Can plant traits help us predict who gets eaten? |

Nicolas D. Zurbuchen, University of Zurich, discusses his article: Intraspecific trait variation responds consistently to global change drivers and mediates herbivory across unrelated plant species Plants may look still, but they live in a busy world. Around them, insects and other invertebrates are feeding, fungi are infecting leaves, and the climate is changing. For plant […]

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Confronting extreme heat, drought and wildfires: How EU-funded research is helping Europe to respond and adapt

This summer, we are facing unprecedented droughts and wildfires leading to casualties and devastation across the continent. While the immediate focus is on responding to the emergencies with firefighting helicopters, electric fans and shallow water vessels, EU-funded research and innovation is also essential for addressing the longer-term challenge of a changing climate. Initiatives such as […]

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Vehicle lighting can reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions – The Applied Ecologist

Every year, vehicle collisions with deer and wild pigs cause billions of dollars in damages and injure thousands of drivers. Most collisions occur at night when the animals are more active and when it is more difficult for drivers to see. Recent research has found that illuminating the front end of the vehicle with a […]

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Creating small clearings helps herbivores keep trees from taking over savannas – The Applied Ecologist

In many parts of the world, grasslands and savannas are being taken over by trees. This change reduces biodiversity and alters how these ecosystems work. We wanted to test a simple, low-cost way to slow this process and help restore open grassy areas. In our study, we created small clearings (“glades”) by cutting trees in […]

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Managing mountain grasslands in a hotter world – The Applied Ecologist

Fire has shaped mountain grasslands for thousands of years and remains essential for keeping them healthy. But as the climate warms, we need to understand how rising temperatures and fire together will affect these ecosystems. In our study, we tested how warming and different fire frequencies interact in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. In […]

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Can AI improve decision-making in applied ecology? Only if we guide it well – The Applied Ecologist

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering our daily lives. As the world begins to rely on it for small decisions, such as choosing which furniture suits our garden décor, scientists are witnessing a much larger shift quietly unfolding. AI is now entering ecology, and more importantly, applied ecology, a field that supports real-time high-stakes decision-making […]

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Weaving knowledge to revive indigenous plants and practices in Mpondoland, South Africa – The Applied Ecologist

In our ‘Field Diaries’ series, The Applied Ecologist is sharing stories from a range of different fieldwork experiences.  About the author Mallika Sardeshpande, She/her Affiliation: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, India During the field work: Institute of Natural Resources, South Africa Ecology interests: Agroecology, Urban ecology, Green infrastructure © Mallika Sardeshpande Overview of […]

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Electric car sales surge as high oil prices drive shift away from fossil fuels

More and more European drivers are buying fully electric cars (also called battery-electric vehicles – BEVs) and benefitting from growing cost savings. This is a welcome change as the road transport sector has been one of the most difficult sectors of our economy to decarbonise.  Soaring oil prices, fuelled by the instability in the Middle East, […]

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