http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/land_management/ Land management issues. Read summaries and critiques of recent government reports as well as the latest relevant scientific research. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/land_management/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111256.htm Invasive species which have the potential to destroy biodiversity and influence global change could be tracked and controlled in the same way as wanted criminals, according to new research. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm A smuggler using a public bus to transport a veritable aviary of rare birds for the illegal pet trade was recently arrested by Indonesian authorities. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm A new United Nation's report documents the current status of the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132632.htm Many of the animal species at risk of extinction in the United States have not made it onto the country's official Endangered Species Act list, according to new research. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112123.htm Ecological tourism has no effect on the presence of large mammals in the Amazon, according to a study that for the first time compares the biological diversity of ecotourism zones with that of protected areas. Furthermore, it can help to protect the biodiversity of areas that are not officially protected yet are vital in the ecological framework. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194043.htm Global food demand could double by 2050, according to a new projection. Producing that amount of food could significantly increase levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the environment and cause the extinction of numerous species. But this can be avoided, the article shows, if the high-yielding technologies of rich nations are adapted to work in poor nations, and if all nations use nitrogen fertilizers more efficiently. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121151548.htm When the dinner menu includes endangered species, human nutritional needs must contend with efforts to manage wildlife resources, according to a new study. Researchers estimate that a loss of access to bushmeat as a source of food would lead to a 29 percent jump in the number of children suffering from anemia. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121151548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116162248.htm After an amazing five of the seven wild cat species found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra were recently caught on camera in tract of forest being rapidly lost to deforestation, the World Wildlife Fund in Indonesia is urging companies and authorities to take immediate steps to save the valuable area. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116162248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106192624.htm Scientists investigated how California's interconnected San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the Bay-Delta system) is expected to change from 2010 to 2099 in response to both fast and moderate climate warming scenarios. Results indicate that this area will feel impacts of global climate change in the next century with shifts in its biological communities, rising sea level, and modified water supplies. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106192624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220611.htm Are easements the most efficient way to conserve land and biodiversity? What easement structures are the most effective? Scientists compared two large easement projects dominated by grazing land: the Malpai Borderlands Group, straddling the Arizona-New Mexico border, and the Nature Conservancy's Lassen Foothills, in northern California and found some interesting results. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084236.htm An environmental science researcher in Sweden has examined the geochemical status of the natural environment in the Amazonas Region, and to what extent it has been impacted by deforestation and altered land use. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121301.htm It is unlikely the United States will meet some specific biofuel mandates under the current Renewable Fuel Standard by 2022 unless innovative technologies are developed or policies change. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163955.htm In the next 20 years, more than 590,000 square miles of land globally -- more than twice the size of Texas -- will be gobbled up by cities, a trend that shows no signs of stopping and one that could pose threats on several levels, a new study suggests. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829070440.htm Pessimism prevails in the conservation community because of ongoing habitat destruction and associated threats to a wide variety of species. With the global population expected to surge past 10 billion people by the end of this century, conservationists will face increasing challenges in their efforts to protect imperiled species and habitats. A new study shows that although large-scale biodiversity declines are ongoing, certain conservation actions have made a positive difference. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829070440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092309.htm According to new research, a radical transformation in the way farming and natural systems interact could simultaneously boost food production and protect the environment. The authors warn, however, that the world must act quickly if the goal is to save Earth's main breadbasket areas -- where resources are so depleted the situation threatens to decimate global supplies of fresh water and cripple agricultural systems worldwide. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110819155428.htm The explosive growth of cities worldwide over the next two decades poses significant risks to people and the global environment, according to a new meta-analysis. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110819155428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817135402.htm As suburban school districts have gained advantages over their urban counterparts, they have tenaciously clung to them, often at the expense of urban districts, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817135402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125554.htm A new report presents a framework for incorporating sustainability into the US Environmental Protection Agency's principles and decision making. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714120722.htm A team of geographers has proved what environmental scientists have suspected for years: Increasing the production of soybean and biofuel crops in Brazil increases deforestation in the Amazon. Although this cause-and-effect finding seems fairly straightforward, the issue of deforestation in the Amazon is more complex and more devastating than previously believed, the geographers' study found. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714120722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630112630.htm As homes and cities expand closer to forests and wildlands across the American West, increasing wildfire threats have created an unlikely new phenomena -- confidence in government. Recent studies show that people in neighborhoods adjacent to public forest lands can and do trust natural resource managers to a surprising degree, in part because the risks they face are so severe. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630112630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608153540.htm Using forensic genetics techniques, the University of Arizona's Conservation Genetics Lab is working to protect wild animals and catch the criminals in cases of wildlife crime. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608153540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511134335.htm In an effort to combat soaring fuel prices and cut greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation industry is racing toward the use of biofuels. However, researchers the industry should make sure it has examined biofuels' complete carbon footprint before making an all-out push. They say that when a biofuel's origins are factored in, conventional fossil fuels may sometimes be the "greener" choice. Wed, 11 May 2011 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511134335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201726.htm Current UK and European policies on biofuels encourage unethical practices, says a new report. Policies such as the European Renewable Energy Directive are particularly weak when it comes to protecting the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding human rights violations in developing countries. They also include few incentives for the development of new biofuel technologies that could help avoid these problems. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406091736.htm A wide-ranging group of experts has published a set of 40 key environmental questions to help align scientific research agendas with the needs of natural resource decision makers. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406091736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142215.htm Conservationists may need to change their approach to protecting animals and plants from extinction if they are to successfully shield key species and habitats from the effects of global climate change, according to a new review. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153020.htm When local residents are allowed to make rules about managing nearby forests, the forests are more likely to provide greater economic benefits to households and contain more biodiversity, researchers conclude from an analysis of forest practices in tropical developing countries of East Africa and South Asia. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184119.htm Biofuel feedstock production in the Texas High Plains could significantly change the crop mix, which could affect regional income and groundwater consumption, according to economists. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220193025.htm Tropical deforestation is intimately linked with urban dynamics and needs to be considered along with the role and effect of national and regional policies on land use decisions, and the dynamics of economic globalization in the next generation of sustainability science research, according to geographers. Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220193025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209105558.htm Countries need to increase co-operation over conservation to protect birds and other wildlife in an era of climate change, according to a new continental-scale study. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209105558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207225949.htm When the FDA proposed new rules restricting outdoor tobacco advertising near schools and playgrounds in 2009, the tobacco industry argued that such rules would lead to a near complete ban on tobacco advertising in urban areas. A new article shows that the effect of these rules would be less severe than the industry contends. Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207225949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110127101457.htm A new report provides a snapshot of what we know about our current economic situation and explores what can be learned by looking at evidence from economic and social research. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110127101457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110123210110.htm A new study by some of the world's top experts on forest governance finds fault with a spate of international accords, and helps explain their failure to stop rampant destruction of the world's most vulnerable forests. The report suggests that global efforts have too often ignored local needs, while failing to address the most fundamental challenge to global forest management -- that deforestation usually is caused by economic pressures imposed from outside the forests. Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110123210110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120125005.htm Genghis Khan and his Mongol hordes had an impact on the global carbon cycle as big as today's annual demand for gasoline. The Black Death, on the other hand, came and went too quickly for it to cause much of a blip in the global carbon budget. Dwarfing both of these events, however, has been the historical trend towards increasing deforestation as crop and pasture lands expanded to feed growing human populations. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120125005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104134032.htm The United States doesn't have the infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol but could meet the standard with significant increases in cellulosic and next-generation biofuels, according to a new study. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104134032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216111701.htm Ethical and practical support for biodiversity conservation may be found within the great religions such as Islam, or within the beliefs and traditional cultural practices of even the smallest community. However, in order to measure and understand the potential impact of conservation ethics in religion and local culture, researchers have embarked on several major projects in three of the world’s conservation ‘hotspots’. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216111701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101214151923.htm In the world-wide race to develop energy sources that are seen as "green" because they are renewable and less greenhouse gas-intensive, sometimes the most basic questions remain unanswered. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101214151923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213163849.htm The size, background ecology, and development patterns of major northeastern cities combine to make them unusually warm, according to NASA scientists. Summer land surface temperatures of cities in the Northeast were an average of 13°F to 16°F (7°C to 9°C) warmer than surrounding rural areas over a three year period, the new research shows. The complex phenomenon that drives up temperatures of cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. is called the urban heat island effect. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213163849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101125201446.htm Conservationists have warned that carbon emission reduction strategies such as REDD may undermine, not enhance, long-term prospects for biodiversity conservation in the tropics. Their warning comes only days ahead of the Cancun COP 16 climate change talks. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101125201446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123112150.htm In many developing countries, forest restoration at home has led to deforestation abroad, according to researchers. The authors say their findings could have significant implications for ongoing efforts to protect the world's remaining forests. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123112150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122200619.htm New research provides evidence that ecological restoration can provide a cost effective response to environmental degradation. The research focused on the dryland forests of Latin America, and examined the cost effectiveness of ecological restoration techniques such as tree planting and forest regeneration. This was achieved using a novel research approach, which involved mapping the value of different benefits provided by these forests. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122200619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111092652.htm One of the biggest challenges facing the world today is how to feed the expected population of nine billion by 2050. A new paper identifies the top 100 questions for the future of global agriculture. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111092652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101014144239.htm While not an outright failure, a 2010 goal set by the Convention on Biological Diversity for staunching the loss of the world's species fell far short of expectations. In the journal Science, some of the world's foremost biodiversity experts from DIVERSITAS, offer a strategic approach to the 2020 goals currently being considered. There are lots of reasons, reasonable ones, for people making private decisions that lead to biodiversity loss, but they cost us all collectively, authors say. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101014144239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101012100128.htm A best practice framework employed by thousands of successful businesses worldwide has been adapted by two academics in the UK to help conservation managers improve their consideration, analysis and management of the programs for which they are responsible. Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101012100128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101011210029.htm There is a great deal of uncertainty and speculation about the direction of the housing market in the UK and the USA -- both for home-owners and renters. Researchers have devised a mathematical model to provide some foresight into changes into the housing market. The model could be beneficial to central banks and ministries of finance that have an interest in the effects of the housing market on their economies. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101011210029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100927084000.htm A new European policy report concludes that specific measures relating to storing and the application of isolation distances can help limit or avoid the co-mingling of genetically modified (GM) maize with conventional and organic maize. In particular, the Best Practice Document, prepared by the European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB) and published by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), notes that storing seeds adequately and applying spatial isolation are the best ways to limit or avoid co-mingling. Alternative practices based on temporal isolation (shifting flowering times of GM and non-GM fields) are possible in several EU countries with specific climatic conditions. Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100927084000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921092409.htm More than 35 years after Oregon began one of the nation's most ambitious land use planning programs, a new study suggests it's still difficult to demonstrate that it has accomplished one of its primary goals -- protecting agricultural lands and a thriving forest, farm and ranching industry. Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921092409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921085524.htm Shopping on the Internet or working from home could be increasing carbon emissions rather than helping to reduce them, a new report claims. The research reveals that people who shop online must order more than 25 items otherwise the impact on the environment is likely to be worse than traditional shopping. Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921085524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100909141527.htm Conservation scientists and practitioners have come together to advocate a fundamental shift in the way we view biodiversity. They argue that unless people recognize the link between their consumption choices and biodiversity loss, the diversity of life on Earth will continue to decline. Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100909141527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100723080115.htm Crops can be produced for bioenergy on a significant scale in west, eastern and southern Africa without doing damage to food production or natural habitats, according to a report produced by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Imperial College London and CAMCO International. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100723080115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628092746.htm International law has failed to protect coral reefs and tropical fish from being decimated by a growing collectors market, but US reforms can lead the way towards making the trade more responsible, ecologically sustainable and humane, according to a group of 18 experts. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628092746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628075744.htm Reducing the consumption of meat and dairy products and improving agricultural practices could decrease global greenhouse gas emissions substantially. By 2055 the emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from agriculture could be cut by more than eighty percent, researchers have found in a new modeling study. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628075744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100525103939.htm Saving rainforests and protecting land in national parks and reserves reduced poverty in two developing countries, according to new research. Tue, 25 May 2010 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100525103939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100520102917.htm The world's most ancient frogs may soon be mined to extinction, if the New Zealand government's plans to open up a conservation area for mining go ahead, conservation biologists warn. Thu, 20 May 2010 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100520102917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100518113134.htm In the 1990s, the European Commission approved a series of management measures to avoid the over-exploitation of fishery resources. A study carried out by researchers in Spain now reveals that the Common Fisheries Policy in Europe has promoted the extension of the European fleet into more vulnerable ecosystems, such as deep waters. However, the next reform of the fishery policy could reverse this trend and achieve sustainability of marine resources. Tue, 18 May 2010 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100518113134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517152534.htm Using NASA satellite data and Google Earth, a Purdue University researcher has reported finding evidence that North Korea has been logging in what is designated as a protected United Nations forest preserve. Mon, 17 May 2010 15:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517152534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100511173654.htm In two articles closing out the PLoS Medicine series on global health diplomacy, senior diplomats offer their perspectives on how foreign policy can make a difference to global health. Tue, 11 May 2010 17:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100511173654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506131644.htm The Wildlife Conservation Society announced the results of the first-ever evaluation of a large, "landscape-wide" conservation approach to protect globally important populations of elephants and great apes. Thu, 06 May 2010 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506131644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422093534.htm African farmers risk being forced from their lands by investors or government projects as global demand for biofuels encourages changes in crop cultivation. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422093534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100414130838.htm When Conservation International began working with one of Indonesia's largest energy companies on an environmentally conscious development plan two years ago, the groups looked to a philosopher for guidance. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100414130838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100413095900.htm Balancing phosphorus levels in crop lands is a key factor that is often overlooked in discussions of global food security, according to a new article. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100413095900.htm