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Are seagrasses buried under urban development?

Seagrass populations are facing major declines in the midst of global climate change and increasing urban development along coasts, according to a study conducted at the request of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Frederick Short from Jackson Estuarine Laboratory in New Hampshire and colleagues reported that, of the 72 species of known seagrass, 10 species are…

Hybrids in the Arctic

Hybridization has led to some of the unique, naturally-occuring species present today, such as the Mallard duck-American Black duck hybrid. Usually this natural process takes generations to produce a new distinct species; however, it is possible for hybrids to emerge within one generation. For example, interspecies breeding could be expedited due to environmental stressors caused by climate change. Species that…

It takes more than climate change to cause amphibian decline

This post contributed by Monica Kanojia, Administrative Assistant/Governance for ESA. Amphibians have been around for hundreds of millions of years. They have survived numerous extinction events and yet somehow, in the past two decades, their numbers have been in severe decline. The population changes have been linked to many factors, including climate change and disease, habitat destruction and water pollution….

Panda paradox: Which came first, a taste for bamboo or a distaste for meat?

This post contributed by Monica Kanojia, Administrative Assistant/Governance for ESA While a vegetarian lifestyle is a choice made by omnivorous humans, the panda population may have been forced to convert to a vegetarian diet between 2 and 7 million years ago to ensure survival. The preference for bamboo is unusual for pandasbecause they are classified as carnivores even though their…

Mechanized planet? Where geoengineering stands

Several proposals for geoengineering projects are being explored–including cloud seeding, ocean iron fertilization and afforestation–as a plan for mitigating climate change. Monica Kanojia explores these methods and the current economic and technological issues surrounding them.

ESA Action Alert: Comment on proposed rescission of the Endangered Species Act’s definition of “harm”

Earlier this month, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a new rule that could limit the scope of Endangered Species Act protections. The agencies are accepting public comments on the proposed rule change until May 19, 2025. Background: Currently, the Endangered Species Act prohibits certain actions that “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot,…

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A Rousing Success at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting

Contributed by ESA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Chair Lea Johnson On April 5, nearly 300 ecologists—faculty, students, and practitioners—gathered at Longwood Gardens for what we’re told may have been the largest meeting of ESA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter in its decades-long history. As chair of the regional chapter for the year, I was also chair of the meeting – so the enthusiastic participation this…

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ESA Policy Action Alert for Federal Research

Dear ESA Community, Recent U.S. administration executive orders (EOs) affecting research funding, data sets, the federal STEM workforce, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in federal agencies and scientific research funding programs have introduced uncertainty and concern for the ecological community. While the full implications remain unclear, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for our mission, programs. ESA’s Commitment…

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COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 From the Classroom to the Conference Floor, A Student’s Journey in Biodiversity Diplomacy

At COP16, Alexa Theodoropoulos balanced schoolwork with engaging in key biodiversity discussions. She witnessed the urgency of action and the crucial role of youth in shaping global commitments. While progress was made, she emphasizes that accountability is essential and that students have a responsibility to ensure these goals lead to real change.

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