Articles tagged with Ecological Risks
A new study found that hybrid coastal defenses, which combine natural and hard measures, are more cost-effective and provide higher hazard reduction in low-risk areas. In contrast, soft measures such as restoring or rehabilitating natural ecosystems are also beneficial in terms of environmental benefits.
The grey seal population is facing new challenges due to climate change and a shortage of prey fish. Hunting quotas of up to 3,000 animals per year may threaten the species' survival if not reduced.
Scientists used artificial stream channels to mimic the behavior of headwater streams in California, finding that shifting low-flow conditions impacted life cycles of organisms and biodiversity. The study shows that even slight changes can be consequential for ecosystems.
Scientists monitored seedlings in North Borneo's natural and restored forests, finding low survival rates in logged areas. This suggests that different restoration approaches may have longer-term implications for forest recovery, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
A new study reveals that human activity has altered the global freshwater cycle, resulting in a significant increase in dry and wet deviations. The research found that the frequency and spread of these exceptions have nearly doubled compared to pre-industrial conditions.
A new study finds that climate change is likely to alter the seasonal profile of disease transmission for parasitic worms, with temperature and humidity playing key roles. The research suggests that infection risk may shift towards northern regions as temperatures rise, while southern regions face more extreme conditions.
A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that reforestation initiatives can harm wildlife and ecosystems if not done properly. The research highlights issues with tree-planting in non-forest systems, such as savannas and grasslands, which are under threat from increased tree cover.
While some tree-planting organizations have shown improvement in community involvement and addressing drivers of deforestation, many still lack transparency and long-term planning. Researchers found that only 70% of organizations report monitoring data and 10% commit to project maintenance beyond 10 years.
A spatial model predicts pesticide exposure in bumblebees, explaining nearly 75% of the spatial variation. The model uses data on pesticide application and crop characteristics, but not flower attractiveness or chemical persistence.
Research by INRAE reveals that European forests with greater tree species diversity and slow-growing oak trees are better equipped to withstand storm damage. The study's findings suggest that monocultures of fast-growing pine trees are more susceptible to storm damage.
An international study of 12 caves worldwide reveals that climate change could threaten the planet's largest freshwater reserves. The study found that temperature variations in caves reflect changes at the surface, posing a threat to unique and adapted organisms that maintain water quality.
A new study reveals high concentrations of PFAS in micro-estuaries, posing significant risks to the environment and human health. The research emphasizes the need for targeted environmental management strategies to protect these critical ecosystems.
A recent study by Leibniz-IZW and Philipps-Universität Marburg found that forest bats reduce their activity by 77% within a radius of 80-450 meters around operational wind turbines. The researchers suggest noise emission from turbine rotors is the primary cause of this avoidance behavior.
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
A new study reveals that perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) significantly expedite the enzymatic degradation of DNA, even at low concentrations. The findings have critical implications for understanding the ecological risks posed by PFAAs and highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive environmental monitoring.
A team of experts led by Deah Lieurance evaluated 460 species and ranked them according to their likelihood of invasion and potential ecological, economical, and human health impacts. The top 40 species pose the greatest threat to Florida's natural areas, with some, like the crab-eating macaque, already established in the state.
A study found that artificial light is a top indicator of where birds will land, leading to ecological traps and collisions. Urban parks can provide decent stopover sites, but competition over limited resources poses a significant risk to migrating birds.
A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.
A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.
A study of house finches found that sick birds are more social than healthy ones, preferring to eat with their flock. This behavior may be driven by the benefits of group living for sick birds, but also poses a risk to healthy birds due to increased disease transmission.
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.
The Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi is spreading drug and diagnostic resistant malaria in Africa, increasing the risk of malaria infections by 270%. Its unique ecology and resistance to insecticides make it challenging for conventional mosquito control tools.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
A recent study led by ecologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem investigated how desert isopods select burrow sites amidst looming predators. Larger female isopods displayed a preference for safer burrows, emphasizing the importance of size and safety in their breeding site choices.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that over three-quarters of ipê exports from Brazil's top producing state may have been harvested illegally. The research used data analysis to identify risks in the supply chain and hopes to contribute to better enforcement and practices.
A new study finds climate change is increasing the likelihood of toxic blue-green algae blooms in US lakes, which can damage human livers and kill wild and domestic animals. Researchers used EPA data from 2,804 lakes collected between 2007 and 2017 to predict toxin spikes.
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.
By 2070, 44.61% of koala habitats in Australia will be highly susceptible to bushfires, up from 39.56% today. Koalas may struggle to survive due to habitat fragmentation and food source vulnerability.
A recent UTSA study reveals that 51% of Texas owls have high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides in their systems. The research team recommends using natural methods to control rodents and increasing awareness of the effects on non-target wildlife.
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 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.
Researchers analyzed data from 31 studies and found that cattle face a higher risk of getting tuberculosis from wildlife through indirect interactions. Indirect interaction rates were 154 times higher than direct interaction rates.
A new tool helps evaluate pesticide toxicity at high resolution and suggests targeting a few pesticides in watersheds could significantly reduce aquatic toxicity in California. The Environmental Release Tool (ERT) quantifies pesticide applications and toxicity by watershed, covering hundreds of commodities.
A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.
A new study suggests that ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost could cause significant ecological damage, with up to 3% of invasive pathogens becoming dominant. The researchers found that these 'time-traveling' pathogens could lead to unpredictable results, including up to one-third of host species dying out.
A recent study led by McGill University estimates that the European Union will face significant economic losses due to biological invasions, with costs projected to reach over €142.73 billion by 2040. The study highlights the need for effective management and collaboration to address this threat.
Approximately 70,000 tonnes of pesticides leach into aquifers each year, impacting ecosystems and freshwater resources. The study showed that about 80 percent of applied pesticides degrade into daughter molecules, persisting in the environment for a long time and posing significant harm to marine wildlife and coral reefs.
Research suggests that air pollution particles can compromise insects' olfactory perception, making it harder for them to detect food and potential mates. This finding is particularly concerning as about 40% of Earth's landmass is exposed to high particle air pollution concentrations.
A new study reveals the Mediterranean as the area most at risk globally for endangered seabirds, with areas like Portugal's Exclusive Economic Zone also showing considerable risk. Seabirds are already vulnerable or endangered, and plastic exposure worsens their fragile state.
A new study quantified the economic costs of biological invasions in the European Union, revealing substantial knowledge gaps and alarming underestimations. The research projected unreported costs to be potentially 501% higher than currently recorded, reaching a staggering €26.64 billion.
A team of researchers urges governments to manage plastic production, use, and recycling by categorizing plastics as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants. Plastics' long-lasting nature and accumulation in organisms pose significant environmental and health risks.
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.
NERC has invested £25 million in a host of high-risk, high-reward research projects tackling key unanswered questions about our planet. The projects cover geology, atmospheric science, biodiversity and ecology, with research spanning 3-4 years and funding up to £1.3 million.
A study in Washington state found that when wolves and cougars moved into an area, coyotes and bobcats shifted their movements into regions with higher levels of human activity. However, it was humans who finished off the smaller predators, with over half of the coyotes killed by people during the study period.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that carrying pollen increases the body temperature of bumble bees, potentially putting them at risk due to rising environmental temperatures. The research has significant implications for bumble bee populations and ecosystems, particularly in areas experiencing climate change.
Researchers have developed a method to rapidly assess the persistence of entire ecological networks and detect extinction risk. By examining interactions between species, scientists can identify patterns and make 'big picture' conclusions about ecosystem health.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that only 6% of countries provide for all citizens in an ecologically sustainable way. The study measured the ecological and social impact of water and carbon use, finding that while 67% operate safely and sustainably in water use, only 9% do in carbon sequestration. The US is among the majori...
Researchers tracked female bushcrickets' movement and found they tend to fly more frequently and longer distances than males, making them more vulnerable to bats. This contradicts the assumption that males take higher risks in search of mates.
A study found that increased availability of fruit and vegetables results in lower levels of raised blood pressure nationwide. Many countries, particularly low-income nations, face limited access to fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of higher blood pressure.
A new analysis shows that places of worship in Washington, D.C. are associated with higher rates of violent and property crime. The study controlled for sociodemographic factors and other crime-risk indicators, suggesting that high foot traffic at these sites may inadvertently fuel crime.
Biologists found songbirds can assess when predation risk from northern pygmy owls is highest and when there's safety in numbers. Mobbing behavior peaked in late summer and autumn when young birds are most vulnerable.
A new study predicts which invasive non-native species could pose a future threat to the UK's Overseas Territories, with Gibraltar and Saint Helena most at risk. The list includes species such as green mussels, little fire ants, and brown rats that could outcompete native species and alter unique ecosystems.
In a surprising twist, researchers found that starving Argentine ants exercise caution when foraging in high-risk environments, unlike expectations. This counterintuitive strategy may contribute to their success as an invasive species and agricultural pest.
A team of 70 scientists warns that climate change will drastically reduce the ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy ecosystems. Insects face extinction and ecosystem disruption due to global warming and extreme weather events.
A new study from UMass Amherst identifies over 3,000 invasive plant species, but estimates suggest there could be up to 4,721 more, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive global list. The research highlights the importance of floristic surveys in understudied regions to fill knowledge gaps.
A University of Maryland-led study finds that street trees in Baltimore reflect the city's history of institutionalized racism but also modern reparation efforts. Researchers discovered that green neighborhoods have more diverse tree communities and larger, older trees, while redlined areas have less diverse tree species.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
Researchers aim to uncover information on blotchy bass syndrome's prevalence, distribution, and potential risks through data collected by citizens. The study will help determine which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune.
A decline in botany education is hindering environmental improvements and exacerbating climate crises. Basic plant identification skills are lacking among scientists and professionals.
A study found that imidacloprid, a widely used pesticide in Brazil, is toxic to native bees and can cause alarming levels of poisoning. Researchers are calling for specific protocols and more effective regulation to protect these vital pollinators.