Lessons from an Australian grazing study

As part of Journal of Applied Ecology’s efforts to discuss how real-world impact can be achieved following research, we’re talking to authors about their studies. In this post, David Eldridge shares insights into conducting a large-scale collaborative study which explores the effects of livestock grazing on conservation in eastern Australia. In late 2015 I was asked to be involved in a study to identify the … Continue reading Lessons from an Australian grazing study

Science communication: A sticky situation

As part of Journal of Applied Ecology’s efforts to discuss how real-world impact can be achieved following research, we’re talking to authors about their studies. In this post, Edward Straw discusses his first experience with sharing research via social media. I think it’s fair to say that my experience publishing my first paper was atypical. Not many papers, let alone first papers, end up glued … Continue reading Science communication: A sticky situation

Collision avoidance: Navigating ships through recovering whale populations

In this blog post, Emily Hague and team discuss their latest research into the importance of careful consideration of collision-mapping approach and data selection when it comes to predicting high-risk vessel collision areas for whales. For conservationists and those that care about nature and our planet, the news can feel incredibly bleak, with daily (deservedly) scary stories of extreme climate change related temperatures, species fighting … Continue reading Collision avoidance: Navigating ships through recovering whale populations

Evaluating songbird vulnerability to offshore wind turbine mortality

Leon Green-Tkacenko and co-authors share insight into their recent study that explores how existing vulnerability indices for seabirds can be applied to migrating songbirds, and potentially other migrating birds, in evaluating vulnerability to offshore wind turbine morality. What is the problem? Climate change is the most pressing threat to biodiversity in the 21st century andaddressing this threat will require substantial changes to how we generate … Continue reading Evaluating songbird vulnerability to offshore wind turbine mortality

Spearfishing-fish behavioural interactions as predator-prey systems to envision better management

Author Valerio Sbragaglia and his colleagues guide us through a recent study which advances the understanding of spearfisher-fish behavioural interaction by integrating ecological indicators (i.e., flight and post flight behaviour of fish) with spearfishers’ likelihood to catch a fish. Through modelling and simulating scenarios, their study sheds light on management implications in exploited fish populations. Exploring spearfishing and fish behaviour If you ask spearfishers, they … Continue reading Spearfishing-fish behavioural interactions as predator-prey systems to envision better management

Tracking koalas – how airborne DNA can help us

In this blog post, Nicola Jackson shares the findings from their latest study looking at how sampling air particles to detect DNA can be useful in monitoring and conserving koalas. Perched high up in a Eucalyptus tree, swaying from side to side, lies a sleepy koala unaware of the means spent each year trying to obtain accurate baseline information about its presence. We have thrown … Continue reading Tracking koalas – how airborne DNA can help us

Tree species richness suppresses red imported fire ant invasion in a subtropical plantation forest

Chengjin Chu and co-authors discuss their latest research which presents a cross-trophic interaction study between the red imported fire ant and plants. The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is one of the most invasive insects in the world. Many pest management methods have been used to control the spread and damage of RIFA, like quarantine measures and powerful pesticides. However, one may wonder: Do more … Continue reading Tree species richness suppresses red imported fire ant invasion in a subtropical plantation forest

Gulls as evil and allies to detect antibiotic resistance in agricultural environments

Víctor Martín and Joan Navarro talk us through how gulls tagged with GPS and tested for pathogens can be used as tools to detect early pathogen circulation and pollution sources in the environment. This is explored further in their new research article. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge, exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. The emergence and spread of … Continue reading Gulls as evil and allies to detect antibiotic resistance in agricultural environments

Combining local ecological knowledge with camera traps: African mammal life-history traits and their occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes

Alice Bernard and co-authors describe how they have jointly used local ecological knowledge and camera trap data. With hindsight, they discuss how involving local people in research projects can enhance conservation efforts in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR), South Africa. The Garden Route National Park (GRNP), in the eponym Biosphere Reserve, is one of the only truly unfenced National Parks in South Africa. The … Continue reading Combining local ecological knowledge with camera traps: African mammal life-history traits and their occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes

Early Career Researcher Reviewer Prize: Journal of Applied Ecology

As part of our celebration of Peer Review Week 2024, Journal of Applied Ecology is reflecting on the launch of the Early Career Researcher Reviewer Prize. How did the idea come about? The act of peer review (academic work being evaluated by others in the same field) is crucial to the research process. It is integral in helping to ensure diligence, determine originality, and improve … Continue reading Early Career Researcher Reviewer Prize: Journal of Applied Ecology