Articles tagged with Forest Ecosystems
A study reveals critical weaknesses in current tree-planting strategies in US cities, suggesting ways to build more resilient and diverse ecosystems. Urban forests provide numerous health benefits, but few have assessed city tree biodiversity.
A new international study reveals termites' pivotal role in wood decay, contributing to the earth's carbon cycle, and their sensitivity to temperature and rainfall. Termites may increasingly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions with climate change.
Restoring relatively narrow strips of riverfront forests could substantially improve regional water quality and carbon storage in Costa Rica. The analysis shows that such buffers tend to be most beneficial in steep, erosion-prone, and intensively fertilized landscapes.
Researchers found tropical soil microbes decline in diversity and increase CO2 emissions with simulated global warming. The findings threaten rainforest ecosystems and carbon storage, emphasizing the urgency for conservation.
The study reveals that between 90 and 99 percent of all deforestation in the tropics is driven directly or indirectly by agriculture. The majority of deforestation results in land speculation or abandoned projects, rather than actively producing agricultural production.
Researchers at UMaine have developed a novel AI-based method for monitoring soil moisture in forests, using wireless sensor networks and machine learning to optimize energy efficiency. This approach could enable more efficient tracking of forest health, reducing costs and increasing reliability.
Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.
A new study found that regions with high past temperature variability tend to be less sensitive to current and future climate changes, offering hope for forests' ability to adapt. The research highlights the importance of considering legacy effects of past climate conditions in forest management and climate policy.
A team led by Jianxi Gao developed equations to measure and compare distances to tipping points across various mutualistic systems, allowing for the triage of declining ecosystems. This method enables the identification of areas that need intervention most urgently, providing a critical sense of urgency to mobilize resources.
New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.
A Chinese research group found that China's natural climate solutions (NCS) can counterbalance 11-12% of industrial CO2 emissions by 2030. The study quantified NCS pathways, including conservation, restoration, and improved forest management, and estimated their contribution to climate change mitigation.
Scientists studied lightning's impact on Panama Canal forests, finding that some tree species, like palms, are more likely to die after a strike. Others, with denser wood and larger water vessels, are more resistant and may even store more carbon.
Kelp forests, which sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon, may struggle to trap it due to accelerating decomposition rates in warmer waters. A study found that sea temperature has a strong influence on decomposition rates, with kelp fragments degrading more slowly in cooler waters.
Researchers found that bioturbation by fiddler crabs increases soil pH and reduces salinity, creating a more hospitable environment for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria produce essential chemicals for iron trapping, improving mangrove plant growth.
A new study found that the global forest area per capita has declined by over 60% from 1960 to 2019, due to 81.7 million hectares of loss. This decline threatens biodiversity and affects the lives of 1.6 billion people worldwide.
A new resilience sensing system can identify areas in danger of collapse and measure the success of conservation efforts. Global average resilience has declined over the last 20 years, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest showing signs of loss of resilience.
Tree ring growth in Alaska's La Perouse glacier reveals a slowdown of growth as the glacier advanced and an increase in growth rates as it retreated. The findings provide insights into how ecosystems may respond to rapid climate change.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
Researchers found that kelp scraps availability determines urchin behavior, leading to a 50-fold decrease in kelp biomass when demand exceeds supply. This study helps explain the dynamics driving urchin-induced kelp forest collapse.
A major Amazon study reveals ecological threats, including deforestation, but also opportunities for sustainability through actions like halting deforestation and protecting secondary forests. Researchers found biodiversity and carbon storage gains from allowing mature secondary forests to regrow.
Researchers examine historical data and weather patterns to understand west-side wildfires' timing, size, and causes. They find that severe fires are normal for the region when looking at longer time scales, and conventional fire management tools may be less effective due to extreme winds.
Climate change affects mangrove forest's 'blue carbon' system through rising sea levels and ocean acidity. Mangrove forests store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare, crucial in mitigating climate change.
Researchers found that certain characteristics of refugia led to more tree regeneration, with taller trees and mountain hemlock species showing higher seed dispersal. The study suggests that natural regeneration is possible in some areas, making replanting efforts unnecessary and potentially harmful.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis highlights the importance of spatial aspects of biodiversity for healthy forest functioning. The research shows that tree beta diversity, a measure of site-to-site variation in species composition, is stronger than other components of biodiversity at larger scales.
Researchers uncovered intricate settlements in Bolivia's Llanos de Mojos savannah-forest, featuring elaborate structures and a vast network of reservoirs. The cities were built alongside nature, employing successful sustainable subsistence strategies that promoted conservationism and maintained rich biodiversity.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki used new techniques to observe tree hyraxes in Kenya's Taita Hills, finding that they are social animals with specific habitat preferences. The study estimated a population size of no more than 2,000–4,000 individuals, shedding light on the behavior and conservation of these unique mammals.
Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders, living in redwoods, have developed aerial behaviors to avoid predators, including parachuting and gliding. They are able to maintain control and make horizontal maneuvers, defying expectations of their sluggish nature.
Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...
Heads of State and Government meeting at the United Nations' global conference on land called for immediate action to stem life and livelihood losses due to desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Abidjan Call urges prioritizing drought relief and committing to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030.
Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
Scientists have discovered six new species of frog in Mexico's forests, with one being the country's smallest, the 13mm-long Craugastor candelariensis. The newly discovered species are known as 'direct-developing' frogs, emerging from eggs as perfect miniature frogs.
Research finds fungi and bacteria can thrive in post-megafire soils, with certain microbes increasing in abundance. These microbial 'cousins' are genetically related and share adaptive traits to respond to fire, improving prediction of their responses.
Deforestation in Indigenous lands, particularly in Apyterewa Territory, poses a significant threat to Brazil's ability to meet its international climate change mitigation targets. The Brazilian government must take effective action to enforce environmental laws and protect the Amazon region.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
A new study reveals that eating wild animals, known as bushmeat, is associated with reduced anaemia cases among children living in the Amazon rainforest. The researchers found that bushmeat consumption can partially protect the health of vulnerable rural children by increasing their iron levels.
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
A new study finds that Amazon deforestation causes a substantial reduction in evapotranspiration, leading to drier lower atmosphere and severe atmospheric desiccation. The study suggests an emerging transition in the Amazon hydrological cycle, but also highlights the potential for forest conservation to prevent ecosystem collapse.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
A new framework will help conservation agencies forecast climate change impacts and identify target areas for protection. The project aims to create adaptable portfolios of target sites for biodiversity conservation over time.
Researchers analyzed two peat cores to discover that higher concentrations of charcoal occurred between 9,000 to 4,000 years ago due to larger forest fires. Mangrove pollen found in the earlier period indicates rising sea levels and increased salt, contributing to dry conditions suitable for massive forest fires.
A new study reveals that deforestation has significant biophysical effects on climate, including changes in heat distribution and water cycles. Forests play a crucial role in dispersing heat and transferring water from the surface to the atmosphere, which affects regional hydrological cycles.
A study of 264 studies in 53 countries found that natural forests better support biodiversity and ecosystem services like carbon storage and water conservation. In contrast, plantations excel in wood production, highlighting a trade-off between environmental and economic goals in forest restoration.
Researchers have discovered a new plant species, Castela senticosa, in the Martín García mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The species was found to be rare and endangered due to its limited geographic distribution.
The European Union is projected to experience increased fire-prone areas, threatening biodiversity and carbon sinks. The IPCC report highlights the need for adaptation in addressing wildfires, focusing on fire and forest management to increase ecosystem resilience.
A new study by Washington State University researchers has developed a camera-trapping method that accurately estimates the density of snowshoe hares and potentially other unmarked small mammals. The method, validated through a large-scale field test, shows promise as an inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to live-trapping.
The Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in resilience, which could trigger dieback and have severe consequences for the environment. The study found that resilience has dropped consistently since the early 2000s, with parts of the forest losing resilience faster due to deforestation and climate change.
Researchers found that forest trees with a mix of both ectomycorrhiza and arbuscular mycorrhiza had the greatest tree diversity, contradicting previous beliefs. This discovery highlights the importance of considering the coexistence of different mycorrhizal strategies in promoting plant biodiversity.
Rising temperatures are causing the world's coldest forests to shift northward, threatening biodiversity and increasing wildfire risks. Soil nutrient availability also plays a key role in the response of boreal vegetation to climate change.
The report projects a global increase in extreme fires by up to 50% by the end of the century, with a call for governments to shift their investments from reaction to prevention and preparedness. The authors recommend a 'Fire Ready Formula' with two-thirds of spending devoted to planning, prevention, and recovery.
A study found that beetles in German forests shifted their diversity to Red-Ash trees when European Ash trees died due to drought stress. This suggests that non-native trees can provide opportunities for insects during times of climate change.
A new UF study found that climate change intensifies the negative effects of invasive plants on longleaf pine trees, making them more vulnerable to drought and wildfires. The experiment showed that trees under stress from both drought and invasive cogongrass were least likely to survive after fire.
A nationwide study is exploring how genomic ancestry, genomic variation, and environmental variation interact to produce traits important for forest tree fitness. Researchers are using whole-genome sequencing data with large-scale networks of replicated common garden experiments.
Researchers found that tropical forests can recover soil fertility in under 10 years, plant functioning in less than 25 years, and species diversity in 60 years. Allowing secondary forests to regrow can be an important part of tropical forest conservation, providing a toolkit for ecosystem restoration.
A new DNA metabarcoding technique identifies nearly 3,000 insect species in European forests, revealing that forest dieback affects insect community composition and ecological functions. The study highlights the importance of preserving environmental features supporting biodiversity.
Researchers found that microbes in the soils generate methane gas, which is then processed as it moves through dead trees. The findings shed light on the sources of greenhouse gas emissions from ghost forests, a growing concern due to rising sea levels.
A new study estimates that there are approximately 73,300 tree species on Earth, with 9,000 yet to be discovered. The majority of these unknown species are rare and endemic to specific regions, particularly South America.
The HOMED project offers policy briefs on improving forest resistance to invasive alien species through enhanced surveillance, increased tree diversity, and collaboration between pathologists and entomologists. The collection aims to promote the development of EU policies focused on forest protection from invasive alien species.
Scientists have recorded high levels of atmospheric mercury pollution in a pristine patch of the Peruvian Amazon due to illegal gold mining. Mature Amazonian forests near gold mining are capturing huge volumes of atmospheric mercury, more than any other ecosystem previously studied.