"A study published in the journal Science reveals that an area the size of France is under threat by forest restoration initiatives due to inappropriate restoration in the form of tree-planting."
"They warn that planting trees in these grassy areas [..] could be a risk to wildlife such as rhinos and wildebeest, as well as people who depend on these #ecosystems."
#Spiders spin webs to catch prey. They’re also trapping a wealth of genetic information
#DNA captured by #spiderwebs may be a hidden resource that scientists can use to track endangered animals and monitor #ecosystems, according to new research.
By Katie Hunt, CNN
Published Feb 6, 2024
"Spiders spin silken webs to capture flies and other tiny prey. They’re also trapping a wealth of DNA from the surrounding environment, a hidden resource that Australian scientists said could be used to track endangered animals and monitor ecosystems.
"Spiderwebs collected from two locations around Western Australia’s Perth — Perth Zoo and the Karakamia woodland sanctuary — revealed the genetic signature of 93 animals, including native kangaroos and koalas and captive elephants and zebras, according to a study published last week in the journal iScience.
"Spiderwebs might be a useful way to keep an eye on what animals are around us, according to study coauthor Joshua Newton, a doctoral student at Curtin University’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences near Perth.
"'These webs, often overlooked in biodiversity studies, proved to be reservoirs of genetic information,' Newton said in a press release.
"'With only trace amounts of DNA needed to identify animals, this cheap and non-invasive method could be a game-changer in how we explore and protect our terrestrial #biodiversity.'"
Water scarcity could affect three billion more people than previously expected by mid-century, with increased pollution rendering river sources "unsafe" for humans and wildlife, researchers warned Tuesday."
SAVE THE WAVES STATEMENT ON THE 2024 OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT AT TEAHUPO'O
The surf #ecosystem of Teahupo’o must be protected.
#SaveTheWaves stands with the local community members of #Teahupoo and the Vai ara o Teahupo’o Assocation’s position against the #OlympicCommittee ’s proposed aluminum judges tower. Teahupo’o’s fragile surf ecosystem is made up of live #reefs, a #lagoon, and a freshwater stream.
All of these elements combine to create the world-class waves at Teahupo’o. We’re calling on the Olympic Committee to consider alternatives to the current plan in order to avoid irrevocable #damage to one of the most beautiful surf #ecosystems on earth.
"Nature's complexity is its strength. This bio-complexity sustains our planet & can also be our ally in stabilizing the climate. We must allow ecosystems to recover & thrive. #Biodiversity is not a luxury but a necessity for the stability of people, nature, & #climate. It is the interconnected web of life that maintains the balance & resilience of our #ecosystems.
#Forests are not just collections of trees, but intricate networks of life, with each species playing a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. By focusing on native forest restoration, we re-establish these natural habitats, offering a sanctuary for myriad species.