Articles tagged with Forest Resources
Two studies have found that trust in landowners and experience with feral hogs significantly influence their willingness to manage the animals. Trust in neighbors and community was found to be associated with the likelihood of landowners taking actions to manage feral hogs, while experience with the animals was also a crucial factor.
A new study reveals Nepal's community forestry program has widened the gap between rural poverty and social elite, leaving marginalized populations behind. Researchers suggest stricter monitoring and targeted payment schemes to reform the program and promote equity.
A survey of urban forests in western Oregon found no connection between mistletoe infestation and negative health outcomes for parasitized trees. Western oak mistletoe was observed in 227 non-native trees, with most being oaks, suggesting it may be a benefit to wildlife.
The SWIFTT project presents a hybrid seminar to showcase its platform that helps foresters detect and prevent insect outbreaks, analyse windthrow and fire damage. The event features live demos and presentations from the project team, highlighting the platform's benefits for sustainable forest management.
A new study reveals that for every 10% increase in forest cover, an additional species is present, and sites with complete forest cover support three times the terrestrial vertebrate species compared to those lacking tree cover.
Research team created first high-resolution maps of tree species richness and structural diversity in China's natural forests. The study reveals that precipitation seasonality and forest age drive these two dimensions, with projections suggesting future biodiversity gains and challenges.
A new analysis of Douglas-fir forests reveals that wildfire risk can reduce forestland values by up to 50% and prompt plantation owners to harvest trees earlier than planned. This is due to the volatility in timber pricing and the economic uncertainty caused by rising fire danger.
Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.
Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.
Climate change is expected to bring increased damages and costs for European forestry, with gains in Northern Europe and losses in Central and Southern Europe. The study highlights the need for strategic adjustments to forest management to reduce economic losses and foster more climate-resilient forests.
Researchers found that the island has enough trees, hedgerows, and seeds for the estimated 3500 red squirrels to thrive and grow. The study also discovered signs of genetic mixing between the east and west populations, suggesting a bright future for the island's squirrel population.
Researchers found that bat boxes can reach lethal temperatures if not designed properly. Simulations showed that adding insulation, light colors, and thoughtful orientations can make the boxes safer. The study's code is publicly available, allowing conservationists to tailor their solutions to specific climates.
A recent study found that urban forests and small green spaces have significant benefits for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Young adults experience greater benefits than the general population, and spending non-active time in greenspaces can be more effective than active time in nature.
Researchers analyzed 96 years of forest census data, revealing homogenization trends and loss of tree species. The study suggests that reduced forest diversity makes the ecosystem less resilient to future disturbances.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
A new UBC study found that clear-cutting can lead to an 18-fold rise in extreme floods, with effects lasting over 40 years. The study also reveals that landscape factors, such as slope direction, play a crucial role in shaping a watershed's response to treatment.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) aims to measure a country's sustainable path by assessing its relationships with nature, tracking progress and development. The NRI adds an environmental dimension to the Human Development Index, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
A new study suggests that afforestation may not be a viable method for offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel reserves due to spatial requirements and financial viability. The analysis found that planting trees on an area larger than North America would be needed to offset the potential emissions, raising concerns about d...
The SWIFTT project will explore practical and technical challenges of using AI and satellite data to monitor bark beetle outbreaks. Forest professionals, researchers, and remote sensing experts will discuss the interplay between remote sensing, machine learning, and traditional forestry knowledge.
A study by Göttingen University researchers combined satellite data with manual measurements to better understand forest soil moisture. The findings show that soil moisture is strongly influenced by weather and season, not exact location, and highlight the importance of monitoring soil moisture over time for effective forest management.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
Researchers developed a bamboo-based microreactor system for efficient enzyme immobilization, demonstrating high transformation rates and thermal stability. The innovative use of bamboo nanofibers offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
A professor is conducting a study to increase forest farming in Appalachia, with the goal of creating a sustainable economy for the region. The project aims to develop the workforce and formalize businesses to ensure efficient supply chains.
A recent study refines Siberia's land cover data using machine learning techniques, revealing a high-precision map that enhances climatic predictions. The new dataset improves assessments of carbon flux and ecosystem changes, providing essential insights for climate scientists.
Researchers identified that conservative tree species, which conserve resources rather than extract them, have a greater potential to fix carbon in biomass under real-world conditions. In favorable climates and fertile soils, acquisitive species grow faster but fix less carbon.
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä recommend addressing vulnerabilities in coastal communities, such as uncontrolled shrimp farming and pollution. They suggest supporting environmentally friendly livelihoods like freshwater harvesting and agroforestry to promote sustainable development in mangrove forest areas.
Researchers describe the complex genome of the highly valued white oak (Quercus alba), providing insights into fundamental questions about plant evolution and tree breeding. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of oaks, including the extent of genetic diversity and population differentiation.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's annual report highlights the challenges faced by Tennessee's farmers and foresters in 2024, including drought, agricultural land loss, and decreasing foreign market demand. The outlook for 2025 is clouded due to trade policy uncertainty, low crop prices, and high input costs.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.
A new study by Umea University researchers found that mixed forests with multiple tree species are less prone to damage from fungi, insects, and fires. The results suggest that increasing the number of tree species in production forests could reduce forest damage risk and financial losses.
The report analyzes six scenarios for the future and how each might impact the forest products markets in the South. The steepest declines are projected for the pulp and paper sector due to labor-saving technologies and reduced demand.
A new study published in Nature found that up to 215 million hectares of land in tropical regions around the world has the potential to naturally regrow, storing 23.4 gigatons of carbon over 30 years. The study identified areas with high regrowth potential based on factors such as soil quality and proximity to existing forest.
A new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association outlines strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person's lifespan. The guideline recommends regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications to reduce the risk of a first stroke.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.
Researchers found that radioactive cesium moves rapidly through the soil and decreases in fine roots of cedar trees, promoting a self-cleansing effect that can aid in forest decontamination. This phenomenon has implications for developing new forest decontamination methods.
The world's forests continue to absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with an average of 3.5 billion metric tons per year, nearly half of global fossil fuel emissions between 1990 and 2019. Despite disruptions, certain land management practices can help preserve this critical carbon sink.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Researchers found that secure boundaries promote collective conservation practices and limit over-harvesting, but perceived high risk of theft from neighbors leads to looser harvest limits. Community members impose their own limits on harvesting via conservation committees when borders are secure.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that annual producer income from non-wood products is $88 billion, with the added value of processing reaching trillions of dollars. Non-timber forest products contribute significantly to food security, health, and employment in low- and middle-income countries.
A new report by a team of experts outlines an approach that combines Indigenous knowledge with Western science to develop more resilient forest management practices. The 'braided' approach aims to promote the health and diversity of forests, which are increasingly threatened by climate change.
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, demonstrated a new method for visualizing vegetation gradients in hilly terrain. This analysis showed that 'hillslope-impacted vegetation' is a common global phenomenon, widely distributed across various climates and regions.
A recent study suggests that IMF lending policies, especially structural loans, lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries. This effect is most pronounced with second or subsequent loans, which can result in immediate spikes in emissions.
The US Department of Energy's Billion-Ton Report suggests that the country could produce over 1 billion tons of plant-based biomass per year for renewable fuels while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. This would triple the current bioeconomy capacity, enabling the production of ...
A new study identifies conservation priority areas for vascular plants in Madagascar, highlighting uneven distribution of taxon richness and phylogenetic diversity. The researchers found that arid and semi-arid regions lack protected areas, presenting additional conservation challenges.
Scientists analyzed carbon isotope values of hazelnuts from ancient sites in southern Sweden to understand local woodlands thousands of years ago. The study found that hazelnuts were harvested from progressively more open environments over time, indicating significant changes in microhabitats.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed new computer-based models of masting to understand its effects on ecosystems and food webs. The models predict that masting can affect tree mortality, population dynamics, and animal-forest interactions, with implications for mitigating negative impacts of climate change.
Researchers enhanced the Allometric Scaling and Resource Limitations (ASRL) model to predict tree canopy height in beech-maple-birch forests. The modified model factors in known growth limitations and local meteorological datasets, achieving more realistic predictions compared to previous versions.
A new peer-reviewed study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that forests managed by Indigenous and local communities have improved outcomes for carbon storage, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. The research supports calls for securing tenure for Indigenous peoples as a strategy for overcoming obstacles in forest restoration...
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.
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 have identified polyalthic acid, a compound in copaiba oil, with potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The study's findings pave the way for developing alternative medications to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The study identifies 34 pathways that reduce greenhouse gases or specific air pollutants, while 13 increase harmful emissions. Effective uses of biomass include combustion for renewable energy, biodiesel production, and biogas conversion. Conversely, bad pathways include wildfires, open composting, and burning forest material.
Researchers found that globally abandoned cropland could feed up to 476 million people per year if recultivated and help pull planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through reforestation. The study highlights the potential of this often-neglected resource in supporting both food security and climate change mitigation.
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 new study published by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and The Nature Conservancy found that forests with diverse species are more likely to thrive, reducing the risk of planting failure. This diversity brings benefits such as pest and disease resistance, climate change resilience, and increased wildlife habitat.
Native bees in Oregon's Coast Range are diverse and abundant in clearcut areas within years of timber harvest, but numbers drop sharply as the forest canopy closes. Management practices that promote open conditions can enhance floral resources and promote bee diversity.
The Southern Flying Squirrel has been rediscovered in Honduras after 43 years, with records from 1935 to 1979. The discovery confirms the country's southernmost distribution and highlights the need for conservation efforts due to habitat destruction and climate change.