Articles tagged with Riparian Zones
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A new study reveals that for every 10% increase in forest cover, an additional species is present, and sites with complete forest cover support three times the terrestrial vertebrate species compared to those lacking tree cover.
A new Stanford-led study maps beaver dams and ponds using high-resolution aerial imagery, aiding managers in prioritizing areas for restoring wetlands and reintroducing beavers. The research reveals key factors influencing beaver dam length and pond area, providing a practical tool for managing habitats and waterways.
Researchers discovered that tropical riparian ecosystems recovered rapidly within two million years of the end-Permian mass extinction, indicating a faster-than-thought adaptation. This finding contradicts previous theories on ecosystem recovery and suggests that life on land may have been more resilient than previously believed.
A new study reveals the profound ecological effects of wolves in Yellowstone National Park, showcasing a remarkable 1,500% increase in willow crown volume along riparian zones. The research demonstrates the cascading effects predators can have on ecosystems, with significant impacts on herbivores and plants.
A new UBC-led study reveals that preserving key natural ecosystems across Canada can significantly reduce rainwater runoff and protect homes and livelihoods. The research identifies 201,000 square kilometres of watersheds as critical for flood prevention, supporting wildlife while reducing reliance on costly infrastructure.
A new study by IIASA researchers highlights the benefits of transboundary cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin, which could maximize economic benefits while minimizing environmental losses. Full cooperation is recommended as a more beneficial and stable option for riparian countries, especially under changing climate conditions.
Researchers found tropical forest ecosystems rely more on aquatic insects than temperate forests, making them vulnerable to disruptions in land-water connections. This increased reliance poses a threat to tropical environments, which are already under pressure from human activity and climate change.
A new study finds that bison herds in northern Yellowstone National Park are negatively impacting riparian plant communities, leading to biotic impoverishment and loss of ecosystem services. The effects of increased bison numbers are exacerbating climate change, shifting plant communities towards warmer and drier conditions.
Researchers found that riparian buffers can increase stream flow during low-flow events and maintain water levels in areas with high future development. However, the effectiveness of buffers was limited, and they were not enough to mitigate extreme changes in stream flow.
A Nagoya University research team found that soil nitrate in the riparian zone is the primary source of increased stream nitrate during rainstorms. The researchers' study may help reduce nitrogen pollution and improve water quality in downstream bodies of water.
Restoring relatively narrow strips of riverfront forests could substantially improve regional water quality and carbon storage in Costa Rica. The analysis shows that such buffers tend to be most beneficial in steep, erosion-prone, and intensively fertilized landscapes.
A novel method developed by the University of Tsukuba uses drones and machine learning to estimate the amount of plastic litter in rivers. The approach combines high-resolution optical and thermal images, resulting in more accurate estimates than other methods.
A recent study found that bison reintroduction to mixed-grass prairies increases bird diversity and cervid occupancy in riparian areas. Vegetation changes associated with bison grazing promote biodiversity, benefiting multiple species.
Researchers found that in dry years, birds funnel into riparian environments due to increased greenness, leading to overcrowding and decreased bird populations. The study highlights the importance of understanding how birds respond to climate change for conservation purposes.
A recent review from Oregon State University suggests that agricultural pollution is the cause of 48% of water-quality impairment in US surface waters. The study recommends greater buffer zones around bodies of water and more consistent enforcement of water protection regulations to reduce pollution.
Researchers found that altered streamside woodlands in arid regions stayed greener longer into the dry season and were less responsive to changes in groundwater levels. This threatens the long-term survival of natural forest communities and ecosystem functions.
Researchers analyzed satellite imagery and groundwater data from 2015-2020, finding that current practices threaten riparian ecosystems' long-term survival. The study suggests a need for revised water management strategies to mitigate water stress and preserve these critical environments.
A study reveals that California's stream ecosystems are being harmed by human-diverted water, creating an unintended dependence on artificial supplies. This threatens the long-term survival of natural communities and highlights the need for changes in water management.
Horses and donkeys dig wells in dryland ecosystems, increasing water availability for a variety of plant and animal species. This overlooked form of ecosystem engineering shows that equids can buffer water availability in dryland environments, providing a service crucial to desert resilience.
Researchers found nearly two-thirds of wells have water levels below nearest stream, indicating rivers are leaking into aquifers. The phenomenon, exacerbated by human activity, may worsen in decades, with some rivers potentially disappearing, impacting downstream communities and ecosystems.
A new study by Oregon State University suggests that low-intensity thinning in riparian zones can aid forest restoration without harming streams. The research examined the effects of shade and light reductions on stream temperatures in three small watersheds in northern California's second-growth redwood forests.
Researchers found that allowing farmers to harvest vegetation from riparian buffers minimally impacts water quality, with only slight annual average reductions in nutrient and sediment capture. The location of the buffer was most important, as buffers between fields and streams removed more pollutants than those near streams.
A comprehensive study of four salmon species in Alaska found that they are returning to rivers smaller and younger than in the past. This decline affects both commercial and subsistence fisheries, as well as the nutrient delivery to inland areas, fertilizing forests and freshwater ecosystems.
A new study found that Vermont has conserved 33% of its highest priority targeted lands, with 87% of those acres also considered critical for wildlife habitats and corridors. However, lower elevation targets and riparian areas remain underprotected, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to achieve a sustainable future.
A study by Oregon State University scientists found that increasing bison numbers in the park's Lamar Valley are exerting 10 times the environmental pressure of elk, disrupting species distribution and limiting woody plant communities. The findings suggest that the park's ecosystem engineers may be out of balance.
Researchers found that salmon-derived nutrients decrease over time but are retained in soils, supporting microbial and plant growth. The study revealed contrasting nutrient cycling pathways between two soil types, with potential for increased plant growth in the riparian zone.
Climate change is putting pressure on river ecosystems, with iconic species like the Murray cod in danger of disappearing. Researchers outline a four-part plan for an 'adaptive' approach to river management, including forecasting tools and process-based models that can track and predict ecosystem changes.
Scientists estimated that 1.177 megatonnes of carbon would be lost if all predicted habitat were colonized by beavers, impacting large terrestrial carbon sinks. Invasive mammals like North American beavers pose a significant threat to carbon sequestration in riparian forests.
The study highlights the importance of riverside corridors in helping animals navigate a changing climate, with the Northwest's mountainous regions emerging as critical habitats. Riparian areas along rivers and streams will become vital 'superhighways' for wildlife seeking refuge from warmer or drier conditions.
Researchers found that streamside forests store an average of 168-390 tons of carbon per acre in mature trees, while soil carbon can triple with restoration. Actively restoring forests jump-starts the process, gaining more than twice the rate of naturally regenerating forests over the first ten years.
Research by Oregon State University scientists shows that large terrestrial carnivores can lead to improved stream structure and function in Yellowstone National Park. The return of wolves and cougars has resulted in increased willow height, canopy cover, and stream-bank stabilization, indicating a recovering riparian/aquatic ecosystem.
Saturated riparian buffer strips can effectively reduce nitrate loads into nearby streams and lakes by reconnecting water flow through the soil, allowing growers to continue using tile drains. The system's cost per pound of nitrate removed is $1.33 for a 40-year lifetime, making it a simpler and cheaper alternative to other systems.
A study by the University of Kent found that large riparian reserves tend to support more bird species than nearby forests. The researchers discovered that a single river site can host around a third of all bird species found in adjacent forests, with wider protected areas supporting even more species.
A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.
Research at Oregon State University shows that flooding rivers is necessary for maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. Minor changes in flow patterns can harm plant communities, while severe effects occur when cyclical flooding is removed from the equation.
The Norian Chinle Formation provides a snapshot of an ancient terrestrial ecosystem with plant and vertebrate remains. A new extinction event occurred between 213-217 million years ago, leading to a shift towards drier conditions.
Headwater streams, often overlooked due to their small size, have a significant impact on river ecosystems. Research highlights the importance of improved mapping, understanding resistance and resilience, and assessing impacts from human alterations to land use and climate.
A team of researchers explores the disproportionate ecological importance of small natural features, highlighting their significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. These elements, such as salt marshes and rocky outcrops, are often overlooked but can provide resources that limit key populations or support unusual diversity.
Researchers found that rotational grazing with a fenced riparian buffer or converting pastures to hayfields reduced soil erosion and runoff. These practices lowered sediment concentrations, volumes, and loads in watersheds compared to continuous grazing.
A study of over 5,000 Wisconsin lakes reveals nearly a quarter have become murkier in the past two decades. However, limiting agricultural land around waterways can improve water clarity and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
A group of researchers at Umeå University studied the effects of improved methods for restoring Swedish streams, including adding large boulders and trees. The results showed that while complex channels and watercourses can be easily created, reintroducing plants and aquatic animals takes time and patience.
Researchers at Umeå University emphasize the importance of integrating forest and aquatic ecosystems in restorations to retain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Restoring riparian zones can increase production and diversity by facilitating nutrient cycling between land and water.
A 12-year study found that wider riparian buffer zones were more efficient at removing nitrogen from agricultural runoff than narrower ones. The location of the buffer zone and soil conditions also played a role in nitrogen removal efficiency.
Researchers found that ecosystems with many similar species can handle tougher environmental disturbances due to the exchangeability of plant traits. This method helps conservationists predict how ecosystems will react to environmental changes and identify areas for restoration or preservation.
The Vindel River LIFE project restored tributaries by creating more diverse aquatic habitats through wider streams and boulders. This led to increased water levels and variable currents, benefiting migrating salmon and trout, as well as other animals and plants.
Research published in PLOS ONE suggests that restricting wildlife access to rivers and floodplains in dryland regions can impact water quality and human health. The study found significant relationships between increased concentrations of E. coli and animal densities, fecal counts, and land characteristics.
A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that bird diversity in the Central Valley's riparian areas is similar between summer and winter, with genetic diversity even higher in winter. Neotemperate migrants from Canada fill the gap during winter months.
Research from Umea University found that restored streams in northern Sweden take up to 25 years to recover and reach pre-disturbance levels of plant species diversity. This is due to the complexity of ecosystems and the need for time for natural processes to occur.
A study published in Springer's Environmental Management journal found that removing grazing cattle from a wildlife refuge in Oregon has led to significant rehabilitation of the natural environment. The removal of cattle has resulted in an increase in woody riparian vegetation, reduction in erosion, and improved water quality.
A new study finds that climate change may tip the scales in favor of invasive wetland plants, which can outcompete native species due to their natural phenotypic plasticity. As environmental changes occur, invasive species will gain an advantage over native species, potentially reducing biodiversity and ecosystem function.
A new study by US Forest Service scientists found that eastern hemlock loss due to the hemlock woolly adelgid insect has no significant effect on short-term stream flow, but increases peak flows after extreme storm events. The loss of foundation species in forested riparian zones could amplify climate change impacts.
The study highlights the decline of large carnivore species worldwide, with 17 species occupying less than half of their former ranges. The authors call for an international initiative to conserve these species in coexistence with humans, citing the importance of their ecological effects and social benefits.
A new report reveals that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has led to a profound rebirth of life and ecosystem health. Trees and shrubs are beginning to recover along some streams, providing improved habitat for beaver and fish. Birds and bears also have more food available due to the decrease in elk populations.
A recent study by Kansas State University professor Melinda Daniels suggests that beaver dams can create diverse river landscapes, turning single-thread channels into meadows or multichannel streams. The researchers recommend only partially removing old dams to mimic the role of beavers and restore ecosystem diversity.
A new study published by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that 20 major US streams and rivers have experienced statistically significant long-term warming, with increases averaging 0.02-0.14°F per year. This trend is most pronounced in urbanized areas, posing a threat to aquatic biodiversity and ecosyst...
Scientists use repeat photography to study riparian areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of experiential learning in understanding spatial and temporal variability. Participants found that using photographs enhanced their understanding of these concepts, especially climate change impacts.
A new study confirms that early angiosperms were fast-growing and weedy, with leaf lifespans of less than 12 months. The research used fossil plant morphology to estimate life history strategies, suggesting that this growth pattern was common among plants 100 million years ago.
A WCS study has been adopted by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to restore waterways throughout the U.S. The study found that increases in woody vegetation lead to a greater diversity and abundance of riparian birds.
A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that water limitation affects cricket consumption of green leaves and wolf spider hunting of crickets, highlighting the role of water in understanding ecosystem changes due to global climate change. This finding has implications for biodiversity in arid regions.