News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Maps of chemicals in marine life could be the passport to protecting UK waters

Maps of chemicals found in jellyfish which could offer a new tool for the protection of British waters and fisheries.

New research is using drones to tackle climate change

Using light-weight unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), ecologists were able to capture aerial images of the trees which enabled her to accurately see the extent of the liana infestation.

New study on grassland-bird nest survival published in the Journal of Applied Ecology

Tractor-based management, such as light-strip disking, and establishing native-grass practices on private grasslands, can improve nest survival of multiple grassland bird species and communities.

Roaming cats prey on their owners' minds

Owners often dislike their feline companions’ compulsion to catch wildlife but feel unable, or unwilling, to control it.

Hen harriers and red grouse: Finding common ground in a persistent conflict

Conflicting management views between hen harrier conservationists and red grouse shooting organisations in England.

When ‘aliens’ attack Antarctica: Terrestrial ecosystems are vulnerable to single introduced insect species

An invasive midge species could alter terrestrial ecosystems in Antarctica.

Hurricane Maria gave ecologists rare chance to study how tropical dry forests recover from extreme weather events

After Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rican trees adjusted key characteristics of newly grown leaves.

Warmer winters threaten UK blackcurrant farming

New research presented at the BES annual meeting suggests milder winters may cause UK blackcurrant crops to flower later in the year and produce less fruit.

Drones can detect protected nightjar nests

Ecologists from Cardiff University recently conducted a pilot study at a conifer plantation in South Wales to test the suitability of drones to detect nightjar nest sites.

Avoiding loaded terminology in ecology

A recent paper in Journal of Ecology has been retitled “Sexual selection sustains biodiversity via producing negative density-dependent population growth”.

More “heatwave” summers will affect animals

Overheated birds have smaller offspring with lower chances of survival.

Capturing Ecology – Winning images of British Ecological Society competition announced

Capturing flora and fauna from across the planet, subjects range from African wild dog research to an artistic take on Galapagos iguanas to images exploring the relationships between people and nature.

Monitoring urban biodiversity with machine learning

A new algorithm monitoring biodiversity in urban environments could improve our understanding of how cities can best support plant and animal life.

"Does a natural capital approach deliver for biodiversity conservation?"

Discussing the pros and cons of a natural capital approach at the BES-SPG Pie and a Pint event

Landscapes full of maize harm bumblebee colonies

Göttingen scientists analyse growth and foraging behaviour of insects.