Articles tagged with Forests
Aleutian Reef decline is driven by the absence of sea otters, which prevents urchin population growth. Ocean warming and acidification exacerbate this issue, reducing the alga's resistance and leading to reef erosion.
A 2018 European drought had devastating effects on crops, forests, and grasslands. Researchers found that plants initially benefited from the warm spring weather but suffered from lack of water during summer heatwaves.
A global analysis of over 200 thousand tree-ring records reveals that fast-growing trees have significantly shorter lifespans than slower-growing ones. This challenges predictions of increased carbon storage in forests over the long term, suggesting that growth-lifespan trade-offs may lead to a reduced forest carbon sink.
A new study suggests that drastically shifting agricultural production from animals to plant-sourced foods could remove more than a decade of global carbon dioxide emissions. The research found that this change could free up space for ecosystems to regrow, effectively doubling Earth's rapidly shrinking carbon budget.
Researchers at New York University have discovered that flowing water carves ultra-sharp spikes in landforms, creating the pointed rock formations known as stone forests. The study sheds light on a mechanism that explains the prevalence of these structures in karst topography.
Extensive measurement data reveals severe impact of heat and drought on lower-altitude ecosystems, while higher-altitude ecosystems benefited from warmer temperatures. Productivity fell by an average of 20% in mixed forest and meadows at lower altitudes.
A new study projects that post-fire recovery will be less likely in the future, with large percentages of Southern Rocky Mountains becoming unsuitable for key tree species. The team's database can help land managers better plan where to invest resources after a fire.
African forest elephants' trail networks benefit humans and local communities. Biological anthropology plays a crucial role in conservation by considering human knowledge and needs alongside species protection.
Researchers used satellite imagery to detect non-native Amur honeysuckle in urban parks and cemeteries, achieving 82% accuracy. The method provides a cost-effective solution for ecological restoration, allowing for targeted removal of invasive species.
A University of Cincinnati biologist collaborated with Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to replace non-native English ivy with native ground cover on E. Lucy Braun's grave. The tribute features a mix of creeping mint, golden star, and Allegheny spurge, all native to deciduous forests in Eastern North America.
A study by WCS and partners pinpointed the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea as crucial countries for safeguarding biodiversity and intact forests. The analysis combines datasets to highlight regions with high conservation value, guiding national development plans towards sustainabl...
A new study suggests that climate change will negatively influence forest growth in semi-arid climates with reduced seasonal snowpack, but less so in wetter climates. In water-limited areas, this may lead to increased tree mortality and negative impacts on forest density.
The region's forested areas grew more fragmented due to urban sprawl, but also saw an increase in tree cover, mainly attributed to maturing trees and land-conservation efforts. This paradox highlights the need for effective land-use planning techniques to protect habitats and minimize fragmentation.
A comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the 2018 drought and heat event in European forests reveals that even drought-resistant tree species suffered long-term damage. The study suggests that future scenarios require redesigning forests to combat heat and drought, and new analytical approaches are needed to track tree mortality...
Researchers found that native 'ohi'a seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas with active mortality from Rapid 'ohi'a Death, a fungal disease devastating to Hawaiian forests. Seedlings were six times more likely to die if weeds were allowed to grow around them.
Research team reports record-breaking temperatures causing water transport collapse through wood, leading to widespread tree death and drought-related stress symptoms. Mixed forests with drought-resistant species are needed to mitigate climate change impacts.
Researchers from SUNY ESF predict that warmer climate and nitrogen deposition will lead to the invasion of temperate tree species into boreal peatlands, threatening biodiversity conservation. The study uses data from Shingle Shanty Preserve as a critical resource for understanding the biological response to climate change.
Researchers used high-resolution data to identify environmental factors shaping redwood distribution, finding habitat suitability varies with moisture availability and fog across different landscape elevations. Redwood habitats are consistently more suitable near streams, with suitability ranging from 22-75% within a single landscape.
A Colorado State University-led study found that afforestation may not be as effective at removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as previously thought. The research suggests that ratios of soil organic carbon underneath afforested areas vary greatly across different ecosystems and climates.
A new study finds that poorly designed tree-planting campaigns could lead to more biodiversity loss and little climate change benefit. Strong subsidy restrictions are crucial to avoid these negative impacts.
Researchers warn that forests can be vulnerable to climate change, including fire, drought, and insect damage, which can undermine the effectiveness of forest-based natural climate solutions. Scientists must focus on assessing forest climate risks and sharing data with policymakers to inform climate strategies.
Scientists warn that forests can be risky climate investments due to risks from climate change, including droughts, wildfires, and insect damage. This paper highlights the need for a better understanding of these risks to optimize forest investments and minimize carbon storage loss.
A study from UC Davis maps 15% of California's natural lands as 'climate refugia' where existing vegetation can buffer climate change impacts. These areas are priority targets for conservation and wildfire restoration efforts, offering a chance to conserve habitat and services for wildlife.
New research evaluates how US wind plant performance changes with age, finding that older plants experience relatively low levels of decline in peak performance compared to European fleets. Fungi food choices study reveals enzymes used for breaking down plant cell walls can be mass-produced and used in industrial processes.
Scientists developed a new method to add deuterium to benzene, improving drug efficacy. Forest research found forests worldwide are dying due to environmental changes. The ITER project began assembling the world's largest fusion reactor, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory improved cancer treatment through isotope separation.
A new study reveals significant land-use changes in Bangladesh, driven by biophysical and socioeconomic factors. The research identifies areas where forests have shifted to shrub land and urban areas, highlighting the need for policies to mitigate their impact on climate change.
A new study calls for a radically different approach to addressing deforestation, focusing on understanding how individuals make choices about forests and livelihoods. Researchers propose using specially designed board games to help stakeholders align forces despite differing values and worldviews.
Researchers analyzed late-spring frost data from 1959 to 2017 and found that 35% of European and 26% of Asian forests are threatened by increasing frost damage. The study highlights the evolutionary impact of spring frost on boreal and temperate woody species.
New research suggests that logging of native forests significantly increases fire risk and severity, exacerbating Australia's recent catastrophic bushfires. The study highlights the importance of preventing logging in moist forests and reducing forest fragmentation to mitigate future wildfires.
Deer damage is driven by factors such as climate, tree type, density, roads, and surrounding landscape, according to a new study. The study found that afforestation can influence deer damage in different areas of the country.
New research reveals that mature forests do not retain extra carbon absorbed from elevated CO2 levels, but instead release it back to the atmosphere. The study's findings have significant implications for climate models and future carbon sequestration strategies.
Researchers suggest a more detailed approach to assessing forest health, focusing on protected areas with finer scale data. This method can help identify non-intact forests and track changes in forest cover over time.
A post-fire survey at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve found that roughly a third of hikers felt energized and awed by the changes they saw. The study suggests people understand and appreciate the role of fire in natural landscapes, but may need education on local ecosystems to fully grasp its impact. Survey participants were highly famili...
Researchers surveyed remote South American kelp forests for the first time in 45 years, finding relatively unchanged ecosystems despite global threats from climate change and human activities. No signs of destructive sea urchin grazing were observed, but fish populations varied by location within the study area.
A global study found that mangroves provide $65 billion in annual flood protection benefits, reducing flood damages and increasing coastal safety. Mangrove restoration can be easily done and has already been successful in projects worldwide.
Researchers used 35 years of satellite imagery to study the effects of climate change on kelp forests in Oregon, finding that warm water isn't always bad news for these near-shore seaweeds. The study also challenged previous assumptions about the impact of large winter waves on kelp populations.
Researchers found that previous tree thinning and prescribed burns helped forests survive the devastating Carlton Complex fire. The study suggests that reducing built-up fuels such as small trees and shrubs pays off, even in extreme wildfires.
A new study provides alternative method for monitoring endangered lions, estimating an overall density of 8.53 lions per 100 square kilometers. The researchers found that prey density does not influence variations in lion density within the study site, and baiting lions for tourism perturbs their natural density patterns.
New research found that high-elevation forests in Colorado's southern Rocky Mountains have a good chance of recovery after overlapping bark beetle outbreaks. However, foraging elk and deer are slowing the process by browsing smaller trees and stunting their growth.
Research project in Ebrach Forest investigates optimal dead wood placement to promote biodiversity, with sun-exposed trunks showing rare species but also numerous shaded species. The study was funded by €500,000 and will run until 2023.
A new study found that river flow is reduced by an average of 25% within five years and 40% by 25 years after planting trees, with some rivers disappearing completely in a decade. The type of land where trees are planted determines the impact on local water availability.
A Northwestern University team discovered how chromatin folds at the single-cell level, revealing a 3D forest structure. This finding could help scientists understand chromatin's role in cancer and other diseases.
Research developed by Oregon State University enables land managers to take a risk-analysis approach to new wildfire reality. The tools provide analytics that integrate fire risk with management difficulties and opportunities, allowing for preplanning responses that balance risk with success. This approach aims to improve outcomes and ...
Researchers used tree-ring dating to determine when trees were cut down for construction and what the forests were like before European immigration. They found evidence of forest regrowth after Native American population decreases, shedding light on a previously poorly understood period in history.
Researchers found evidence of three unique root systems, including a palm tree-like tree and a tree called Archaeopteris, which shares characteristics with modern seed plants. This discovery suggests that the transition toward modern forests began earlier than previously thought, around 385 million years ago.
Researchers identified hotspots for wild honeybee nesting sites, including unmanaged forests and coniferous forests in Sweden and Finland. The study suggests that conserving trees with cavities should be included in forest management to support pollinator populations.
A 79-year study confirms that increased coniferous forests are the primary cause of water browning in lakes and rivers. Organic soil leaching into lakes and streams also contributes to this process.
Researchers from Siberian Federal University participated in a global project to collect data on forest composition, distribution, and carbon stocks. They found that Siberian forests will experience changes due to climate change, including increased growth and thicker vegetation, but also threats from pests and soil erosion.
A new study suggests that Northern Goshawks prefer late-seral forest habitats with larger trees and closed canopies, which are already in short supply due to changing fire patterns. The research found that 80% of foraging habitat and 87% of roost sites were designated a 'High Wildfire Potential Hazard' by the US Forest Service.
A study found that bats in the Sierra Nevada appear to be well-adapted to wildfire, with overall species richness increasing in burned forests. This suggests that prescribed burns and managed wildfire may benefit these species by creating diverse habitat conditions, including openings for roosting and insect-foraging.
The study reveals that the winner of the climate tug of war between CO2 fertilization and heat stress depends on the ratio between the two. If forests can acclimate, they can tolerate a lower ratio, but if not, it's above 89 parts per million CO2 per degree C of warming. Other factors like forest fires, insect infestation, and exceptio...
A study reveals a decline in forest carbon storage time, hindering forests' ability to absorb and re-emit carbon. Forests are crucial for regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, and increased tree mortality is contributing to this decline.
A national REDD+ program in Guyana reduced tree cover loss by 35%, equivalent to 12.8 million tons of avoided carbon emissions. However, tree cover loss increased significantly after carbon payments ended, highlighting the importance of continuous forest protection measures.
The researchers propose a strategic approach to conservation, focusing on keystone ecosystems that support large numbers of dependent species. This mega-conservation approach has the potential to enhance biodiversity and facilitate effective global-scale conservation efforts.
A global coalition of scientists declares a climate emergency, warning of 'untold human suffering' without drastic changes. They propose six key areas for mitigation: energy, short-lived pollutants, nature, food, economy, and population.
A large-scale biodiversity study found that insect decline is more extensive than previously thought, with many species affected in both grasslands and forests. The researchers identified the biggest losses in grasslands surrounded by intensively farmed land, where the most heavily impacted species were those unable to travel far.
A new study found that using Napier grass as a nutrient-rich animal fodder can intensify small-scale dairy farming while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research modelled the impact of three scenarios for feeding diets to dairy cows in Kenya, and found that only the Napier grass diet reduced overall emissions by 2.5%.
A new special issue of World Development examines the ways forests serve to alleviate poverty around the world. Research highlights the importance of forests in promoting broader prosperity, including through community-based forest enterprises, ecotourism, and ecosystem services.
A team developed a way to understand how nonnative insects might behave in their new environments, using evolutionary history. The model can quickly evaluate the risk of insect invasions and help foresters predict which species will be problematic.
Researchers at UNH found a significant decline in frost days and ice days in northern forests across the US and Canada. This change could have serious implications for ecosystems, water supplies, economies, tourism, and human health. Cold temperatures help prevent disease spread and manage insects detrimental to trees.