Biodiversity

HIF Global is giving its massive $6 billion green hydrogen and synthetic fuels project in Paysandú, Uruguay a thoughtful redesign.…

A new policy brief, produced as part of the LAMASUS project, highlights that strategic agricultural de-intensification in the EU could help reduce agricultural carbon emissions by nearly a third and considerably improve biodiversity recovery.

ST. PAUL, Minn. —Minnesota’s forests are home to a wide variety of trees, plants, and wildlife. A healthy mix of species helps forests withstand stress, which is essential as they face the impacts of climate change. But biodiversity isn’t just about what’s growing in the forest, but also how it’s growing. Forests with a wide […] The post Building Biodiversity in Your Forest: Forest Structure appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A study published in People and Nature finds that both sight and sound influence perception of biodiversity, and participants were slightly more accurate when assessing forest biodiversity through sound alone than through sight alone.

A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the complex interplay between biodiversity and human well-being in European villages, revealing nuanced trade-offs and synergies shaped by landscape context and urban proximity. Despite their long-standing presence as human settlements, villages have been largely overlooked in ecological and socio-economic research compared to forests, urban centers, and agricultural […]

Villages, often separated from larger towns and cities, consist of clusters of households and a few public buildings. Despite their long history, the biodiversity of European villages has been understudied compared to urban areas, forests, grasslands, or agricultural fields.

Agricultural intensification has long been recognized as a double-edged sword in the context of food security and environmental sustainability. By increasing crop yields per hectare through the amplified use of fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanization, it has undeniably bolstered global food production. However, this intensification process has simultaneously precipitated alarming declines in biodiversity across agroecosystems, particularly […]

A nickel stockpile towers over farmer Moharen Tambiling's rice paddy in the Philippines' Palawan, evidence of a mining boom that locals hope a new moratorium will tame.

Farming methods that support nature improve both biodiversity and crop yields, but more extensive measures may require increased government subsidies to become as profitable as conventional intensive agriculture. That is the finding of the first comprehensive on‐farm trials of their kind in the UK, which were led by the UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and Rothamsted Research.

A groundbreaking four-year investigation into agroecological farming has revealed that nature-friendly agricultural practices boost both biodiversity and crop yields, yet may require governmental subsidies to be economically viable compared to conventional intensive farming. Spearheaded by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) in collaboration with Rothamsted Research, this extensive study represents the first comprehensive […]

The oceans—engines of life on Earth and our single greatest climate regulator—are caught in a catch 22. We urgently need to decarbonize our economy, which means rolling out renewable energy on a massive scale, including offshore sources such as fixed and floating wind farms. However, we also have to protect the seas—the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has called for protecting at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.

A new study published in the journal Soil Ecology Letters, shows the importance of old termite mounds as habitats for a wide range of insects and other invertebrates in the Bornean tropical rainforest. The research team includes Dr. Tom M. Fayle of Queen Mary University of London, Dr. Kalsum M. Yusah of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Dr. Jiri Tuma of the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic,

Despite decades of ocean exploration, humans still lack basic answers to one of the most fundamental ecological questions: where is marine life found, and why?

Despite more than a century of oceanographic study and exploration, the vastness of the ocean continues to conceal fundamental mysteries about where marine life dwells and the ecological forces shaping its distribution. A groundbreaking new study published in Communications Earth & Environment sheds light on just how fragmentary and uneven our knowledge of global marine biodiversity truly […]

New research shows that the climate conditions dragonfly nymphs experience underwater have a stronger influence on adult trait diversity than the conditions they face later on land. A new study has found that the effects of climate change on an animal’s traits can begin much earlier in life than scientists previously believed—a finding that could [...]

In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, artificial nighttime lighting has become an omnipresent feature of city landscapes, illuminating streets, parks, and buildings. Yet, beneath this apparent boon lies a complex ecological and social dilemma: how to balance the needs of urban biodiversity with human demands for safety, comfort, and accessibility after dark. A groundbreaking new study […]

Designating areas as protected spaces for wildlife is a common strategy for preserving biodiversity, but heavy human development around those areas may largely counteract the benefit of those protections.

In recent decades, the intensification of agriculture has been a double-edged sword. While advances in farming techniques since the 1940s have dramatically increased crop yields and livestock production, the environmental cost has been profound. Intensive farming practices have led to significant biodiversity losses, jeopardizing the very ecosystem functions that sustain agricultural productivity over time. A […]

Setting aside at least 20% of agricultural landscapes for rewilding and adopting wildlife friendly practices on remaining farmland could reverse biodiversity declines while maintaining food production. That is according to scientists who have put forward a blueprint for integrating nature recovery and farming.

University of Queensland research has shown unpredictable environmental events help maintain plant, animal and microbial populations, challenging the belief that stability is the key to survival.

Scientists warn that the future of our oceans and climate goals depends on reconnecting the ecological threads that hold coastal habitats together.

Japan's declining population in agricultural regions could be having a damaging impact on biodiversity—a trend that could spread through East Asia and Europe as global fertility rates fall—according to an international study.

Traditional Amazonian communities, renowned for their rich cultural heritage and deep ecological knowledge, are poised to collaborate with scientists in an ambitious initiative to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for biodiversity monitoring in the Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Researchers from the University of Leicester’s School of Geography, Geology and the […]

About 66 million years ago—perhaps on a downright unlucky day in May—an asteroid smashed into our planet.

Iran is recognized for its numerous and diverse wetlands, where 141 ecosystems spanning over 3 million hectares have been identified with ecological value.

Just a few meters beneath the clear, blue waters of Okinawa, reef-building corals known as Scleractinia have quietly lived for centuries. Slowly, layer by layer, they have constructed intricate, rigid structures made of calcium carbonate to form the vibrant coral reefs of today.

Wheat production is threatened by a major fungal disease: yellow rust. Researchers at the University of Zurich have found traditional wheat varieties from Asia that harbor several resistance-conferring genes. They may serve as a durable source of yellow rust resistance in commercial varieties in the future, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity for food security.

To satisfy the seafood needs of billions of people, offering them access to a more biodiverse array of fish creates opportunities to mix-and-match species to obtain better nutrition from smaller portions of fish.

ITHACA, N.Y. — To satisfy the seafood needs of billions of people, offering them access to a more biodiverse array of fish creates opportunities to mix-and-match species to obtain better nutrition from smaller portions of fish. The right combination of certain species can provide up to 60% more nutrients than if someone ate the same […] The post Biodiversity Allows for Sustainable Fisheries, Better Nutrition appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

In an era where urbanization accelerates at an unprecedented pace, the integration of biodiversity into city landscapes emerges not only as an environmental imperative but also as a fundamental pillar for sustainable urban development. The recent study published in npj Urban Sustainability underscores the urgent necessity for countries within the European Union to establish ambitious […]

The largest biodiversity time-series database on the planet—created by the University of St Andrews—has had a major new release. The BioTIME database offers unprecedented insight into how biodiversity is changing through time across the globe, spanning nearly 150 years of ecological records from 1874—2023.

Protecting trees might not seem like a public health strategy, but new research suggests it could be—especially in the tropics.

Researchers conducted a systematic review of 99 scientific publications that compared the flora or fauna of old-growth forests, managed forests and clearcut sites in boreal Europe. The reviewed studies showed large differences in the species communities inhabiting these forest types. The species richness of full-canopy forests increases as the forest gets older. Clearcut sites are also species-rich, but they are inhabited by a distinct set of species in comparison to full-canopy forests.

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland conducted a systematic review of 99 scientific publications that compared the flora or fauna of old-growth forests, managed forests and clearcut sites in boreal Europe. The reviewed studies showed large differences in the species communities inhabiting these forest types. The research is published in the journal Biological Conservation.

A study involving more than 100 scientists has revealed how Australia's plants and animals responded to the devastating 2019–20 megafires, and the findings could change how we manage bushfire risk.

In recent years, the concept of "rewilding" has risen to prominence in the conservation community, but to date, most efforts have been concentrated on large protected areas far from cities—and consequently, far from urban areas suffering pronounced biodiversity losses.

In the realm of global biodiversity conservation, a fresh paradigm is emerging that challenges long-held conventions about where and how restoration should occur. Traditionally, conservation efforts have concentrated on expansive, remote protected areas, distant from the urban sprawl that now houses the majority of humanity. However, a transformative approach known as “urban rewilding” is gaining […]

Nature is fundamental to human life and well-being: it enables food production, regulates the climate, maintains the water and carbon cycles, and directly contributes to health. More than half of the global economy depends, to a greater or lesser extent, on the services provided by nature. However, human actions are causing an accelerated and widespread deterioration of the planet and all life forms that inhabit it.

Diverse natural communities are more stable over time. Continue reading Biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability and helps safeguard natural communities on Tech Explorist.

Two important concepts in evolutionary biology, mutualism and altruism, were first made famous by the colorful anarchist prince Peter Kropotkin. He argued that cooperation could be an equally powerful driver of evolution as competition.

In the forbidding expanse of East Antarctica, where frigid winds and nutrient-poor soils dominate the landscape, a groundbreaking study overturns long-held assumptions about microbial life’s resilience and diversity. Recent research conducted in the Larsemann Hills, a particularly austere region in continental Antarctica, unveils a surprisingly complex and abundant microbial ecosystem thriving on weathered glacial debris. […]

In the shadowy depths of Bermuda’s intricate limestone cave network, scientists have unveiled a remarkable discovery that enriches our understanding of subterranean marine biodiversity. An international team of researchers from the University of Cambridge, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, and the Senckenberg am Meer German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research have identified a previously […]

Bermuda's Walsingham cave system harbors a wide diversity of cave-dwelling animals not found anywhere else in the world. Now, one more joins their ranks as researchers at the University of Cambridge, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Senckenberg am Meer German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research report the discovery of a new copepod species.

Located about 600 kilometers off the coast of West Africa, the Cape Verde Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot in the middle of the open Atlantic. Despite the generally oligotrophic environment, the waters around the islands are teeming with whales, dolphins, and large schools of fish.

As the planet continues to warm at an unprecedented rate, the urgent need to accurately predict ecological changes and patterns in biodiversity becomes increasingly critical. A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Rice University emphasizes a largely overlooked factor in ecological forecasting: the sex-specific responses of dioecious plants to climate change. Published recently in the […]

As global warming alters ecosystems, the need to predict the reorganization of Earth's biodiversity has become urgent. New research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that neglecting the ecological differences between male and female plants can lead to inaccurate biodiversity forecasts.

Worldwide, coastal areas are squeezed between a rising sea level on one end and human structures on the other. The distance between a sandy coastline and the first human structures averages less than 400 meters around the world. And the narrower a coastline is, the lower its biodiversity as well. That is shown by the thesis that coastal ecologist Eva Lansu will defend at the University of Groningen on May 20.

ROME — At the age of 57, Eventir Cal owes his continued livelihood to the unlikeliest of allies: bees. For many years, Eventir has cultivated a mix of crops to feed his family of nine. Whether maize, beans, squash or vegetables, he spent most of his life using the practice of intercropping as part of […] The post Bees for Biodiversity in Belize appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The key to understanding how climate change affects local biodiversity might lie with the young, scientists have recently discovered.

A study has shown scientific knowledge on the conservation of endangered species is often overlooked when not presented in English.

A University of Queensland study has shown scientific knowledge on the conservation of endangered species is often overlooked when not presented in English. The research is published in Conservation Biology.

The Horizon 2020-funded SHOWCASE project has recently unveiled a significant advancement in promoting biodiversity integration within European agriculture through the publication of four in-depth practice abstracts on the EU CAP Network platform. This development marks an important stride in disseminating actionable knowledge designed to support farmers in incorporating biodiversity-friendly measures within their farming systems while […]

Shrub fringes on the edges of forests and fields protect animal species and have a positive effect on biodiversity, reports a research team from the University of Würzburg.

The retreat of the planet's glaciers is one of the most visible and dramatic indicators of the far-reaching impact of climate change on the world's ecosystems.

Pink salmon, Purple Asian clams, marine invertebrates that form spaghetti-like colonies and a nematode worm that causes extensive deaths of trees are among the new entries in experts' watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten Great Britain in the next 10 years. The latest version of the watchlist again includes known problem species such as the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet, raccoon and twoleaf watermilfoil.

Pink salmon, purple Asian clams, marine invertebrates that form spaghetti-like colonies and a nematode worm that causes extensive deaths of trees are among the new entries in an experts' watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten Great Britain in the next 10 years.

In a remarkable study that brings new insights into the interplay between floral traits and pollinator behavior, researchers at the John Innes Centre have revisited a puzzling case of biodiversity involving red Mimulus species, commonly known as monkeyflowers. Nestled in a western region of the United States, populations of Mimulus cardinalis and Mimulus verbenaceus exhibit […]

Two recent studies published in Biological Conservation and Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, led by researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) and the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlight the profound impacts of hydropower on biodiversity in river channels and at the land-water surface.

A new study suggests the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly analyze vast amounts of biodiversity data could revolutionize conservation efforts by enabling scientists and policymakers to make better-informed decisions.

Passive acoustic monitoring of biodiversity involves capturing the sounds of animals emitted intentionally or unintentionally in a wide variety of ecosystems, using acoustic recorders. It is used to monitor cetaceans, numerous insects and crustaceans, bats and birds, frogs, as well as a large number of fish and other mammals, in order to understand their behavior, distribution and activities.

Some years ago, scientists examining wild plants in a western corner of the United States encountered a curiously colorful example of biodiversity.

Could farmers get money for protecting birds or plants? That's the hope of the European Union, which is seeking to monetize biodiversity by creating a market for "nature credits".

The intensification of existing farmland can sometimes be more harmful to local biodiversity than expanding the area covered by agricultural land, finds a new study.

The number of species does not increase evenly when going from local ecosystems to continental scales -- a phenomenon ecologists have recognized for decades. Now, an international team of scientists has developed a new theory to explain the three distinct phases typical of species distributions across scales. The theory may be crucial for estimating how many species are lost when habitats are destroyed.

The intensification of existing farmland can sometimes be more harmful to local biodiversity than expanding the area covered by agricultural land, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.

Nature is the foremost international weekly scientific journal in the world and is the flagship journal for Nature Portfolio. It publishes the finest peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions. Nature publishes landmark papers, award winning news, leading comment and expert opinion on important, topical scientific news and events that enable readers to share the latest discoveries in science and evolve the discussion amongst the global scientific community.

A groundbreaking new study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) dissects the long-standing debate surrounding agricultural expansion and intensification, revealing that the ecological impact on biodiversity is far more intricate than previously believed. Contrary to the prevailing assumption that intensifying production on existing farmland is uniformly less harmful than converting natural habitats into […]

The number of species does not increase evenly when going from local ecosystems to continental scales—a phenomenon ecologists have recognized for decades. Now, an international team of scientists, including researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), has developed a new theory to explain the three distinct phases typical of species distributions across scales.

Rapid climate change is upending plant life in the Arctic. A new study in Nature shows how one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth is changing as warming is up to four times faster in the Arctic than on Earth on average. Scientists around the world have been studying the biological changes in more than 2,000 experimental plots in the northern polar region for 40 years.

Although many conservationists believe biodiversity is intrinsically valuable, the protection of biodiversity has also been argued for on the basis that diversity makes ecosystems healthier and more stable. But are highly diverse ecosystems more stable and productive than ecosystems with low diversity?

The latest update on the state of New Zealand's environment paints a concerning outlook for marine environments, especially amid the increasing push to use the marine estate for economic gain.

Canada's biodiversity is in decline. Globally, climate change, urbanization, overexploitation of resources and habitat loss are combining to drive biodiversity loss across all ecosystems.

As Europe grapples with the accelerating impacts of climate change on its native forests, a seemingly promising solution has emerged in the form of the North American Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Renowned for its rapid growth and adaptability, the Douglas-fir is increasingly being considered as a climate-resilient alternative to the continent’s traditional tree species. However, the […]

Diverse, natural landscapes cost less to maintain and provide a wide array of unexpected financial, social and cultural benefits.

Ecologists are investigating the decline of insect populations in the world's tropical forests. Insects, the most abundant and diverse group of animals on Earth, are experiencing alarming declines, prompting this research effort.

The European Union's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems, but what does this mean for Europe's wood supply? In a new study, researchers examine how different modes of implementing the strategy's conservation targets could influence forestry and the wood-based bioeconomy in the EU.

Drastic declines in biodiversity due to human activities present risks to understanding animal behaviors such as tool use, according to new research. Shrinking animal populations make the study of these behaviors increasingly difficult, underscoring the urgency of targeted conservation efforts and inclusive conservation strategies. Action is needed not only for research, but also to respect our shared cultural heritage with animal species.

In a world increasingly shaped by human activities, the rapid deterioration of our natural environment poses a significant challenge to biodiversity. Research conducted by scientists from the University of Victoria and the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology reveals that this decline transcends mere numbers; it undermines our understanding of animal behavior, particularly in […]

Insects dominate animal species diversity yet face many threats from anthropogenic drivers of change. Many features of insect ecology make them a challenging group, and the fragmented state of knowledge compromises our ability to make general statements ...

Our environment is changing rapidly, largely as a result of human activities, leading to a significant decline in biodiversity. According to researchers from the University of Victoria and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, this decline does not only affect animal life, but also our understanding of their behavior, including tool use.

A predictive model suggests that seabirds and marine mammals forage in the same areas where wind potential is most significant and that their populations may be at risk if wind farms are built there.

Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) maintain the balance of pond ecosystems. They feed on other aquatic organisms, such as mosquito larvae, and form part of the diet of larger animals, including fish, amphibians, and birds. Having such a crucial role in the food chain of ponds, they are a good indicator of biodiversity.

IRVING, TX – Agroforestry involves growing trees alongside crops or livestock to create a more diverse and resilient farm. It’s a practical, proven way to boost your land’s productivity while solving challenges like poor soil, water runoff and extreme weather. Mixing trees into your operation brings in more plant and animal life, which naturally improves […] The post What Role Does Agroforestry Play in Enhancing Biodiversity on Farms? appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A recent study published in the journal Nature has brought to light the alarming extent of the negative effects that human activities have on the biodiversity of ecosystems situated hundreds of kilometers away from human development. Led by a research collaboration from the University of Tartu, this extensive research quantified the health of ecosystems across […]

Scientists should experiment with creative ways of communicating their work to inspire action to protect the natural world, researchers say.

The Burren region of County Clare, Ireland, is famous for its distinctive limestone habitat, coastal landscape, rich wildlife and unusual archaeology. Several hundred farmers also manage livestock on this land.

In a review published in the journal Oxford Open Climate Change, top scientists issued an urgent warning that fossil fuels and the fossil fuel industry are driving interlinked crises that threaten people, wildlife, and a livable future.

Subalpine and boreal moorlands are ecosystems that contribute to climate stability by reducing excess carbon as well as acting to help regulate the climate—both invaluable properties in a time of advancing climate change. Therefore, understanding how to maintain these communities in their natural state is imperative. However, the underlying mechanisms of community stability and how factors such as biodiversity within these communities affect their long-term stability is still not well understood.

Stanford scientists found that dramatic climate changes after the Great Dying enabled a few marine species to spread globally, leading to worldwide biological sameness. Scientists don’t call it the “Great Dying” for nothing. Around 252 million years ago, more than 80% of all marine species disappeared during the end-Permian mass extinction—the most extreme event of [...]

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has enabled a simple, easy-to-use service for creating and downloading species occurrence cubes based on GBIF-mediated data. The service enables users to select their geographic, temporal and taxonomic dimensions of interest to generate customized reports summarizing occurrences in a format suitable for use in biodiversity models and indicators. Its implementation is part of the work of the Horizon Europe project B-Cubed (Biodiversity Building Blocks for Policy).

Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. This is one of the largest studies ever conducted on this topic.

Biodiversity is in dire peril as human activities exert unprecedented pressures on ecosystems around the globe. A recent study conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the University of Zurich highlights the catastrophic consequences of human intervention on species diversity. This expansive research, which has been published in the […]

Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. These are the findings of a study by Eawag and the University of Zurich published in Nature. It is one of the largest studies ever conducted on this topic.

A new study co-authored by researchers at Indiana University sheds light on how the forces that shape mountain ranges also influence the evolution of species. In the study, "Direct effects of mountain uplift and topography on biodiversity," published in Science, researchers found that biodiversity increases as mountains rise, suggesting that geological processes play a direct role in the shaping of life on Earth.

The study—led by Brad Martin, a Flinders University Ph.D. candidate, with colleagues from Flinders' College of Science and Engineering—assessed the effects of introduced, reef-forming Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas), within a temperate Australian mangrove-dominated estuary (the Port River-Barker Inlet Estuary) and how they influenced both intertidal fish and invertebrate communities, and fish foraging behavior.

While both species richness and ecosystem stability increase with area, how these scaling patterns are linked remains unclear. Our theoretical and empirical analyses of plant and fish communities show that the spatial scaling of ecosystem stability is ...

A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction.

Conservation Efforts Yield Hope Amid Global Biodiversity Crisis The world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, with alarming statistics highlighting the plight of numerous species. A staggering 28% of over 160,000 assessed species are at risk of extinction, primarily due to human activities that disrupt ecosystems and habitats. However, a monumental study of over 67,000 […]