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.

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.

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.

Farmers help create ‘Virtual safe space’ to save bumblebees

BEE-STEWARD is a decision-support tool which provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape.

Mountain lions in greater Los Angeles moved less during the covid-19 stay-at-home order

Contrary to popular belief, a new study shows mountain lions used smaller areas and moved shorter distances when human activity was far below normal.

Captive breeding programme essential for vultures’ survival

Supporting a declining population of the Egyptian vulture with captive-reared young birds every year could delay extinction.

Restoring forest biodiversity in the Scottish Highlands

New research looks into the recovery of wildlife following reforestation with native trees in the Scottish Highlands.