Articles tagged with Nature Reserves
A University of Cambridge-led team has created detailed 3D maps of the Cairngorms National Park, revealing the beginnings of large-scale recovery of native woodland. The maps show over six million individual trees, with 40% under five meters tall, and provide insights into habitat type and tree regeneration.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that dog walkers who are distracted by their phones or conversations can miss their pets fouling, disturbing wildlife, or approaching livestock. The researchers suggest that well-placed bins, timely messages, and suitable spaces for off-lead exercise could make responsible choices easier.
A new study found that green and blue spaces, such as woodlands and grasslands, can be up to 4.5°C cooler than built-up areas during peak summer hours. The research team monitored temperatures across Guildford for three years and found that these natural defenses can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect.
UK zoos have a bias towards globally non-threatened species, but still contribute to preserving native and priority species, according to a study. The research found that only 9% of captive species are native to Britain and 2% appear on conservation priority lists.
Climate researchers have discovered a significant increase in neighborhood-level hurricane warnings, widespread wildfires in the US, and unprecedented changes in Earth's energy budget. These findings suggest that greenhouse gases are driving these trends, with smoke and fire-related carbon emissions rising due to increased aridity.
A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.
A University of Göttingen study reveals that traditionally farmed landscapes can produce food while protecting nature and preserving cultural traditions. The research highlights four key strategies for adapting these systems to local environments and markets.
A new commentary reveals that most of Africa's biodiversity persists outside formal protected areas, challenging the reliance on fenced reserves and policies like the 30×30 target. Working landscapes, shaped by centuries of human-nature coexistence, often retain higher ecological connectivity and resilience to climate change.
A new review article synthesizes research on the mental and psychological health impacts of greenspace on advantaged and disadvantaged children. Nearly 60% of studies found that people living with disadvantage benefitted more from natural environments, with reduced anxiety, behavioral difficulties, and improved cognitive functioning.
A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.
Researchers have discovered a new species of glassfrog in Ecuador named after Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win an Olympic gold medal. The Dajomes glassfrog has uniformly green skin with a pebbly texture and a white membrane covered in light-reflecting cells on its underside.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
Researchers detected up to 500 microscopic plastic particles per square meter per day in a rural woodland area, almost twice as much as in an urban location. The study reveals that trees and vegetation capture airborne microplastic particles from the atmosphere.
A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
A large census of dikes in the Netherlands revealed that more bee species live on dikes than previously thought, with 154 different species found. The researchers found that flower-rich dikes attract many more bees, especially endangered species, due to the variety of plants and nesting sites.
Researchers used satellite data and AI methods to assess industrial fishing activity in MPAs, finding that strongly protected areas had significantly less fishing activity than surrounding waters. In some cases, no vessels were detected at all.
A study evaluated California's marine reserve network, finding that MPAs increase fish biomass across multiple ecosystems, especially in targeted species like rockfishes. Stronger protections and habitat diversity emerged as key predictors of success.
Mangrove ecosystems in Andaman and Nicobar islands faced significant changes after the 2004 tsunami, with 97% of mangroves lost due to land subsidence and uplift. Local ecological conditions are often overlooked in governance frameworks, leading to failed restoration efforts.
A new study has found that Britain's iconic limestone pavements have undergone significant changes over the past 50 years, with some areas experiencing increases in plant biodiversity while others have seen declines in rare specialist species. The research highlights the importance of understanding these changes for conservation efforts.
Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...
A major international study involving 56,968 adults found that levels of nature connectedness are associated with socioeconomic factors such as financial security, education, and racial majority status. The UK scored higher on the Nature Exposure Scale, while Bosnia and Herzegovina led in this aspect.
Environmental researchers at NUS use social media and deep learning to classify human activities in nature reserves, analyzing 87,090 photos from 2,813 PAs across 207 countries. The technique demonstrates utility in monitoring land use patterns efficiently and cost-effectively.
A new study predicts that expanding marine protected areas will decrease both inside and outside the reserves, challenging common assumptions about ocean conservation. The research model used historical fishing data and machine learning to forecast the impact of large-scale closures on global fishing effort.
Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that wolves' return to northeast Washington has had a limited impact on white-tailed deer populations. Habitat quality and cougar predation were the primary factors shaping deer populations, with wolf predation having a smaller effect.
Human disturbance disrupts leopard-hyena competition, favoring hyenas. The study shows that male leopards retain dominance over hyenas but female leopards change behavior due to size disadvantage. Human expansion poses threat to leopards' survival and ecosystem balance.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that nearly half of protected areas can benefit both nature and people, with a balanced approach. The study suggests smaller, closer-to-market protected areas are more likely to achieve this balance, without harming local economic growth.
Researchers developed an inclusive inventory approach to track global conservation areas, using local data and expertise. The approach revealed a wider diversity and area coverage of conservation areas than existing tracking systems showed.
Domestic dog attacks on mountain tapirs in Colombia's cloud forests threaten their physical wellbeing and reproductive performance. Conservationists urge population management and control of domestic dogs to protect these endangered species.
A long-term study in Eilat found that artificial reefs reduce diving pressure on natural reefs, allowing for the preservation of both dive tourism and coral reefs. The reef has attracted many species of fish and invertebrates, making it a successful alternative to natural reefs.
A new study reveals that pandas are more socially active than previously thought, using scent-marking trees to exchange information about their lives. In non-mating seasons, they primarily hang with family members, but branch out during mating seasons.
Researchers found that protected areas help slow species decline rates but rarely reverse biodiversity loss, with only a small proportion of species benefiting from protection. Larger protected areas and longer protection times enhanced positive effects for more species.
A study of 555 marine protected areas found that many plans contain forward-looking strategies for climate resilience. The plans overwhelmingly incorporated key principles for building resilience, including adaptive management and long-term objectives.
A study found that even no-take MPAs in California and globally are vulnerable to marine heatwaves, leading to mass species mortality and displacement. The research revealed that ecological communities shift dramatically after such events, regardless of protection status.
A study of 700 participants found that time outdoors doesn't always reduce smartphone screentime. However, visits to nature reserves or forests saw significant declines in screentime compared to urban locations. Participants who visited wilder areas spent more time disconnected from their smartphones and regained attention.
A plant ecologist proposes a multi-faceted approach to preventing all future land plant extinctions. Training more plant experts and creating an online 'metaherbarium' with digitized records of species are key components, alongside building microreserves and increasing funding.
A new study reveals that whooper swans thrive in UK nature reserves, with survival rates significantly higher and population growth up to 6% annually. This could lead to a doubling of the species' wintering population in the UK by 2030.
Research from Binghamton University highlights the importance of ants in forest regeneration, with over 95% of New York state forests relying on them to disperse seeds. Ants take seeds with fatty rewards back to their nests, protecting them from consumption by rodents and other organisms, promoting a mutually beneficial arrangement.
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
A new study found that protected natural areas of the UK are failing to stop declines in insects and spiders, despite being richer in species. The results suggest that while these areas conserve valuable habitats, they need more assistance to tackle wider threats posed by climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
Research from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that spending time in snowy environments can improve body image and self-compassion. The study found that participants who scored highly in self-compassion displayed greater improvement in body appreciation after walking in a snow-covered woodland.
A study comparing Ohio nature reserves and high-input agricultural lands found that nature reserves can store significantly more carbon. The researchers analyzed soil organic carbon storage, quality, and lability in these two types of land uses.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.
New research from the University of British Columbia creates the world's first global map of mammal movement between protected areas. The study reveals that Canada has critical areas for connectivity, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and animal populations.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Researchers found that dog faeces and urine add substantial nutrients to nature reserves, potentially detrimental to biodiversity. Studies suggest reducing fertilisation effects by encouraging owners to remove faeces and enforcing leash use could mitigate this impact.
New research reveals that zoos and aquariums can prioritize evidence-based environmental enrichment to benefit a wider range of species. The study highlights the need for greater diversity in enrichment types and species researched, as well as more attention to social enrichment.
A study by the San Francisco Estuary Institute, the Nature Conservancy, and the University of Illinois suggests that access to nature may contribute to lower COVID-19 rates, regardless of racial or socioeconomic identity. The research team found a strong correlation between green spaces and decreased COVID-19 incidence rates.
The article highlights the importance of crabs in Oman's ecology and economy, with Barr Al Hikman nature reserve being a crucial nursery ground for numerous crab species. The research shows that millions of crabs inhabit the reserve, providing food for hundreds of thousands of birds.
A new study examines the effects of future climate change on over 137,000 nature reserves worldwide, revealing severe local impacts, especially in tropical countries. The research highlights the importance of informed management to mitigate climate change effects and preserve biodiversity.
Research suggests that dogs are still a major threat to giant pandas in Chinese nature reserves, with 40% of habitats within range of roaming dogs. Implementing dog-control measures, such as licensing and neutering, is crucial for the bears' survival.
A study by the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country analyzed the influence of ozone formation precursors in the Valderejo Nature Reserve. The research found that biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) contribute up to 68% of the total VOCs measured, with isoprene and monoterpines being key contributors.
A post-fire survey at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve found that roughly a third of hikers felt energized and awed by the changes they saw. The study suggests people understand and appreciate the role of fire in natural landscapes, but may need education on local ecosystems to fully grasp its impact. Survey participants were highly famili...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that carcasses of dead deer have a positive effect on biodiversity in the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. Plants near carcasses grew five times larger, attracting more insects and predators. The researchers call for relaxing regulations to allow dead large grazers to remain, benefiting other natu...
A study reveals that nearly half of protected areas face staffing shortages, affecting conservation progress. Meanwhile, researchers identify remote high-elevation areas with ancient trees in China. Fuel breaks aim to prevent wildfires but may create new problems, such as altering predator migration routes.
A study found up to 13 galliform species populations have been extirpated outside protected areas in Sundaland, a region with high biodiversity but biologically degraded landscapes. The researchers argue that effective management of protected areas and connectivity between habitats are crucial for long-term conservation.
The largest king penguin colony on Île aux Cochons has plummeted in size by nearly 90%, with researchers attributing the decline to climate change and vegetation encroachment. Satellite images reveal that the colony's population began declining in the late 1990s, coinciding with a major climatic event related to El Niño.
A recent study reveals that giant panda conservation provides significant ecosystem services, including provisioning, regulation, and cultural benefits, worth ~ $2.6-6.9 billion annually. The cost-benefit ratio is approximately 10-27 times the conservation investment, highlighting the value of investing in panda conservation.