News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Frequent fires make droughts harder for young trees, even in wet eastern forests

New research published in Functional Ecology focuses on the combined effects of fire and drought on white oak seedlings.

A mathematical method to understand and explore the niche of species

The new method published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution translates the original ideas of the Anglo-American ecologist G. Evelyn Hutchinson (1903-1991) into simple mathematical terms.

Kelp forests function differently in warming ocean

Kelp forests in the UK awill experience a marked change in ecosystem functioning in response to continued ocean warming.

Exotic pets that grow large and are cheap to purchase are more often released by owners

Large pet reptiles and amphibians that are sold small and cheaply are more likely to be released into the wild.

Greater species diversity boosts meadows’ resistance to parasitic invaders

Grasslands enjoying a wider biodiversity have more resilience against parasitic plants.

Model way to protect trees

Oak processionary moth and ash dieback are among the most notorious tree pests and diseases introduced into the UK.

Tropical birds benefit from more forest by rivers in oil palm areas

Protected riverbank habitats within areas of oil palm cultivation can play a key role in reducing the negative impacts on tropical bird numbers.

Scientists find fish body holds the key to make fishery management cheaper, easier

Study analyzes fishery-monitoring methods to address challenges of managing small-scale fisheries.

Green sea turtle digging its own watery grave due to invasion of non-native seagrass

Research into how these large grazers influence the expansion of exotic plant species in aquatic systems.

Research shows pesticides influence bee learning and memory

Drawing on data from a large number of studies in which bees that had been exposed to pesticides.

TV coverage of cycling races can help document the effects of climate change

Trees in Belgium have advanced the timing of leafing and flowering in response to recent temperature changes.

Climate change linked to potential population decline in bees

Two-year field experiment focused on how mason bees in the southwestern United States will respond to a warmer future climate.

The power of purple - male birds use gaudy colours to warn and defeat rivals

A new study on the role of the nuptial plumage in competitive interactions among male purple-crowned fairy-wrens.

New research provides 'oases' of hope for the future of coral reefs

A new framework for identifying specific coral reefs, “oases,” in the world’s oceans where corals appear to be thriving.

Rising sea temperatures threaten survival of juvenile albatross

As our oceans are projected to warm, fewer juvenile albatrosses will manage to survive and populations are expected to decline at a faster rate.