Articles tagged with Forests
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that actively managed mixed wood forests in New Hampshire have significant carbon stores, both above and below ground. The research found that the forests' soil carbon is higher in subplots with more trees, especially fir and spruce species.
Research reveals that coniferous forests struggle to recover after wildfires due to limited seed availability, particularly near severe burn zones. Warm and dry conditions further impede new tree seedling establishment. Land managers are advised to concentrate reforestation efforts in cool, wet areas.
A new study finds that increased rainfall extremes could drive tree growth reductions across the southwest US. Tree-ring records analyzed by researchers reveal that major species such as ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and piñon pine are particularly affected.
A new research special issue analyzes landscape patterns to understand their effects on resource sustainability, ecosystem health, habitat connectivity, and other societal values. The study highlights the importance of measuring and monitoring these patterns to ensure sustainable landscapes.
New research reveals that coniferous forest aerosols no longer cool the climate as much, thanks to increased small airborne particles caused by human activities. The reduction of natural aerosols and increase of smaller particles diminish the cooling effect on the climate.
Aiming to limit warming to 1.5°C can maintain Arctic summer sea ice, forests, and coral reefs, with clear benefits for human health and economies. The authors emphasize the need for immediate and transformative actions in the next decade to achieve this goal.
The Pan-Borneo Highway will severely degrade Borneo's last expanses of intact forest, increasing pressures on loggers, poachers, and farmers. The network of highways would isolate Sabah's forests from the rest of Borneo, cutting off endangered species' habitats.
Scientists have made progress in understanding dark matter by studying the interactions between light and gas in intergalactic space. Researchers used simulations and observations of distant quasars to analyze the properties of primordial black holes, which could provide evidence for their role in explaining dark matter.
Researchers at the University of Seville studied the pine forests in the Iberian Peninsula to understand factors that make conservation successful. They found that climate, radiation, and temperature influenced the success of translocation, and recommended planting in winter or spring with proper watering.
Researchers measured VOC concentrations using unmanned aerial vehicles over central Amazonia's plateau and slope forests. Isoprene levels were found to be significantly higher in near-canopy atmosphere over plateau forests compared to slope forests.
A new study by Penn State researcher Marc Abrams suggests that white-tailed deer browsing has not impacted forest canopies, but rather slowed the densification process. Forests are becoming increasingly dense due to a lack of fire and increased deer populations.
A study by the USDA Forest Service and Purdue University finds that non-native invasive insects and diseases are reducing the amount of carbon stored in trees across the United States. The study estimates that 41% of live forest biomass is threatened, with certain species like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth causing significant damage.
A University of Queensland-led study identified factors fuelling Colombian deforestation, including conflict between illegal groups and government forces, as well as proximity to coca plantations and mining concessions. The research highlights the importance of stable governance in retaining forests and reducing deforestation risk.
Estimates suggest that non-native pests contribute to the death of approximately 5.5 TgC per year, impacting forest carbon budgets and ecosystem services worldwide. Compensatory growth of non-host trees is observed, but most pests have not yet invaded their hosts' full ranges.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that large-scale tree deaths worldwide are responsible for more than a tenth of total tree deaths. The research used satellite observations and computational models to calculate the impact of these events on carbon storage, revealing that they account for 12% of global tree mortality.
Forest water-use efficiency has been increasing globally, with trees conserving water through elevated CO2 levels. Photosynthesis is the primary driver of this increase, while stomatal conductance reduction is limited to drier forests.
A new study by CABI presents guidance on monitoring non-native pests that can pose a serious threat to forest resources. The team recommends considering important factors when monitoring for non-native pests, including the location and timing of sampling, to ensure effective biosecurity measures are taken.
A 38-year study found climate change affects conifer growth, while broad-leaved trees thrive, altering forest composition and ecosystem functions. Climate change accelerates, primeval mixed forests may shift to broad-leaved tree forests, impacting carbon storage, water provision, biodiversity, and wood supply.
Research suggests that forest elephant extinction will lead to an increase in fast-growing tree species, which store less carbon than slow-growing species. This shift will reduce the forest's ability to sequester carbon, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere.
A new species of flying squirrel from Southwest China, Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis, has been described. The discovery sheds light on the genus' previously unknown range and highlights the need for further research into its ecology and conservation status.
Dr. Ryan Perroy's solution uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to improve early detection of Rapid 'Ohi'a Death across forests, giving managers precious time to respond to outbreaks. The innovative approach also involves collecting samples from suspect trees using drones for laboratory analysis.