If pigs could fly: How can forests regenerate without birds?

Date:

April 30, 2018

Source:

University of Guam

Summary:

Research on ungulates in the limestone forests of northern Guam has yielded surprising results.

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The trunk of a native cycad, Cycas micronesica, arches gracefully over the karst floor of a limestone forest on Guam.

Credit: Lauren Gutierrez

Human activity continues to shape environmental systems around the world creating novel ecosystems that are increasingly prevalent in what some scientists call the Anthropocene (the age of humans). The island of Guam is well known as a textbook case for the devastating effects of invasive species on island ecosystems with the extirpation of most of the forest dwelling birds due to brown tree snake predation. The loss of native birds has resulted in a loss of forest seed dispersers. Recent research conducted by lead author Ann Marie Gawel, based on her University of Guam master's thesis, has found an unlikely forest ally, feral pigs.

Species hitch a ride on birds and the wind to join green roof communities

Date:

April 6, 2018

Source:

University of Portsmouth

Summary:

New research suggests that species that live on green roofs arrived by hitching lifts on birds or by riding air currents.

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This is sedum on the green roof.

Credit: Heather Rumble, University of Portsmouth

Impact of fishing fleets on the most threatened marine birds

Date:

March 5, 2018

Source:

Universidad de Barcelona

Summary:

Accidental by-catch –- which affects around 5,000 birds stuck in longlines every year -- is the most severe effect on marine birds by the fishing activity in the Mediterranean. The exploitation of fishing resources is threatening more and more the future of many marine birds with regression populations, such as Cory’s shearwater or the Balearic shearwater.