Global Change Biology

We are losing tetrapod species at a faster rate than we are rediscovering them

Retrieved on:

星期三, 一月 17, 2024

Our research, published today in the journal Global Change Biology, attempts to pin down why certain tetrapod species are rediscovered but others not.

Key Points:

Our research, published today in the journal Global Change Biology, attempts to pin down why certain tetrapod species are rediscovered but others not.
It also reveals that the number of lost tetrapod species is increasing decade-on-decade.
This means that despite many searches, we are losing tetrapod species at a faster rate than we are rediscovering them.

Rediscoveries lead to conservation action

Thus, rediscoveries are important: they provide evidence of the continued existence of highly threatened species, prompting funding for conservation action.
The results or our study may help to prioritise searches for lost species.
In the image below, we mapped their global distribution, identifying regions with many lost and few rediscovered species.

What factors influence rediscovery?

Are there specific factors that influence rediscovery?
We then proposed three broad hypotheses about factors that might influence rediscovery: characteristics of (i) tetrapod species, and (ii) the environment influence rediscovery, and (iii) human activities influence rediscovery.
For example, body mass (a species characteristic) may positively influence rediscovery, as larger lost species should be easier to find.
Based on these hypotheses, we collected data on a series of variables associated with each lost and rediscovered species (for example, their body mass), which we then analysed for their influence on rediscovery.

Hard to find + neglected = rediscovered

In fact, since the completion of our study, De Winton’s Golden Mole (Cryptochloris wintoni) has been rediscovered in South Africa.
Our results also suggest some species are neglected by conservation scientists, particularly those that are not considered to be charismatic, such as reptiles, small species and rodents.
Voeltzkow’s chameleon (Furcifer voeltzkowi), a small reptile species, was rediscovered in Madagascar in 2018.

Lost or extinct?

For example, remaining lost mammal species are, on average, three times larger than rediscovered mammal species.
Furthermore, one third of remaining lost mammal species are endemic to islands, where tetrapod species are particularly vulnerable to extinction.
Perhaps the limited resources available for biodiversity conservation would be better used to search for lost species likely to still exist.

Thomas Evans received funding from The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Eion Delivers First Enhanced Rock Weathering Carbon Removal to Stripe

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星期四, 十一月 16, 2023

Eion , a carbon removal company turning the proven science of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) into a scalable climate solution, today announced it completed partial delivery of a carbon removal purchase from Stripe.

Key Points:

Eion , a carbon removal company turning the proven science of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) into a scalable climate solution, today announced it completed partial delivery of a carbon removal purchase from Stripe.
"Eion's delivery underscores the opportunity for enhanced rock weathering to become a scalable solution for permanent carbon removal," said Joanna Klitzke, Procurement and Ecosystem Strategy Lead at Stripe Climate.
The research, representing one of the longest-running trials on enhanced rock weathering, shows the opportunity for ERW to be a powerful carbon removal solution.
“Abundant mineral supply is critical for enhanced rock weathering to have a meaningful impact on carbon removal,” Chang continued.

We need urban trees more than ever – here's how to save them from extreme heat

Retrieved on:

星期一, 九月 25, 2023

And we’ve just watched the Northern Hemisphere swelter through their summer, making July 2023 Earth’s hottest month on record.

Key Points:

And we’ve just watched the Northern Hemisphere swelter through their summer, making July 2023 Earth’s hottest month on record.
We studied the effects of extreme heat on urban trees in Western Sydney during Australia’s record-breaking summer of 2019–20.
So we hold grave concerns for the survival of both native Australian and exotic species in our urban forest.
Read more:
Climate change threatens up to 100% of trees in Australian cities, and most urban species worldwide

Trees during heatwaves in Sydney

Those most vulnerable to heatwaves included both native Australian and exotic species.
Some trees died, including red maple (Acer rubrum), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), coast banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and water gum (Tristaniopsis laurina).
Read more:
Without urgent action, these are the street trees unlikely to survive climate change

Why are some species more vulnerable?

For example, species with large, thin leaves are particularly vulnerable.
Thin leaves are less able to buffer against overheating on hot, sunny days when the wind lulls.
Our research found most urban tree species –- even those under drought stress –- opened their pores to cool leaves on hot summer days.
This results in rapid water loss but may help prevent tree leaves from scorching.

Why is water so important during heatwaves?

We found water loss was higher than predicted during heatwaves for all plants.
In urban trees, leaves reached lethal temperatures of 49–50℃ for species with the lowest rates of water loss.
But when species with low rates of water loss had access to water, there was little heat damage or scorched leaves.

Preserving our natural air conditioners

That means urban greening programs need to find ways to provide trees with enough water when rainfall is unreliable.
Cities need trees now more than ever, as these natural air conditioners take the edge off the extremes.
David S Ellsworth receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the New South Wales Government, Hort Innovation, and the Herman Slade Foundation.