Articles tagged with Biodiversity Loss
A new study reveals that humans have driven the extinction of 1,430 bird species, with many becoming extinct before written records. The research suggests that major human-driven extinctions occurred in the 14th century and ninth century BC, with ongoing threats including climate change and invasive species.
The EU's Nature Restoration Law (NRL) sets ambitious targets to restore 20% of Europe's land and marine areas by 2030, with the goal of increasing pollinator populations and rewetting peatlands. National implementation will be crucial for its success, requiring cooperation with economic sectors such as agriculture.
A new statistical method developed by the DFG research group BETA-FOR can analyze the contributions of biodiversity between local ecosystems to the multifunctionality of entire landscapes. The study breaks down multifunctionality into two components, relating them to local biodiversity and habitat diversity.
The current emoji library underrepresents plant, fungus, and microorganism biodiversity while overrepresenting animals. This bias reflects known biases in biodiversity assessments and conservation analyses.
A recent study by University of Queensland scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg warns that record-breaking marine heatwaves will cause catastrophic mass coral bleaching worldwide. The research suggests that current marine heatwaves will likely lead to a global mass coral bleaching event over the next 12-24 months.
Researchers found that high plant diversity acts as a buffer against fluctuations in soil temperature, protecting ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Plant diversity increased shading and organic carbon content, reducing heat conduction and stabilizing soil temperature.
Researchers used AI to analyze tree databases and found that temperature and precipitation are strong predictors of non-native species invasion. The study also reveals that global forest carbon potential is considerably below natural levels, with most potential located in existing forests.
A new study suggests that Canada's ability to meet its 30 by 30 target relies on national coordination and prioritizing biodiversity-rich areas. If successful, this could protect over 65% of all species, but regional strategies hinder progress and result in lost biodiversity.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
Researchers have successfully mapped thousands of animal species in Bangladesh using social media posts, significantly improving habitat conservation. The study also highlights opportunities for social media companies to automate biodiversity data collection, making it easier for scientists to access and utilize.
Research suggests that diverse forests can capture approximately 226 Gigatonnes of carbon, but this potential can be achieved by incentivizing community-driven efforts to promote biodiversity. Restoration efforts should include natural diversity of species and sustainable practices.
Researchers discovered six new species of rove beetles with unique genital shapes, including a bottle-opener like structure in one species. Climate change threatens the survival of these species due to habitat changes.
A new analysis of European Red List species reveals that 19% are at risk of extinction, including a large proportion of invertebrates. Agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to counter biodiversity loss.
The study highlights the importance of protecting the Tongass and Chugach national forests in Southern Alaska, which provide habitat for iconic species like bald eagles, brown bears, and gray wolves. Increased protections for these forests are seen as key to mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.
A global study reveals that regions with abundant large herbivores have a more variable tree cover, benefiting biodiversity. This finding highlights the crucial role of megafauna in shaping ecosystems and underscores the need for conservation strategies to protect these species.
Experts recommend breaking with the past to develop a new international mechanism for sharing benefits from digital sequence information. The current system is threatened by the emergence of fast genome sequencing technologies and open access infrastructures.
The EU Horizon 2020 project Safeguard has launched an open-access collection in the Research Ideas and Outcomes journal, increasing discoverability of wild pollinator research outputs. The collection hosts 14 project papers and aims to become a one-stop knowledge hub for pollinator conservation.
A study in sustainable-use reserves found local game species abundance decreases about 5 kilometers from nearest human community. Human impact on biodiversity is mitigated by management strategies, supporting community-based wildlife management for food security and conservation.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that global precipitation patterns, particularly seasonal variability, shape animal diversity. The research found that certain regions with moderate precipitation levels and stable climates have the ideal ecological conditions for a diverse range of predators and herbivores.
A study projects 2.7 million square kilometers of wilderness becoming newly suitable for agriculture over the next 40 years, threatening precious areas of biodiversity and cultural value. The research emphasizes the need to cut emissions and use farmland more efficiently to meet growing global demands.
Researchers predict that 76% of newly suitable land at high latitudes is currently wilderness, equivalent to 10% of the total wilderness in these areas. As global temperatures rise, wilderness areas may be significantly harmed by agricultural expansion.
A recent study reveals 15%-18% of the Brazilian Amazon is at high risk of ecological disruption by 2050. The regions, often near 'deforestation arc', exhibit low research frequencies and are threatened by climate change.
A new study reveals that tropical crops relying on insect pollinators are under threat from climate change and agricultural activities. The research found significant declines in insect pollinator abundance and richness, with the tropics being the most vulnerable region.
Researchers found tropical forest ecosystems rely more on aquatic insects than temperate forests, making them vulnerable to disruptions in land-water connections. This increased reliance poses a threat to tropical environments, which are already under pressure from human activity and climate change.
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme will support up to eight new sea restoration projects across Europe. This funding aims to create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and people. The programme's third phase will focus on expanding large-scale restoration projects, including those focused on Europe's seas.
Ecologists say that carbon-capture tree plantations have a negative impact on tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services, despite their potential to offset climate change. In contrast, intact ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and savannahs store large quantities of carbon below ground and provide multiple ecosystem services.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
A new study by UTA researchers found that vertebrate population declines are five times slower in conservation areas compared to those outside protected lands. Conservation areas help stabilize amphibian and bird populations, while also having a positive impact on reptiles in countries with good governance.
A new study suggests that protecting large areas of land can help stem biodiversity loss, with vertebrates declining 0.4% per year inside protected areas compared to 1.8% outside. The study highlights the importance of proper governance for the success of protected lands and their role in conserving biodiversity.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that invertebrate decline affects aboveground pest control and belowground decomposition of organic matter. The loss of invertebrates leads to a reduction in important ecosystem services and decoupling of ecosystem processes, making immediate protection measures necessary.
Researchers found that reducing biodiversity harms mosquito species, leading to more resilient species and increased virus prevalence. The study suggests that a decrease in biodiversity can lead to an increase in the spread of viruses carried by mosquitoes.
A study by Charité and Leibniz-IZW found that reducing biodiversity in rainforests leads to an increase in virus prevalence among mosquito species. This is because resilient species thrive in disturbed habitats, carrying viruses with them. The research reveals the importance of biodiversity in understanding infectious disease dynamics.
Researchers warn that greenwashing poses a threat to achieving a 'nature positive' world, where environmental decline halts and biodiversity improves. The University of Queensland study emphasizes the need for standards and transparency to distinguish genuine efforts from misleading claims.
The study predicts that climate change will lead to the loss of 99% of plant species in the Caatinga biome by 2060, resulting in a decrease in vegetation diversity and complexity. Biotic homogenization is expected to affect approximately 40% of plant assemblages, simplifying their composition due to the loss of rare species.
A recent study reveals that human-driven mass extinction is eliminating entire branches of the tree of life, with up to 73 genera of land-dwelling vertebrates going extinct since 1500 AD. This 'biological annihilation' threatens biodiversity and could have catastrophic consequences for humanity.
Four sub-Saharan countries aiming to restore degraded landscapes with trees face a major challenge: sourcing enough native seeds and planting material. Communities involved in seed management could play a crucial role in ensuring the success of restoration goals.
Researchers found that protected areas help slow species decline rates but rarely reverse biodiversity loss, with only a small proportion of species benefiting from protection. Larger protected areas and longer protection times enhanced positive effects for more species.
Replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce agriculture's impact on the environment. By 2050, this shift could halve future declines in ecosystem integrity and contribute up to 25% of global land restoration needs. The study suggests that a 50% substitution scenario would substantially reduce environm...
A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...
A team of researchers used a novel methodology to investigate the impact of large mammal extinctions on their environments. They found that earlier biodiversity losses did not necessarily hinder mammal community functioning, but later losses were linked to changes in climate and vegetation patterns.
A new report highlights Vietnam's high reptile diversity, with 484 known species, including 74 threatened with extinction. The study recommends increasing breeding populations to maintain suitable numbers for restocking, and modern zoos can play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
A comprehensive study reveals a 72% reduction in rare butterfly populations across Eastern Denmark, with only 158 sites remaining from 565 in 1993. The research highlights the need for improved habitat protection and management to safeguard these species.
A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
A new global observatory is needed to guide conservation efforts due to unprecedented biodiversity loss. The Global Biodiversity Observing System (GBIOS) aims to combine technology and data from around the world to foster collaboration and share urgently needed data.
A new study by WCS found that overhunting of fruit-eating mammals and birds can lead to a shift in forest composition, resulting in lower carbon storage. The loss of these species changes the ecosystem, making it more challenging for forests to sequester and store carbon.
A team of researchers from Göttingen University has identified seven new species of leaf insects, showcasing their unique camouflage abilities. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these distinct species from extinction.
Researchers found that sinking culled fruit trees into the Wadden Sea boosted local marine life diversity and abundance. The study shows native biodiversity can be restored using trees as reefs.
A new global biodiversity observing system (GBIOS) is proposed to combine technology, data, and knowledge from around the world to monitor biodiversity change and target conservation action. The system can provide the information needed at the pace required to support countries in achieving their biodiversity goals.
A global study reveals that proximity to human activity and native biodiversity are crucial factors in determining the likelihood and severity of non-native tree invasions. Native species help buffer the intensity of these invasions by filling available niches, making it harder for non-native trees to spread.
A new study uses a simple leaf-swabbing technique to detect over 50 species of mammals, birds, and frogs in a single cotton bud. The technique reveals an average of nearly eight animal species per swab, showcasing its potential for informing wildlife management strategies.
A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.
Scientists at Michigan State University used big data to study bird coexistence in the Albertine Rift ecosystem. They found that birds partition their habitat use along environmental gradients and adopt different strategies to survive, allowing them to coexist without driving each other to extinction.
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 found that introducing flowering components, aromatic ground covers, and extensification in orchard management increased natural enemies' abundance and decreased pest insects. Ground covers had the most positive effects on predators, while promoting floral resources and ecosystem-friendly strategies can reduce pesticide use.
A new study has found a much smaller range of suitable habitat for the grey-necked rockfowl, a critically endangered African bird species, in Central Africa. The research suggests that changing the species' IUCN conservation status to Vulnerable could help prevent further land use damage.
Recent extreme events in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are likely to become more common and severe due to global warming. The study calls for urgent policy action to protect the continent's fragile environments, which have global implications if not preserved.
A new study highlights the difficulties in identifying and categorizing domestic and wildcats, threatening native biodiversity conservation efforts. In contrast, New Zealanders tend to be more accepting of killing feral cats to protect native species.
A new study by Dr Taikan Oki estimates the total cost of climate change between 2010 and 2099 to be $46-230 trillion US dollars. The research team found that reducing climate change often incurs costs similar to or exceeding financial benefits, highlighting the need for prioritizing biodiversity and health factors.
The study mapped global wildland-urban interfaces, revealing previously undocumented regions in eastern Asia, East Africa, and South America. The findings suggest that these areas are crucial for managing environmental conflicts like wildfires and disease spread, and can inform better management practices.