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Wind energy and marine wildlife in conflict: researchers warn of the overlap between offshore wind farms and areas of high biodiversity

A study reveals widespread overlap between feeding grounds for seabirds, marine mammals, and regions with high wind potential. Researchers propose developing risk maps to predict conflicts and recommend expanding marine protected areas and strengthening spatial planning tools.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2025

New warnings of a ‘Butterfly Effect’ — in reverse

A Yale-led study finds that global climate change may devastate butterfly habitats, turning mountain ecosystems into traps and eroding temperature niches. The researchers urge conservation efforts to protect key habitats and migratory corridors to ensure butterfly diversity survives.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 31, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Global patterns in seed plant distribution over millions of years

A study analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species reveals environmental conditions, particularly climate, play a significant role in shaping global plant distributions. Physical barriers have a smaller effect on ancient plant groups that have had longer periods to disperse widely.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2025

By 2100, more than 80% of amphibian species in and around the Pantanal will lose suitable habitat

A study predicts that over 80% of amphibian species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin will lose suitable habitats by 2100. The region, which includes the Pantanal and its surroundings, is expected to experience local extinctions under both optimistic and pessimistic greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 27, 2025

After 80 years stumping scientists, strange Philippine frog unmasked as hybrid

A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has confirmed that the Leyte Chorus Frog is a hybrid of two species with overlapping ranges whose intermingling was driven by deforestation. The discovery sheds new light on the impact of human activities on the environment and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalHeredity·DateMar 26, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The devastating human impact on biodiversity

A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 26, 2025

How elephants plan their journeys: New study reveals energy-saving strategies

African Elephants have an extraordinary ability to plan their journeys based on energy costs and resource availability, according to a new study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology. The research team used GPS tracking data from 157 elephants over a 22-year period to analyze their movement decisions and habitat selection.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 26, 2025

Refining Siberia’s land cover data: A leap forward for climate science

A recent study refines Siberia's land cover data using machine learning techniques, revealing a high-precision map that enhances climatic predictions. The new dataset improves assessments of carbon flux and ecosystem changes, providing essential insights for climate scientists.

SourceChiba University·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Tree diversity helps reduce heat peaks in forests

A study led by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that tree diversity significantly enhances forest temperature buffering, particularly during heat peaks. Species-rich forests showed a greater cooling effect, up to 4.4°C stronger than single-species forests.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Southeast Asia’s fisheries benefit from small-scale, multispecies capture

Despite decades of overfishing warnings, Southeast Asia's catch fisheries have maintained biodiversity and ecological health, with a three-fold higher ratio of underfished stocks compared to the global average. This study highlights the benefits of non-species-selective multispecies fishing practices in promoting sustainable fisheries.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFisheries Science·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 20, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Good fences make good neighbors (with carnivores)

A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.

SourceColorado State University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMar 14, 2025

US bird populations continue alarming decline, new report finds

The 2025 US State of the Birds Report reveals continued widespread declines in American bird populations across all mainland and marine habitats. Over one-third of US bird species are at high or moderate conservation concern, with 112 species facing severe population losses.

SourceCornell University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2025

The long wait for bees to return to restored grasslands

Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Common approaches for assessing business impact on biodiversity are powerful, but often insufficient for strategy design

A University of Oxford study found that widely used biodiversity impact assessment tools have significant uncertainties, which can lead to misguided efforts and ineffective strategies if not addressed. The researchers suggest ways to reveal, reduce, and navigate these uncertainties to improve the use of these tools.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 10, 2025

Study raises the possibility of a country without butterflies

A new study published in Science tallies butterfly data from over 76,000 surveys across the US, revealing a 22% decline in total butterfly abundance between 2000 and 2020. This alarming rate affects 554 species, with 107 experiencing population losses of more than half.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Caribou case study offers a new model to manage species at risk

Researchers at UCalgary suggest a holistic approach to conservation by analyzing individual movement patterns of caribou. The study identifies six distinct behavioural groups that deserve separate conservation actions, providing a framework for habitat protection and restoration strategies.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Research news from the Ecological Society of America’s journals

Researchers investigate optimal seed mixes for prairie restoration, finding that single-origin seeds may be more effective than mixed-species blends. Meanwhile, a study on wind turbines reveals their potential impact on grouse habitats, while another finds giant pandas thriving in protected areas. Beetles, meanwhile, are making wood mo...

SourceEcological Society of America·DateMar 3, 2025

New hypothesis sheds light on global forest biodiversity maintenance

Researchers propose a new biological hypothesis that combines tree dispersal modes and mycorrhizal types to explain the latitudinal variation in forest biodiversity. Advanced spatial analysis techniques reveal a negative aggregation–abundance relationship, stronger in temperate forests, which is linked to animal seed dispersal and myco...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Successful strategies for collaborative species conservation

A study by the University of Göttingen found that bridging structures, regional coordinators, and addressing stakeholder expectations are crucial for long-term success. The project promoted habitat connectivity and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Threatened Peruvian plant discovery highlights the power of citizen science

A new plant species, Nasa katjae, has been discovered in Peru's Andean cloud forests through citizen science efforts. The species is characterized by its scarlet-red flowers and is potentially vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change. The discovery emphasizes the importance of protecting remaining pristine habitats.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateFeb 19, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Protected habitats aren’t enough to save endangered species

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that even within protected habitats, tropical species are still vulnerable to threats from beyond their borders. Human population density and habitat disturbance in surrounding areas can lead to a decline in species richness by up to 1% per 16 persons per square kilometer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

First in Belgium: Successful bee insemination using frozen semen

Researchers from the University of Liège successfully used frozen semen to produce female bees, offering a new avenue for bee conservation and agriculture. The simple, antibiotic-free protocol allows for the preservation of valuable genetic lines and supports breeding programmes.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalInsects·DateFeb 7, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Multinational research project shows how life on Earth can be measured from space

A multinational research project, led by UC Merced and BioSCape, used NASA aircraft to collect data on ultraviolet, visual, thermal and other images over South Africa's Greater Cape Floristic Region. The data provided a comprehensive look at the region's biodiversity and ecosystem function.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2025

Protection for small-scale producers and the environment?

Researchers found that sustainability certificates improve cocoa yield and income for small-scale producers, but have no effect on biodiversity in plantations. The study suggests that further biodiversity conservation measures are needed to achieve tangible environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcological Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Launch of the most comprehensive, and up to date European Wetland Map

The European Wetland Map combines various GIS data on wetland types and their distribution to create a standardized dataset that enhances understanding and management of European wetlands. The map informs policy decisions and supports climate mitigation and biodiversity policies.

SourceEuropean Science Communication Institute gGmbH·DateFeb 2, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Burn grasslands to maintain them: What is good for biodiversity?

A Kobe University research team found that prescribed burning on young lava flows leads to higher total species richness and prevalence of endangered plant species. The study suggests that acidic soils and shallow depths favor slow-growing plants, allowing rare species to gain a foothold.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2025

Socioeconomic and political stability bolstered wild tiger recovery in India

A new study reveals that India's successful tiger recovery is driven by factors such as protection, prey availability, peace, and prosperity. The country has managed to double its tiger population since 2010, thanks in part to the establishment of protected areas and conservation efforts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2025

Future of UK peatlands under threat due to climate change

The UK's peatlands are critical ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity, but climate change threatens their viability. Western Scotland emerges as a priority area for conservation, while England's peatlands, including Dartmoor and the Peak District, may lose their suitability.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2025

Landmark genetic study: Fresh shoots of hope on the tree of life

A landmark global study has found that two-thirds of species are losing genetic diversity, but conservation efforts are helping to reverse this trend. The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of initiatives such as habitat restoration, animal translocations, and population control.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2025
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Hidden ‘highways’ connect Brazil’s rainforests

Scientists have found a consistent pattern of dispersal events where Inga trees migrated from the Amazon to the Atlantic rainforest, highlighting the importance of conserving riverside forests. The study's findings suggest that these 'highways' played a crucial role in shaping the history of biodiversity in the region.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 29, 2025

Amazonian mangrove forests provide nutrients for the ocean

A new study reveals that Amazonian mangrove forests release essential trace elements like neodymium into the ocean, supporting marine ecosystems and the carbon cycle. Mangroves act as biochemical reactors, releasing nutrients and metals into coastal waters.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2025

Mapping Antarctica’s hidden ice-free lands: a blueprint for conservation

A high-resolution map and hierarchical classification system of Antarctica's ice-free lands reveal nine Major Environment Units, 33 Habitat Complexes, and 269 Bioregional Ecosystem Types. This unprecedented level of detail provides a critical foundation for protecting biodiversity in the continent's fragile ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Data·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Kenya study highlights complexity of tree-planting schemes

A new study from the University of Exeter reveals that Kenyan smallholder farmers face barriers when trying to increase the diversity of trees and shrubs on their land. Factors such as past experiences, influence of other farmers, and perceived ability to grow different tree species play a crucial role in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJan 28, 2025

Botanic Gardens must team up to save wild plants from extinction

Botanic gardens have reached peak capacity, hindering efforts to gather plant diversity for study and protection. Despite accelerated rates of extinction risk, institutions struggle to conserve threatened plants within collections globally.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

Underwater mud volcanos are a haven for marine organisms

Borealis Mud Volcano provides a hard substrate for various species like anemones and octocoral colonies, sustaining local fish populations. The volcano's carbonates also offer shelter and feeding opportunities.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.