Articles tagged with Forest Ecosystems
Researchers analyzed stable isotopes in Louisiana roadkill to understand ancient wetland ecosystems. They found that the method was effective but not always precise, as modern animals have diverse diets that don't segregate neatly into boxes.
Birds associated with older forests in the Pacific Northwest are declining faster than those in early-seral ecosystems, despite conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of continuing to protect and restore old-growth habitats as wildfires become more frequent.
A study published in Biological Conservation found that forest cover below 40% can lead to a decline in original bird communities and the replacement of specialized species with generalists. The research suggests that highly specialized birds begin to decline significantly at forest cover levels as low as 70%.
A Tanzanian forest will be protected after major scientific discoveries revealed the need for conservation. The Magombera Forest was under threat due to charcoal production and wildlife poaching, but a conservation programme helped reduce deforestation and increase biodiversity.
Forest termites play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem function during droughts by decomposing organic matter, mixing soil nutrients, and regulating moisture. Their increased activity during drought helps buffer important soil processes critical for tropical forest survival.
A global study analyzed 421 tree communities to understand how climate affects functional traits in forests. Climate factors like temperature variability and vapor pressure have the greatest impact on trait diversity across all species.
Researchers found a significant increase in nitrate flowing downstream after the storm, posing risks to coastal ecosystems. The study also revealed that Hurricane Maria killed twice as many trees as previous storms, altering forest compositions and potential carbon cycles.
A recent study by Clark University researchers reveals that tropical forests are under threat from massive infrastructure projects and resource extraction. The study highlights the urgent need for policy-making that protects forests and communities from corruption and human rights abuses.
A study finds that resource extraction and infrastructure development lead to significant forest loss and marginalize indigenous communities. The authors suggest novel approaches balancing conservation and agroindustry goals through rigorous land use zoning and community-led resource management.
A newly described tomato relative, Solanum kollastrum, boasts long thorns and sticky stems, but surprisingly starts as a beneficial species in its ecosystem. It's preferred by medium- to large-sized bees and has fruits that are eaten by bats.
Researchers have discovered 16 novel giant viruses in a forest soil ecosystem, more than doubling the known giant virus diversity. These viruses were found using a non-standard approach that involved flow-sorting microbes into small pools, revealing a wealth of giant viruses previously overlooked.
The Atlantic Forest's biodiversity loss is attributed to 500 years of human disturbance, with more than half of local species assemblages disappearing since the 1500s. Apex predators and large herbivores are among the groups whose numbers have suffered most due to farming, logging, and fires.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $15 million in grants to researchers studying the complex interactions between humans and their environment. Projects will investigate topics such as nutrient management, wildfires, hydrology, and volcanic eruptions to better understand how people can interact with nature in a more sustainabl...
Climate change could lead to sweeping global landscape changes, threatening biodiversity and vital services like water security and carbon storage. The study used fossil records of vegetation change to project future ecosystem transformations under various greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.
Researchers analyzed over 23,000 tree cores to investigate how adult trees respond to changes in climatic conditions. The study found that trees responded to variations in climate during a roughly 40 year period and adapted locally.
A new study finds that forest soils have been overestimated as methane sinks by up to 50% worldwide. Methane uptake by forest soils has declined globally, especially in regions with increasing precipitation.
The NSF has awarded a five-year, $6.4 million grant to the Sevilleta LTER site in central New Mexico to understand how environmental changes affect dryland ecosystems over time. Researchers will study the transition from grassland to shrubland and the impact of climate variability on ecosystem dynamics.
Scientists estimate 84 remaining Amur leopards in the wild across southernmost border of Primorskii Province in Russia and Jilin Province of China. Camera traps provided more precise estimate, highlighting transboundary movements and differences in population dynamics between Russia and China.
A 19-year analysis of forest ecology reveals that high rodent densities and low predator populations contribute to increased Lyme disease risk. Acorn production also plays a significant role, as high abundance boosts rodent numbers and increases infected nymphal tick populations.
The world's insectivorous birds consume a significant amount of energy annually, estimated to be comparable to that of the city of New York. Forest birds play a crucial role in suppressing pest insects, with their annual food intake being around three-quarters of the global prey biomass gathered by insectivorous birds.
A £374,000 UK Government grant will support Ethiopian communities in developing sustainable natural resource management systems, resulting in reduced deforestation rates. The project aims to market valuable forest products, such as cardamom and wild chillies, to improve villagers' livelihoods.
A San Francisco State University study reveals that many ethnic minorities are not utilizing US national forests and grasslands, despite living nearby. The research highlights the need for improved outreach and understanding of minority groups' needs to promote sustainable use of these public lands.
The article explores the potential applications of ecological restoration to medicine, highlighting the importance of gut microbiota diversity for overall health. By integrating ecology and medicine, researchers can develop more effective treatments for chronic diseases such as obesity and autoimmune disorders.
A new technique using high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial measurements provides a more accurate picture of forest recovery from wildfires. By distinguishing between canopy and understory growth, scientists can better understand forest dynamics and carbon sequestration.
A Montana State University ecologist has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright appointment to work on a project helping countries meet conservation goals set by an international agreement. The project aims to analyze ecosystem data gathered by NASA, which could help over 30 countries protect biodiversity.
The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation - GEDI is a first-of-its-kind laser instrument designed to map the world's forests in high resolution and three dimensions. It will gather height information about everything in its path, but is specifically designed to measure forests.
Scientists studied China's terrestrial ecosystems, revealing significant carbon stock changes driven by climate change, ecological restoration projects, and land-use practices. The study identified four major ecosystems with varying carbon sink or source capabilities.
A new study from Stockholm University shows that prescribed burning in southern Ethiopia's tree heather heathlands maintains biodiversity and habitats for alpine plant species. The practice, which has been used for at least 2000 years, is recommended to be maintained but regulated to protect local ecosystems and societies.
Researchers estimate jaguar spatial needs and movements in Gran Chaco and Pantanal ecosystems. Jaguars require large home ranges, up to 15 km daily movements, and are affected by deforestation rates, leading to conflict with humans.
A study published in Nature Communications found that tree diversity and neighbourhood interactions significantly impact forest productivity, promoting more wood production and reducing soil erosion. By planting multiple native tree species at small spatial scales, afforestation programs can benefit from biodiversity conservation.
Researchers developed a framework to assess forest management strategies in Oregon, finding that these approaches increased net ecosystem carbon balance by 72% from 2011-2015. By 2100, the strategies resulted in a 56% increase in NECB, with benefits for water availability and biodiversity.
A new study found that while ecosystems can bounce back from large-scale disturbances, complete recovery is elusive. Passive recovery, which involves halting damaging practices, may be a more effective strategy than active restoration, especially for systems that don't require significant added help.
The partnership aims to develop decision-making tools based on satellite observations of Earth, which can be used worldwide. Conservation International is working with governments and stakeholders to implement policies that preserve natural resources along the Mekong River.
A recent study by the Joint Research Centre reveals that changes in global vegetation cover from 2000 to 2015 have made the planet warmer. The research found that the removal of tropical evergreen forests for agricultural expansion is the most significant factor contributing to local increases in surface temperature.
Climate projections for the Pacific Northwest reveal a warmer future under high greenhouse gas concentrations, with temperatures expected to rise between 1.5 and 7 degrees Celsius. The regional consensus among climate models indicates that the region will become considerably warmer in the next century.
Researchers have reconstructed a pre-human New Zealand ecosystem using coprolites from extinct giant moa and kakapo parrot, revealing insights into the birds' diet, pathogens, and behavior. The study sheds light on the critical ecosystem function of giant birds in dispersing mushrooms and fungi, now lost due to their extinction.
Entomologist Paul Marek has discovered a new millipede species, Apheloria polychroma, which boasts an impressive array of colors and contains cyanide that deters birds from snacking on it. This unique trait also helps other millipedes evade predators through Mullerian mimicry.
A new study by Portland State University geographer Andrés Holz tracked ecosystem changes over 10,000 years, finding that climate and frequent forest fires were the primary drivers of change in west-central Patagonia.
Scientists analyzed NASA's Aqua satellite records to find that rising maximum temperatures are affecting every ecosystem on the planet, from ice sheets to tropical forests. Temperature extremes coincided with severe droughts and heat waves across the globe, particularly in tropical regions and northern hemisphere.
A recent study by UPV/EHU researchers shows that the interaction between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) controls forestry productivity in the Iberian Peninsula. The research reveals how these climate modes affect droughts, winters, and ecosystem productivity.
Researchers developed a new remote-sensing method to map functional diversity of forests from small to large scales, independent of predefined vegetation units or species information. This allows for the assessment of forest health, resource use efficiency, and adaptation to environmental conditions.
A global analysis of arboreal vertebrate species reveals that 85% are drawn to or shun the edges of forests, with positive effects on 46% and negative impacts on 39%. This study highlights the need for conservation programs to safeguard large forest areas from fragmentation.
A new study using DNA metabarcoding technology is helping to improve the monitoring of Canada's vital boreal forest. The approach enables quick and accurate detection of aquatic organisms, providing valuable insights into ecosystem health.
Researchers found that tree species with drought tolerance traits and soil amendments like rice hulls and hydrogel improved seedling survival. The study provides a general approach to screen native tree species for restoration, offering hope for restoring tropical dry forests.
Researchers from MIT and global partners conducted a comprehensive survey of atmospheric chemistry in a Colorado forest, identifying previously unmeasured semi-volatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds. The findings provide new insights into air quality, ecosystem health, and climate change.
The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve in Kuala Lumpur still retains important biodiversity, with 425 plant species recorded, including 159 new species. The reserve's diversity was confirmed through surveys conducted between April 2015 and May 2016.
A Johns Hopkins paleontologist and her team report that human arrival and activity led to the extinction of native mammal species in the Caribbean. The study found that 60% of endemic mammals went extinct after humans arrived, with current conservation efforts focusing on protecting bats and insectivores.
A University of Utah-led study finds that targeted forest regeneration can increase the survival time of bird communities up to 56-fold in two biodiversity hotspots. The cost of regeneration is estimated between $21 and $49 million dollars, offering a high return on investment for biodiversity conservation.
A study found that drought recovery depends on post-drought weather conditions and location. In general, most areas recover in under six months, while high-latitude regions need up to two years. Climate models predict more frequent droughts, which could lead to a double whammy effect if ecosystems are hit before they recover.
A new study by ICRAF and Princeton University proposes payment schemes for rural communities to protect and restore China's native forests on collectively owned land. The researchers argue that existing policies neglect these lands and fail to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
A new study applies a maximum entropy theory of ecology to describe natural systems and communities without light-limitation parameters. The model, called MaxEnt, uses coarse information to derive detailed distributions and accurately describes ecological patterns.
A recent study explores the species-area relationship and volume-species relation, finding that higher canopies are associated with more plant species due to increased biospace. This correlation is observed across different climate zones, suggesting a fundamental role in ecology.
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.
Research shows that top predators like wolves need continuous territories to effectively control ecosystems. Fragmented wolf populations, such as in North America, are unable to control smaller predators like coyotes.
A new study links the loss of Central American tropical forests to cocaine trafficking, with an estimated 30-60% of forest losses occurring within protected areas. Researchers estimate that cocaine trafficking may account for up to 30% of total forest loss in Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua over the past decade.
The Isle Royale wolf population has remained unchanged for the second year in a row, with only two wolves left on the island. The moose population is expected to double over the next three to four years, leading to increased vegetation consumption and potentially altering the island's ecosystem.
Researchers have discovered two new species of parasitic orchids, Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawanesis, on the main island of Okinawa. The plants are related to the common orchid Gastrodia nipponica but can be distinguished by differences in their petals' lips and column structure.
A study from the University of Vermont found that imitating old-growth forests enhances carbon storage in managed forestland. The new technique, called structural complexity enhancement, showed higher levels of carbon storage than conventional forestry methods.
Researchers have found that dust from the Gobi Desert is providing more phosphorus than previously thought for plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including giant sequoias. The study suggests that dust may be shaping this iconic California ecosystem and could help predict forest response to climate change.
A new study led by University of Wyoming researchers reveals that dust is a crucial factor in mountainous forest ecosystems, dominating nutrient budgets despite continuous erosion. The study found that dust contains plant-essential nutrients like phosphorus, which is more abundant than nutrients from bedrock.