Research news from the Ecological Society of America’s journals
Research from ESA's journals reveals that tiger populations are limited by prey scarcity, not protection. Invasive grasses also boost tick survival in Florida's longleaf pine forests.
Ecology
Articles tagged with Ecology
Destroying crazy ant nest structure makes them vulnerable to pathogens
Researchers at UT Austin discovered that destroying ant nest structure prevents disease transmission, allowing natural pathogens to collapse infestations. The study's findings provide a reliable way to introduce biocontrol agents into uninfected colonies, making it easier to control the invasive species.
Dry grass: Research project explores the effect of multi-year drought on grasslands
A recent paper in the journal Science investigates the impact of drought on grasslands, finding that moderate droughts do not lead to long-term losses. In contrast, extreme droughts can cause significant species loss and reduced plant life. The study's results have implications for global carbon and climate modeling.
Solving mysteries with moss
A team of researchers compiled cases where mosses and their relatives helped solve crimes, showcasing the importance of botanical evidence. The study found that mosses can be used to confirm details of crime locations, with examples dating back to 1929.
New research reveals path to sustainable rice farming in Myanmar
A new study reveals that optimized nitrogen fertilizer use can increase yields, reduce pollution and save money for Myanmar rice farmers. Adopting ecologically optimal rates can avoid annual environmental costs of up to $368 per hectare.
Scientists uncover global patterns and drivers of orchid mycorrhizal interactions
A global dataset of orchid-fungal associations reveals that an orchid's fungal community is driven more strongly by its ecophysiology and biogeography than by its phylogeny. The study provides new insights into the global patterns and drivers of orchid mycorrhizal interactions.
Scientists unveil new strategies to balance farming and ecological protection in Northeast China
A new study identifies key conflicts between agricultural expansion and ecological protection in Northeast China, proposing integrated strategies to achieve a sustainable balance. The research team recommends creating wetland compensation mechanisms, optimizing water allocation, and restoring habitats for migratory birds.
FAU secures $1.4 million grant to save wildlife in Florida Everglades
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
October research news from the Ecological Society of America
Research explores connections between Arctic land and sea, revealing how polar bears' health impacts Arctic fox populations and tundra prey. A study also finds that beaver restoration could boost fire and water resilience in California's Sierra Nevada by storing up to 120 million cubic meters of surface water.
Predicted CO2 levels cause marked increase in forest temperatures
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels can cause leaf temperatures to rise by up to 1.3°C in forests, with a greater impact during extreme heatwaves. This change is likely caused by reduced transpiration and could have significant effects on the water cycle globally.
Does the wood pink provide the formula for surviving climate change?
Researchers discovered a gene variant, DsCEN/2, that determines wood pink's flowering time and growth. The warm allele delays flowering and encourages general plant growth, while the cold allele controls early flowering at high altitudes.
Legal flexibility helps UNESCO Biospheres boost nature conservation and human wellbeing, study shows
A new study by Dr. Tiago de Melo Cartaxo from the University of Exeter reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves' less prescriptive regulations promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The use of soft law instruments supports local responses and fosters community collaboration in environmental management.
New framework helps balance conservation and development in cold regions
A new 'connectivity–ecological risk–economic efficiency' (CRE) framework integrates environmental, economic, and climatic factors to support sustainable development in cold regions. The approach identifies key ecological sources and corridors connecting them, optimizing conservation strategies for ecosystem connectivity and resilience.
Agricultural practices play a decisive role in the preservation or degradation of protected areas
A new study reveals that modern agriculture is threatening biodiversity in European protected areas, but traditional low-intensity farming methods can help preserve habitats and species. The findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen agricultural regulations inside protected areas to achieve EU biodiversity conservation goals.
Tiles, leaves and cotton strips for measuring river health
Researchers have developed a practical and affordable method for assessing the state of river ecosystems by using different substrates such as marble tiles, alder leaves, and cotton strips. The study found that these materials can provide valuable information on the condition of rivers and help address pollution.
Global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys significantly expand known geographic and ecological niche ranges of marine fish, highlighting current biases in conservation and ecological modeling
Researchers used global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to map marine fish species' geographic ranges. These findings highlight current biases in conservation efforts and ecological models.
Kilimanjaro has lost 75 percent of its natural plant species over the last century
A new study reveals that land-use change was the primary cause of biodiversity loss on Mount Kilimanjaro's lower slopes over the last century. Human activities such as population growth and economic development led to a decline in plant species diversity, with up to 75% lost per square kilometer.
Underwater robot ‘Lassie’ discovers remarkable icefish nests during search for Shackleton’s lost ship off Antarctica
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Western Weddell Sea uncovered extensive maintained fish nesting grounds, revealing patterns and organization, which are thought to be a survival strategy. The discovery provides critical insights into Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity.
Environmental shifts are pushing endangered reptiles to the brink of extinction
A new study reveals that climate change is driving many native Australian reptiles toward extinction. The research uses fossil evidence and genetic data to show how the endangered Australian Mountain Dragon has responded to major environmental changes in the past.
Restoring Europe’s sponge landscapes: The "SpongeBooster of the year 2026" award opens for applications
The EU-funded SpongeBoost project invites applications for its 'SpongeBooster of the Year' award, recognizing initiatives that strengthen natural water retention and climate resilience. Eligible projects focus on outdoor restoration and rewetting activities in eligible countries.
Weaseling out the best way to monitor small carnivores
A study by University of Groningen researchers found that enclosed camera traps are more effective in detecting small mustelids like weasels and stoats. Camera traps placed inside boxes with tubes, also known as Mostelas, proved to be the most successful method.
Leading the way in targeted cancer treatment
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles to target lung cancer. By manipulating these tiny messenger particles, scientists can deliver specific instructions to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Cats and hippos versus plants: What half a million social media posts reveal about invasives
Research analyzing over half a million social media posts found that charismatic animals like cats and hippos generated the highest engagement. Meanwhile, plants, which comprise 57% of endangered species, received disproportionately limited attention in online discourse.
A fascinating glimpse into Asian honeybee’s hidden genetic stories
A collaborative research team analyzed historical museum specimens of the Asian honeybee, revealing a significant decline in genetic diversity and a potential link to pesticide use. The study suggests that pesticide exposure may be driving rapid evolutionary changes in the species.
How Plantago asiatica plants communicate with each other to respond to salt stress
This study found that Japanese plantain plants utilize interplant cueing, exchanging adaptive information via shoot and root systems to cope with salt stress. The study revealed differences in the effectiveness of below-ground cueing based on genetic relatedness, suggesting genetically specific root-metabolites are involved.
Functional extinction of Florida’s reef-building corals following the 2023 marine heatwave
The 2023 marine heatwave caused widespread coral mortality in Florida's Coral Reef, leading to the functional extinction of critically endangered Acropora species. Researchers found that between 97.8 and 100% of coral colonies had died by March 2024, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to maintain these populations.
eLTER releases first policy brief on scaling carbon removal for climate neutrality
The European Long-Term Ecosystem, Critical Zone and Socio-Ecological Research Infrastructure has released its first policy brief on scaling carbon removal. The publication emphasizes the need for both natural and technological approaches to achieve climate neutrality and stabilize global temperatures.
Extinction rates have slowed across many plant and animal groups, study shows
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
Being fit may help the body beat dehydration
Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.
China’s hunger for meat “sustains” the consumption of natural resources in Brazil
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals China's increasing demand for animal proteins sustains the consumption of natural resources in Brazil. The research shows that soybean imports to China have a significant impact on Brazilian land use, water resources, and deforestation.
They might not be giants: U-M study unravels genetics behind why some fish remain tiny
Researchers found that certain gobies overexpress genes inhibiting growth, keeping them miniaturized. They also discovered that miniature gobies have used the same genetic pathways since the Eocene to regulate their size.
Flawed analysis invalidates claim of a strong Yellowstone trophic cascade after wolf reintroduction
A new peer-reviewed analysis challenges the 2025 study on Yellowstone's wolves, finding claims of a 'world-leading' trophic cascade are unsupported. The re-analysis highlights circular reasoning and modeling assumptions violations, suggesting a more modest response to predator recovery.
Mizzou researchers help farmers prevent and manage livestock losses
University of Missouri researchers are helping farmers prevent disease outbreaks by teaching biosecurity practices, such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes. They also provide guidance on safe composting methods to dispose of dead livestock, reducing the risk of disease spread.
Life in the fast (and slow) lanes for salmon
A team of Kyoto University researchers investigated life-history variation in masu salmon to understand their ability to adapt to changing environments. They found that fast-life individuals dominated downstream reaches, while slow-life individuals were more prevalent upstream. However, within-habitat variation was found to be more imp...
Important phenomenon discovered in the Arctic – could boost marine life
A new international study reveals that nitrogen fixation occurs beneath Arctic sea ice, increasing available nitrogen for algae and potentially boosting marine life. This discovery could also impact carbon absorption in the Arctic Ocean.
Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 announced
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Krill in the Antarctic: Scientific data directly from krill fishing vessels
An international research team proposed a new sustainable management concept for krill stocks in the Southern Ocean, integrating fishing activities with closely-meshed scientific monitoring. This approach aims to ensure the long-term protection of the ecosystem and align commercial interests with conservation goals.
Eighty-five years of big tree history available in one place for the first time
The National Champion Tree Program at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has compiled a compilation of more than 80 years of big tree history. The program marks two years at the university after moving in 2023 and is still taking nominations for potential trees through December 1.
Extreme, multi-year droughts drive cumulative collapse in terrestrial productivity
Research findings from the International Drought Experiment reveal that consecutive extreme drought years lead to significant declines in ecosystem productivity, with some sites experiencing a 2.5-fold reduction in productivity over four years. This cumulation is attributed to species mortality, failed establishment, and changes in com...
Research shows how Dust Bowl-type drought causes unprecedented productivity loss
A global research effort by Colorado State University reveals that extreme, prolonged droughts in grasslands and shrublands result in more than twice the loss of plant productivity compared to moderate droughts. The study suggests that these ecosystems lose their ability to recover over time under prolonged dry conditions.
How green infrastructure is revamping city storm sewers
Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.
Biochar shows big promise for climate-friendly soil management
Researchers found that biochar improves soil health by increasing microbial diversity, capturing carbon, and enhancing nutrient cycling. Biochar acts as a long-lasting carbon sink, storing carbon for hundreds to thousands of years.
Pollutants move through food chain affecting organ growth
A new study reveals that microplastics and heavy metals can disrupt organ development and hormone balance in higher-level species through the food chain. The study found delayed growth in zebrafish exposed to combined pollutants, highlighting the hidden risks of pollutant mixtures in real-world environments.
A spark of evolution: When differences in coexistence create new species
Research on threespine stickleback populations in lakes with and without sculpins reveals that ecological differences trigger the evolution of new species. The study shows that adaptation to different habitats plays a crucial role in speciation, even in geographically isolated populations.
The largest primate in the Americas could lose up to 61% of its climatically suitable habitat by 2090
Two muriqui species, largest primates in the Americas, face significant habitat loss due to climate change. By 2090, up to 61% of their suitable habitats may be reduced, mainly confined to coastal regions of the Atlantic Forest.
Algae and water fleas in lakes: Light color influences food webs
A recent study found that light color affects phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycling in lake ecosystems. The researchers discovered that the less light available to microalgae, the more important the color of light became for their growth.
Europe’s largest bats hunt and eat migrating birds on the wing, high in the sky
A new study reveals that greater noctule bats capture and consume migrating birds in flight, employing unique aerial handling techniques. The bats use echolocation to spot prey, then execute high-speed chases before capturing their quarry, often consuming it during prolonged flights.
Fire provides long-lasting benefits to bird populations in Sierra Nevada National Parks
Low to moderate-severity fires boost bird populations with effects lasting up to 35 years, contrary to traditional fire suppression practices. Forest managers can use controlled burns and pyrodiversity to benefit majority of birds in the forest.
Bay scallops surge on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Researchers at William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS have successfully restored bay scallop populations to their former range along the Eastern Shore of Virginia, with an average density of 0.114 scallops per square meter. The population is expected to double in less than 1.5 years, potentially leading to a future recreational fishery.
Burning issue: study finds fire a friend to some bees, a foe to others
A new study found that fire can have varying impacts on global bee populations, with some species thriving in post-fire conditions and others declining or disappearing. The review highlights the need for tailored fire management strategies to support biodiversity, particularly in Australia's unique ecosystems.
Animations of wildlife tracking data help explore animal movements
Researchers developed ECODATA, an open-source tool for exploring animal movements in the wild by creating animations that help ecologists study animal movement, climate change and conservation efforts. The software combines direct wildlife location observations with complex remote sensing data to create customizable maps.
Plastic in the soil, but not as we know it: Biodegradable microplastics rewire carbon storage in farm fields
A two-year field study reveals that biodegradable microplastics, often considered eco-friendly, are reshaping farmfield soils in unexpected ways. Bioplastics PLA reduced stable carbon compounds by 32% while boosting microbial necromass and fungal-dominated soil ecosystems.
How different bird species forage together in the Antarctic
Researchers found that seabirds use different strategies to find food, with scent-tracking birds benefiting visually hunting birds. This study provides insights into complex systems and crowd behavior, informing conservation strategies for procellariiform seabirds.
Natural barriers disturb the ecosystems in northern Sweden’s rivers
Research from Umeå University reveals that natural barriers shape the flow of water and hinder plant dispersal in rivers shaped by the last Ice Age. The study found no clear correlations between drainage area and channel width, or consistent increase in plant species diversity downstream.
Global wildfire disasters are growing in frequency and cost
Wildfire disasters worldwide have become markedly more burdensome over the last 40 years, tripling in fatality events and increasing economic losses fourfold since 1980. The escalation is driven by intensifying climate conditions and human activities such as land-use shifts and fire suppression policies.
Experimental mapping of bacterial growth reveals evolutionary and ecological patterns
Researchers mapped bacterial growth in 195 environments, revealing consistent links between growth patterns and ecological traits like habitat and distribution. The study's findings suggest that controlled experiments can uncover mechanisms of ecological and evolutionary adaptation.
Bird conservation threatened by shifting baseline syndrome
Research by Tour du Valat and University of Turku reveals that ignoring historical declines shifts the baseline for at least 40% of waterbird and seabird species. Restoration policies should be based on a century-long perspective to be truly ambitious.
A new species of shrimp found on Sugashima Island, Japan
A new species of the genus Leucothoe was identified on Sugashima Island, Japan. The discovery was associated with a specific type of limid bivalve, highlighting the unique biodiversity found in this region.
New research reveals how farming reshaped the animal world
A new study traces the transformation of mammal communities across six continents over 50,000 years, finding that farming and hunting reshaped ecosystems. Only a handful of domesticated species, including cattle and horses, spread globally, altering native mammal populations.
Study first to show if nesting heat affects sea turtle hatchling ‘IQ’
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that heat does not significantly affect the cognitive ability of sea turtle hatchlings. However, higher incubation temperatures negatively impact their physical traits, including shorter incubation durations, lower hatching success, and more frequent scute anomalies. The stud...