Wildfire changes songbird plumage and testosterone
Fire can put a tropical songbird's sex life on ice......»»
A new tool to better model future wildfire impacts in the United States
Wildfire management systems outfitted with remote sensing technology could improve first responders' ability to predict and respond to the spread of deadly forest fires......»»
Helping more people get to safety in a wildfire
Wildfires pose an increasing threat to communities at the wildland-urban interface (WUI)—where dry, flammable vegetation borders backyards, often in remote locations. Despite the well-known danger, many communities at highest risk do not have a str.....»»
Twenty-year study confirms California forests are healthier when burned, or thinned
A 20-year experiment in the Sierra Nevada confirms that different forest management techniques—prescribed burning, restoration thinning or a combination of both—are effective at reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire in California......»»
Daily singing workout keeps songbird males attractive, study shows
Every year in the Christmas season it becomes clear again that some people are amazingly skilled singers, like Mariah Carey and George Michael. Their singing can stir strong emotions......»»
Climate change will increase wildfire risk and lengthen fire seasons, study confirms
Wildfires are some of the most destructive natural disasters in the country, threatening lives, destroying homes and infrastructure, and creating air pollution. In order to properly forecast and manage wildfires, managers need to understand wildfire.....»»
Private timberland from Washington to California lost billions in value due to wildfires
A new study from Oregon State University estimates that wildfire and drought caused $11.2 billion in economic losses to privately owned timberland in California, Oregon and Washington over the past two decades......»»
National climate assessment offers new insights on community resilience and adaptation
A major weather event such as a hurricane or wildfire can have lasting, visible impacts on communities, but the longer-term, compounding effects of a changing climate can be harder to see. In its contributions to the recently released Fifth National.....»»
Migratory songbird study finds link between white tail spots and longevity
A new study of a migratory songbird shows that individuals with average-sized white tail spots—a trait that is critical to successful foraging—live longer than individuals with more extreme amounts of white in the tail......»»
Arson suspected as wildfire burns in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rangers say
A wildfire burning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is believed to be the work of an arsonist, according to the National Park Service......»»
First comprehensive look at effects of 2020–2021 California megafires on terrestrial wildlife habitat
The only thing constant is change—isn't that how the saying goes? We know that wildlife in western forests evolved with changing habitats and disturbances like wildfire. Each species responds differently, some benefiting from openings, others losin.....»»
Fire is consuming more of the world"s forests than ever before, threatening supplies of wood, paper
A third of the world's forests are cut for timber. This generates US$1.5 trillion annually. But wildfire threatens industries such as timber milling and paper manufacturing, and the threat is far greater than most people realize......»»
Study highlights 4 strategies to overcome barriers to prescribed fire in the west
Prescribed fire, which mimics natural fire regimes, can help improve forest health and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfire. But this management tool is underused in the fire-prone U.S. West and Baja California, Mexico, due to several barri.....»»
Low-intensity fires reduce wildfire risk by 60%, according to study
There is no longer any question of how to prevent high-intensity, often catastrophic, wildfires that have become increasingly frequent across the Western U.S., according to a new study by researchers at Stanford and Columbia universities......»»
Lightning identified as the leading cause of wildfires in boreal forests, threatening carbon storage
Lightning is the dominant cause of wildfire ignition in boreal forests—areas of global importance for carbon storage—and will increase in frequency with climate change, according to new research......»»
Tiny networks intertwine to mimic design of bird colors
The bright plumage of birds is often a feast for the eyes, but it has been a headache for scientists who have struggled to recreate the photonic nanostructures that generate those colors in the lab......»»
Pair-bonded Java sparrows show enlarged eye rings to signal breeding readiness
Birds are known for their elaborate courtship rituals and romantic gestures that are replete with beautiful songs, complex dances, gift-giving practices, preening, and flamboyant plumage. While changes in colorful external attributes during this peri.....»»
Investigating banana trees as buffers to fight wildfires
Fire buffers composed of irrigated banana trees could slow and calm wildfires and generate profit for residents of fire-prone regions, according to a study published in PNAS Nexus. Climate change is increasing wildfire risk. Wildfires in the Western.....»»
Declining Bering Sea ice linked to increasing wildfire hazard in northeast China
China has been making strides in recent years to reduce air pollution, including fitting filters in coal-fired power stations to remove sulfur dioxide from emissions, a molecule that reacts with other compounds in the atmosphere to form polluting par.....»»
Residents unprepared for wildland fires, face barriers in implementing prevention measures: Study
This year, Canada saw the worst wildfire season in its history, with fires destroying homes, displacing thousands of residents, and burning the largest area since contemporary records began in 1983. Much of this damage to communities could be reduced.....»»
Wildfire smoke leaves harmful gases in floors and walls—air purifiers aren"t enough, new study shows
When wildfire smoke turns the air brown and hazy, you might think about heading indoors with the windows closed, running an air purifier or even wearing a mask. These are all good strategies to reduce exposure to the particles in wildfire smoke, but.....»»