Articles tagged with Conservation Ecology
A new study used underwater cameras to assess oyster reef habitats across 12 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, finding that unharvested reefs and restored reefs had more complex structures. The results showed an upward trend in habitat scores over time, with unharvested and restored reefs maintaining higher habitat scores consistently.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales experience extreme population swings due to changing Arctic Ocean conditions. Long-term monitoring data reveals a bumpy ride in response to variable ocean conditions.
A new study suggests that individual animals, like Lua the Antillean manatee, can be used as flagships to encourage engagement and behavioural change in conservation. These charismatic species often have unique characteristics that make them appealing to humans and can inspire policy changes.
A recent study by the University of Exeter and Wildlife Conservation Society found tens of thousands of endangered sharks and rays are caught annually off the Republic of the Congo. Most of these species are juveniles and vulnerable to extinction.
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 an analysis framework to predict wolf movement and conflict risk in advance, identifying a complex of federal Wilderness areas as the best location for reintroduction. The study highlights the critical role of Wilderness areas in providing habitat and connectivity for species with a history of conflict with humans.
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.
Researchers found that huckleberry patches and forestry road density significantly affect grizzly bears' mortality risk. Securing critical food resources through reduced human access near roads is crucial for bear conservation.
A 20-year experiment found that active replanting with diverse tree species recovers logged tropical forests faster than natural recovery. The results showed that plots with 16 native tree species recovered canopy area and total tree biomass more quickly than those with fewer species.
Research shows that lapwings can hide their eggs by using small variations in the terrain, making them invisible to ground predators. The study found that habitat geometry rather than visual acuity limits the visibility of a ground-nesting bird's clutch to terrestrial predators.
Researchers discovered 'mummified' bees in their brood cells, preserving them for 3,000 years due to exceptional conservation. The bees' cause of death remains unknown but is linked to oxygen shortages and changing temperatures in southwest Portugal.
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...
Researchers from the University of Illinois warn that artificial roosts can be detrimental to bat health due to overheating and inadequate insulation. The experts emphasize the need for further study on the risks associated with these structures.
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.
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.
A study by researchers at Cell Press found that nearly 50% of environmentally-oriented users abandoned Twitter after Elon Musk took over the platform. This mass exodus has serious implications for public communication surrounding topics like climate change, biodiversity, and natural disaster recovery.
A new study identifies over 800 bivalve species that humans harvest and find to be more resilient to extinction due to their adaptability in various climates. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management to preserve these populations, but also warn of potential risks if human demand exceeds their capacity.
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.
A new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research found that two colonies of white-rumped vultures in Nepal demonstrated stable reproductive rates over an 11-year period. The number of occupied nests and productivity appeared to be stable, indicating a potential turning point for the critically endangered species.
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.
Botanists and amateur enthusiasts rediscovered rare tropical plants from the genus Nasa using global data repositories like iNaturalist. Rediscoveries include species considered extinct in the wild, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and community science networks.
Researchers developed a novel method combining satellite imagery and bioacoustic data to monitor bird species on cropfields, finding larger habitat areas and greater variety in texture are associated with more bird species overall. However, grassland birds relying solely on the habitat for their life cycle seem to benefit less.
A review of animal evolution in response to fire may help inform conservation strategies, as changing fire regimes impact species. By analyzing nearly 100 papers, the authors identified various adaptations, such as infrared sensory pits and behavioral changes, that enable animals to survive fires.
Researchers have discovered that green sea turtles have been returning to the same seagrass meadows along Egypt and West Libya coasts for approximately 3,000 years. This long-term diet has allowed scientists to connect past dietary habits with specific locations, shedding light on human-induced effects on the environment.
Scientists identified habitats and simulated solutions like conservation buffers and open-bottom culverts to allow safe passage for salamanders and other wildlife. The model boosts ecological connectivity while reducing costs compared to large-scale barrier removal.
UK schoolchildren aged 7-11 drew mammals and birds most commonly, with reptiles and amphibians appearing less frequently. The study suggests children's perceptions of local wildlife are skewed towards mammals and birds, hinting at a wider problem of nature disconnect.
A new study reveals that Amazon river dolphins are under threat from fishing, proposed dams, and dredging, with their home ranges spanning over 50km. The dolphins were found to be on average 252km from the nearest proposed dam and 125km from the nearest dredging site.
Researchers uncovered a deadly trade where Bolivian prisoners sell jaguar skins and body parts to produce wallets and other fashion items. The illegal market poses significant threats to jaguar conservation despite international protection since 1975 and national protection in Bolivia since 1986.
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 supersized database of over 45,000 traits tracks the behavior, distribution, and life patterns of fruit eaters and birds in Central and South America. The Frugivoria database provides crucial insights into their role in maintaining forest composition and health.
Climate change affects giraffe populations differently than expected, with higher temperatures positively affecting adult survival but rainier wet seasons negatively impacting both adults and calves. Heavy rains increase parasites and reduce nutritional value of vegetation, further threatening giraffe survival.
Researchers uncover multiple factors contributing to kestrel declines, including the impact of Cooper's Hawks and habitat degradation. The study suggests that population increases may be seen in some areas, but overall decline trends indicate a need for conservation efforts.
A study by Princeton University finds that strengthening protection for existing parks is vital for safeguarding biodiversity. Enhancing existing park networks can protect essential habitats of 1191 animal species, highlighting the importance of preserving already protected areas.
Researchers found that tiger reserves in India receive additional resources, resulting in reduced deforestation and avoided carbon emissions. This led to the saving of over 5,800 hectares of forest and net avoided emissions of about 1.08 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
Researchers analyzed 692,534 race times to find genetic improvement accounts for 60% of speed increase in short-distance races, while heritability is low across all distances. The study suggests weaker selection or other factors limiting genetic progress, particularly over long distances.
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.
As rural populations decline, abandoned lands hold promise for rewilding and biodiversity recovery. However, land abandonment can also have negative impacts on local ecosystems and human culture. The authors highlight the need to balance economic needs with restoration and conservation goals.
A plant ecologist proposes a multi-faceted approach to preventing all future land plant extinctions. Training more plant experts and creating an online 'metaherbarium' with digitized records of species are key components, alongside building microreserves and increasing funding.
The global economic impact of biological invasions exceeds that of natural catastrophes, with $1208 billion in losses between 1980 and 2019. Biological invasions have a long-lasting effect, causing significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and ecosystems.
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.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that environmental impact assessments often fail to account for species movement between sites, leading to underestimated impacts on wildlife. The research highlights a planned airport development in Portugal that could affect over 10 times the number of Black-tailed Godwits estimated by...
A new study published in Nature Conservation found that pangolin scales are widely available in Chinese hospitals and pharmaceutical shops, despite a lack of effective regulation. The research reveals that 46% of surveyed hospitals and 34% of surveyed shops were selling pangolin scale products illegally.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that ground beetle species will thrive or decline based on their habitats and traits. Habitat conservation can help mitigate the effects of climate change on these insects, which are critical pest control agents in North American agriculture.
Two species, South American sea lion and fur seal, are primarily involved in interactions with fisheries and aquaculture activities. The economic losses to fisheries related to sea lion depredation are low, while incidental capture and mortality of seals remain unknown.
A worldwide study found that non-English-language literature was extensively used in national reports but failed to be reflected in global reports. The team suggests that international collaboration and multilingual databases can help develop more effective conservation science.
A genetic census has been used to estimate the number and population structure of critically endangered western chimpanzees in West Africa. The analysis identified a total of 136 chimpanzees living in four different communities, with high levels of shared ancestry and genetic diversity.
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.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.
A $5 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports a Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate program for small-scale farmers. The program aims to improve crop production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon removal.
A study by Dr. Maria M. Georgi and colleagues found that mulching times of forest meadows have a negative impact on both insect larvae and flower-visiting insects. Mulching in September was shown to protect the latter, while mulching in June had a negative effect.
A new study finds that bison herds in northern Yellowstone National Park are negatively impacting riparian plant communities, leading to biotic impoverishment and loss of ecosystem services. The effects of increased bison numbers are exacerbating climate change, shifting plant communities towards warmer and drier conditions.
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.
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.
The Operation Pangolin project aims to save the world's eight pangolin species by generating data to inform conservation strategies and implementing wildlife crime prevention efforts in Central Africa. The team will use novel technology and artificial intelligence methods to address the illicit wildlife trade and prevent extinction.
A new study finds that the hen harrier debate has become increasingly polarized, with a few high-profile individuals and organizations dominating the discussion. The research suggests that allowing new voices to participate could help unlock the entrenched conflict.
Researchers develop site-specific mitigation strategy for wind turbines, significantly reducing bat fatalities. The approach uses wind speed, temperature, and rainfall data to adapt curtailment strategies, resulting in a 86% reduction in bat deaths.
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.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that a small red-eyed damselfly from Europe has established itself in the UK without harming native species. Most native dragonflies and damselflies were either found more often or unchanged in areas colonized by the newcomer.