News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

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.

Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change and Biodiversity Challenges: Call for Expertise

The BES is calling for expertise for nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation.

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

Why the British Ecological Society President mows round the dandelions in her lawn

New BES President Jane Memmott talks about how ecology affects everyone’s lives and how all of us can make a difference.

British Ecological Society launches new journal: <em>Ecological Solutions and Evidence</em>

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.

Parliament and policy-making: the importance of collaborative work between scientists and policy makers.

Climate change unlikely to drive sugar maples north

Sugar maples won’t be heading north anytime soon, despite climate change, according to a new study.

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

2019 Annual Meeting Student Prize Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Student Talk and Student Poster Prizes from our 2019 Annual Meeting.