Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
Tiny cryptobenthic reef fishes play a vital role in maintaining coral reef diversity and productivity by producing a steady stream of larvae to replace adults devoured by predators. These small fish contribute nearly 40% of reef-fish biodiversity and nearly two-thirds of near-reef larval fish pools.
A study examines how local communities interact with and view peatlands, highlighting their cultural and spiritual importance. The research reveals that communities have existing conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for further support from NGOs and institutions.
Scientists argue that rewilding measures can restore damaged ecosystems by examining functions, analyzing disturbances, and deriving targeted measures. Successful rewilding projects like the Oder river delta demonstrate environmental and social benefits.
A University of Oklahoma study found that climate warming significantly impacts microbial biodiversity in tallgrass prairies, with warmer temperatures increasing phylogenetic diversity over time. This could have significant implications for ecosystem management and conservation strategies.
A study from Florida State University found that coral reefs change can trigger significant ecosystem shifts, but ecologists and local fishing populations perceive those shifts in fundamentally different ways. The findings suggest that local perceptions of change and ecosystem health differ from those of scientists and resource managers.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that human disturbance can have varying effects on different species of carnivores in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. While some species, such as lions, decline in population due to increased human activity, others, like hyenas and black-backed jackals, thrive in areas with hi...
The eight largest countries account for 50 percent of Earth's land area but barely three percent of nations. Larger countries accumulate more ecosystem values, concentrating power in a few hands, and their domestic policies can have global environmental repercussions.
Conserving Alaska's large carnivores demands an overhaul of state policies that prioritize human harvests over predator populations. Science-based management is necessary for effective conservation, involving monitoring trends and impacts on ecosystems.
Salinization affects biodiversity and water ecosystem functioning directly, but more baseline information is needed to predict its effects. The main causes of salinization in Spain include mining, agriculture, and regime changes in precipitations.
Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.
A Montana State University study examines 35 ecological vital signs in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, finding increased human population and density, as well as a changing climate, are affecting its overall health. The research also highlights opportunities for citizen scientists to gather data and contribute to ecosystem assessments.
Researchers found that martens on Isle Royale were genetically linked to populations in Ontario, suggesting they arrived in the 1990s. The population's low genetic diversity indicated a severe bottleneck, with estimates suggesting two individuals repopulated the island just before their reappearance in 1993.
The EcoProMIS project aims to provide commercially viable solutions for sustainable agriculture in Colombia by combining space data with smart sensors and real-time information. Farmers will benefit from increased productivity and reduced environmental footprints, thanks to a public-private partnership supported by the UK Space Agency.
A new study led by Southern Methodist University archaeologist Christopher I. Roos reveals that Native American communities actively managed North American prairies for centuries, using fire to manipulate bison herds and amplify the effects of climate on prairie fire patterns.
The article examines 12 leporid species introduced by humans, highlighting their effects on ecosystems, including providing food resources for predators and competing with native herbivores. Conservation biologists must carefully consider these impacts when planning management strategies.
The study found that wildfire had a strong effect on the density of many bird species, with some reaching maximum densities after high-severity fires. The researchers also discovered complex patterns in species' responses to fire severity and time since burning, highlighting the dynamic nature of avian communities after fires.
Researchers identified small coral 'oases' thriving against the odds, with some areas rebounding from devastation. These 'escape', 'resist', and 'rebound' oases offer insights into why some ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and local impacts.
A study analyzed soil horizons in 11 US cities, finding approximately 50% fewer soil horizons than pre-urban soils. The researchers attributed changes to local management processes such as soil removal, mixing, and fill additions, leading to potential effects on ecosystem functioning.
A recent study by Sejoon Kim investigates the social impact of dolphin rehabilitation in South Korea, highlighting its significance for marine animal welfare. The research team hopes to expand their work on other topics, including whale-eating culture and public perspectives on dolphin shows.
A recent USGS report combines ecosystem services and adaptive decision-making to aid land managers in making informed decisions. The approach helps weigh development against water quality, balancing benefits and drawbacks of solar energy facilities and regulating migratory waterfowl hunting
A recent study by researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa identified areas with high recovery potential for coastal fishery stocks on each island. The study reveals that areas such as east Kaua'i, southeast O'ahu, and Ma'alaea bay support abundant fish populations, which could be replenished to overfished areas.
Climate change in Quebec could lead to a greater diversity of species in national and provincial parks. By 2100, up to half of the protected regions may see an increase in species turnover of over 80%. The researchers suggest rethinking conservation strategies to prioritize site resilience and connectivity.
A new study found that marine protected areas (MPAs) can help coral reefs recover from the damaging effects of global climate change. MPAs resulted in a 62% increase in young corals density, improving the ecosystem's ability to recover from major impacts like hurricanes and coral bleaching.
In a study on Baltimore neighborhoods, researchers found that mosquito bites vary by socioeconomic status, with rats being the primary blood meal source in lower-income areas. Humans and cats are also bitten, but proportionally more frequently in higher-income neighborhoods due to human behavior.
A novel study led by Penn State researchers will analyze ramps' phytochemistry, nutritional makeup, and market trends. The project aims to quantify the plant's key chemicals and evaluate its vulnerability to the allium leaf miner pest.
Researchers found that prescribed fire reduced bird species diversity, while mastication led to a 50% decrease in bird species and 60% reduction in total numbers of birds. The study suggests that current fire management practices harm wildlife and increase fire risk.
A study found that economic benefits from considering ecosystem factors in fisheries management are minor, but the approach offers help in avoiding worst-case scenarios and identifying 'safe zones' for managing fisheries. This framework allows managers to identify specific zones with low risks of major economic losses.
A new collection captures the long-neglected human side of science through peer-reviewed stories on conservation. The collection highlights the emotional highs and lows of scientists working to preserve species and ecosystems.
Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.
The Jena Experiment found that biodiversity influences almost half the processes in an ecosystem, while intensive grassland management does not result in higher yields. High-diversity meadows had higher productivity and better carbon storage than low-diversity meadows.
Scientists from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Aerial Imaging Solutions have developed a cheaper, faster way to gauge the condition of leopard seals using drone photos.
BGRF scientists introduce a blockchain-enabled framework to decentralize patient data management, incentivizing patients to contribute to clinical databases. This approach could accelerate progress in biomedicine by increasing data quality and comprehensiveness.
Researchers found that small fires create "grazing-lawn ecosystems" with higher food quality and increased safety for animals. The study showed that small burns (<25ha) attract large numbers of wildebeest, keeping grass short and palatable.
A new study found that higher biodiversity in forests leads to faster tree growth, increased carbon storage, and improved pest resistance. Forest managers can simultaneously improve multiple ecosystem functions without negatively affecting each other.
A study suggests that improving California's land use could negate up to 147 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This approach could contribute substantially to the state's climate mitigation goals, with potential benefits for ecosystem management and conservation.
The new immersive visualization allows users to experience changes to an area through a first-person perspective, increasing appreciation for marine environment protection efforts. The tool helped people understand trade-offs between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the importance of preserving natural habitats.
A new study published in Ecology and Society explores a conservation method that empowers indigenous peoples by focusing on their traditional skills and knowledge. By adopting an assets-based approach, researchers found that local communities can manage natural resources sustainably, protecting the rainforest ecosystem.
Researchers used satellite imagery and simulations to explore the role of currents in the Red Sea biosphere, finding significant variability in eddies that facilitate transport and dispersal. The study's findings suggest water circulation patterns play a significant role in determining the distribution of Red Sea clownfish populations.
Researchers analyzed over five decades of precipitation data from North America to find that changes in nonextreme precipitation are more significant than previously realized and larger than those in extreme precipitation. These changes can have a strong effect on ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure design and resource management.
Urban green spaces play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, despite management challenges and limitations in data availability. Recent discussions highlight the need for effective strategies to manage human-affected ecosystems and balance urban development with environmental conservation.
Researchers warn of potential pitfalls in urban green space management, including the risk of creating ecological traps that lack native species support. Urban green spaces will still play a vital role in promoting healthy ecosystems and connecting citizens with nature.
New research by NOAA Fisheries shows that seabird predation, particularly common murres, affects salmon survival in the California Current. Changes in ocean conditions influence bird predation on salmon from San Francisco Bay, highlighting the complex relationships between species and their environment.
The study documents Belize's first integrated coastal management plan, which balances development and conservation objectives. The plan was developed through a community-driven process involving scientists and stakeholders to protect ecosystems that provide long-term benefits to people and their economy.
Researchers developed a modeling framework that quantifies the economic value of nature's ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, food, and paper. The framework helps determine how to protect biodiversity by managing ecosystem services, balancing current costs with future risks of losing critical species.
A team of scientists is using a combination of satellite and ground data to identify monkey populations that have declined through hunting. This approach combines indicators such as human activity zones, mosquito-derived DNA, animal sound recordings, and detections of other species found when monkeys are present.
Researchers found that using holistic ecosystem management increases the value of stored natural capital in the Baltic Sea fishery ecosystem over five decades. The study highlights the critical role of interactions between commercially important species and how these interactions impact the overall system's wealth.
A three-year study found that invasive species like Japanese stiltgrass can leave lasting impacts on local ecosystems, including altered soil nutrient levels and changes to vegetation communities. Early eradication is crucial to prevent these long-term effects.
A new paper from the University of Washington identifies key attributes that contribute to ecological resilience, providing clarity for scientists, resource managers, and planners. The study groups attributes into five categories and lists their relevance to measuring resilience.
A new study suggests reducing pressure on both predators and prey simultaneously is the most effective way to help their populations recover. This approach, known as synchronous recovery, has been shown to produce faster and more direct recovery rates than sequential approaches.
A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that synchronously restoring predator and prey species speeds recovery efforts of both. This approach is nearly always more efficient and on average about twice as fast as sequential recovery.
Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Researchers identify 'bright spots' of resilience in marine ecosystems affected by climate change. These ecosystem-forming species are either resistant or able to recover from perturbations, with implications for ecosystem-sparing management.
A survey of 97 coastal ecosystem experts revealed that climate-driven disturbances are having profound impacts on marine ecosystems, but also instances of resilience. Resilience was marked by striking recoveries in some cases, with areas of remnant habitat and high connectivity being key contributors to its persistence.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $6.7 million to research agroecosystems to improve food security and sustainability. The grants will focus on understanding the interactions between soil, water, plants, animals, and people in agricultural systems.
A precautionary approach to governing emerging technologies can support scientific research and prevent potential harms. According to an article in Science, targeted measures can identify specific concerns and establish conditions for successful gene drive research.
Scientists discovered large areas of 100% coral cover on Hawaiian mesophotic coral ecosystems, which are home to twice as many unique species as shallow-water reefs. The study highlights the importance of these poorly explored environments in understanding coral reef health and management.
Researchers found that planting a multi-species mixture of cover crops increases ecosystem services, including weed suppression, nitrogen retention, and aboveground biomass. The study suggests that designing cover-crop mixes can lead to greater multifunctionality in agroecosystems.
A new paper by UC Santa Barbara researchers recommends several ways to make ecological de-extinction more successful. They suggest resurrecting recently extinct species that fit seamlessly into their ecosystems, choosing animals with irreplaceable ecological jobs, and restoring species to functional abundance levels.
A global analysis reveals one-sixth of Earth's land is vulnerable to invasive species, with most countries having limited capacity to respond. Developed countries will face new invaders due to climate change and globalization.
Several southeastern US ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, including Caribbean coastal mangrove, Edwards Plateau limestone shrubland, and southern Appalachian balds. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels pose significant threats to these ecosystems.