Articles tagged with Conservation Ecology
Researchers found that indigenous people in Gabon possess an astonishing 732 plant and fruit-eating animal interactions, exceeding academic literature. Local knowledge is invaluable for understanding ecological processes, particularly in remote areas.
A recent study published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution found that local environmental knowledge is a valuable tool for conservation in the Amazon, comparable to other scientific methods. Local ecological knowledge proved to be more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring for animal abundance in the Amazon.
An international research team developed a novel sampling method called 'bat point counts' to detect and count flying bats. The new technique showed that insect-eating bats are more common than previously thought in oil palm plantations, playing a significant role in suppressing insect pests.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that forests surrounding rivers flowing into the sea increase the diversity of threatened fish species in Japan's estuaries. In contrast, waters surrounded by agricultural land show a decrease in fish populations.
Satellite images reveal a substantial increase in saltmarsh area and stable trends of tidal flat areas after 2012, driven by decreased anthropogenic activities and increased conservation and restoration efforts. Conservation efforts have positively impacted China's coastal wetlands, mitigating the loss of these important ecosystems.
A new study published in Ecological Applications demonstrates rapid expansion of restored eelgrass plots and recovery of ecosystem functions, providing improved habitat for fish and invertebrates. The study shows that restored plots can recover near or at the level seen in natural eelgrass meadows within a few years.
Researchers have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
Researchers found that complex mixtures of microbes isolated from closely related plant species increased the resistance of endangered Hawaiian plant Eugenia koolauensis to myrtle rust. This microbial treatment may be an important tool for combating disease-driven declines of endangered plants.
Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.
A new study maps the location and intensity of key threats to terrestrial amphibians, birds, and mammals, identifying priority areas across the world. Agriculture and logging are pervasive in the tropics, while hunting and trapping is the most geographically widespread threat to mammals and birds.
A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that safe passages for species adapting to climate change are often not being protected. The researchers found that important connecting patches were left out of existing networks of protected areas, resulting in a 13.6% shortfall in connectivity.
A new global risk index highlights the alarming decline of pollinators, which are crucial for food production and ecosystem services. The top causes of pollinator loss include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change, with serious consequences for human populations, particularly in the Global South.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
A long-term study tracked macaw movements using satellite telemetry over eight years, revealing large home ranges and daily travel distances. The research highlights the importance of conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw and similar species, which share habitats with endangered species and influence ecosystems.
A study of 1051 top-authors found women and the Global South are starkly underrepresented, with only 11% female authors and 25% from the Global South. The research highlights a need to promote scientific diversity and inclusion in leadership recruitment and career development.
A genomic study reveals four distinct genetic clusters of weedy seadragons in NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, suggesting the Victorian population may form a subspecies. The findings highlight the need for conservation management to account for these distinct populations.
A recent study shows that rare terrestrial mammals and birds are more threatened by human activities than common species, with many facing extinction within 40 years due to climate change. Conservation efforts must account for the ecological rarity of these species to ensure their survival.
A conservation biologist reflects on losing species like saiga antelopes and Huemel deer, highlighting the complexities of conservation. She shares her hope for success stories in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park and the importance of focusing on rare species.
A recent study led by University of Southampton researchers reveals that threatened birds and mammals are often ecologically distinct and vital to their environments. The research highlights the importance of charismatic species, such as Emperor Penguins and Leopards, which play unique roles in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Researchers from over 70 countries develop a comprehensive road map to address the pressing issue of declining insect populations, driven by human-induced stress factors such as habitat loss and climate change. The plan outlines immediate, mid-term, and long-term actions to prioritize conservation efforts and restore ecosystems.
Research found that vehicles and aircraft are the main culprits masking iconic natural sounds in peaceful national parks. The study analyzed nearly 47,000 hours of audio clips from 66 national parks, revealing that anthropogenic noise causes a ten-fold increase in natural background sound levels in over a third of parks.
A new study reveals the role of the exotic pet trade in introducing invasive vertebrate populations across the globe. The researchers found that socioeconomic and socioecological factors drive the trade, with basic market forces being the main impetus for exotic vertebrates.
A recent analysis of Google Trends data reveals a significant rise in public interest in conservation, with monthly searches reaching 110,000. The study's findings suggest that the growing interest in conservation is not diminishing, but rather complementing interest in climate change.
A new study reveals that wild cobras frequently eat other snakes and engage in cannibalism, with five out of six species displaying the behavior. Males are more likely to participate in cannibalism events, raising questions about its evolution and impact on intrasexual competition.
A University of Montana ecology professor and researchers have tracked shifting North American habitats to identify climate corridors. The study found routes along north-south trending passes and mountain ranges, which are often circuitous and poorly captured by existing conservation strategies.
A study by the University of Exeter found that Trinidadian guppies exhibit complex personalities with distinct coping styles, remaining consistent even under stress. The research showed that individual differences persisted despite changes in behaviour due to environmental factors.
Research suggests that land protected by regulation lacks adequate space for animals to roam, while land acquired for conservation provides better habitat. However, the study's findings indicate that incidental protection regulations can still have a positive impact on biodiversity.
A recent study explores the species-area relationship and volume-species relation, finding that higher canopies are associated with more plant species due to increased biospace. This correlation is observed across different climate zones, suggesting a fundamental role in ecology.
The study found that different subspecies of western rattlesnakes have distinct head shapes, which have evolved to accommodate feeding and reproductive behaviors. Combining head shape with genetic analysis confirmed that some groups should be classified as separate species.
A new study from the University of Exeter has found that racehorse speeds have improved greatly since 1850, with increases in speed greatest in shorter distance races. The researchers used a large data set of racing records to analyze thoroughbred performance at the elite level and found that horses are getting faster.
The European Union's Natura 2000 network has a positive impact on maintaining biodiversity, but lacks connections between protected areas. The researchers recommend establishing minimum standards for conservation in these areas to improve species migration and genetic stability.
A Stanford ecologist is using social media data to estimate the number of user-days for locations around the world, illuminating where people go and how visitation rates change. This approach can predict changes in recreational value after environmental changes, providing a novel solution to expensive empirical data requirements.
Researchers discover that evolutionary diversity can be a reliable proxy for measuring biodiversity, including species richness and trait diversity. This finding could help conservation organizations better protect threatened species globally.
A European team of ecologists used a new modeling approach to predict how mountain plants will migrate in response to climate change. The results indicate that by the end of the 21st century, Alpine high mountain flora will lose an average of 44-50% of its current distribution area.
The new journal aims to facilitate better interaction between scientists, policy-makers, and managers, with a focus on synergistic interactions and open data publishing. It will consider conventional papers as well as 'Applied Conservation Papers' that bring together project reports and other knowledge.
Researchers discussed using Doppler weather radar to track bat behavior and effectiveness of acoustic deterrents in reducing bat fatalities at wind farms. Aeroecology also explored the role of atmospheric conditions in flight behavior, with studies on golf courses as potential habitats for roosting bats and the importance of insectivor...
Researchers warn of a 'biodiversity tragedy in progress' due to tropical habitat loss, with up to 15 million hectares lost annually. The review calls for an immediate, multi-pronged approach to conserve ecosystems and mitigate human impacts.
Researchers from Conservation International discovered 14 new species in the Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation and urbanization. The finds include a legless lizard and a tiny woodpecker, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this region.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that land trusts' collective purchases can elevate land prices and displace development onto lands with high conservation value. Land trusts have invested billions of dollars in private land conservation, but must now factor in economic forces to pursue conservation responsibly.
Temperate grasslands like the Great Plains suffer from inadequate land protection, with species-rich ecosystems and habitats for imperiled species at risk. Temperate conifer forests in regions like the Northwest U.S. exhibit robust conservation efforts, even amidst relatively low levels of development.
The current reserve system in the New World is inadequate, with only a tenth of protected areas reaching Disney World's size. Conservation investments may yield greatest impact in ten regions where biodiversity losses can be prevented.
A special section of BioScience provides in-depth analyses of assessment systems for protected area management effectiveness. Key findings include the need for more widespread use of assessments and monitoring, as well as the identification of critical management issues such as funding, staffing, and community relations.
A recent study assesses the jaguar's long-term survival prospects and identifies priority areas for conservation. The researchers found that the big cats are likely to survive in 70% of their current range, with the Amazon Basin being a key region for protection.
Prof Hugh Possingham, a renowned population ecologist, has been awarded the inaugural Fenner Medal for his groundbreaking work in applied and pure theoretical ecology. His research has significantly impacted environmental conservation efforts in Australia and globally.
A recent study by Janice Christian and Scott Wilson found that crested wheatgrass can precipitate a decline in soil quality and increase atmospheric carbon dioxide. The introduction of non-native species like crested wheatgrass may have far-reaching negative repercussions on ecosystems.
A symposium by the Ecological Society of America explores the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of genetically engineered organisms. The discussion will cover case studies on engineered plants, arthropods as tools in disease control, and risk assessment in ecosystems.
A study found that pine cones' spines hinder finches' ability to access seeds, encouraging seed dispersal. Researchers discovered a link between spine growth and the length of time seeds remain on pine cones.
Two studies published in Ecological Applications found that wildlife corridors increase the movement and population density of butterflies and other habitat-restricted species. The most effective corridors were those that connected isolated patches of open space with existing forest, allowing for improved plant diversity and food sources.
A long-term study of a kelp forest community found that large-scale, low-frequency events like El Nino and La Nina drive changes in the community. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how different species adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The Ecological Society of America will host three symposia on topics such as the impact of urbanization on water quality and animal life, the effects of non-native species invasions, and research into sustainable land-use practices. The symposia aim to explore options for managing invasive species and promoting sustainable urban systems.
Researchers found that invasive non-native plants compete with native species for regeneration opportunities, inhibiting native tree seedlings and juveniles. Invasive species exhibit similar ecological roles as natives, posing a threat to conservation efforts.