and displacement. The research revealed that ecological communities shift dramatically after such events, regardless of protection status.
The Pacific Northwest and Cascadia Bioregion are home to diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests and marine environments. Research presented at the ESA Annual Meeting explores topics such as restoration efforts, plant community recovery, and climate change impacts on salmon populations.
Research found that warmer ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves lead to increased overlap between Chinook salmon and Pacific hake, raising the risk of salmon bycatch. The study used 20 years of data and modeled behavioral changes to show how salmon move lower into the water column during higher temperatures.
Rapid agricultural expansion in South American plains has led to increased flooding, as shallow groundwater tables and declining evapotranspiration reduce hydrological stability. The findings suggest that the conversion of native vegetation to crops contributes to these changes.
A landmark study reveals that more than 90% of global aquaculture and capture fisheries face substantial risks from environmental change. The study highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for transboundary collaboration, diversification, and stakeholder engagement to adapt to climate change.
A global analysis of pollinator decline in cities reveals that butterflies are most affected, with shrinking habitats and food availability causing populations to drop. Meanwhile, certain groups of wild bees, such as those nesting above ground, remain less impacted by urbanization.
Researchers warn of growing adverse impacts of light pollution on plants, animals, and entire ecosystems. Light pollution causes habitat loss, disrupts food webs, and declines insect populations.
A massive global study found five common shark species declined 60-73%, as overfishing removed sharks and prey, shifting reef communities towards ray dominance.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A study in Washington state found that when wolves and cougars moved into an area, coyotes and bobcats shifted their movements into regions with higher levels of human activity. However, it was humans who finished off the smaller predators, with over half of the coyotes killed by people during the study period.
A new study suggests that private land conservation in Brazil's Cerrado region can protect up to 14.5% of threatened vertebrate species' ranges. The analysis found that restoring private protected areas is an important conservation goal, warranting special funds and attention.
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
The concept of nature's chefs offers a new perspective on species interactions, highlighting the diversity of food-making and preparing species across the tree of life. This interdisciplinary approach aims to inform how people think about food across various disciplines.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
Researchers propose a 'state space' approach to reframe farming planning questions, enabling analytics and machine learning to explore optimal crop combinations and simulate different scenarios. This framework allows farmers to design diverse agricultural landscapes based on natural ecosystems, increasing crop yield and sustainability.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that both more persistent and severe food insecurity were linked to lower test scores and fewer years of education completed. Even mild forms of food insecurity can be detrimental to children's educational outcomes.
Researchers found that hummingbirds can enter into deep or shallow torpor, and their ability to do so is tied to their evolutionary conquest of mountain habitats. Torpor duration varies depending on ambient temperature and physical condition.
A deadly fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has emerged in Africa over the past 165 years, causing a significant decline in amphibian populations. The fungus is lethal for many species but not others, with low prevalence and limited spread initially until 2000.
A recent study confirmed that a record-high temperature recorded in October 2021 would have been extremely unlikely to occur without the influence of global warming. The team quantified how often such heatwaves may occur during future fall seasons under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Researchers have identified critical areas in northern, northwestern, and western Iran for urgent conservation action. The study used maps of threatened species to pinpoint regions necessary to protect critically endangered species like the Asiatic cheetah and Persian leopard.
A decade-long experiment found that high-intensity fires did not reverse bush encroachment in the long term, despite an initial decline in woody plant cover. The study suggests that fire management strategies must be tailored to each local context and that long-term monitoring is crucial for effective conservation.
A global comparison of soil transplantation projects reveals significant improvements in restoring vegetations with high conservation value. The treatment increased species count and diversity by an average of 40% compared to hay addition, particularly on loamy soils over larger areas.
Researchers found that Nepalese tigers crossed highways significantly more times during the COVID-19 lockdown, with one tiger's home range tripling in size. The study suggests that reducing vehicle traffic can lead to quick conservation benefits by enabling tigers to roam freely.
Research by University of Queensland finds that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is not effectively protecting threatened habitats. Projects deemed 'significant' or 'not significant' have resulted in similar habitat destruction, highlighting inconsistencies in referral decision-making processes.
The endangered Amami rabbit plays a key role in dispersing seeds for the non-photosynthetic Balanophora yuwanensis plant. Researchers observed that the rabbit consumed both dry fruits and vegetative tissue from the plant, suggesting it serves as a major seed disperser incentivized by the plant's vegetative tissues.
The night sky has increased in brightness by 7-10% per year, equivalent to a doubling of its brightness in less than eight years. This rapid growth is outpacing satellite estimates and highlights the urgent need for awareness about artificial light at night.
A new study finds that over 90% of US households will see a reduction in transportation energy costs with electric vehicles, but the lowest-income households may not benefit equally. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to promote energy justice and increase EV accessibility for low-income communities.
A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
A University of Queensland-led research group has created the world's first successful donkey embryo using in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), which could save dozens of endangered donkey species. The team used a specialist IVF process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to create the viable embryo.
Eastern red bats, now the most commonly detected bat in Midwestern forests, have a significant impact on tree regeneration due to their appetite for insect-damaging bugs. Forest managers can benefit from considering these bats' landscape preferences, particularly ponds and smaller forest openings.
Ocean biodiversity is declining, with shark populations on the rise in danger despite successful conservation efforts for tunas and billfishes. Effective management has allowed tuna and billfish to recover over the past decade, but sharks remain undermanaged.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that most species are not receiving protection until their populations are precariously small, dimming their prospects of recovery. The study also highlights the issue of inadequate funding for protecting threatened and endangered species, which has persisted for decades.
A POSTECH research team developed an anode-free lithium battery with a volumetric energy density of 977Wh/L, enabling 630km long battery life on a single charge. The new technology uses an ion conductive substrate to minimize swelling and increase battery capacity.
Researchers found that hedges and perennial flower strips complement each other to support wild bees in orchards, with species visiting flowers at different times of the year. Perennial flower strips were more beneficial for wild bees than annual strips, attracting different bee communities over time.
New research finds that purple needlegrass thrives in areas with sheep grazing, especially during wet weather, creating space for new growth and reducing competition from non-native grasses. The study's findings aim to inform effective management strategies for this long-lived species and its potential role in mitigating climate change.
Researchers found that crops bred for single-species systems rapidly adapt to growing alongside multiple species, leading to increased cooperation and productivity. The study suggests breeding plants to grow in mixed-species plots may improve yields and reduce the need for fertilizers and other harmful practices.
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
A new study suggests that investing $16 billion a year can restore 65% of fire-impacted species habitat and sequester up to 291 megatons of carbon dioxide. The research also highlights the need for urgent removal of invasive species, replanting, and stopping native forest logging.
A team of US scientists proposes a 'Western Rewilding Network' to conserve and restore ecosystems in the region. The plan aims to reintroduce keystone species like gray wolves and North American beavers to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Researchers found that rapid vegetation recovery in Fukushima reduced suspended sediment levels and turbidity effects. The study highlights the need for future remediation projects to include measures like revegetation to mitigate downstream environmental impacts.