Articles tagged with Forests
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
A Duke University study found that reduced forest elephant populations will lead to significant changes in tree species composition and structure, as well as understory density and nutrient availability. Without intervention, up to 96% of Central Africa's forests may undergo major transformations.
A novel study led by Penn State researchers will analyze ramps' phytochemistry, nutritional makeup, and market trends. The project aims to quantify the plant's key chemicals and evaluate its vulnerability to the allium leaf miner pest.
Scientists have discovered two new species of stone centipedes in China's larch forests, including Lithobius (Ezembius) tetraspinus and Hessebius luculentus. The newly found species exhibit unique characteristics, such as color patterns and body size, and inhabit relatively moist habitats at high altitudes.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a novel machine learning method called 'iterative Random Forests,' which can identify high-order interactions in complex systems. This approach enables scientists to gain radically richer information than traditional methods, with applications in biology, precision medicine, ma...
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.
A study using landscape genetics identified a decline in the endangered maple Acer miyabei's population due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The research highlights the importance of preserving forests along rivers and surrounding them to maintain gene flow, ensuring the long-term survival of this unique species.
A study estimates that reforesting US topsoils stores 13-21 million metric tons of carbon annually, equivalent to 10% of the country's forest-sector carbon sink. Over a century, this could sequester up to 2.1 billion metric tons of carbon.
Climate warming is taking a toll on forest health in subalpine regions of Colorado's Front Range, hindering the establishment of spruce and fir trees. The study found that only three years out of 40 have been conducive to seedling establishment, compared to seven favorable years during the prior 40.
A Rutgers study found that striped maples change sex periodically, prompted by physical damage, and can wait up to three weeks before flowering. The research suggests that the trees' ability to delay reproduction may be an adaptation to their perilous environment.
Researchers have found that post-fire logging operations are responsible for declines in spotted owl territory occupancy, contradicting previous reports of large forest fires. The study suggests that preserving natural processes and reducing human disturbance can help protect this imperiled species.
A recent study suggests that increasing urban forest coverage by 20% could significantly reduce pollution, energy consumption, and carbon emissions in megacities. The researchers used a tool to estimate the potential benefits of additional tree cover and found that each city has the potential to host an additional 20% of forest canopy.
A new University of Michigan-led study finds that nitrogen pollution will not fully offset the negative effects of a warmer, drier climate on sugar maples. The research indicates that decreased growth and potential disappearance from the state's Lower Peninsula are expected if extreme climate predictions prove true.
Research reveals more than two thirds of central and northern Europe were once covered by trees, now down to a third. New forest initiatives may mitigate habitat change using ecological approaches and traditional farming practices.
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.
A new study found significant decreases in tree regeneration following 21st century wildfires, highlighting the loss of forest resilience. The research team analyzed data from over 1,500 sites across five states, measuring seedlings growing in areas burned by wildfires during the past three decades.
Researchers at Yale University have reestimated African deforestation, finding a 21.7% loss of closed-canopy forests since 1900. The study highlights the importance of focusing conservation efforts in areas with actual deforestation rather than incorrectly labelled savannas.
A recent study found that California's urban forest canopy cover per capita is the lowest in the US, despite providing significant ecosystem services valued at $8.3 billion annually. The state's arid climate and high population density may contribute to this result.
Researchers found that poison-ivy can co-exist with knotweed, supporting native understory plant species and tree seedlings. This unexpected partnership could help restore degraded forest ecosystems threatened by knotweed invasion.
A team of over 15,000 scientists from 184 countries warns of severe consequences for human well-being due to negative environmental trends. The authors propose steps to reverse these trends, including establishing nature reserves and promoting renewable energy.