Documenting decades of change in urban ancient woodlands

Holly Clare Woo shares her team’s experience investigating the impact of urbanisation on ancient woodlands in the UK. Imagine yourself in an ancient woodland: with a dappled canopy of broadleaf trees, some showing signs of historic coppicing, and a carpet of English bluebells, studded with Wood Anemones, Greater Stitchwort, Early Purple orchids, Herb Paris and other rare and specialist woodland species. You are in a … Continue reading Documenting decades of change in urban ancient woodlands

Conspecific vocalisations as a Wryneck conservation tool: if you play it, will they settle? 

Paula Schatte and co-authors share insight from their recent study examining the relative importance of food availability and conspecific vocalisations for breeding habitat selection during both the prospecting and breeding periods of a regionally endangered woodpecker, the Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla).  What is the problem?  The Wryneck suffered a long-term decline in western and northern Europe until the beginning of the 21st century, mainly due … Continue reading Conspecific vocalisations as a Wryneck conservation tool: if you play it, will they settle? 

Research and Elimination of Archipelago Racoon Dogs

Mikko Toivola and co-authors share a summary about their latest study which focuses on the movements of an invasive mesopredator within the Archipelago areas of Finland. The raccoon dog has been known to occur in the archipelago areas of Finland for a long time. However, the role of the species as part of the archipelago ecosystem is largely unknown. How many individuals live in a … Continue reading Research and Elimination of Archipelago Racoon Dogs

Field Diaries: Mariana Silva Ferriera

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, The Applied Ecologist is sharing stories from a range of different fieldwork experiences. Mariana Silva Ferreira shares being involved in the largest long-term monitoring study on small mammals based in Brazil. About the Author Mariana Silva Ferreira, she/her Affiliation: Ecology interests: Population ecology, life histories, mammals Overview of fieldwork For over 10 years, I was part of the team at the Vertebrate … Continue reading Field Diaries: Mariana Silva Ferriera

The impact of downhill skiing on birds

Mattia Brambilla & Francesca Roseo share their experience researching the impact of skiing on biodiversity. Up and down mountains, along with their winged inhabitants For many years, both of us have been passionate skiers. We engaged in ski competitions in our youth and deeply enjoyed downhill skiing, along with the other various outdoor activities in the mountains. But then something changed along the way. Ski … Continue reading The impact of downhill skiing on birds

Field Diaries: From the High-Altitude Cold Dessert Ecosystem – A Place of Subsistence and Resilience

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, we are sharing stories from those out in the field. In this post, Shiwani from Dr. B.R Ambedkar University Delhi shares her experience doing field research in Ladakh, a trans-Himalayan region in India. In this technology-driven era, where vast data can be generated through remote access, the significance of experiential learning is fast-eroding. Yet, as far as Ecology is concerned, it is … Continue reading Field Diaries: From the High-Altitude Cold Dessert Ecosystem – A Place of Subsistence and Resilience

What determines the rarity of large carnivores in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia?

Asfaw et al. investigate the presence of large carnivores in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia and share their experience. Populations of large carnivores have been declining in Ethiopia for many years due to a range of factors including reduced prey populations, pressure from neighbouring human settlements, habitat fragmentation and loss, and low political interest in conservation. Yet large carnivores, including the African wild dog, cheetah, … Continue reading What determines the rarity of large carnivores in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia?

Georgina Mace Prize 2024: Winner Announcement

Ecological Solutions and Evidence is thrilled to announce the winner of our annual Georgina Mace Prize! This award is given to an outstanding article published in the journal by an author at the start of their career. The winner was selected by our Senior Editors who had to choose from our list of highly impressive short-listed authors. Winner: Kristy Ferraro Research: Missing carcasses, lost nutrients: … Continue reading Georgina Mace Prize 2024: Winner Announcement

Nancy Burrell: The inadequacy of current carbon storage assessment methods for rewilding

Shortlisted for the Georgina Mace Prize 2024 Nancy Burrell gives an insight into her team’s study investigating how carbon storage is measured and valued in rewilded landscapes. About the Research Overview Our research dives into a critical blind spot in carbon accounting—how we measure and value carbon storage in rewilded landscapes. While tree planting is often championed as the go-to climate solution, natural regeneration and … Continue reading Nancy Burrell: The inadequacy of current carbon storage assessment methods for rewilding

Sarah Kingsbury: A new tool for setting biodiversity management priorities adapted from aquatic invasive species management

Shortlisted for the Georgina Mace Prize 2024 Sarah Kingsbury shares insights into her team’s study investigating a new integrated management approach to better assess the effects and risks of aquatic invasive species on Atlantic salmon. About the Research Overview Our idea was to develop an integrated management plan to inform aquatic invasive species and Atlantic salmon management in Nova Scotia, Canada. Atlantic salmon is an iconic fish … Continue reading Sarah Kingsbury: A new tool for setting biodiversity management priorities adapted from aquatic invasive species management