On the conservation value of historic canals for aquatic ecosystems
The authors reviewed ecological studies in historic canal systems, examined the potential of historic canals to contribute to aquatic biodiversity conservation, and provided suggestions to promote biodiversity conservation given the opportunities and challenges in canal management (e.g., nature conservation vs historic preservation).
Scientists' warning on invasive alien species
Scientists warn of increasing threats posed by invasive alien species. More effort is needed to prevent, detect and control invasive alien species – this is emphasized by researchers from 13 countries.
How biological invasions affect animal behaviour: a global, cross-taxonomic analysis
In interaction, invasive and native species can change their behaviour. This is a meta-analysis, led by IGB, of which changes in behaviour are studied in invasions, and what is known about the types of behaviour that change, the underlying mechanisms and the speed of behavioural changes.
Peak grain forecasts for the US High Plains amid withering waters
A predator-prey model shows the coupled dynamics of groundwater use and crop production. It provides the scientific basis for the sustainability analysis of the irrigation of agricultural land with groundwater.
The role of connectivity in the interplay between climate change and the spread of alien fish in a large Mediterranean river
Dams exacerbate the consequences of climate change on river fish: A potential response of river fish to environmental changes is to colonise new habitats. Dams restrict the habitats of fish, but do not necessarily prevent the spread of invasive species, as Johannes Radinger and his team found.
Long-term warming destabilizes aquatic ecosystems through weakening biodiversity-mediated causal networks
Climate change destabilizes aquatic ecosystems through weakening the interactions between species richness and biomass of phytoplankton and the chemical and physical environmental factors. This is the conclusion of a study on long-term data series of 10 aquatic ecosystems using the convergent cross mapping (CCM) method.
Species distribution models have limited spatial transferability for invasive species
In this synthesis study, a research team led by IGB shows that species distribution models have limited spatial transferability for invasive species and how this relates to species characteristics and model parameterization.
Pragmatic animal welfare is independent of feelings
In this Letter to Science the researchers argue that effective application of animal welfare in conservation is also possible if it is based on objective and measurable parameters of animal welfare – without relying on concepts such as consciousness, sentience or pain.
Homogenization of the terrestrial water cycle
Plant uniformity in highly managed agricultural landscapes has led to increases in flood and drought frequencies and magnitudes, as well as a poorer water quality. The study explores the risk of the homogenization of the terrestrial water cycle.
Most invasive species largely conserve their climatic niche
In this synthesis study on the niche conservatism hypothesis of invasive species, a research team led by IGB found that invasive species occupy similar niches between their native and exotic ranges and show only limited niche expansion, supporting this hypothesis.