Field Diaries: A regenerative agriculture model rooted in Goan tradition

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, The Applied Ecologist is sharing stories from a range of different fieldwork experiences. In this first-person pictorial account, Apeksha Khedekar explores their time spent researching the sustainability of homestead farming among tribal populations in Goa. About the author I was a master’s student in environmental science with a specialisation in ecological sciences at the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development … Continue reading Field Diaries: A regenerative agriculture model rooted in Goan tradition

Exploring Regeneration Projects in South Wales: A Case Study

Field reflections written by Zac, Jack, Chris, Josh and Finn, students attending the University of Surrey’s BSc in Environment and Sustainability degree programme. What have you been working on? Since the 1980s, the valleys have been widely impacted by the coal mine closures, impacting not only local communities but also the surrounding wildlife. Cwmtillery, a village in South Wales, is a good example of this. … Continue reading Exploring Regeneration Projects in South Wales: A Case Study

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

Fire season and drought influence fire effects on invasive grasses

In this Q&A, we discussed with author Charlotte Reemts the background behind her team’s recently published meta-analysis focused on invasive bluestems. Why study this group of grasses? Warm-season grasses from these two genera (Bothriochloa and Dichanthium) are interesting because they are important species in their native ranges but have also been introduced into other grasslands around the world. In many grasslands around the world, you … Continue reading Fire season and drought influence fire effects on invasive grasses

The potential of second-growth forests for bird diversity in a small holder landscape

Mareike Kortmann and co-authors share a summary about their latest study which focusses on the ability of sample coverage to impact diversity measures of bird communities in tropical lowland forests. Tropical old-growth forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, leading to concerning biodiversity loss. But amidst this global decline, some forest areas are also recovering. Second-growth forests—those that regenerate after agricultural use—may offer valuable contributions … Continue reading The potential of second-growth forests for bird diversity in a small holder landscape

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

Field Diaries: Protecting the peatlands of the central Congo Basin

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, The Applied Ecologist is sharing stories from a range of different fieldwork experiences. In this post, Cassandra Dummett shares her story researching options to protect the peatlands of the central Congo Basin. Tell us about yourself I am Cassandra Dummett, and I work at University College London as a Development Specialist. What project are you currently working on that you … Continue reading Field Diaries: Protecting the peatlands of the central Congo Basin

Field Diaries: Space4Nature project

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, The Applied Ecologist is sharing stories from a range of different fieldwork experiences. In this post, Daniel Banks shares their story collecting citizen science data as part of the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Space4Nature project. Tell us about yourself My name is Daniel Banks and I work at the Surey Wildlife Trust as the Citizen Science Officer. What project are you … Continue reading Field Diaries: Space4Nature project

Field Diaries: Tracking Agricultural Impact on Iran’s Wetlands with Remote Sensing

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, The Applied Ecologist is sharing stories from a range of different fieldwork experiences. In this post, Mohammad Javad Soltani shares their story visiting wetlands in Iran and studying them with remote sensing. Overview of fieldwork project I am a M.Sc. student in the ‘Remote Sensing for Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation (RSEEC)’ lab at the K. N. Toosi University of Technology, … Continue reading Field Diaries: Tracking Agricultural Impact on Iran’s Wetlands with Remote Sensing

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?