News and Opinion

Orb-weaver spiders’ yellow and black pattern helps them lure prey

Being inconspicuous might seem the best strategy for spiders to catch potential prey in their webs, but many orb-web spiders, which hunt in this way, are brightly coloured. New research finds their distinct yellow and black pattern is actually essential in luring prey.

New study: are teen seabirds safe?

Seabirds have an exploratory adolescent phase, often looking for food in ocean areas quite different to breeding adults. A new collaborative BirdLife study warns that current seabird protection measures should not neglect such crucial stages of seabird development.

Feeding bluebirds helps fend off parasites

If you feed the birds in your backyard, you may be doing more than just making sure they have a source of food: you may be helping baby birds give parasites the boot

British Ecological Society launches new journal: Ecological Solutions and Evidence

The British Ecological Society (BES), in partnership with its publisher John Wiley & Sons, is delighted to announce the launch of a new international journal.

Energy-saving modernisation of villages may reduce farmland bird numbers

New research suggests declines of farmland bird numbers in Europe are linked to renovations of farm and homesteads that make them more energy efficient but leave fewer nesting sites.

Closer scientific collaboration needed to save orangutan, say leading experts

Scientists studying animal and human populations in Borneo must work together more closely if they’re to save the orangutan, according to leading conservation and social science researchers .

Global study finds predators are most likely to be lost when habitats are converted for human use

A first of its kind, global study on the impacts of human land-use on different groups of animals has found that predators, especially small invertebrates like spiders and ladybirds, are the most likely to be lost when natural habitats are converted to agricultural land or towns and cities.

The temporal dimension of the ‘alien attack’ in plant-pollinator communities

A new study shows for the first time that both alien plants and alien pollinators influence the organisation of ecological networks over time; yet the causes and consequences for the local communities are widely dependent on the trophic level of the invasion.

First come, first bred

Arriving early in the breeding area is crucial for successful reproduction in non-migratory birds.

Fish species benefit from marine protection to varying extents – common and exploited species profit most

Marine protected areas in the Mediterranean Sea are home to more fish species, with the greatest gains found among species most sensitive to exploitation

Mowing urban lawns less intensely increases biodiversity, saves money and reduces pests

Researchers from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres have found that reducing the intensity of lawn mowing in urban spaces leads to increased biodiversity, economic savings and reduced presence of allergy-triggering weeds.

CSUN study demonstrates marine protected areas are most effective in overfished areas