Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
Managing 30% of land for conservation could safeguard 70% of terrestrial plant and vertebrate animal species while conserving over 62% of the world's above-ground vulnerable carbon. The study also suggests this approach could safeguard 68% of all clean water resources.
A new study reveals that 1,330 nurseries and retailers sell hundreds of invasive plant species, including 20 illegal ones. Regional regulation and outreach are needed to reduce their spread.
A new study found that US-China trade tensions would lead to increased nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and irrigation water consumption in agriculture, affecting not only the two countries but also other nations through international trade.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry to generate 3D models for tracking lesion progression and impacts on diseased coral colonies. The study found that stony coral tissue loss disease prevalence varied significantly across location, but not through time.
Decades of fire suppression have eliminated valuable wildlife habitat, but allowing lightning fires to burn has restored a resilient ecosystem with increased plant and pollinator biodiversity. This approach also limits the severity of wildfires and increases water availability during droughts.
A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.
Research by University of Washington and US Forest Service scientists reveals a dramatic shift in nighttime air's drying power over the Western US, increasing wildfire activity. This shift is not captured in climate models, with some areas experiencing water loss doubling up on warmer nights.
A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that Indigenous fire stewardship increases biodiversity and ecosystem heterogeneity across all major terrestrial biomes. Cultural burning reduces risks of interface fires and has important cultural practices for resource management, community protection, and cultural purposes.
A recent UC Riverside study reveals that neonicotinoids, commonly used in commercial plant nurseries, are deadly to bees regardless of watering levels. The research found a 90% decrease in bee reproduction with both high and low irrigation levels, highlighting the need for alternative management practices to reduce harm to pollinators.
Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.
A strategic toolkit has been developed to help manage the nexus between water, energy, food and ecosystems, reducing disputes in catchment areas. The DAFNE methodology uses state-of-the-art modeling techniques to enable participatory planning and engage stakeholders, finding compromises and synergies that benefit everyone.
A recent study has summarized nearly two decades of research on the efficacy of nature-based solutions in reducing disaster risk. The review found ample evidence that ecosystems can reduce the impacts of hazard events, such as wildfires, flooding, and landslides, in a cost-effective manner.
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre will focus on ecosystem resilience, nature-based adaptation measures, and transfer strategies. The centre aims to secure water accessibility in a changing climate for humanity, industry, agriculture, and nature.
Researchers found that altered streamside woodlands in arid regions stayed greener longer into the dry season and were less responsive to changes in groundwater levels. This threatens the long-term survival of natural forest communities and ecosystem functions.
A study reveals that California's stream ecosystems are being harmed by human-diverted water, creating an unintended dependence on artificial supplies. This threatens the long-term survival of natural communities and highlights the need for changes in water management.
Wildland management must adapt to unprecedented ecosystem changes due to climate change, invasive species, and land use conversion. Scientists from the Rocky Mountain Research Station suggest a more inclusive governance model to improve collaboration and learning.
Researchers found that medium-sized terrestrial species suffered the greatest losses, implicating introduced mammalian predators as primary drivers. The study highlights the impact of colonial agriculture and habitat destruction on biodiversity.
Frequent fires may narrow the recovery window for lichens in chaparral ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. The study found that most chaparral lichen taxa could be lost if fire intervals shorten to less than 20 years, emphasizing the importance of old-growth chaparral and sustainable land management practices.
A new study by Simon Fraser University finds that ancient Indigenous-managed forests, or
Researchers call for climate projections to be taken into account in conservation planning to protect areas at risk of biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Climate change is expected to impact 58% of montane forests in the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the need for adaptive management frameworks.
A new study by Resources for the Future found that at least 27% of new invasive pests in the US were initially detected by members of the public. The researchers suggest leveraging the public's role to improve early detection and control of invasive species, which cause significant economic and environmental harm.
Research suggests that biodiversity loss increases exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Restoring nature can prevent future pandemics by reducing the abundance of risky animal species. Biodiversity has a protective effect, and managing this risk requires understanding how human development and habitat conversion affect zoonotic hosts.
Farmers prioritize government and agricultural sector information, while scientists value scientific information. Female farmers and those using organic farming methods rate biodiversity as more important than others. The study highlights knowledge gaps between research, agriculture, and policy practice.
Researchers developed a standardized drying protocol for goldenseal to preserve its medicinal properties. The study found that high temperatures decreased the levels of canadine, while berberine and hydrastine remained unaffected. This optimized drying process could lead to more predictable health outcomes and applications.
Researchers are using multibeam sonar to study shifting sands in the Colorado River system, aiming to preserve sandbars through conservation management. The project involves mapping underwater topography and analyzing changes in sediment storage, with potential implications for native fish populations and ecosystem sustainability.
A recent study synthesizes global dryland aridity changes, revealing a complex interplay between atmospheric drying and ecosystem greening. Despite rising aridity, lusher drylands are observed due to the physiological response of plants to increasing CO2 concentrations, which conserves water and promotes plant growth.
A study published in Nature Communications found that regenerating tropical forests in Malaysian Borneo continued to grow despite high temperatures and water demand, but with limitations due to fragmentation and climate change. The researchers suggest wider buffers around riparian reserves to support forest growth and recovery.
Research from the University of Minnesota finds that atmospheric drying significantly reduces crop productivity even under well-watered conditions. Plants respond by growing smaller and more resistant to drought, but this also leads to decreased productivity in photosynthesis and seed production.
Scott Senseman, UT Department Head, receives highest honor from WSSA for his work in weed science and education. He emphasizes the importance of developing the next generation of weed scientists to address global food security challenges.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition found the Chagos Archipelago to be home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Despite being relatively undisturbed, human impacts were evident, and mass bleaching caused widespread coral mortality.
Climate change affects soil microbial community diversity, structure, and activities. A new study found that warming enhances microbial network complexity and stability, supporting the central ecological belief that complexity begets stability.
A recent study in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution reveals that alpine plant diversity will decrease once glaciers disappear, with up to 22% of species facing local extinction. The research highlights the 'winners' and 'losers' among plant species, with some benefiting from global warming while others will suffer.
Research in tallgrass prairies reveals that management techniques like prescribed fire and bison reintroduction are more effective at restoring animal communities than increasing plant diversity. This suggests that a single focus on plant biodiversity may not be enough to ensure successful ecosystem restoration.
A new paper introduces a management approach that uses transient dynamics to predict when species may become vulnerable or endangered. The tool helps identify potentially endangered populations and informs adaptive management strategies.
The study found that five of seven SDG 14 targets are achievable with spatial management tools, such as marine protected areas and fully protected areas. Single-sector tools are not effective for all targets, while multi-sectoral tools facilitate the achievement of a wide range of targets.
A recent study by UC Santa Barbara and NOAA reveals that marine protected areas have little effect on mitigating the impacts of marine heatwaves on ocean ecosystems. The research found that the heatwave had a significant impact on fish communities within and outside MPAs, with non-targeted species being more responsive to the changes.
A study by Advanced Conservation Strategies reveals that conditions exist for seafood mislabeling to lead to negative outcomes on marine populations. Researchers estimate that Americans consume between 420-550 million pounds of mislabeled seafood every year, with much of it coming from imported products.
Researchers identify factors that enable or inhibit marketing agility at different hierarchical levels, including technology, organization structure, and employee traits. Marketing agility can be beneficial for some firms and marketing actions, but its impact is nuanced and context-dependent.
Researchers propose a holistic approach to conservation, aiming for no net biodiversity loss between 2020 and 2030 and a 20% gain by 2050. The new targets need to prioritize ecosystems, species, genetic diversity, and nature's contributions to people.
The NOAA report evaluates the condition of Papahānaumokuākea's ecosystem, revealing relatively pristine marine resources but affected terrestrial habitats. Active conservation management is necessary to address threats from climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
A new global review finds that protected areas need better funding, climate smart measures, and equitable management to be effective. The study identifies crucial steps to take, including reducing the funding shortfall for area-based conservation measures and recognizing indigenous community groups' role in nature conservation.
A massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the Creek Fire in California's Sierra National Forest, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its rapid spread. The fire has grown to over 135,000 acres, with hot and dry conditions fueling its expansion.
A new framework helps protect over 300 invasive alien species threatening UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including rats, cats, and Argentine ants. The framework provides a systematic method for reporting on invasive species management, threat levels, and knowledge gaps.
A world-first study examining the Great Barrier Reef's management found that people are managed at broader scales than ecological variation, suggesting a general principle for permitting and management. This approach may be more effective in sustainably managing ecosystems, especially small protected areas.
Researchers identified three strategic priorities for marketing excellence: marketing ecosystem, end-user, and marketing agility. The study found that investors value marketing excellence more highly than market orientation and marketing capabilities strategies, with average annual returns of 16.82%.
Grassroots knowledge from Indigenous people can help map and monitor ecological changes, improving scientific studies and managing ecosystems. The study reveals negative trends, such as increased invasive species and changes in wild animal health, highlighting the importance of Indigenous and local knowledge for global-scale monitoring.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish that switch to coral diets early exhibit enhanced growth rates and larger size, leading to increased reproductive capacity. This variation in early development can have significant consequences for crown-of-thorns population dynamics and coral reef ecosystem health.
A new study highlights the need for further assessment of ecological impacts from deep-sea mining, which could harm vast midwater ecosystems and affect fisheries, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The International Seabed Authority must consider midwater research efforts to minimize environmental harm.
A new study finds that environmental destruction may make pandemics more likely and less manageable. Ecosystems naturally restrain disease transfer, but degradation compromises water security and increases disease transmission.
The Bighorn Fire, which started in the Catalina Mountains on June 5th, has grown to 65,536 acres and is 33 percent contained. The Suomi NPP satellite captured a massive smoke trail extending 63 miles southeast and 41 miles northeast, providing critical information for fire management and ecosystem monitoring.
An international team is developing sustainable strategies for managing marine ecosystems, addressing global environmental change and ecosystem functions. The project combines data analysis and modelling to develop effective management approaches for coastal and oceanic environments.
A recent UBC study measured the biochemical properties of zooplankton in the Strait of Georgia, finding that seasonal changes in plankton food web pathways drive variability in plankton fatty acid composition. This shift confers a higher nutritional value to zooplankton in the summer, benefiting juvenile salmon and herring.
The report found many coral reefs to be in surprisingly good health, with abundant and diverse coral and fish communities. Reefs far from shore or protected in Marine Protected Areas were in particularly good condition, but nearshore reefs showed signs of fishing pressure.
Recent Australian wildfires highlight the need for new fire, resource, and conservation policies to reduce megafires and alter timber production. Researchers suggest protecting unburnt areas and expanding conservation zones to restore repeatedly damaged ecosystems.
Researchers found that flooding and invasive species alter mercury pathways through food webs, affecting top predators like fish and birds. Algae and blackfly larvae are key sources of mercury, which can be transported to land by flying adults.
Researchers found that protected areas in Colombia experienced 40% less deforestation than similar non-protected sites. However, regional differences showed that Pacific protected areas were less effective due to high biodiversity and endemic species.
A recent study found that whole-lake experiments can reveal the causes of hyperstability in recreational fisheries. Habitat aggregation and effort sorting are identified as drivers of hyperstability collapse. Limiting angler effort through policy changes is proposed to protect vulnerable fish stocks.
A new study analyzed 1,800 tropical reef sites worldwide to understand conditions for maximizing reef health and biodiversity. The findings suggest that high conservation levels can support all three key ecological metrics when human use is low, but become increasingly challenging with increased pressure.
Research at Mount Rainier National Park finds a growing mismatch between the blooming of iconic wildflowers and visitor peak times due to climate change. The study, led by the University of Washington, used crowd-sourced photos and analysis to model the timing of wildflower blooms and visitor visits from 2009-2015.
A new study of North American birds found that regional ecosystem stability over time depends on both the total number of species present in a locality and on the variation in species identities among localities. The researchers used 20 years of observational data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test this hypothesis.