Articles tagged with Forests
Climate simulations predict Mediterranean fir forests will be similar to the driest and hottest periods of the late 20th century under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. Warmer growing seasons may benefit some species in moist refugia, but others could face significant growth declines.
A new study by Oregon State University shows that Brazil's environmental land registration program has slowed down deforestation on private land, particularly in the Amazon region. The CAR (Cadastro Ambiental Rural) system allows landowners to demonstrate compliance with regulations and provides a mechanism for government monitoring.
A team of researchers from Osaka University has developed new methods for proliferating and breeding drought-resistant jojoba. These innovations enable the efficient production of high-quality clones and genetic transformations using agrobacterium, resulting in improved screening indices.
A new study from Field Museum and University of Queensland explores the use of flying fox teeth as currency in Solomon Islands. The research reveals that while bats' teeth are culturally valuable, they are primarily hunted for meat, an important source of protein on the island.
A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.
A University of Vermont-led study of 300,000 children in 35 nations reveals that those living near areas with greater tree cover are less likely to experience diarrheal disease. The research suggests that protecting watersheds can have a comparable effect to improved water sanitation.
A study led by University of California, Davis found that spotted owls prefer forests with tall trees (over 105 feet) and high canopy cover, rather than dense understory. This discovery could resolve the management dilemma of balancing owl habitat with forest resilience to wildfires and droughts.
A new study reveals that livestock grazing has damaged one-third of giant panda habitat in the park, with bamboos being a crucial food source. The degradation coincides with a nine-fold increase in livestock numbers over 15 years, driven by factors such as increased consumer demand for meat and unclear government policies.
Researchers developed a mapping tool to help fire crews make crucial safety decisions with an eagle's eye view. The study used LiDAR technology to analyze terrain slope, ground surface roughness and vegetation density, revealing the impact on travel rates and escape route efficiency.
A team of UC Santa Barbara scientists will receive funding to develop and test technologies that monitor large-scale giant kelp farms. They will combine existing technology to enable farm managers to carefully monitor kelp beds and maximize yields.
Researchers found that biogenic organic emissions from soil and fallen leaves on forest floors can suppress cloud formation. The study reveals a seasonal variation of aerosol activity controlled by the mass ratio of sulfate and water-soluble organics, with increased suppression in autumn.
A study using scat-sniffing research dogs helped scientists develop a plan to save reclusive jaguars, pumas, and other endangered carnivores by creating habitat corridors that connect protected areas. The model provides maximum habitat connectivity for all species while minimizing costs through privately owned lands and communities.
A new study predicts that global warming will extend the range of the southern pine beetle, a tree-killing insect, through much of the northern US and southern Canada. The beetle's spread is threatened by rising winter temperatures, which could lead to loss of biodiversity, iconic forests, and damage to tourism and forestry industries.
Researchers found that hydraulic failure is universal when trees die during droughts, while carbon starvation occurs roughly half the time. This study aims to improve climate change models by understanding tree mortality mechanisms.
A new study by ICRAF and Princeton University proposes payment schemes for rural communities to protect and restore China's native forests on collectively owned land. The researchers argue that existing policies neglect these lands and fail to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
A study found that Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus) trees can produce up to 52 million seeds during their lifetime, making them a major invasive threat in US forests. The tree's ability to maintain seed viability over its lifetime is unique among species.
A study published in Journal of Environmental Management found a direct correlation between shale gas development activity and the rapid invasion of non-native plant species in Pennsylvania's northern forests. The research suggests that invasive plants can alter forest ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and timber harvests.
Researchers found that an approach to pursuing equity with local communities' perspectives can bring better outcomes for habitats and wildlife, as well as some of the world's poorest people. Current practices are limited in their interpretation of equity, resulting in responses that sustain local perceptions of injustice and miss oppor...
Research reveals bark beetles create roosting and foraging opportunities for protected bat species like Barbastella barbastellus. The findings have important implications for forest conservation, highlighting the need to reassess standard management practices.
Research by the USDA Forest Service found that specific characteristics, such as water depth and vegetation height, significantly influence Yosemite toad breeding pool suitability. The study's findings provide valuable insights for land managers to conserve the species.
Researchers found that Scots pine benefits from beech presence in forest with high rainfall, while beeches adapt to dry conditions by increasing water efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of considering species complementarity and climate in managing mixed forests.
A census of medium and large mammals found in 22 forest remnants surrounded by sugarcane plantations in São Paulo State, Brazil revealed that 90% of expected species were recorded. The study found rare animals such as the giant armadillo not present, but generalist species like white-eared opossums adapted to disturbed environments.
Herpetologists have discovered a new amphibian species, Ophryophryne elfina, in the highlands of Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. The smallest known species of horned mountain toad, it has distinctive small horn-like projections above its eyes and inhabits wet subtropical evergreen forests at high elevations.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Myanmar's intact forest cover declined by 11% between 2002 and 2014, with a significant loss of 2 million hectares. The researchers suggest prioritizing protection of intact forests and exploring alternative sustainable forest management practices.
A new study published in New Forests finds that the American chestnut rescue effort will eventually succeed, but at a slower pace than anticipated. The research team reviewed decades of breeding records and transgenic experiments to conclude that it is just a matter of time before blight resistance is achieved.
A new estimate suggests that dryland forests, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface, are more extensive than previously thought, with an additional 467 million hectares reported. This increase in forest area increases current estimates of global forest cover by at least 9%
A leading conservationist warns that failing to celebrate conservation successes can lead to complacency and reversal of progress. Recent examples of species recoveries, such as the Brazilian golden lion tamarins and giant pandas, demonstrate positive shifting baselines in nature's recovery through conservation.
Scientists have created a global map measuring the cooling effect of forests by regulating water and energy exchange between the Earth's surface and atmosphere. This new statistical model allows communities to pinpoint ideal locations for forest protection or reforestation efforts.
Researchers found that shale-gas development leads to significant forest fragmentation, particularly on private land. To mitigate this, they recommend placing new well pads near pre-existing pipelines and consolidating infrastructure.
Research by Indiana University geographers reveals a 15% increase in annual water yield resulting from forest damage caused by the hemlock woolly adelgid. The study highlights concerns about water quality as rainfall runs off more quickly, carrying higher concentrations of nutrients.
Researchers found that Sapporo mai-mai snails live longer in trees due to fewer predators and better food sources. Tree-dwelling snails also eat epiphytic lichens and mosses, unlike ground-dwelling counterparts.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that allowing livestock to graze amidst protected wildlife disrupts their survival. Wildlife reacts differently to livestock invasions, requiring diverse policies for each species.
Research highlights trees' crucial role in retaining water and producing cooling moisture, enhancing food security and climate change adaptation. The study suggests a new perspective on the relationship between trees and water in addressing climate change.
Zoologists at the University of Basel and Lund University found that spiders kill an enormous number of insects worldwide, with estimates ranging from 400-800 million tons per year. This has significant implications for maintaining ecological balance in nature.
A new study reveals that plants domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples are more likely to dominate Amazonian forests, with 85 species showing significant impacts from past human influence. The research suggests a lasting impact of human activities on plant distribution and could aid in uncovering unidentified areas of past civilization.
Scientists call for transparent and credible data to track the real mitigation potential of forests. Forests are expected to contribute up to 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions reductions by 2030.
A new study found that 28 of South Africa's 57 forest-dwelling bird species are declining in range, while 22 species are increasing. The data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project indicates a link between deforestation and habitat loss, with smaller bird species more vulnerable to extinction.
A new study found that Colorado's wildfire-stricken forests are not regenerating as expected, with only 2-38% of plots showing abundant regeneration. Climate change is expected to hinder further recovery, particularly in hotter and drier areas.
A study by University of California - Davis scientists found that trees growing in already dry areas are most susceptible to drought. Dense forests in the driest regions are at risk of mass mortality during extreme droughts, which can take years to surface.
A study by the University of Southern Denmark reveals that Thurøbund's protected and productive bay stores a record amount of carbon, with an average of 27,000 grams per square meter. This exceeds global estimates of seagrass meadow storage, highlighting the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
A long-term biodiversity project has provided detailed distributional and abundance data for 286 arthropod species, including many new species descriptions. The data has inspired studies on macroecology, conservation priorities, and extinction debt in the Azores.
A study in California found that high-severity wildfires hinder natural conifer regeneration, with only 60% of plots showing seedling growth five to seven years after fire. A new tool developed by researchers can help foresters prioritize which lands to replant and when.
New research suggests that global warming could slow the upward migration of certain subalpine tree species, such as Engelmann spruce and limber pine. The study found that warming can harm young trees even in their first year, reducing seedling survival rates at all three elevations.
Researchers at MIT have developed a fast and precise printing process that can fabricate electronic surfaces for a wide range of applications. The team has created stamps made from carbon nanotubes that can print electronic inks onto rigid and flexible surfaces, enabling the creation of high-performance, fully printed electronics.
Scientists have discovered a new dominant ant species in Ethiopia displaying signs of supercolony formation, expanding rapidly into disturbed habitats and potentially posing a global threat. The species, Lepisiota canescens, exhibits characteristics reminiscent of invasive species, including high densities and ecological dominance.
Research reveals that warming ocean temperatures and increased fish populations are destroying kelp forests off the NSW north coast. The study found that over-grazing by fish can lead to kelp deforestation and barren reefs, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems in Australia and globally.
A group of conservation scientists and policy makers are calling for global action to stamp out illegal timber trade. The trade, worth US$30-100 billion annually, accounts for between 15-30% of the global timber market and contributes to forest degradation and loss of biodiversity.
A global assessment of kelp ecosystems reveals surprising resilience, but also regional variability in long-term responses requiring local management efforts. Kelp forests are critically important habitats that can recover quickly from damage, yet still face overwhelm from global and local pressures.
Multiple wildfires are currently burning across several states in the southern United States, including the Boteler, Maple Springs, Tellico, Party Rock, Chestnut Knob, Rough Ridge, and Rock Mountain fires. The largest fire, the Rough Ridge fire, has burned over 19,411 acres in Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness Area.
A UT researcher is leading a $3-million grant to develop a user-friendly interface for recording and sharing tree genomic data. The project aims to create an ecosystem of community databases for analyzing tree genomics data, providing tools for researchers and promoting public awareness of healthy trees.
A team of 90 institutions from 44 countries found that forests with many tree species are more productive than those with few, providing an estimated USD$166-490 billion in annual economic benefits. This discovery highlights the need for a re-assessment of biodiversity values and conservation priorities.
A global assessment of forests reveals a 10% decrease in tree species richness leads to a 2-3% decline in biomass production. The study estimates the value of biodiversity in maintaining commercial productivity at $166-490 billion, far exceeding conservation costs.
A recent study suggests that the arrival of browsing medium-sized antelopes in Africa was a key factor in replacing ancient forests with open savannas. The researchers found that thorn trees evolved around the same time as antelope, coinciding with the diversification of spiny plants and the opening up of forests to grass invaders.
The spread of European earthworms is altering the physical and chemical properties of North American soils, disrupting symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. This has led to a decline in species diversity, with many native plants threatened by the invasion.
A new study finds that earlier snowmelt periods hinder forest carbon regulation, reducing CO2 uptake by 45% by mid-century. Earlier snowmelt also affects streamflow, agriculture, and recreational opportunities in the western US.
Researchers found that seawalls higher than 5 meters reduce damage and death from tsunamis, while coastal forests also play a protective role. The analysis showed a significant decrease in destruction rates with increased seawall height and a reduced risk of death and destruction in areas with extensive coastal forest coverage.
A Duke University-led study finds that 42% of Southeast Asia's endemic species face a higher risk of extinction from habitat loss than previously thought. Over 200 newly identified species are not currently listed as threatened or endangered by the IUCN.
A new study finds that earlier snowmelt periods associated with a warming climate may hinder subalpine forest regulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings predict a 45% reduction in snowmelt period forest carbon uptake by mid-century.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to reinforce composite materials using carbon nanotubes, resulting in substantially stronger and more resistant materials. The stitched composites were found to be 30% stronger and withstood greater forces before breaking than existing composite materials.
New research from North Carolina State University and USGS reveals that meeting bioenergy demands involves trade-offs regarding wildlife habitats. The specific mix of biomass sources used can shape ecosystems, especially in forests with high biodiversity.