Articles tagged with Biodiversity Loss
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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A new study reveals that South and Southeast Asia's native tree diversity is at risk of extinction, with only 10% of ranges suitable for conservation. Coordinated conservation and restoration efforts are critical to prevent further destruction and biodiversity loss.
Research reveals three modes of thought among Finnish forest owners: one views biodiversity loss as an emergency and advocates for radical change, while others see no problem. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging biodiversity loss denial in forestry discussions.
The eLTER call offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) for scientists working on biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological research. The 39 sites in 19 countries provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and long-term data.
Researchers found animal-dispersed plant species' ability to adapt to climate change reduced by 60% due to bird and mammal losses. Global seed dispersal mapping revealed severe declines in temperate regions, with tropical areas at high risk if endangered species go extinct.
Predator species help mitigate against loss of biodiversity and ecosystem destabilization caused by heatwaves. Algal communities in freshwater streams were found to resemble each other more closely when predators were absent, highlighting the importance of conserving top predators.
Researchers at Lund University have successfully detected insect DNA in the air, offering a novel approach to monitoring terrestrial biodiversity. This method, known as airborne DNA metabarcoding, allows for the detection of multiple species from single samples and could accelerate biodiversity surveys.
A team of researchers developed a sophisticated study design to investigate the effects of climate change and land use on species diversity. The design allowed for the selection of 179 study sites across Bavaria, taking into account various factors such as habitat size, distance to other habitats, and land use patterns.
Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation in spatial planning can minimize trade-offs between nature and people. The study found that joint planning processes for rural development and biodiversity conservation are more ecologically effective and socioeconomically feasible than separate strategies. By dedicating at leas...
A new study in India reveals that more than half of surveyed crop varieties are under threat of extinction, with 50% considered threatened across five different agroecological regions. The Varietal Threat Index methodology proposes a systematic way to monitor changes in varietal diversity on farms.
A new study found that human-caused bird extinctions lead to the loss of ecological roles, including pollination and seed dispersal. Introduced alien species do not fill these gaps, highlighting the disproportionate impact of human actions on biodiversity.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that the greatest increase in marine biodiversity on Earth occurred due to changes in climate cycles, rather than an asteroid explosion. Fossil analysis revealed a shift towards colder climates around 469 million years ago, leading to the blooming of marine life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a pattern in how life reemerges after mass extinctions. In the past half-billion years, smaller marine genera were substantially more likely to be wiped out during mass extinction events, but during recovery intervals, originators tended to be tiny compared to holdover species.
A new study reviews sustainability standards for crop and livestock production, finding moderate positive effects on the environment through reduced agrichemical use. However, economic benefits vary by region and standard, and assessments are complicated. The study also raises concerns about labor practices and inequalities in the rura...
Researchers analyzed 16,000 literary works and found a hump-shaped trend in the frequency of biological terms until the mid-19th century, then decreasing steadily. The study suggests that increased awareness of biodiversity loss is closely linked to industrialization and urbanization.
A new study found that global light pollution has increased significantly over the past 25 years, with the true increase potentially being much higher. The study, led by the University of Exeter, reveals that the transition to solid-state LED technology has masked the impact of light pollution in many regions.
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
A recent global study on river ecosystems found that biodiversity loss can significantly impact the functioning of pristine water courses. The study, conducted by an international research network, revealed that alterations to ecosystems have severe and region-specific consequences.
A study using environmental DNA found that mountaintop coal mining impacts 40% fewer species in Appalachian streams. The team detected 28 species of fish in all 93 sampled mined streams, comparable to traditional methods.
A new study suggests a return-on-investment approach to focus taxonomic research on species in need of conservation. Researchers used this method to identify 24 Australian lizard and snake species that require better classification, highlighting the critical importance of accurate taxonomy for effective conservation.
An international study by ICTA-UAB highlights the critical role of indigenous peoples' and local communities in achieving biodiversity goals. The research argues that recognizing their rights and agency is essential to the success of future biodiversity policy.
Researchers found that commitments at UN level were rarely translated into national law, leading to implementation gaps and insufficient monitoring. The authors suggest strengthening financial resources, introducing new instruments, and establishing a mechanism to verify compliance with biodiversity targets.
Leading experts predict a 'ghastly future' due to accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, warning that world leaders need to take immediate action. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these pressing issues to avoid catastrophic consequences for centuries to come.
Scientists highlight cassava as an overlooked solution to tackle environmental concerns. Cassava can revive degraded land, lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote peace in conflict-prone areas.
A study published in PNAS found that global warming accelerates biodiversity loss, putting existing and proposed post-2020 biodiversity targets at risk. However, the authors suggest that dynamic responses to climate change through flexible conservation approaches can help protect biodiversity.
A new global review finds that protected areas need better funding, climate smart measures, and equitable management to be effective. The study identifies crucial steps to take, including reducing the funding shortfall for area-based conservation measures and recognizing indigenous community groups' role in nature conservation.
New research shows that changing the relationship between land use and food production is necessary to reverse biodiversity loss. The study suggests that transitioning towards healthier diets, reducing waste, and increasing productivity can help restore ecosystems.
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 report highlights six of the world's 20 biodiversity targets as partially achieved by 2020 deadline. The UN warns that eight transformative changes are urgently needed to ensure human wellbeing and save the planet, citing encouraging progress in some areas but degrading ecosystems and accelerating loss.
A new study suggests that a reversal in global biodiversity trends is feasible through integrated conservation and restoration efforts combined with food system transformations. This requires rapid stepped-up action in two key areas: bold conservation and restoration, and food system transformation.
A study by international researchers predicts that a 20-30% increase in invasive alien species will lead to massive global biodiversity loss. The spread of these species is driven primarily by human activities such as trade and climate change, highlighting the need for ambitious countermeasures.
A study by University of Queensland found that developers face challenges in finding enough land to offset biodiversity impacts, limiting global conservation goals. The research highlights the limitations of existing offset policies and the need for governments to account for land availability constraints.
A new study predicts that climate change risks to biodiversity will surge suddenly, with up to 15% of ecosystems facing irreversible damage by 2100. This is due to a 'series of cliff edges' where species face conditions they've never experienced before, leading to extinction.
A Michigan State University-University of Maryland study found that the decline of frogs led to a significant decrease in snake diversity, with an estimated 85% probability of fewer species. The research highlights the importance of long-term data for understanding biodiversity loss and its cascading effects on ecosystems.
A new study finds that biodiversity loss is causing a smaller, less diverse snake community in the tropics. The decline of tropical snakes is an 'invisible' outcome of biodiversity loss and has upward effects on higher-order predators.
Researchers found that direct urban expansion leads to significant habitat destruction, but the broader environmental impacts of urbanization are much greater, with climate change and land-use change driving global biodiversity loss. The study highlights the need for more research on indirect effects in developing countries.
A group of international conservationists is urging governments to adopt a new approach to address the impact of economic development on the natural world. The new approach aims to achieve a net gain for nature and has been published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The proposal calls for more ambitious measures to ensure greater benefit...
A new framework, Conservation Hierarchy, calls for proactive measures to ensure greater benefits to nature alongside economic development. The approach aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, shifting focus from reactive actions to proactive conservation efforts.
A new study by an international team of scientists identified key knowledge gaps to overcome biodiversity loss and achieve ecosystem sustainability. The research calls for more relevant, solutions-focused research that addresses the social-ecological crisis.
Researchers found that a decrease in oxygen content in the ocean led to the extinction of nearly 25% of marine species. The study focused on carbon, sulphur and thallium isotopes to determine the chronology and mechanisms of the event.
A recent study published in Diversity and Distributions found that beaver-built ponds have a higher biodiversity than other wetlands in the same region, with 50% more species. This research suggests that reintroducing beavers to their native habitat could benefit wider biodiversity and help solve the freshwater biodiversity crisis.
A new study found that only four countries (USA, Australia, South Africa, and Canada) dominated private land conservation research, with half of articles failing to report stakeholder engagement. The study calls for better understanding of socio-ecological systems and diverse cultural contexts in future research.
A warming-induced shift in microbial community composition requires more biodiversity to maintain ecosystem function due to the increased likelihood that remaining species will not tolerate rising temperatures. The study suggests that warmer conditions may accelerate the impacts of biodiversity decline on ecosystems.
A new study finds that one-third of protected land globally is under intense human pressure, threatening conservation efforts. However, protected areas designated after 1993 have lower levels of human pressure within their borders.
A shocking study reveals that one third of the world's protected areas, covering twice the size of Alaska, are under intense human pressure. The authors warn that this will undermine biodiversity loss goals if widespread degradation continues.
The IPBES report warns that land degradation is pushing the planet towards a sixth mass species extinction, with negative impacts on at least 3.2 billion people. Avoiding further agricultural expansion into native habitats can be achieved through yield increases and reductions in food loss and waste.
Agricultural production can lead to biodiversity loss; optimized land use can minimize this impact. Ten countries can already reduce expected biodiversity loss by one third if they follow the researchers' suggestions.
New research shows that biodiversity loss can lead to a domino effect of further extinctions, where the removal of one species creates a gap for other species to fill. This can result in simpler ecological communities at greater risk of extinction cascades with potential losses of many species.
Researchers propose new theory reconciling taxon senescence with the Red Queen's Hypothesis, suggesting expansion is crucial for species success and extinction. The Hat Pattern, a phenomenon where species expand before contracting, is reinterpreted as evidence of this expansion-driven approach to survival.
A study by Imperial College London found that global conservation spending of $14.4 billion over 10 years resulted in a 29% reduction in biodiversity loss among 109 countries. The analysis provides a tool for adjusting conservation budgets based on individual country needs.
A new study found that conservation spending from 1992 to 2003 reduced expected declines in global biodiversity by 29%. The $14.4 billion investment significantly impacted countries, with poorer nations experiencing greater gains.
International scientists warn that deep-sea mining will inevitably harm biodiversity due to the scale and depth of operations. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean is at risk of severe damage, with some projects covering over 83,000 square kilometers.
A recent study found that biodiversity loss is no longer within the safe limit in most parts of the world. The greatest changes have happened in areas where most people live, affecting physical and psychological wellbeing. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve remaining natural vegetation and restore human-used lands.
Researchers found that basketball teams can be considered self-organised systems, adapting and evolving throughout the game. The final minute of close games is particularly intense, where teams must collaborate and make strategic decisions to win.
A new ecological model, called a mean field model for competition, incorporates the 'Red Queen Effect' and improves understanding of species evolution. The model predicts that new species with competitive advantages will evolve and outcompete current species.
New research reveals that climate change coverage has overshadowed biodiversity issues in media and funding. Biodiversity conservation experts recommend leveraging climate change awareness to secure more funds and attention for critical conservation efforts.
A study published in BioScience examines the decline of biodiversity reporting in favor of climate change coverage. Funding priorities also shift towards climate change, with World Bank and US National Science Foundation investments increasing substantially since 2006.
A study by Deanna Soper and colleagues found that exposure to parasites increases mating behavior and promiscuity in New Zealand freshwater snails. This supports the Red Queen hypothesis, which suggests that sexual reproduction helps organisms adapt to a changing environment by increasing genetic diversity.
A global approach to monitoring biodiversity loss has been proposed by an international team of biologists. The system aims to improve information feeding into biodiversity policy and stimulate investment in measuring global biodiversity change.
Scientists recommend halting biodiversity losses to prevent ecosystem collapse and reduce essential goods and services like food and water. The research, a scientific consensus statement, summarizes evidence from over 1,000 ecological studies and highlights the urgent need for international action.
Ecologists call for urgent action to preserve planet's remaining biodiversity, essential for natural ecosystem services like food and wood production. The 17 prominent ecologists' consensus statement highlights the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions and human health.