Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
Researchers found that peat exposed to mild drought still absorbs some carbon, but extreme drought causes it to release carbon. Increasing biodiversity in peatlands does little to combat drought, contrary to previous assumptions.
A new study led by the Smithsonian identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia, using DNA analysis and physical characteristics. The two new species, Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam.
The National DigiFoundry aims to establish global standards for digital asset use and exchange through blockchain technologies. The consortium will develop a resilient framework to address cybersecurity challenges in digital asset management.
Researchers analyzed 13,000 hours of audio data from Okinawan forests before, during, and after typhoons, finding that ecosystems responded differently than expected. The study suggests that developed sites were more resilient to extreme weather than anticipated, but climate change may push these ecosystems to their limits.
Researchers mapped the role of horticulture in spreading invasive species, projecting future hotspots and abundance under 2°C warming. The study found that plant nurseries are a primary pathway for invasive plant introduction, exacerbating climate-driven invasion.
Researchers used AI to analyze tree databases and found that temperature and precipitation are strong predictors of non-native species invasion. The study also reveals that global forest carbon potential is considerably below natural levels, with most potential located in existing forests.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A collaborative effort between scientists from the Natural History Museum of Utah and cavers led to the discovery of fossils spanning over 3,000 years in Boomerang Cave. The findings revealed a faithful reflection of mammal diversity in the area, including species unknown to the region.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
A team of researchers used trail cameras and GPS collars to track the effects of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park's mammal community. They found that body size was a key predictor of survival, with smaller animals more vulnerable to the storm's impact.
A new study found that removing mangroves in New Zealand's estuaries actually increases mud build-up, as these coastal trees and shrubs trap sediment efficiently. This highlights the need for sustainable land use upstream to address the root cause of the issue, rather than focusing solely on mangrove removal.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers predicts which regions will be colonized by non-native birds, mammals, and plants. The study found that suitable habitats, dispersal ability, and history of introduction are key predictors of spread.
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.
Researchers emphasize the need for a holistic approach to tackle plastic pollution, prioritizing 'upstream' issues such as reducing production and consumption of plastics. The treaty should prioritize early interventions, focusing on ecosystems and chemical simplification.
A new five-year research project combines AI, virology, and ecology to anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 strains that could pass between animals and people. The team will use artificial intelligence to predict variants and assess risk of spillover from people to wildlife.
A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.
A team of experts identified 15 over-looked issues that could impact UK forests, including catastrophic ecosystem collapse, competition for water resources, and tree viral diseases. The research calls for urgent action to increase forest resilience.
Researchers found that planting conditions impact diversity, particularly for perennial species, and that timing of establishment can increase biodiversity. This understanding has important implications for managing restoration projects to promote diversity and long-term resilience.
Researchers found that Singapore's coasts were resilient during high sea-level rise rates due to high sedimentation rates. This study provides new insights into the interplay between rising sea levels and sedimentation.
Researchers analyze waste samples from 55 lined pit latrines in Malawi to understand the complex microbial communities. The findings reveal that aerobic microbes are more abundant near the surface and anaerobic microbes deeper in the pit, helping break down human waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The study highlights that up to 80% of dye-containing industrial wastewaters are released untreated into waterways, posing direct and indirect threats to human, animal, and plant health. New sustainable technologies and regulations are needed to combat the issue.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of acid rain on forests and watersheds, a project involving middle school students. The team aims to understand how ecosystems respond to chronic changes in environmental conditions, including the recovery phase after acid rain stops falling.
A new study reveals that periodical cicada emergences have a cascading effect on forest ecosystems, shifting bird diets and leading to increased abundance of caterpillars and subsequent leaf damage. This research has implications for bird conservation and understanding the interconnectedness of complex food webs.
Reduced water flows and rising atmospheric temperatures will warm rivers during droughts, posing challenges for aquatic life and ecosystems. Intense solar radiation and lower water flows accelerate warming, but certain management interventions can help offset high thermal extremes.
A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme will support up to eight new sea restoration projects across Europe. This funding aims to create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and people. The programme's third phase will focus on expanding large-scale restoration projects, including those focused on Europe's seas.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
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.
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...
A Lancaster University-led study found that corporate-led ecosystem restoration projects often fail to report ecological outcomes, invest sufficient funds, or clearly state their aims. The research highlights the need for improved transparency and consistent reporting to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
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.
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.
A new study reveals massive urban expansions throughout the contiguous US, particularly on the Atlantic Coast, have led to significant tidal flat erosion. The research highlights the critical impact of human activities on tidal flat environments, providing important implications for coastal land use and planning.
A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.
Scientists measured coral calcification rates off Hawaiian Islands at depths of 230-360 feet, finding the lowest rates ever recorded for healthy corals. This is due to the efficient use of calcification by corals like Leptoseris spp., which form thin horizontal skeletons to maximize area in low-light zones.
A WVU team is developing technology to detect and track lethal non-trackable space debris. The project aims to identify objects that can cause mission-ending damage to satellites and other space assets. The researchers will use a digital twin and simulation environment to test and evaluate their findings.
A study by Newcastle University reveals that gillnets in Thailand's small-scale fisheries catch an estimated 5.6 million rays, 457 thousand sharks, and other threatened species each year. The researchers urge regulation of these fishing methods to protect megafauna from extinction.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University uncover the finer-scale feeding patterns of the whitespotted eagle ray, revealing a significantly broader diet than previously described, with high proportions of cockles and wedge shells. The study's findings suggest that these rays can play a facilitative role in reducing predation threats f...
A new study from Lund University found that secondary forests in Sweden were more affected by the 2018 drought than primary forests. The research team analyzed satellite images and vegetation indexes to compare the impact of drought on both forest types.
Researchers analyzed over 650 dam removal projects and found median costs vary by height, with the Northwest accounting for the highest cost. The tool will help decision-makers manage large numbers of aging dams approaching obsolescence.
Research shows bat activity decreases when farms switch to organic agriculture, with a potential time-lag before benefits for the environment emerge. The findings suggest that organic farming can have detrimental effects during the transition period, highlighting the need for careful management.
A study published in Environmental Chemistry found that over a third of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use is breaking UK government emissions thresholds. Uninhibited urea fertilizers are the worst offenders, emitting up to 77% of applied nitrogen into the air.
The study mapped global wildland-urban interfaces, revealing previously undocumented regions in eastern Asia, East Africa, and South America. The findings suggest that these areas are crucial for managing environmental conflicts like wildfires and disease spread, and can inform better management practices.
Researchers found that lack of trust and information hindered conservation efforts, while agronomists played a crucial role. To save remnant native habitats, farmers must be empowered as leaders, supported by government agencies.
A study by the University of Illinois examines how family forest landowners in Maine and New Hampshire approach invasive species management. The researchers found that landowners prefer mechanical control methods, which are more expensive but less effective than chemical control, due to strong neighborhood effects. This has implication...
Researchers clarify how microorganisms spread globally through atmospheric dispersal, highlighting mechanisms and key areas of concern. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing this phenomenon to minimize disease spread and preserve ecosystem health.
A study highlights the importance of wild plants in fallow land and other ecosystems in Madagascar, revealing a wide range of plant species used for various purposes. Fallow land is found to be a valuable contributor to rural households' health, food and energy supply.
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.
A study led by the University of Konstanz warns that human-induced salinity changes could have devastating impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. Salinity is a critical factor in many metabolic processes, and its effects are often underestimated due to its complex interactions with other physical and chemical properties.
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.
A team of conservation researchers warns that Indonesia's tropical rainforest and endangered species are under threat from government interference and corporate interests. The researchers advocate for data transparency, online 'safe houses', and anonymized journals to protect environmental research and promote nature conservation.
A recent study by the University of Bologna reveals that the EU is far from meeting its goal of protecting 10% of its land area for biodiversity. The study found that many countries have inadequate protection in place, with some having very few protected areas and others failing to implement integral protection in national parks. To ac...
A nine-year experimental study found that mowing and herbicide application did not benefit sage grouse populations in central Wyoming. In fact, reducing Wyoming big sagebrush cover may negatively impact the birds' food sources and nesting sites.
A new University of Missouri study examines the impact of farming practices on crop resilience to climate change, focusing on water and carbon fluxes in three contrasting ecosystems. The research found that native prairie ecosystems are most resilient to extreme weather, while tilled cropping systems are more sensitive.
Researchers have proposed a four-lens framework for better and more transparent decisions about land use, balancing society's demands with environmental protection. The framework involves gathering evidence from diverse stakeholders and encourages transparency in decision-making processes.
A new study highlights the importance of knowledge coproduction in addressing complex conservation problems, specifically in California's Central Valley wetlands. The research team successfully integrated stakeholder input and climate scenarios to develop resilient wetland management strategies.
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.
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.
A new study maps Australia's terrestrial and blue carbon soils, revealing the continent holds 27.9 gigatonnes of carbon, equivalent to 700 times annual electricity emissions. The research emphasizes the need to protect key ecosystems threatened by human activities and climate change.