Category Archives: Research
The links between international trade and biodiversity loss
If you think of international trade and endangered species you most probably think of illegal trade of products made from wild animals and plants (e.g. ivory, leather, rhino horns). Although illegal trade is undoubtedly a significant threat to biodiversity, international … Continue reading
Tracking DNA to stop illegal fishing
Despite international policy regulations and ‘eco-labelling’, illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing is still thriving worldwide. To tackle this problem a group of international researchers came up with a possible tool based on genetic testing. The results of their research … Continue reading
Where is the water coming from that cause current sea-level rise?
Sea-level rise is a well-studied climate change phenomenon. General explanation is that thermal expansion of water and water from melting ice caps and glaciers are responsible for the rise. Global sea-level rose about 1.8 millimetres every year in the last … Continue reading
Fish might become “fearless” as a result of ocean acidification
The rising level of atmospheric CO2 has led to several studies focussing on changes in terrestrial and water ecosystems that might occur as a consequence. Ocean acidification, which is caused mainly by the increasing amount of CO2 dissolved in sea … Continue reading
Allowing Humanity to Flourish in a Crowded World
The Royal Society yesterday published ‘People and the Planet‘, a report which marks the end of nearly two years of work by a group including both the British Ecological Society’s current President, Professor Georgina Mace FRS and a past-President of … Continue reading
Is the European Commission listening to evidence on the impact of pesticides on bees?
Following the publication last month of new research showing a link between the use of common neonicotinoid insecticides and bee mortality, the European Ombundsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros has launched an investigation into whether the European Commission has taken sufficient account … Continue reading
Food security, biodiversity and ecosystem services are threatened by human induced spreading of fungal infections
A recently published review paper in Nature draws attention to the dangers of globalisation and international trade which facilitate spreading of fungal diseases. The authors collected data from all over the world and showed that fungal infections had increased, caused … Continue reading
New study shows insecticides used on flowering crops have major impacts on bumblebees
The ongoing decline in wild bumblebee populations has caused worldwide concern, with evidence suggesting that the loss of critical pollination services could lead to a decrease in crop yields and the loss of many wildflower species. A number of reasons … Continue reading
Apply now for BES Undergraduate Fellowship Scheme
The British Ecological Society Undergraduate Fellowship Scheme offers the opportunity for current or recent undergraduates to find out more about the careers available in the area of ecology. Under the year-long scheme, Fellows will have the opportunity to attend the … Continue reading
UK Government Thinktank suggests lack of agricultural research is a major cause of food scarcity
Factors including drought, soil erosion, salinity and climate change all contribute to food scarcity, but a report by the UK government’s Foresight thinktank (The Future of Food and Farming: Challenges and choices for global sustainability) suggests another important cause may … Continue reading