Habitat Restoration

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Restoring Land for Livelihoods Can Have Ecological Benefits

Planet, S. of the. (n.d.). Restoring land for livelihoods can have ecological benefits, study suggests. Phys.org. Retrieved August 28, 2023, from https://phys.org/news/2023-01-livelihoods-ecological-benefits.html

‌ This article focuses on regenerating and nursing land back to health in hopes that it will encourage and increase wildlife livelihood. Their strategy is to implement many small-scale efforts for specific areas in hopes that collectively it will have a bigger impact. In one study, they found that their restoration efforts actually accumulated a whole new community and variety of birds over the 2 years. 

This article is related to environmental science because it is based on a study that was done to research how restoration efforts affect the biodiversity and wildlife in the area. I thought that this article was very interesting and I liked how it shared some of the results of their study.  

 

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Rotational Fishing Enables Biodiversity Recovery and Provides a Model for Oyster (Ostrea edulis) Habitat Restoration

Kennon, N. A., Robertson-Jones, A., Jemmett, S., Hugh-Jones, T., Bell, M. C., & Sanderson, W. G. (2023). Rotational fishing enables biodiversity recovery and provides a model for oyster (Ostrea edulis) habitat restoration. PloS One, 18(3), e0283345. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283345

Marine habitats are some of the most endangered habitats. Coral reefs provide shelter and habitat for many different marine species and organisms. But due to many different reasons, coral reefs are not as healthy and flourishing as before. Especially for oysters, it is dangerous for the habitat to be damaged. The species is also vulnerable to fishing. The article proposes the practice of rotational fishing which will allow the reefs to recover and the population of the oysters as well. 

This article is related to environmental science because it focuses on issues to do with marine habitat health and species population. I like this article because it brings light to an overlooked topic and presents a reasonable solution. 

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Evaluating the Impact of Caribou Habitat Restoration on Predator and Prey Movement

Dickie, M., Sherman, G. G., Sutherland, G. D., McNay, R. S., & Cody, M. (2023). Evaluating the impact of caribou habitat restoration on predator and prey movement. Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14004

This article is about the declining population of Caribou in the Western Canadian forests. These scientists are concerned about the species because the predator-prey relationship is unbalanced. Something they think is con‌tributing to this issue is the creation of roads and seismic lines. One way to help this problem is to restore these manufactured things and rejuvenate the vegetation and wildlife around there. This way, it is easier for prey, like the Caribou, to avoid predators. The vegetation and changes in the environment will also slow down predators and make it harder for them to hunt. 

This is a very important topic in environmental science because it is just one of the ways that habitat destruction is hurting animals and endangering species. There are also many other ways, but this article just shows how important it is that we address this topic as soon as possible. I liked this article because it was very informative and explained the importance of their cause. 

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How Does Habitat Restoration Influence Resilience of Salmon Populations to Climate Change?

Beechie, T. J., Fogel, C., Nicol, C., Jorgensen, J., Timpane‐Padgham, B., & Kiffney, P. (2023). How does habitat restoration influence resilience of salmon populations to climate change? Ecosphere, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4402

‌It is possible that habitat restoration will increase the health and resilience of species. With a healthier and more flourishing environment, animals and species will be better equipped and more likely to battle the effects of climate change and extinction. Part of the ESA’s aim is to implement strategies that will restore habitats and further equip them for the future to resist effects of climate change. 

This article is very related to environmental science because it combines two major issues, climate change and habitat restoration, and focuses on improving the conditions of both of them at the same time. This is a very innovative and important idea because those two issues are very pressing. I liked the way this article presented it’s ideas and then explained them. 

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To Restore Coastal Marine Areas, We Need to Work Across Multiple Habitats Simultaneously

Vozzo, M., Doropoulos, C., Silliman , B., & Saunders , M. (2023). To restore coastal marine areas, we need to work across multiple … – PNAS. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2300546120 

This article focuses on the marine side of habitat restoration. All of the contributors to the article believe that there are ways to help coastal communities simultaneously. Through the process of “facilitative interactions”, people can implement strategies to improve the conditions of marine habitats. There are many interactions between different components of the marine community that can benefit each other at the same time. There are ways to take advantage of the physical, chemical, and biological connections between organisms so that they help each other. 

 

This article is related to environmental science because it focuses on ways/a specific way to contribute to helping habitat restoration. The destruction of animal habitats and ecosystems around the world is a huge problem in modern times. With this destruction, many species are forced to migrate to new environments or go extinct. I really enjoyed this article because I think they addressed the topic well and presented some possible solutions to help the issue. I would love to learn more about this strategy and/or see some results from their proposed solutions. 

 

 

 

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Tiger Conservation Success in 2023

Tiger conservation success in 2023. ZSL. (2023, April 14). https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/feature/tiger-conservation-success-2023 

The Zoological Society of London is succeeding in the preservation of these majestic big cats in India. The achievement is attributed to collaborative endeavors by conservation organizations, governmental bodies, and local stakeholders to redevelop the shrunken forests to lessen the dance competition between wildlife. These collective initiatives have successfully contributed to a notable increase in tiger populations. Through strategic anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and community engagement, the conservation drive has reinvigorated the tiger’s prospects. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the effectiveness of concerted, cross-border efforts in safeguarding endangered species.

The restoration of forested zones that provide a home to tigers, Asian elephants, and the fruit-eating sloth bear is important because it ensures the food chain and wildlife balance stays intact. Without the balance and the lessened populations of large animals/predators, it can create an imbalance in the ecosystem leading to disaster. This can cause overgrown or extinction of plants as well as growing populations of small prey, this imbalance leads to a disaster that affects people as well as the environment they live in.  I love how the conservation is striving to not only increase the population of tigers but also make them a habitat where they can survive and have a sustainable life which means the conservation is looking to make changes in communities not just in wildlife numbers. They aim to redevelop the shrunken forests to lessen the competition between wildlife. 

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To Conserve African Wildlife, a Push to Benefit African People

Rajewski, G. (2023, March 2). To conserve African Wildlife, a push to benefit African people. Tufts Now. https://now.tufts.edu/2023/03/02/conserve-african-wildlife-push-benefit-african-people 

The focus of conservation shifts to an innovative approach that seeks to simultaneously preserve African wildlife and improve the lives of African communities. The initiative, taking place in various locations across Africa, aims to harmonize conservation strategies with socioeconomic development by focusing on the causes of drought and how to change its effects as well as redefine how land is being used. This inclusive approach has been progressively implemented, signaling a fresh perspective on conservation. Actions taken by the AWF to reduce locals’ dependence on forests for farmland, firewood, and meat by training hundreds of women in tailoring and soap-making is helping to preserve vital habitats for wildlife.

I really like the approach that Sebunya of the African Wildlife Foundation takes to conserving wildlife, they see it as a problem with humans and managing ourselves rather than managing the animals and wildlife around us. By weaving together conservation and community well-being, the endeavor strives to safeguard vulnerable species and ecosystems while fostering sustainable livelihoods and enhanced quality of life for local residents while allowing them to understand the importance of native wildlife. I like how the efforts aren’t just to restore but to help the community understand the importance of restoration and get the community involved in the restoration of land and the protection of important habitats.

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Eshom Ecological Restoration Project: A Success Story for Shared Stewardship and Innovative Solutions

Oxoby, M. (2023, January 20). Eshom Ecological Restoration Project: A Success Story for Shared Stewardship and Innovative Solutions. The Great Basin Institute. https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/2023/01/19/eshom-ecological-restoration-project-a-success-story-for-shared-stewardship-and-innovative-solutions/ 

The project was undertaken in California by the Eshom Ecological Restoration Project and partners to restore a degraded ecosystem on over 5,000 acres of Forest, State, and private land. The project aims to enhance the resilience of live trees by diversifying age, size, and species composition. Additionally, it focuses on preserving large existing trees, while addressing excessive fuel buildup to ensure safe fire suppression activities and protect nearby communities. While it seeks to prevent the loss of crucial old-growth habitat for endangered species by reducing tree density and potential drought-related damage. The initiative has showcased the effectiveness of shared stewardship models and innovative techniques. 

I think this achievement serves as a testament to the power of cooperative efforts in restoring and revitalizing ecosystems, highlighting a promising approach to addressing environmental challenges. By combining community involvement, scientific expertise, and adaptive management strategies, the Eshom project has achieved significant ecological recovery. I like how the project does simply restore the damaged land and environments by planting more trees and clearing dead or infected ones but they also plan for how to protect the important growth from natural disasters like fires which frequent California. By doing this it shows that they understand the problem of disasters like fires is just going to go away but they understand that they can take measures to protect the environment from more extensive damage. Additionally, I think it is important that they focus on protecting the old and developed growth rather than just their new growth and they work to replant. It is important that the Eshom Ecological Restoration Project is looking to relive the effects of fires rather than just combat them in the moment or hope that they don’t come back.

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After a Bitter Fight, European Lawmakers Pass a Bill to Repair Nature

Pronczuk, M., & Einhorn, C. (2023, July 12). After a bitter fight, European lawmakers pass a bill to repair nature. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/12/climate/europe-nature-restoration-law.html 

Europe introduced a groundbreaking nature restoration law aimed at rejuvenating ecosystems and combating biodiversity loss by requiring the restoration of 20 percent of nature areas on land and at sea within their borders. Spearheaded by an alliance of environmental organizations and governmental bodies, the law mandates extensive restoration and received much backlash from far-right groups in the EU. Farmers are scared that the bill will hurt production and cause inflation. It was officially enacted, signifying a concerted regional effort to address ecological degradation. By restoring habitats, rewilding landscapes, and promoting sustainable practices, this legislative initiative seeks to support the natural environment. 

 

I agree with the efforts to restore these large habitats and protect the biodiversity of Europe’s landscapes. Additionally, I think that the claims and worries of those opposed to the bill are not large enough to outweigh the positives this bill could introduce. Additionally, the claims and worries from the bill’s opposers who believe it will negatively impact food production are terrible claims. If the environment continues to be depleted there will be no need for food production and eventually, the land that they are using to produce food will be overrun and overused because wildlife and plants will be pushed from their homes which are being exploited and destroyed for monetary gain.  This legislative milestone reflects a collective commitment to sustainability and showcases the region’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges through cooperative measures. The law’s comprehensive approach signifies a pivotal step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving the continent’s biodiversity for future generations. 

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Restoration Turns Pastures into Wildlife Haven in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

Brown, S. (2023, March 4). Restoration turns pastures into wildlife haven in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Mongabay Environmental News. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/03/restoration-turns-pastures-into-wildlife-haven-in-brazils-atlantic-forest/ 

Within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, pastures have been successfully converted into a flourishing sanctuary for wildlife. The restoration initiative, led by the nonprofit Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, focuses on rejuvenating the degraded landscape of 29,652 acres to provide a habitat for diverse species. Located in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil, the project’s success in planting over 750,000 trees has allowed for the return of hundreds of birds and reintroduced the lowland tapir. These efforts to protect the land and habitats has also ensured the security of clean water to 2.5 million people within the Guapiaçu watershed.

This illustrates the positive outcomes of reforestation efforts, which have taken place and have been successful at protecting and rehoming wild animals. By employing ecologically sensitive practices, the restoration effort has effectively revived biodiversity and allowed native flora and fauna to thrive once again. Their efforts are also sustainable as they collect thousands of native seeds from nearby forests to grow in greenhouses and then densely replant in areas of restoration. I think that the efforts being taken in the Atlantic Forest region are focused on all aspects of the environment and working to support the environment in many ways like cutting emotions, replanting and aiding, preventing further harm, and all doing this sustainably. I really like how they are using native plants for the environment and collecting those seeds from other parts of the forests. As well as understanding that their efforts to protect animals and native species are simultaneously protecting humans and the fresh water.