To start 2018, we’ve compiled some of the highlights for our first issue of the year. As well as a Special Feature on Functional traits in agroecology, issue 55:1 includes topics such as conservation, invasives and agricultural landscapes.

Here we take a look at some of the author and Editor comments on articles in this issue:

• Special Feature: Functional traits in agroecology
  Authors from the feature share insights in a series of blog posts
• Editor’s Choice: Integrating local knowledge and ecological research
  How to combat the negative effects of invasive plants? Ask the locals!
• Research, management and local knowledge: an innovative approach to invasive species control
  Senior Editor, Marc Cadotte on this month’s Editor’s Choice
• Poaching problems? More rangers, please…
  On-the-ground conservation
• How did the squirrel glider’s genes cross the road? Wildlife crossing structures are no joke
  Can we reconnect isolated populations?
• If you build it, will it work?
  Associate Editor thoughts on the importance of the above crossing structures work
• Video: Population density – a new method using remote cameras and radio collars
  Monitoring grizzly bears (and some amusing video footage!)
• Landscape structure and human management influence biodiversity value of livestock production systems
  Supporting a growing human population and maintaining biodiversity
• Effective management options for exotic fish species: round goby case studyIn English and Portuguese

Access issue 55:1 of Journal of Applied Ecology for free here and let us know your top article in the comments below.