Articles tagged with Habitat Loss
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A global study reveals invasive alien species reduce terrestrial insect abundance by 31% and species richness by 21%. Insects are often overlooked victims of invasion, exacerbating population declines and ecosystem disruption.
A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals China's increasing demand for animal proteins sustains the consumption of natural resources in Brazil. The research shows that soybean imports to China have a significant impact on Brazilian land use, water resources, and deforestation.
Insect pollinators like bees and butterflies require more natural habitat with diverse flora to thrive, according to a new study analyzing over 178,000 individual pollinators from 19 countries. The research found minimum habitat requirements vary between species, ranging from 6% for hoverflies to 37% for butterflies.
Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.
A new study reveals a hidden extinction crisis in China's native flora, showing that habitat decline over the past four decades has sharply increased extinction risks nationwide. The findings suggest that current conservation efforts are failing to keep pace with biodiversity threats.
Research led by the University of Utah found that industrial private land has nearly one-and-a-half times higher odds of high-severity wildfire compared to publicly owned forests. Reducing tree density can mitigate megafire risk even in extreme weather conditions.
A recent genetic study found that populations of the amphidromous goby Luciogobius ryukyuensis are genetically distinguishable, suggesting minimal larval exchange between islands. This highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable habitats in island ecosystems.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Researchers found that dominant predatory fish species acquired most of their energy from kelp, but on turf-dominated reefs, they turned to phytoplankton for energy. Kelp forest collapse removed a key source and pathway for energy flow in the food web.
A new study has shown that turf algae release chemicals that can kill young kelp, creating a feedback loop that reinforces kelp forest collapse. The research reveals an indirect way climate change is reshaping ocean ecosystems, complicating kelp forest recovery along Maine's rapidly warming coast.
A new approach is needed to monitor species and protect them from climate change, land use, pollution, and invasive non-native species. The study proposes a framework that integrates all available methods for studying insects, including comparing diversity and abundance over time and across different habitats.
A new study suggests that up to 70% of suitable habitats for the critically endangered whitefin swellshark will be lost over the next 75 years due to predicted ocean changes. The researchers believe that Australia's proactive conservation measures, such as marine protected areas, offer hope for the species' survival.
A Princeton study reveals how consumption-driven deforestation by high-income nations drives biodiversity loss in other countries, responsible for 13.3% of global range loss. The study finds that these countries cause international biodiversity losses 15 times greater than their domestic impacts.
A new study found that designated protected areas are benefiting Mexican Spotted Owl subspecies, maintaining their foothold in the region. The use of Protected Activity Centers, which protect core habitat, has been key to this success.
A new study reveals that India's successful tiger recovery is driven by factors such as protection, prey availability, peace, and prosperity. The country has managed to double its tiger population since 2010, thanks in part to the establishment of protected areas and conservation efforts.
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 new study reveals that overfishing has caused chondrichthyan fish populations to decline by more than 50% since 1970. The risk of extinction for these species has increased by 19%, with the largest species facing elimination of up to 22% of ecological functions.
A new survey highlights the need to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes have improved hedge condition, overall length remains unchanged. Experts call for increased participation and better incentives among farmers and landowners to rejuvenate the network.
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
A new Princeton study provides detailed insights into the impact of cropland abandonment on biodiversity. The research reveals that most bird and mammal species gain habitat due to crop abandonment, but even more would have benefited if recultivation occurred.
The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.
A new study found that artificial nests outperform natural nests in boosting African penguin breeding success by 16.5%, but each type of nest has strengths and weaknesses. Colony-specific conservation strategies are needed to address the unique threats faced by each colony.
A recent study found that actively managed habitats can slow or reverse population declines in at-risk butterflies. Habitat management, such as prescribed burns and planting nectar plants, appeared to dampen the effect of climate change on butterfly timing.
A recent study maps landscape connections to optimize elephant movement corridors and reduce genetic isolation, addressing a major conservation priority in southern Africa. The research provides insights into how elephants navigate their vast home ranges and identifies key routes to maintain gene flow across protected areas.
A new study reveals that mining activities pose a significant threat to vertebrate species worldwide, with over 4,642 species at risk. The main drivers of this threat are mining for materials essential to clean energy technologies like lithium, cobalt, and limestone.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Researchers identified 16,825 Conservation Imperatives covering 164 Mha, which could prevent all predicted extinctions if adequately protected. Protecting these sites would cost approximately $34 billion per year and represent less than 0.2% of the US GDP.
Kelp forests in southern Maine have collapsed due to warming, while northern regions continue to provide key ecosystem services. The study highlights regional differences in forest health and the importance of targeted management to preserve these ecosystems.
Researchers have created a more stable environment for incubating eggs, increasing the probability of successful hatching from 10% to 41%. The innovative design uses moss and lichen in rocky barren landscapes, helping to combat habitat loss and degradation.
Research detects declines in bees and butterflies in western and southern North America due to environmental change and habitat loss. The study identifies regions of concern and highlights the need for conservation efforts and improved monitoring methods.
Researchers emphasize that field stations studying primates contribute to biodiversity conservation by deterring poaching, deforestation, and natural resource extraction. The authors call for increased funding and support for red colobus conservation efforts.
A comprehensive analysis of over 200 scientific articles reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands, benefiting soil, plants, birds, and mammals. The study highlights five different functions performed by scavengers during carrion consumption, including nutrient recycling and pathogen control.
Climate change threatens the survival of African elephants due to habitat loss and water resource depletion. Policies protecting vital habitats can mitigate these impacts, with increased forest and savanna areas benefiting all age groups.
Researchers used underwater drones to collect eDNA from mesophotic corals, identifying genera and habitats. The study suggests faster and easier monitoring of coral reefs using eDNA metabarcoding methods.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that three-quarters of vegetation types in North, Central, and South America fall below the Global Biodiversity Convention's target of 30% protection. The research highlights that over 40% of threatened bird and mammal species are mostly found in a single vegetation type.
A study found that Spanish butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature by basking in the sunshine compared to British counterparts. However, rising global temperatures due to climate change may put Spanish butterflies at greater risk of extinction if they cannot adapt quickly enough.
A new study reveals that humans have driven the extinction of 1,430 bird species, with many becoming extinct before written records. The research suggests that major human-driven extinctions occurred in the 14th century and ninth century BC, with ongoing threats including climate change and invasive species.
Two new tarantula species have been discovered in Ecuador's wilderness, but they are already threatened due to habitat destruction and human activities. The implementation of protected areas is essential to conserve these endangered species and prevent further extinction.
Researchers discovered six new species of rove beetles with unique genital shapes, including a bottle-opener like structure in one species. Climate change threatens the survival of these species due to habitat changes.
Marimo, special growth forms of filamentous algae, are threatened by rising lake temperatures due to global warming. The warmer water temperature outpaces the inward decomposition, making them increasingly fragile and decreasing their shell thickness.
Scientists have found evidence of past oxygen loss in the world's oceans during glacial periods, indicating that current climate change may not be permanent. The discovery was made by analyzing seafloor sediments from the past 145,000 years, which showed a build-up of cobalt during the last ice age.
Researchers found that huckleberry patches and forestry road density significantly affect grizzly bears' mortality risk. Securing critical food resources through reduced human access near roads is crucial for bear conservation.
A study warns that Brazil's hydroelectric power plants are threatening the Williams' side-necked turtle, which depends on rapids for survival. The study estimates that 30% of its habitat could be lost, heightening the risk of extinction due to highly suitable areas becoming increasingly rare and less interconnected.
A new report highlights Vietnam's high reptile diversity, with 484 known species, including 74 threatened with extinction. The study recommends increasing breeding populations to maintain suitable numbers for restocking, and modern zoos can play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
A global research team warns that rapid sea level rise and coastal habitat retreat will happen again if warming levels rise above Paris Agreement targets. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, marshes, and coral reefs are essential to protect coastlines, trap carbon, and sustain millions of coastal residents.
A team of international scientists found that coral reefs, marshes, and mangroves could be destroyed within the next 30 years from rising sea levels. Coastal habitats are essential for protecting coastlines, trapping carbon, and supporting millions of coastal residents.
A new global biodiversity observing system (GBIOS) is proposed to combine technology, data, and knowledge from around the world to monitor biodiversity change and target conservation action. The system can provide the information needed at the pace required to support countries in achieving their biodiversity goals.
A study found that deforestation in tropical regions destroys nesting habitats for certain bird species, limiting their reproduction. Nest boxes can provide a successful conservation strategy for these birds, particularly in agricultural lands where they are more abundant.
A University of Maryland study found that tree species diversity increases spider populations, providing a natural pest regulation service. Spider populations in diverse plots increased by 23-50% compared to single-species plots during late summer months.
A recent study by the University of Bologna reveals that the EU is far from meeting its goal of protecting 10% of its land area for biodiversity. The study found that many countries have inadequate protection in place, with some having very few protected areas and others failing to implement integral protection in national parks. To ac...
The study reveals significant declines in fish species, particularly sharks and rays, linked to human impacts. Archaeological analysis provides insight into lost environments and informs conservation baselines.
A new study has identified the preferred flower species of Midwest bumble bees, revealing that these social bees have more discerning dietary preferences than expected. The research found that common flower species like milkweed and thistles are favored by bumble bees, while others, such as alsike clover and black-eyed Susan, are ignored.
Researchers warn that climate change will lead to the loss of habitats for invertebrates in the European Alps, with many species forced to seek refuge in colder areas. The study predicts that by the end of the century, most species will have experienced consistent losses of habitat.
A worldwide decline in insect populations is attributed to land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species. The consequences of this trend include a loss of biodiversity, reduced pollination services, and increased risk to food sources for animals.
Since 1700, habitats suitable for Asian elephants have decreased by over 64%, resulting in a loss of 3.3 million square kilometers of land. The study suggests that historical land-use patterns and agricultural intensification in South Asia have contributed to this decline.
Researchers at University of Illinois have recalibrated climate change effects on salamanders, showing a somewhat more hopeful future. The study found that incorporating microclimate data at fine spatial scales reduced predicted habitat loss by 55-80% compared to using free-air temperature data.
A new study reveals that the most endangered turtles and crocodiles are those with unique life strategies, which carry out critical processes in their ecosystems. The researchers highlight the urgent need for effective conservation management plans to protect these species and their habitats.
A study found that urbanization favors winged insects over web-builders, with flies and spiders increasing in urban areas while web-building spiders decrease. This suggests an advantage of winged arthropods in cities due to their ability to move between isolated green spaces.