Save the rainforest - eat a tree
A University of Utah study found that insect consumption by insects keeps dominant tree species under control, allowing other trees to thrive. This increased diversity is crucial for the ecosystem's health.
Rainforests
Articles tagged with Rainforests
Amazon drought now measured from space
Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004
The scoop on poop: Insect feces, dead leaves may provide clues to health of world
Scientists linking rainforest canopy and floor layers examine effects of falling materials on soil processes, decomposition rates, and nutrient availability. The study aims to understand the connection between these factors and global climate change.
Science paper: Overharvesting of Brazil nuts leading to fewer trees
A new study found that overharvesting Brazil nuts significantly reduces seedling and young trees in the Amazon. Scientists recommend limiting harvests, restricting seasons, or planting more trees to ensure sustainability.
Satellites spy deaths in rain forests (Clark et al.)
Satellite data reveals a significant increase in animal deaths in tropical rainforests worldwide, highlighting the impact of habitat destruction and fragmentation on species populations. The study, published in Ecology Letters, provides critical insights into the urgent need to protect these ecosystems.
First phylogeographic study of a rainforest tree
This study demonstrates that Symphonia globulifera, a widespread tropical rainforest tree, has a complex evolutionary history shaped by oceanic currents and land bridges. The research revealed distinct phylogeographic structure in Panama's Isthmus, linked to its historical connection with Central America and South America.
A realistic way to save rainforests
Researchers have developed a novel approach to conserve rainforests by finding potential pharmaceuticals, contributing to conservation efforts, and providing economic benefits. The pilot project in Panama demonstrates the feasibility of this method, creating jobs and infrastructure while protecting the rainforest.
Long-term study of humans and deforestation in Amazon Basin gets new support
A long-term study of 952 households will investigate how farming strategies change with each generation and the impact of human characteristics on deforestation rates. The research aims to determine whether subsequent generations have a reduced learning curve for forest conservation.
Army ants have defied evolution for 100 million years
A study by Sean Brady reveals that army ants originated from the same source on Gondwana 100 million years ago, instead of evolving independently on separate continents. The ants' unique characteristics, including nomadic behavior and reproductive adaptation, have remained unchanged over time.
Chimpanzees with little or no human contact found in remote African rainforest
A team of researchers found a unique population of chimpanzees in the Goualougo Triangle that have had minimal or no contact with humans. The primates displayed curious behavior when encountered, but showed no signs of fear or aggression, suggesting they had not formed negative associations with human presence.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateMar 13, 2003
Rainforests at risk: Where there’s smoke, there’s even more fire
Intentional deforestation in rainforests has gained attention, but unintentional out-of-control fires devour millions of acres of forests, threatening ecosystems. Fire behavior in rainforests differs from temperate forests, with slow-spreading fires having devastating effects on biodiversity and carbon emissions.
A rainforest in Denver? Kirk Johnson debuts new findings on city's natural history
Kirk Johnson's latest discovery of the rainforest in Denver provides answers to key questions about ancient landscaping and will aid scientists in predicting groundwater availability. The rainforest, one of the oldest-known on earth, is now on display at the DMNS, accompanied by a Web site and book.
Invariant properties in coevolutionary networks of plant-animal interactions
Researchers discovered a generalized topology characteristic of self-organized complex systems in community organisation of plants and animals. This finding has significant implications for biodiversity conservation.
Wildlife researcher captures jaguars with camera
Marcella Kelly uses infrared remotely triggered cameras to photograph jaguars in Belize's Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Her research estimates the presence of at least eight jaguars per 100 square miles, highlighting the species' endangered status due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting.
Rainforest researchers hit pay dirt
Researchers have discovered that indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon improved the soil, rather than degrading it. The ability to reproduce this super-fertile soil could enable intensive agriculture in hot regions, making a significant impact on food production.
World’s largest rain forest national park created in Northern Amazon
The Tumucumaque Mountains National Park, covering 9,562,770 acres, protects pristine forests and endangered species like jaguars, giant anteaters, and harpy eagles. The park ensures the conservation of biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon.
Historic U.S.-Peru debt-for-nature swap
The U.S.-Peru debt-for-nature swap aims to conserve ten tropical rain forest areas covering over 27.5 million acres, home to rare biodiversity and threatened species. The agreement generates funds for local Peruvian conservation groups and provides critical income streams for front-line conservation efforts.
Two new monkey species discovered
Scientists have discovered two new monkey species, Callicebus bernhardi and Callicebus stephennashi, which are named after Prince Bernhard and Stephen Nash. These discoveries highlight the vast biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, with over 95 species of primates found in Brazil alone.
Rainforest wildlife surprisingly sensitive to landscape changes
A long-term study found that habitat fragmentation has a far-reaching impact on rainforests, increasing local extinction rates and altering species richness. To maintain diversity and dynamics, Amazonian nature reserves will need to be very large to withstand human disturbances.
Chimpanzee stone tool site excavated
The excavation of a chimpanzee stone tool site in the Ivory Coast reveals new insights into the behavior of our closest living relatives. The site, discovered using archaeological methods, shows that chimpanzees collected rocks from various sources and brought them to nut-cracking sites, creating large refuse accumulations.
The influence of disturbance on tropical rain forest biodiversity: End of a controversy in sight
Researchers found that moderately intense disturbances contribute to high tree species diversity in tropical rain forests. The study challenges previous findings, which suggested no effect of disturbance on diversity, and instead supports the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. The presence of heliophilous trees indicates recent canop...
Lizard research bolsters theory that forest edges are hotbeds of speciation
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science found significant differences in physical appearance and reproductive maturity among skinks living at forest edges compared to those in isolated populations. The research suggests that natural selection, rather than geographic isolation, plays a key role in ...
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 1999
The Chemistry Behind Rainforest Folk Medicine
Cornell undergraduate students are using ethnobotany techniques to query Indian informants about plants with antibacterial properties, performing chemical extractions and bioassays. The research efforts have implications for discovering new drugs and preserving ancient lands.
New Biodiversity Theory Suggests Rain Forest Conservation Falls Short: Saving "Edge" Habitats May Be Key To Saving Rain Forest Biodiversity
A new biodiversity theory suggests that protecting ecotones along rainforest periphery is crucial for preserving biodiversity. Ecotones, the transition zones between rainforests and savannas, may be integral to generating biodiversity in tropical rain forests.
Rain Forest Permanently Damaged By Logging, Study Finds
A comprehensive 23-year study of the Kibale rain forest in Uganda reveals that heavy logging severely reduces species diversity and hinders forest recovery. Sustainable logging is only viable if tree falls are spaced far apart, limited to large trees, and harvested with minimal machinery.