News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Newly discovered fish songs demonstrate reef restoration success

Whoops, croaks, growls, raspberries and foghorns are among the sounds that demonstrate the success of a coral reef restoration project.

Ecological knowledge of local populations more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring

The ecological knowledge of local populations proved to be more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring for animal abundance in the Amazon

Invasive ants can threaten ecosystems by damaging plants at the roots

New study reveals how big-headed ants disrupt photosynthesis and plant growth.

Loss of tree species has cumulative impact on biodiversity

Diseases affecting different UK tree species have shown to have a multiplying effect on the loss of associated biodiversity.

Woodland and hedgerow creation will be crucial to support pollinators in Wales

The largest survey of pollinator abundance in Wales has found that woodland and hedgerow creation can play a crucial role in action to reverse declines in insects.

Helping smooth New Zealand sea lions’ road home

Researchers create a new way of redefining New Zealand sea lions’ habitat. The work will help take the surprise out of coming across sea lions on a forest hike.

A reef in two gears: new patterns of coral recovery discovered

Damaged coral reefs show slower than expected recovery for up to six years before switching to a faster phase of regrowth.

Large wild herbivores reduce the fast biodiversity decline of plants in a tropical forestry hotspot

A 10 year experiment in Brazil's Atlantic Forests finds that areas where large herbivores are present show lower loss of biodiversity than areas they're excluded from.

Honeybees’ waggle dance reveals bees in rural areas travel further for food

By decoding honeybees’ waggle dances, researchers have found that bees in agricultural areas travel further for food than those in urban areas.

An “evolutionary rescue route” towards coexistence of competitive plant species

New research establishes a novel mechanism for the coexistence of competing flowering species.

Unite solutions to climate and biodiversity crises to save life on earth, says ZSL-led study

Landmark research led by ZSL climate and biodiversity experts concludes that both global emergencies must be tackled in unison.

Elephants benefit from having older siblings, especially sisters

A study of semi-captive Asian elephants has found that calves benefit from having older sisters more than older brothers.

Leaving by staying: dispersal decisions of young giraffes

Research finds that when male giraffes reach reproductive age and leave home, a significant proportion disperse by simply switching to a new social community, avoiding the risks of moving far from home.

Researchers calculate the cost of restoring Australia’s degraded ecosystems

Researchers propose a AU$41 billion nationwide plan for habitat restoration to prevent species loss.

Oil palm plantations reshape human hunting

New research shows that oil palm plantations in Borneo are not only affecting ecological landscapes, but also social landscapes.