Articles tagged with Forests
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.
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%
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.
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.
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.