Articles tagged with Forest Ecosystems
A new study by Conservation International and the University of Vermont reveals that conserving biodiversity also protects essential ecosystem services like fresh water, food, and carbon storage. The report estimates the annual value of these services to be over $33 trillion.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology will conduct a one-year pilot study on ecosystem diversity in Kruger National Park using remote sensing and the Carnegie Airborne Observatory. This research aims to improve adaptive management and develop skills for park managers to undertake remote monitoring of ecosystems.
A team of researchers explored sub-Antarctic ecosystems to estimate the diversity of tiny bryophytes and lichens, finding a hotspot for these organisms. The study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that integrate non-vascular plants beyond charismatic mega fauna.
The US has forgiven $26 million in Costa Rican debt to protect the country's tropical forests, with Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy providing additional funding. This is the largest debt-for-nature swap under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, aiming to slow global warming by protecting carbon-storing ecosystems.
ISU study reveals forests in Upper Midwest have lost tree species diversity and structural complexity since the mid-1800s. Deciduous trees like aspen and birch have replaced conifers, while smaller trees dominate modern forests.
The Brazilian Atlantic forest has lost 95% of its original size, but researchers have found 'refugia' where the forest is still thriving. These regions may hold the secrets to regenerating the ecosystem.
The National Ecological Observatory Network has selected candidate core wildland sites across the United States for deployment, with a focus on understanding climate change and its impacts on ecology. The selected sites will host distributed sensor networks and experiments to record and archive ecological data for at least 30 years.
A study projects that climate change and land conversion will imperil 950 to 1800 bird species by 2100, with tropical birds being particularly vulnerable due to their small ranges. The protection of tropical forests is crucial in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
A Smithsonian-led research team has won a scientific prize for their study on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on the Amazon ecosystem. The team found that tree communities are rapidly changing in forest fragments due to ecological changes near the margins, posing a significant threat to Amazonian biodiversity.
Research has identified five hotspots of high mercury contamination in fish and birds across eastern North America, posing a risk to human health and wildlife. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mercury emissions from coal-fired power stations and municipal waste incinerators to mitigate this environmental threat.
Research reveals that Amazonian forests are undergoing a rapid transformation as a result of fragmentation, leading to the loss of rare and slow-growing tree species. The study found that small, fast-growing trees store less carbon, contributing to global warming.
The Boston College Urban Ecology Institute is developing an urban environmental science curriculum, textbook, and multimedia system for use in America's urban high schools. The project aims to promote the stewardship of healthy urban ecosystems through improved science education.
Harvard University's Harvard Forest has received a $4.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study landscape change in New England. The six-year project will examine the drivers and consequences of forest responses to natural and human disturbances, with potential applications for regional land protection and management.
Ecosystem services from boreal forests, including carbon capture and water filtration, are estimated to be worth $160 per hectare, totaling $93 billion/year in Canada. Globally, the value is around $250 billion per year. A natural capital accounting system is recommended to reflect these values.
A new project aims to create fast and sophisticated computer models to understand ecosystem dynamics and value for any spot on earth. The models will help policymakers identify specific ecosystem services and their impacts, enabling informed decisions on land use.
A recent study published in Policy Sciences examines the ethnic differences in job quality among US forest workers. The research reveals that Hispanic workers face more onerous jobs with fewer benefits, including less job security and no health insurance compared to white workers.
Dr. Gene E. Likens and Dr. Steward T.A. Pickett are honored by the Botanical Society of America for their groundbreaking research on acid rain, freshwater ecology, and urban ecology. Their work has informed national legislation and transformed the Institute of Ecosystem Studies into a global leader in ecological research.
A long-term field experiment shows that ecosystems containing many different plant species are more productive than those containing only one species. This research suggests that a return to biodiversity may be key to meeting energy needs and restoring global ecosystems.
A new study reveals that removing top predator species from kelp forests has a profound impact on the ecosystem, while organic coastal run-off has minimal effect. The research suggests California is on the right track with fishing limits to protect the delicate food chain.
The study finds that healthy ecosystems can mitigate the effects of disasters like landslides and floods. Mainstreaming sustainable biodiversity management into policy decisions may reverse ecosystem degradation trends.
The state-and-transition model better explains ecosystem changes, but outdated science can cause serious problems. Scientists need to learn how to spread new knowledge widely through cooperative extension efforts and early adopters.
The Penn State Regional Center will conduct research on climate change's effects on regional terrestrial ecosystems, including the Northeast region with high population density and urbanization. The center aims to develop models predicting climate change impacts and analyze carbon exchange between ecosystems and the atmosphere.
The BP Conservation Programme has announced a new five-year initiative to support global biodiversity conservation. The program has provided annual support to teams of conservationists for 15 years, with past projects describing approximately 25 species new to science and influencing local community environmental awareness.
The June 2005 issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights various ecological concerns, including Chesapeake Bay tributary restoration, community recovery after disturbances, and threats to marine species. Researchers also explore the nutrition link between pathogens and infected hosts.
The Hudson River has seen a doubling of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the past 15 years, with possible causes including changes in river materials and bacterial metabolism. This increase may be linked to nitrogen deposition, leading to eutrophication-driven problems such as hypoxia.
A new study reveals that a world without fire would see closed forests more than double in extent, while tropical grasslands and savannas shrink significantly. The findings highlight the crucial role of fire in shaping vegetation and ecosystems worldwide.
Researchers find that invasive trout reduce forest spiders by altering stream food webs, highlighting the impact of species invasions on ecosystem connectivity. The matrix plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of corridors and stepping stones in increasing landscape connectivity.
A study by Dr Helen Newing found that government development policies are the main threat to forest conservation projects, rather than local communities. Community-led conservation approaches have been successful in protecting biodiversity, but lack of government support and bureaucratic hurdles hinder their effectiveness.
A new study using computer models found that human activities are the main cause of caribou decline in northern Alberta. The research suggests that if current development rates continue, woodland caribou will be eliminated from the area in 37 years.
Researchers found that summer temperature is the most important variable in predicting fire extent, with increases expected in Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Global warming could lead to more frequent and extensive fires, reducing old forests and habitat corridors for threatened species.
The Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) has revealed unexpected patterns and processes in the city's ecosystem, including how plants influence air quality and forest cover affects water quality. Renewed funding will allow researchers to investigate urban ecology discoveries and share findings with educators and decision makers.
The greater sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse are affected by changes in their ecosystems, including the suppression of fire and invasive species. Livestock grazing also impacts these birds, while oil and gas development threatens the sagebrush biome. Researchers discuss restoration options to mitigate these effects.
Research reveals that forests in six locations worldwide struggle with nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus, when soils age. Without disturbances like forest fires or volcanic activity, forests will slowly become impoverished over thousands of years.
A biologist studied the tree hole ecosystem and found that changing factors such as predation, resources, and disturbance alters community composition. The results show that certain species are tolerant of predators, disturbances, or competition, allowing them to coexist in different spatial scales.
Researchers found that under drought conditions, tropical forests and desert ecosystems have similar maximum rain-use efficiency, a measure of total plant growth per unit of precipitation. This discovery indicates an upper limit to ecosystem productivity, which may impact climate change scenarios.
The Caucasus region, home to 51 globally threatened species, will receive a significant boost for conservation efforts thanks to $8.5 million in grants from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The funding will support conservation efforts across six countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has led to a remarkable recovery of cottonwood and willow species, as well as improved stream health. Young trees are now growing taller in areas where wolves are present, suggesting that the fear of predation is preventing elk from overgrazing.
Researchers found that ozone reduces soil carbon formation, a key process for storing organic matter. The study suggests forests may be less effective at cleaning the air of excess carbon dioxide when ozone levels are high.
Researchers found that elevated ozone levels can reduce soil carbon formation, which is essential for forest health and climate regulation. The study's findings suggest that high ozone levels may hinder forests' ability to absorb excess carbon dioxide, threatening global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Research reveals that the removal of great whales from the North Pacific Ocean led to a domino effect of ecosystem impacts. Killer whales preyed on other marine mammals, causing devastating effects on ecosystems.
The Brazilian state of Amazonas has announced the creation of six new protected areas, covering over 40% of its territory. These areas will help safeguard the region's rich biodiversity and support conservation initiatives.
The World Parks Congress has established a new reserve in Brazil that supports local communities and balances conservation with development. The Piagaçu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve is part of six new reserves totaling 10.4 million acres, doubling the Amazonas State protected area system size.
Researchers found that catnip oil effectively deters termite tunneling, but its toxicity and cost limit its practical use. The study suggests a potential future for catnip oil as a natural termite control method.
The Northeastern States Research Cooperative has awarded nearly $1.8 million in research grants for studies of the Northern Forest and its communities. These grants will support projects such as measuring invasive species movement, tracking land use impacts on water quality, and evaluating forest ecosystem services.
A team of US researchers study Polish forest plots with 14 different temperate tree species to understand biodiversity and ecosystem structure. They investigate how tree species influence the environment, soil acidity, and decomposition.
Research by Michael Gundale found that non-native earthworms can endager rare plants like the goblin fern, which relies on fungi for energy. The study discovered a link between earthworm presence and thinner forest floors, threatening the long-term survival of these unique plant species.
A recent study published in Science suggests that conserving wild nature can generate significant economic benefits, with intact ecosystems providing up to 75% more value than converted ones. The research estimates a global network of nature reserves could provide $4.4 trillion in additional economic benefits annually.
Researchers found that whitebark pines, large ranges, and low human density are key factors in the survival of grizzly bears. The ESA has helped protect these areas, leading to increased bear populations in places like Yellowstone.
A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that intermediate-sized predators can have significant impacts on ecosystems, contrary to previous conclusions. The research highlights the importance of considering all species, not just larger ones, for maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
A study by McMillan and Larson found that rock climbing decreases vegetation diversity on cliffs, with only 4% as many vascular plant species on climbed faces. The researchers also discovered that climbing increases the proportion of non-native plants, which can outcompete native species for resources.
Gretchen Daily proposes assigning economic value to ecosystems and incorporating those values into public policy. She argues that making conservation profitable is crucial for saving the planet from natural resource depletion.
A NASA-funded study reveals that ancient South American forests hold the key to understanding US ecosystems before the industrial revolution. The study finds complex organic compounds as the main form of nitrogen in unpolluted ecosystems, contradicting previous beliefs about inorganic nitrogen.
A Princeton University study reveals that South American forests offer a glimpse into pre-industrial US ecosystems, showing complex organic compounds as the main form of nitrogen in unpolluted ecosystems. The findings suggest that high levels of inorganic nitrogen in the US are mainly due to acid rain and agricultural fertilizers.
Scientists have found that gradual changes in ecosystems can lead to catastrophic collapse, as even small disturbances can trigger irreversible shifts. This is evident in various ecosystems around the world, including coral reefs and forests.
Researchers are conducting field studies on three Hawaiian islands to examine the origins and evolution of plant life on Earth. The team is collecting plant samples in various ecosystems to identify invasive species and determine their impact on native biodiversity.
A new study reveals that North America does not absorb as much carbon dioxide as it emits, contradicting long-held assumptions. The research found that natural processes can only account for a small fraction of the released carbon dioxide, highlighting the complexity of climate change.
A study on Isle Royale National Park found that wolves' increased hunting efficiency in snowy winters led to a decline in moose populations, reducing browsing pressure on balsam fir saplings. This cascade of ecological responses highlights the potential impact of apex predators' behavioral adaptations to climate change.