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A Concordia urban forest-mapping project wraps up with help from public and private data

The study highlights the importance of a diverse city tree population, with private residences contributing significantly to urban forest diversity and structure. The research found that private trees serve unique functions such as providing fruit, flowers, or aesthetic beauty, while municipal trees tend to be bigger and more resilient.

SourceConcordia University·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2023

Bat diversity and abundance are highest in old deciduous forest stands on the river banks in Eastern Ukraine

A new study reveals that bat diversity is highest in old deciduous forest stands on river banks in Eastern Ukraine. The research found that mature forests older than 90 years improve breeding activity and abundance of bats, with species richness increasing up to 22% of all forests in the region.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalForests·TypeCase study·DateDec 9, 2022

Increased grazing pressure threatens the most arid rangelands

A global study found that grazing can have positive effects on ecosystem services in species-rich rangelands but negative impacts under a warmer climate. The study highlights the importance of managing grazing locally to cope with climate change.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Vegetation-free patches encourage ground-nesting wild bees

Researchers at Göttingen University found that removing vegetation in small areas led to a significant increase in ground nests, especially with nearby flowering plants. The removal of vegetation proved to be a simple measure to promote ground-nesting wild bees on calcareous grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

A world map of plant diversity

Researchers modelled relationship between plant diversity and environmental conditions, capturing how diversity varies along environmental gradients. The models predict highest concentrations of plant diversity in environmentally heterogeneous tropical areas like Central America and the Amazonia.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

The importance of light for grassland plant diversity

A field experiment shows that competition for light drives the decline of plant diversity in grasslands under eutrophication and lack of grazing. Adding light to low-growing plants reduces this loss.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Habitat mapping data can fill gaps in knowledge on biodiversity

A study analyzing historic habitat mapping data in Hamburg found a decline of species-rich habitats due to urbanization, while also revealing the colonization efforts of certain plant species. The research highlights the potential of these datasets for biodiversity research, with trends observed across Germany and Europe.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEcosphere·DateNov 1, 2022

Endangered fruit-eating animals play an outsized role in a tropical forest — losing them could have dire consequences

A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Global hotspots for soil nature conservation are poorly protected

Soil ecological values are often overlooked in nature conservation management; the new study identifies global hotspots where they need to be prioritized. Temperate ecosystems show high local species richness, while biodiversity uniqueness peaks in arid and tropical ecosystems.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2022

High plant diversity is often found in the smallest of areas

Researchers analyzed 170,000 vegetation plots from all climate zones to find that small areas can have high biodiversity, like Eastern European steppes and Siberia. This challenges the idea of large-scale conservation, as smaller protected zones may be more effective in preserving ecosystems.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2022

Birds on island time

The study found that island size and location have a significant impact on seasonal bird species richness. Islands in the Northern Hemisphere at mid-latitudes during migration periods host the highest number of species, while tropical islands peak with species numbers during the non-breeding season.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Large-scale study of Brazilian wetlands ramps up evidence that biodiversity loss undermines ecosystem functioning

A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2022

New global map of ant biodiversity reveals areas that may hide undiscovered species

A high-resolution map of ant biodiversity has been created, revealing areas with high diversity and potential for new species discovery. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting critical regions with high ant diversity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Action needed to avoid mass extinction, say global team of experts

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.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2022

Is organic farming always good for the environment? – Researchers create strategy to help decide

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Paleobiology: Complex family relationships

An international team of researchers has successfully classified fossil gobies into a family tree for the first time. The study used an integrative phylogenetic approach to inferring relationships between fossil gobioids and their modern descendants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2022

Scientists conceptualize a species ‘stock market’ to put a price tag on actions posing risks to biodiversity

A conceptual species 'stock market' aims to assign economic value to species and ecosystems, promoting sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The SSM would enable the valuation of ecosystem services and actions that harm or benefit biodiversity, fostering a unified approach to environmental decision-making.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateJun 20, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The first cave-bound mollusc species from the Americas

A new study describes a troglobitic clam species from northern Brazil, characterized by lack of pigmentation and reduced size. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving fragile subterranean habitats threatened by recently amended laws in Brazil.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateMay 26, 2022

Researchers discover new species of salamander from Gulf Coastal plains hotspot

A new species of dusky salamander has been discovered in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi and Alabama, increasing knowledge of the region's biodiversity. The species, Desmognathus pascagoula, is similar to another recently discovered species but has distinct morphological, genetic, and geographic characteristics.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalZootaxa·DateMay 3, 2022

Protecting species for the good of global climate

A review study finds that conservation measures can greatly slow human-induced climate change by preserving biodiversity. The creation and management of protected areas are key to mitigating climate change through carbon capture and storage, with current coverage at 12-16% globally.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 26, 2022

Freshwater habitats are fragile pockets of exceptional biodiversity

A new study reveals that freshwater habitats have the highest animal species richness per area, with more than 99% of known animal species inhabiting land and 12% ocean habitats. The research suggests that preserving freshwater ecosystems can protect more species and evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2022

Brains and brawn helped crows and ravens take over the world

New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that crows and ravens' diverse traits enabled their rapid global expansion. Their intelligence allowed them to adapt to new environments, while their big bodies gave them a competitive advantage.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Warming climate and agriculture halve insect populations in some areas

A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2022

The shape of things to come: tropical birds are changing because of us

Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

Dynamic rivers contributed to Amazon's rich bird diversity

A genome-based study reveals how Amazonian rivers contribute to bird biodiversity by isolating populations and sparking speciation. The research highlights previously unknown species at risk of extinction due to dynamic river systems.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Survey of pollinators

The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateMar 21, 2022

Vanilla cultivation in the right place pays off for people and nature

A research team from the University of Göttingen found that vanilla agroforestry systems have advantages for both humans and nature, particularly when planted on fallow land. However, price fluctuations pose a challenge to sustainable cultivation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

9,000 tree species yet to be discovered on Earth

A new study estimates that there are approximately 73,300 tree species on Earth, with 9,000 yet to be discovered. The majority of these unknown species are rare and endemic to specific regions, particularly South America.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022

First-of-its-kind estimate of the total number of tree species

A global collaboration of scientists has estimated that there are approximately 73,300 tree species in the world today, with more than 9,000 still undiscovered. This estimate is based on a massive dataset of over 38 million trees spanning 90 countries and 100 territories.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

English Channel stops new rockpool species reaching UK

The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2022

Years later, restored wetlands remain a shadow of their old selves

Despite over 200 restored wetlands in Denmark, botanical diversity remains low, with only 9.5 species per four square meters found in the studied areas. High nutrient input from agriculture continues to affect plant species dispersal and immigration, making it a significant barrier to increased biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateDec 20, 2021

Forests with rich tree species grow more consistently

Researchers found that species-rich forests produce more wood and are less affected by extreme weather conditions. The main reason for this stability is the diversity of functional characteristics among tree species, which helps counterbalance fluctuations in climate.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Climate change impact on Earth’s ‘life zones’ on track to accelerate

Climate change has already altered 20% of the Earth's landscapes, and this trend is set to triple under business-as-usual emissions growth. The research found fundamental shifts in life zones, with boundaries shifting poleward and towards higher elevations, affecting tropical and temperate climates.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 14, 2021

Researchers puncture explanation for largest increase of biodiversity in Earth's history

A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that the greatest increase in marine biodiversity on Earth occurred due to changes in climate cycles, rather than an asteroid explosion. Fossil analysis revealed a shift towards colder climates around 469 million years ago, leading to the blooming of marine life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2021

Not silent yet; the shifting sounds of spring

A new study reveals that spring soundscape acoustic diversity and intensity are declining due to changes in bird communities. The research suggests that reductions in natural soundscapes may be the primary mechanism through which population declines impact humans.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

More support needed for pollination services in agriculture

Pollinators contribute significantly to global food production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these services. The author emphasizes the need for increased support and research efforts to maintain biodiversity and improve crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalOne Earth·TypeNews article·DateSep 23, 2021

Diversity matters

Researchers found that high biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions by 20%, with environmental heterogeneity significantly boosting this positive impact. Species richness was more important for ecosystem functioning than species turnover in African ecosystems along Mount Kilimanjaro's elevational gradient.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Going up: Birds and mammals evolve faster if their home is rising

A new study found that birds and mammals evolved into new species at higher rates where the land has risen most over the past three million years. This effect was found to be greater than historical climate change, present-day elevation, and temperature in driving speciation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 2, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Agri-environment schemes and farmland biodiversity

Researchers found that agri-environmental schemes can help maintain species richness across flowering fields and seminatural grasslands in Germany. The study suggests a combined network of both is necessary to maximize biodiversity conservation efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Planktivores and diversity patterns in coral reefs

Researchers found significant distribution disparities in coral reef fish species across trophic groups, with a disproportionate number of planktivores in the IAA. Planktivore species richness was highest near Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, but declined sharply outside the region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Flower diversity may mitigate insecticide effects on wild bees

A study found that a high diversity of flowering plants can compensate for the negative effects of insecticides on wild bee reproduction. The research team discovered that red mason bees reproduced successfully when kept in enclosures with diverse flower mixtures compared to those with only oilseed rape.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 3, 2021

Plant community stability and biodiversity

A study analyzing 79 plant communities worldwide found that greater species synchrony predicts less community stability. Higher species richness is associated with increased stability, but this effect is relatively small.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

High human population density negative for pollinators

A study from Lund University found that population density, not vegetation cover, has the biggest impact on species richness of pollinators in residential areas. Urban environments with high population densities have fewer species of wild bees and hoverflies.

SourceLund University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateAug 25, 2020

New Guinea has the world's richest island flora

A new checklist of New Guinea's 13,634 vascular plant species has been built by 99 scientists from 56 institutions and 19 countries. The list contains 20% more species than Madagascar or Borneo, with many endemic plants found only in the region.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Directed species loss from species-rich forests strongly decreases productivity

A study on the BEF-China experiment found that directed species loss in high-diversity ecosystems leads to significant reductions in forest productivity. The researchers simulated both random and directed species extinction scenarios and analyzed the data, revealing that diversity alone does not protect against losses.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020

Researchers solve old biodiversity mystery

The study reveals that species richness is largely determined by the evolution of animal niches and their subsequent dispersal across the continent. The researchers used models to calculate species richness in South America and found a clear pattern following natural habitats or vegetation biomes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Global levels of biodiversity could be lower than we think, new study warns

A new study suggests that global biodiversity levels could be lower than previously thought due to the long-lasting impact of abrupt land changes. Biodiversity assessments may be underestimating species loss at sites with recent disturbances, such as deforestation or agriculture intensification.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2019

Unexpected pattern of fish species richness found in the Amazon Basin

A new study reveals an unusual diversity gradient in the Amazon Basin, with higher species richness in the western portion than expected. The research, led by scientists from France and Brazil, analyzed data from 97 subdrainage basins along the main stem of the Amazon and its tributaries.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 28, 2019

NRRI scientist sheds light on complexity of biodiversity loss

A study by NRRI scientist Chris Filstrup found that the evenness of species distribution is a stronger signal of ecosystem function than species richness. This discovery has implications for conservation practices and understanding biodiversity loss impacts, especially in the face of climate change stress.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 5, 2019

The composition of species is changing in ecosystems across the globe

A team of scientists mapped global biodiversity change, revealing greater changes in species composition in marine systems than on land. The study highlights the importance of protecting regions with high biodiversity loss rates and improving monitoring for conservation strategies.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019