U-M researcher discovers new ant behavior that could help protect coffee from pests
For the first time, ants were observed using the homes of pests known as coffee berry borers to rear their own young.
Public Affairs
Managing ecosystems under climate change using nature’s hidden design
Ecosystems become more resilient to environmental change through “portfolio effects” operating across multiple levels of ecological organization.
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In Wine Country, Barn Owls Eat Rodents—and Scare Them
Cal Poly Humboldt researchers found that barn owls reduce the number of rodents in vineyards not only by eating them but also scaring them.
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Bats were preying on migratory birds in flight—the first ever visual observation and recording of aerial predation in the world
For the first time, researchers observed and recorded bats preying on small migratory birds in the air at night.
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How invasive rats rewire coral reef food webs creating winners and losers
Invasive rats on tropical islands are creating winners and losers among the underwater animals near the bottom of the food chain that inhabit surrounding reefs.
ESAL and the Ecological Society of America partner to provide civic education resources for ESA members
The partnership will offer an interactive learning experience a group of ESA members interested in building their local civic engagement skills.
Faculty member from UB appointed member of the Professional Ethics Committee of the Ecological Society of America
In July 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Virgil Alexandru Iordache was appointed a member of the Professional Ethics Committee of the Ecological Society of America.
As snowpack shrinks, Sierra Nevada mountain ponds undergo dramatic change
Study finds winter snowfall shapes summer pond conditions, with implications for biodiversity as California’s climate changes.
Media Tip Sheet: Wildlife Ecology at ESA’s 2026 Annual Meeting
At this year’s ESA Annual Meeting, researchers will present new findings on the ecological relationships between wildlife, their habitats and the growing influence of human activities across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Disturbance has a greater effect on giant kelp productivity than does resource availability
The amount of kelp that survives winter storms greatly influences the productivity of the giant kelp forest in the next growing season.
The “creeping normality” of large language models is quietly reshaping the life sciences
Large language models are transforming research in the life sciences in ways that extend far beyond improving productivity, and are becoming a new normal before scientists have agreed where the limits of their use should be.
Media Tip Sheet: Wildfire Ecology at ESA’s 2026 Annual Meeting
ESA’s upcoming Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, July 26–31, features the latest research on how wildfire is transforming ecosystems and influencing wildlife, as well as strategies to reduce the risks of severe fire.
Swimming crab trapped in plastic bottle survived two months on the ocean
Researchers investigated this unusual marine mystery, revealing a lesser-known impact of marine plastic pollution on crustaceans.
Nature’s Portfolio: How Diversity Buffers Ecosystems Against Change
In a new synthesis paper, researchers examine the ecological structures and processes that help ecosystems withstand disturbances while continuing to provide the benefits that people and wildlife depend on.
Woodcock charge deer to defend nests, UMaine researchers find
Researchers captured what may be the first recorded evidence of nesting birds aggressively driving away deer.
50 years of data reveals true extent of climate change impacts on kelp forests
New research has found that some kelp forests around Vancouver Island were disappearing far earlier than previously thought.
Brian Enquist receives Robert H. MacArthur Award
SFI External Professor Brian Enquist (University of Arizona) has been awarded the Ecological Society of America’s prestigious Robert H. MacArthur Award, which celebrates a mid-career ecologist.
Research news from the Ecological Society of America’s journals
The use of historical art to see ecosystems of the past, owls as a pest-control strategy and more from ESA’s journals.
Trees in Cattle Pastures Boost Biodiversity
A global study shows a strong positive impact of agroforestry on biodiversity—but restoration measures are not a substitute for forest conservation.
Ecological Society of America announces 2026 award recipients
The Ecological Society of America announces its 2026 award recipients, honoring ecologists whose research, teaching, mentorship and leadership have advanced ecological science and its benefits to society.