Articles tagged with Forests
Researchers found that average forest trees growing in conditions similar to those of their peers will experience a 75% reduction in growth. The new study is based on a database of unanalyzed tree cores from the US Forest Service and provides a more accurate estimate than previous studies.
A new study found that urban frogs have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, making them more attractive to females. In contrast, the simpler calls of forest frogs are less appealing.
Fruit flies were first found in southern Africa, where they colonized the area after humans moved in around 10,000 years ago. The flies are attracted to marula fruit, which has been linked to their historical presence among indigenous tribes.
Researchers discovered that wild African fruit flies prefer marula fruits over citrus and are seasonal specialists in their ancestral forests of Zimbabwe. This finding provides clues into how the flies first came to live among humans, attracted by the scent of marula.
Rates of deforestation in war zones increase dramatically once peace is declared, according to a University of Waterloo study. Forests and jungles provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and food provision, which are hindered by deforestation after conflict ends.
Heavy precipitation fell in California wildfire areas, causing evacuations and flash floods, with IMERG data showing rainfall totals between 6.3-9.4 inches in north central California.
A 5-year study finds that deep-insulating snowpack loss could reduce forest carbon storage and filter pollutants by 95% in the northeastern US. This decline affects sugar maple trees, impacting industries like timber, maple syrup production, and tourism.
New research reveals that a species of ancient primate, Teilhardina brandti, found in Wyoming, is as old or older than its Asian and European relatives. This discovery challenges the prevailing hypothesis that Teilhardina first appeared in China. The study analyzed 163 teeth and jaws to determine the species' origins and migration patt...
Researchers estimate that soil can retain about 600 billion metric tons of carbon, more than twice the amount added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. This pathway relies on water dissolving organic carbon and transporting it deep into the soil, where it is bound to minerals.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Forests in the Pacific Northwest are less vulnerable to drought and fire due to climate conditions. Modeling suggests water-limited forests in the Rockies will be most affected by future drought-related mortality.
A new study suggests that natural solutions in the US can equal a quarter of the nation's current net annual emissions, with increased reforestation being the largest means to achieve greater carbon storage. The study highlights various high-performing forest and land management practices to mitigate climate change.
A new study by Portland State University researchers finds that climate change is causing more severe wildfires and larger insect outbreaks in temperate forests. The study analyzed 50 protected areas and found a strong link between high disturbance activity and warmer, drier-than-average climate conditions.
A long-term study found that frequent disturbances outweigh severe ones in structuring kelp forest biodiversity. Annual disruptions led to a doubling of smaller plants and 30-61% fewer fish and shellfish, highlighting the importance of resilience over severity.
Historically, 4-12% of western US land burned annually, while current trends underestimate future risks. Climate-driven drying and excess vegetation have led to low wildfire rates, shifting assessment towards inevitable future fires. The authors highlight the need for more widespread effective management strategies.
A new study suggests that declining nitrogen availability in natural ecosystems like grasslands and forests may limit plants' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This could have significant implications for the global climate, as plants play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found a global decline in nitrogen availability due to climate change, which can impact forest carbon sequestration and ecosystem health. The study suggests that even with reduced carbon emissions, many ecosystems will face nitrogen limitations, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices.
The Pando aspen clone, widely considered the world's largest single organism, is in grave need of forest triage. The study reveals that early protection from fencing showed great promise in abating browser impacts, but follow-up fencing efforts are currently failing.
A new study published in Nature found that sustainable forest management can only provide modest, local benefits rather than a significant impact on the global climate. Forests themselves will need to be adapted to climate change to sustain their ecological and social services.
A large-scale forest biodiversity experiment in China found that species-rich forests stored an average of 32 tons of carbon per hectare, while monocultures averaged only 12 tons. The study suggests that a mix of tree species is necessary for optimal carbon sequestration and climate protection.
A $1 million grant will support research into tree chemical defenses against bark beetles, exploring mechanisms of tree death and susceptibility. The study will investigate tree responses to drought conditions and manipulate water availability in pinyon pine forests.
Researchers found that East Japan populations of Castanopsis sieboldii survived in situ during the LGM on both Japan Sea and Pacific coasts. Genetic diversity studies suggest these groups had already been established before the LGM, indicating separate survival in different regions.
A recent study maps global forest loss and finds that commodity-driven deforestation accounts for approximately 27% of total losses. The rate of commodity-driven deforestation remained steady over a 15-year period, contradicting efforts to reduce forest loss.
Warm-water kelps alter ecosystem functioning, with faster food production and processing, but may reduce biodiversity. Kelp forests are expected to survive, unlike in other regions where they are disappearing.
A Montana State University-led team discovered that low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures contribute to Chile's massive fires. The researchers found that Chile replaced native forests with more flammable tree plantations, which facilitated the spread of fires.
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 by the University of Leeds found that forests emit volatile gases, forming particles in the atmosphere that increase diffuse light. This enhanced diffuse sunlight boosts photosynthesis by up to 10% globally, mirroring 10% of global fossil fuel emissions.
Research reveals a 73% decrease in bird abundance and 45% drop in species diversity at nine sites surveyed on the Pajarito Plateau. The decline may signal early effects of drought, hotter temperatures, and bark beetle outbreaks on piñon pine trees.
A new study found that frequent fires in eastern US forests make droughts harder for young trees to survive, even in wet areas. The research shows that fire can promote warmer, drier conditions and reduce nitrogen availability, leading to increased drought stress.
Researchers are studying how island scrub-jays, found only on Santa Cruz Island, genetically diverge despite being isolated. The study aims to understand microgeographic adaptation strategies in these birds.
A study published in Nature found that warmer temperatures accelerate spring greening and delay fall color change in peatland vegetation. This extends the growing season, which could impact carbon cycles.
A new carbon accounting system has been adopted by the EU to measure forest management's impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This approach reflects actual historical practices rather than projected future outcomes, providing a more credible solution to account for forest sinks and reducing GHG emissions.
Research finds 73% of tree species have shifted westward, largely associated with changes in moisture availability. Climate change impacts are more near-term and related to moisture availability than temperature changes.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is having a major impact on marine life, with corals and kelp forests being particularly vulnerable. The research suggests that reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to prevent further damage to these ecosystems.
Dr. Bedewy will explore the kinetics of activation and deactivation in large populations of carbon nanotubes known as 'nanotube forests' using experimental and modeling techniques. The research aims to gain a fundamental understanding of how these forest structures behave collectively, impacting their properties for emerging applications.
A Dartmouth-led study proposes that the Lorax viewed himself as part of the Truffula forest ecosystem, not an ecopoliceman, and had a symbiotic relationship with other species. The research also finds that Geisel's inspiration for elements in the Lorax may have been based on actual tree and monkey species in Kenya.
Treevia's SmartForest system uses wearable devices and electronic sensors to monitor tree growth, quality, and health in real-time. This allows for more efficient and data-driven forest management decisions.
Researchers have calculated the capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon, finding that they have reached 78% of their potential and will only gain 22% more in the next 60 years. This is a critical finding with implications for forest management, climate scientists, and policymakers.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that Bale monkeys living in different habitats have distinct mitochondrial DNA profiles. The researchers discovered that populations from fragmented forests were more closely related to vervet and grivet monkeys than those from continuous forests, suggesting hybridization had occurred.
A large-scale study examines giant panda habitat use trends and changing threats to their survival, providing scientific evidence of conservation success. However, emerging new threats such as livestock and human disturbance are offsetting gains, highlighting the need for continued protections and adaptive management.
A new study provides a reliable map of Javan leopard distribution, highlighting priority landscapes and fragmented habitats. The predictive model reveals the importance of connectivity between protected areas and human-modified landscapes for the long-term survival of the species.
A new study found that red spruce tree growth has increased by over 75% since 2001, with reduced pollution and warmer winter temperatures likely contributing to the resurgence. The research suggests that the Clean Air Act is working to enhance conditions for red spruce, but future changes in climate may impact their recovery.
A new study reveals that ancient communities in South America, particularly the Southern Jê people, played a significant role in expanding the critically endangered Araucaria forests between 1,410 and 900 years ago. The forests, which date back to the time of dinosaurs, were initially established on grasslands and expanded into highlan...
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that orangutans exposed to smoke from wildfires eat and rest more, but don't gain weight. The study suggests long-term health problems for critically endangered orangutans.
A meta-analysis of 126 case studies from five continents reveals mixed-species forest stands are more ecologically valuable and resilient. These forests also exhibit greater productivity, particularly in areas with favorable water supplies.
New research from the University of Adelaide shows that weedy marine plants will dominate coastal habitats in high CO2 conditions, replacing kelp forests that support higher biodiversity. Small weedlike species will fuel their growth due to carbon emissions, allowing them to outcompete and outgrow kelps.
The article explores four key strategies to prevent environmental generational amnesia, which can accelerate environmental degradation. Coral reef restoration is also discussed, highlighting the importance of herbivory, reducing coral predation, and promoting algae-farming fishes. Additionally, passive acoustic monitoring in freshwater...
A study found that China's reforestation programs failed to protect native forests, with overall tree cover growing mainly from monoculture plantations. Researchers advocate for stronger incentives to prioritize native forest restoration.
Climate change will increase fire activity and summer droughts in the Klamath region, allowing shrubs to replace trees. As a result, at least 1/3 of iconic cone-bearing trees are expected to be replaced by shrubs over the coming century.
A new analysis of the 2013 Douglas Complex fire reveals that young plantation forests experienced higher severity fires than nearby public forests. Daily weather was the most significant driver, but ownership, forest age, and topography also played critical roles.
A decade-long study reveals a significant increase in western lowland gorilla and central chimpanzee populations, with an estimated 360,000 gorillas and 130,000 chimpanzees. However, the majority of great apes exist outside protected areas, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to safeguard their habitat
New research finds that thinning forests due to wildfires can reduce water stress and save up to 17 billion gallons of water annually. This approach may help offset the costs of forest restoration, which could increase water flow from Sierra Nevada watersheds by as much as 10 percent.
Researchers found that pure conifer stands, particularly pine-dominated areas, were more susceptible to southern pine beetle infestations. The study's findings have important implications for forest management, suggesting that preventative treatments like thinning can be effective in newly-occupied northern ranges.
Research analyzing 30 years of data reveals that large wildfires significantly increase annual river flow, but also lead to increased contaminants like sediment and nutrients. Prescribed burns, on the other hand, show no significant impact on river flows.
Researchers have discovered three new species of chameleons in Madagascar, showcasing the island's extraordinary biodiversity. The newly found Calumma uetzi features vibrant display colors when males interact with females, while a second species, Calumma juliae, is found only in a protected forest fragment under threat from deforestation.
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.
Climate change is altering eastern US forests, leading to shifts in tree species composition and reduced biomass, which affects carbon storage. Drought-tolerant trees are slower-growing, making forests more responsive to drying or wetting, amplifying the effects of climate change.
Researchers are monitoring kelp forests in the Gulf of Maine to establish a baseline for future change. They believe a lack of sea urchin predators has contributed to their return, particularly in Midcoast and Down East regions.
A recent study found that soil fungi can impact the ability of forests to adapt to climate change. Soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratios increase with ECM dominance and are more associated with low soil nitrogen levels. This suggests that mycorrhizal guilds may be emerging functional traits that define species in terms of their ecological roles.
A USDA Forest Service study projects that urban land will more than double between 2010 and 2060, affecting forest and agricultural lands. Urban forests are expected to provide billions of dollars in benefits through improved air quality, climate change mitigation, and reduced energy use.