AJAY KUMAR’s Post

🔥🐾 New study In Case of Fire, Escape or Die: A Trait-Based Approach for Identifying Animal Species Threatened by Fire” Learn more about our framework for protecting biodiversity in fire-prone areas. https://lnkd.in/dUUXDG7i #FireEcology #BiodiversityProtection 🌿🦜

The important thing to conserve #biodiversity is not so much to protect keystone #species, but rather their #habitats, whether at the animal, plant, or microbial level. We are still not convinced that the #human being is really an evolutionary relevant species.

#EcosystemRestoration projects like the #ZurichForest Project, in collaboration with Instituto Terra, helps transform degraded areas into thriving habitats rich in biodiversity 🐅 These efforts have led to the return of numerous plant and animal species, showcasing the resilience of nature when given a helping hand.   Learn more about the project here 🔗➡️https://lnkd.in/e2mvB7ut

Every animal is important, but some are true VIPs of our ecosystems! Meet the keystone species – the ultimate game-changers. But what makes them so special? Keystone species have a massive impact on their environment, way beyond what you'd expect from their numbers. Imagine them as the glue holding everything together. When they're gone, it's like pulling a crucial piece from a Jenga tower – the whole system can collapse. #GlobalHumaneConservationFundofAfrica #GlobalHumaneAfrica #GlobalHumane #KeystoneSpecies #Conservation #EndangeredSpecies

In the study, the team looked at the environmental DNA (or eDNA) caught in 49 different webs and examined it to see what creatures had left it behind. All in all, they found eDNA from 93 different animals. eDNA is becoming a serious part of the conservation conversation, as it allows us to tell if an animal is in an area—or has been fairly recently—without actually spotting the animal itself. “Every species that exist[s] in a given environment, in a given ecosystem — they may be dying, decomposing, urinating, defecating, breathing, whatever,” one of the authors on the study, said. This “facilitates the shedding of cells into the environment, and all cells have DNA in them.” So, finding animal’s genetic leftovers can be as good a sign of their presence as a fresh kill or a defecation. Better, even, because it spreads out. It’s a lot easier to swab some plants than it is to find an active. #endangeredspecies #dna #environmentaldna #spiders

Did you know? The effects of soil erosion can be far-reaching. It can contribute to the loss of biodiversity, as it destroys habitats for various plant and animal species. Additionally, eroded soil can clog waterways and pollute water sources, leading to ecosystem imbalance and the decline of aquatic life. https://hubs.li/Q02GryT70 #sedimentcontrol #waterquality #environmentalcompliance #stormwater #stormwatercontrol #erosioncontrol #stormwatermanagement #funfact

One of the things I first thought when planning a natural resources inventory was, “What a shame that so many negative things have been done to our environment that we automatically assume that we will do things the ‘wrong way’ when we go outside.” Because, I always see the good in everything, and I know from experience that just getting to know your environment can have a profound impact on one’s perspective of it…something previously thought of as mundane, like a scattering of fallen leaves, can become an investigation site for fungi and insect species that benefit the ecosystem. The fact is, that if we all applied our skills and interests to the environment, and saw how it is a special and thriving place for all of us, then we all might end up being conservationists. We all could help the Earth! For example, categorizing animal species already is of interest to me, so writing down all of the bird species on our farm was an obvious choice. It turns out that we have over 100 species—wow! What are some examples from your life where you have applied your interests to the environment to appreciate it even more? #nature #environment #conservation #peopleinconservation #wildlifeconservation #environmentalconservation

Encroachment on wetlands can lead to the introduction of invasive species (plants, animals and microorganisms) which often outcompete native species and compromise the wetland’s ability to perform its natural hydrological functions. #Thecostofwetlanddegradation #Protectwetlands

#Phragmites, often called "Common Reed," is the world's most widely distributed flowering plant. A particularly invasive varietal was introduced to North America hundreds of years ago and has become the most common type, spreading aggressively in the U.S., particularly in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Once established, Phragmites form dense stands that choke out native plants, reducing habitat diversity crucial for wildlife. While Phragmites do provide some beneficial services, these dense stands also block water access, limit views, and create barriers that hinder wildlife movement. Phragmites impact the environment and threaten the livelihoods of subsistence fishers and hunters by crowding out native fish and waterbirds, which are essential food sources for other wildlife and people. Over the years, several control methods, including herbicides, have been tried on both public and private lands. However, these efforts have largely failed due to a lack of coordination. The key to turning the tide against Phragmites lies in collective action—bringing together landowners, scientists, and managers to work collaboratively, supported by effective monitoring and adaptive management. At the 2024 Bay-Delta #ScienceConference next week... 1️⃣ John Takekawa from Suisun Resource Conservation District will share insights from two decades of control efforts in Suisun Marsh. 2️⃣ Karin Kettenring from Utah State University will offer a broader North American perspective on managing Phragmites. 3️⃣ Adrienne Ernst from Berry College will discuss strategies for restoring ecosystem services after management actions. Purdue University and the University of Delaware researchers will also explore the social factors that can facilitate or hinder collective action in managing #invasiveplants. Did you secure a spot to attend the in-person conference? Explore the program here ➡ https://rebrand.ly/aju9o70!

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly being used to detect the presence of species and assess biodiversity, but what is it, and how can we ensure it accurately informs #conservation and wildlife management? Our new Issues Brief explains ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bmCtlc #eDNA