Articles tagged with Forests
Researchers found Andean bears prefer to forage in dry season for young, tender bromeliad plants on east-facing slopes of puna grassland. They actively select specific food resources within the grasslands, indicating their nutritional importance, while avoiding areas with livestock.
A study found a strong link between woody cover and large wildfire occurrence in the eastern US, with a 37% increase in woody vegetation over the last 30 years. In some regions, such as eastern Texas and the Appalachian Mountains, each 1% increase in woody cover led to a 3.9% increase in wildfire risk.
A study by University of California - Davis researchers found that well-timed tree planting can boost forest recovery by up to 200% in hotter, drier areas. However, competition from shrubs can hinder this process, and the outcome depends on climate, soil, and vegetation conditions.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that prolonged exposure to wildfire pollution can decrease life expectancy by about one week. Living in green neighborhoods with more extensive greenspaces can be beneficial for health, but even small increases can lead to slight life expectancy gains.
A new NASA-led study found that plants' responses to changing rainfall patterns are crucial for understanding their role in the carbon cycle. Daily rainfall variability drove growth globally, with certain ecosystems thriving under conditions of infrequent but intense rain.
Botanists from Oxford University and University of the Philippines Los Baños have named a new species of 'lipstick vine' found in the Philippine rainforest, characterized by delicate purple mottling. The discovery is significant as it highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect the region's biodiversity.
Researchers found a link between El Niño events and increased fire risk in the Amazon region, particularly where groundwater storage is compromised. The study highlights the critical role of groundwater in sustaining vegetation during droughts, emphasizing the need for prevention efforts during extreme climatic conditions.
A Penn State research team mapped wild leek habitats in Pennsylvania to provide guidance for forest farming. The study identified suitable sites based on soil, topography, and vegetation characteristics, offering a solution to conservation challenges surrounding wild leek overharvesting.
Coconut palms now cover over half of Pacific atolls' total forested area and 24.1% of their total land area. The widespread conversion to coconut monocrops has been linked to groundwater depletion, declining seabird populations, and adverse impacts on coral reefs.
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
The American Heart Association warns hunters about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to exertion, cold temperatures, and excitement. Hunters should recognize symptoms, take breaks, and have a plan in case of emergencies. Learning Hands-Only-CPR can also save lives.
Researchers confirm oil presence in Mauritius mangrove forest close to Ramsar conservation sites, three years after MV Wakashio spill. The oil has undergone weathering and biodegradation, but its ongoing presence poses an unknown risk to the sensitive ecosystem.
Researchers found that remote monitoring devices were being misused by local governments and men to intimidate and humiliate women in northern India. The study highlights the need for conservationists to consider the social implications of using surveillance technologies and explore less invasive methods.
A 20-year experiment found that warmer soils alter the behavior of tree roots in different ways, with oak trees changing their interactions with soil microbes but maple trees maintaining their patterns
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
The NJIT team's Limelight Rainforest developed a drone-delivered technology capable of identifying thousands of rainforest species in mere hours. The device uses telemetry, satellite communications, and AI to interpret data from advanced microphones, cameras, and capture systems.
A new study by the University of Oxford's Department of Physics shows that relying on natural carbon sinks to offset CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will not stop global warming. Governments and corporations are increasingly turning to these natural sinks to meet climate goals, but this approach is flawed.
The 2024 Global Carbon Budget projects fossil CO2 emissions of 37.4 billion tonnes, up 0.8% from 2023, despite urgent calls to cut emissions to slow climate change. The report finds that overall emissions are roughly level over the last decade, but both fossil and land-use change CO2 emissions are set to rise in 2024.
Researchers found that trees exhibit two distinct swaying patterns depending on wind speed, with branches absorbing energy in light winds and whole-tree sway in higher winds. The transition between patterns occurred at different wind speeds depending on forest density, shedding light on how forests respond to wind stress.
A new study from North Carolina State University and the USGS uses satellite imagery to identify coastal forests undergoing regime change due to sea-level rise. The research finds that these transitions can occur rapidly or slowly, and remote sensing of vegetation health can help predict EWS for some areas.
Fossils from over 600,000 years ago show a shift in animal communities between warm and cold climate fluctuations. The Notarchirico site provides evidence of the emergence and disappearance of species such as cave lions, straight-tusked elephants, and red deer.
Researchers found that seven common European forest trees have preserved their genetic diversity over millions of years, defying expectations. This resilience is attributed to unique characteristics such as long generation times and pollen dispersal capabilities.
A recent study found that climate factors play a more dominant role in determining wood density for tree species than soil characteristics, while both factors equally influence shrub species. The research provides new insights into vegetation responses to environmental factors, with implications for improving ecosystem predictions.
Researchers developed DIAMANTE, a data-centric semantic segmentation approach to detect forest tree dieback events in satellite images. The approach trains a U-Net-like model on labelled remote-sensing datasets and achieves reasonable accuracy for early disease detection, reducing false alarms.
A recent study published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation highlights the urgent need for Brazil to reinforce protection of its forests to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The research emphasizes the importance of strengthening socioenvironmental actions and policies focusing on conserving or restoring f...
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that warmer temperatures and nitrogen fertilization can stabilize soil carbon levels, contradicting earlier predictions. Plant roots and growth add new carbon to the soil, counteracting the loss of carbon due to climate change.
Coastal forests face uncertain future as sea levels rise, with trees more vulnerable to saltwater flooding than marshes. Tree ring analysis reveals nuanced effects of flooding, temperature, and precipitation on tree growth, highlighting species- and site-specific factors.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
Researchers studied the effects of forest gaps on microclimate and soil biological activity in a European mixed floodplain forest. Temperature fluctuations increased in areas with gaps, but decomposition rates remained relatively stable. The study highlights complex interactions between forest structure, microclimate, and soil processes.
Researchers developed a novel approach to map planted and natural forests globally at 30-m spatial resolution, enabling accurate tracking of forest changes. By analyzing frequency of disturbance on satellite images, the team distinguished between established natural forests and planted forests.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
A new study by Imperial College London identifies key trade-offs between effectiveness and scalability in conservation programs. The lessons highlight the importance of balancing program expansion with effective implementation, considering scale-dependent effects on conservation outcomes.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that measures against illegal deforestation in Brazil lead to a decrease in violent crimes and homicides. The number of homicides fell significantly, particularly after being blacklisted.
Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can significantly reduce the intensity of future conflagrations, with effects lasting up to 20 years in certain climates. Researchers found that these reburns have a moderating effect on forest resilience, even during extreme weather conditions.
Research reveals that deforestation in Africa's montane forests has induced a higher warming and cloud level rise than climate change alone, leading to decreased water supply. The study found that air temperature increased by 1.4°C and cloud levels rose by 230 meters over the last 20 years.
A new study found that surf breaks surrounding the world's oceans store nearly 90 million metric tonnes of planet-warming carbon, highlighting their crucial role in combating climate change. The top five countries with the highest stored carbon are the US, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Panama.
The UFZ forest condition monitor tracks dynamic changes in Germany's forests due to climate change extreme events. The index displays seasonal and annual maps of forest condition, highlighting areas with severe damage, such as the Harz region.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Oxford found that integrated forest restoration plans deliver over 80% of benefits in all three areas - capturing carbon, nurturing biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups benefit disproportionately from this approach.
Researchers found that mature trees increased wood production by an average of 9.8% under elevated CO2 levels, supporting their role as medium-term carbon stores and natural climate solutions. This increase was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in leaf or fine-root production.
Researchers developed a new method using spectral measurements to accurately estimate forest tree leaf nutrient content, offering a faster and larger-scale alternative to traditional methods. The method improved accuracy when accounting for soil type and tree genus, showing promise for informing forest management decisions.
Researchers project significant short-term impacts of the Russian invasion on global timber markets, but also warn of long-term effects on the economy and environment. The study predicts that some product markets may not recover from the invasion, leading to increased production in other countries and potential environmental harm.
A WVU team investigates how different management practices affect Appalachian forest life and carbon sequestration capabilities. Preliminary data reveals changes in species distribution and ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Researchers used tree regeneration patterns to predict changes in US forests' carbon stocks, finding that 29% will lose and 55% will replace carbon. This study identifies vulnerable areas and prioritizes strategies for resilient forest management.
A study by Duke University researchers suggests that a mixed approach to reforestation, combining both planted and naturally regenerated forests, can sequester more carbon than either method alone. This approach can remove up to 10 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at lower cost.
The study uses spaceborne lidar to estimate canopy height, providing accurate measurements over large geographic regions. The results show promising accuracy for evergreen forests with dense canopy cover, highlighting the potential of ICESat-2 in monitoring forest recovery and detecting health issues.
A recent OSU-led study found that natural regeneration is cost-effective in many regions, while plantations are better suited for others. The authors suggest a mixed approach for optimal carbon sequestration.
A new study reveals that trees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are migrating uphill to escape rising temperatures, while some species are moving downhill. The research found that younger trees in high-altitude forests are growing more rapidly and moving uphill.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.
Researchers found that foreign direct investments and urbanization drove tree cover loss ahead of GDP growth in 40 countries. The study suggests addressing the full extent of FDI's link to deforestation by improving the entire food system.
Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.
New research from an international team of scientists found that Mozambican miombo woodlands store 1.5 to 2.2 times more carbon than previously estimated, with potential storage of 13.6 billion tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide. This suggests a critical role for these ecosystems in climate change mitigation.
Co-circulation of Mayaro and chikungunya viruses has been observed in Roraima, Brazil's northernmost state, according to a recent study. The finding highlights the need for more effective epidemiological surveillance in the region. Deforestation and human activities may facilitate transmission in urban areas.
A new study suggests that the Cahokia exodus may have been due to external pressures rather than crop failure, finding no evidence of widespread drought impact. Researchers believe the society had the engineering skills to maintain crops and a diverse diet, leading them to gradually disperse rather than abandon their land.
Chimpanzees have been observed seeking out specific plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, and further pharmacological testing has confirmed the presence of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. These findings highlight the importance of studying animal behavior in discovering new medicines.
The study reveals regional differences in Amazon drought response due to local environments and tree properties. The southern Amazon, with shallow water tables, is more vulnerable to drought, while the northern region, with deeper roots and less fertile soil, is more resilient.
A new study finds that two-thirds of critical bird habitats are at increased risk from cocaine trafficking activities. The study highlights the unexpected connection between drug trafficking and biodiversity, revealing that areas with growing levels of cocaine trafficking become more attractive to migratory birds.
Researchers propose expanding research on nature's scents and olfactory cues to better understand their impacts on human health. The study aims to investigate the complex links between smell, nature, and human well-being, including the potential for unconscious biochemical processes.
A new study from the University of Utah documents the current extent of the balsam woolly adelgid infestation in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, with 41% of subalpine fir biomass exposed to damage. By 2100, climate projections predict that 79% of the area will be exposed to some level of damage.
Recent deadly wildfires in Greece and Hawaii highlighted the need for improved wildfire risk management. The authors propose a long-term strategy integrating forest land management with fire prevention and mitigation measures, including retrofitting buildings and limiting development in the wildland-urban interface.
Researchers found that secure boundaries promote collective conservation practices and limit over-harvesting, but perceived high risk of theft from neighbors leads to looser harvest limits. Community members impose their own limits on harvesting via conservation committees when borders are secure.