IISc Researchers Develop Framework for Prioritizing Conservation in Karnataka

🌍 A New Map for Nature: Satellite-Derived GPP Unlocks Global Biodiversity Insights Journal of Remote Sensing is excited to highlight its most downloaded article of 2025 “Bridging Satellite Productivity and Global Biodiversity: Unveiling Insights through Dynamic Habitat Indices” (https://lnkd.in/gWGR3YFT) This groundbreaking study, led by Xuanlong Ma and colleagues Kedi Liu, Chunyan Cao, Sicong Gao, and Wei Yang, from Lanzhou University, CSIRO, 千葉大学 Chiba University, andCBAS, introduces a satellite-based method to predict global biodiversity patterns using Dynamic Habitat Indices (DHIs) derived from Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). 🌍 Key Findings GPP-derived DHIs explained up to 84% of global amphibian richness and 82% across all vertebrates, outperforming traditional metrics like NDVI. Validated with data from 124 FLUXNET eddy covariance towers, ensuring accuracy and robustness. Revealed that protected areas exhibit higher cumulative productivity and lower variability – key indicators of habitat quality. 🌍 Why It Matters Biodiversity is under growing pressure from habitat loss and climate change. This study provides a scalable, cost-effective tool for conservation planning, ecological monitoring, and habitat quality assessment – especially in data-limited regions. “By linking satellite productivity data with biodiversity science, we can support global conservation efforts with unprecedented precision,” said Xuanlong Ma, Lanzhou University.   #RemoteSensing #Biodiversity #GPP #Conservation #SatelliteScience #JournalOfRemoteSensing    

🌍 A New Map for Nature: Satellite-Derived GPP Unlocks Global Biodiversity Insights Journal of Remote Sensing is excited to highlight its most downloaded article of 2025 “Bridging Satellite Productivity and Global Biodiversity: Unveiling Insights through Dynamic Habitat Indices” (https://lnkd.in/gtKkhexg) This groundbreaking study, led by Xuanlong Ma and colleagues Kedi Liu, Chunyan Cao, Sicong Gao, and Wei Yang, from Lanzhou University, CSIRO, 千葉大学 Chiba University, andCBAS, introduces a satellite-based method to predict global biodiversity patterns using Dynamic Habitat Indices (DHIs) derived from Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). 🌍 Key Findings GPP-derived DHIs explained up to 84% of global amphibian richness and 82% across all vertebrates, outperforming traditional metrics like NDVI. Validated with data from 124 FLUXNET eddy covariance towers, ensuring accuracy and robustness. Revealed that protected areas exhibit higher cumulative productivity and lower variability – key indicators of habitat quality. 🌍 Why It Matters Biodiversity is under growing pressure from habitat loss and climate change. This study provides a scalable, cost-effective tool for conservation planning, ecological monitoring, and habitat quality assessment – especially in data-limited regions. “By linking satellite productivity data with biodiversity science, we can support global conservation efforts with unprecedented precision,” said Xuanlong Ma, Lanzhou University.   #RemoteSensing #Biodiversity #GPP #Conservation #SatelliteScience #JournalOfRemoteSensing    

A fascinating review quantifying how humans relate to nature (https://lnkd.in/eReY23GB). I’m curious to see how environmental and nature conservation organizations — across research, implementation, funding and policymaking— map onto the proposed new taxonomy of human–nature relations and what it means for designing more inclusive, nature‑positive policies and practices. Charles Karangwa, MBA, Ezra Ricci, IPBES, WWF, Martin Schlaepfer

📢 A New Framework to Rank Regions Based on Natural Resources We're excited to share that our publication, "Prioritization of natural resources rich regions (NRRZ) based on ecosystem (biotic and abiotic) extent and conditions," has been featured in a news article by Research Matters. The study, which focused on Karnataka, found that 32% of the state's geographical area falls into the two most resource-rich and ecologically sensitive categories (NRRZ1 and NRRZ2). This underscores the urgent need for focused conservation efforts and provides a scientific basis for protecting biodiversity and ensuring long-term well-being. 🔊Read the full news story here: https://lnkd.in/g7FBcMcd ➡️And access the original publication here: https://lnkd.in/dTxRf_tC #EnvironmentalResearch #Conservation #Sustainability #IISc #ResearchMatters #NaturalResources #PolicyMaking #Biodiversity

MoChWo 2025 – Conference Themes: Genomics for Conservation As climate change and biodiversity loss accelerate, innovative, science-driven solutions are urgently needed. Genomics—a data-rich, transformative approach—is redefining how we understand, monitor, and protect life on Earth. Traditional conservation methods, while essential, often fall short against rapidly evolving environmental challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. By decoding the DNA of species and ecosystems, genomics reveals hidden vulnerabilities, tracks adaptation to stress, and guides precise conservation strategies. Conservation genetics further addresses inbreeding, genetic diversity loss, and harmful mutations that threaten population survival. Genomic tools provide insights invisible to the naked eye, helping researchers understand species biology, health, and survival needs with remarkable accuracy. In mountainous regions, home to some of the world’s most diverse yet fragile ecosystems, genomics bridges traditional ecological knowledge with modern molecular science. It empowers communities and conservationists to monitor endangered species, prevent genetic bottlenecks, and design timely, effective conservation actions. MoChWo 2025 invites youth, scientists, students, educators, and change-makers to explore how genomics can: Empower local communities Reshape conservation policies Protect species sustaining ecosystems and cultures This year’s conference is a platform where bold ideas meet urgent action, with young voices leading the way in reimagining conservation for a climate-challenged world. To protect life, we must first understand it at its most fundamental level—and that begins with the genome. Interdisciplinary Conference Themes Include: Agriculture and Agroecology Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Climate Change and Environmental Dynamics Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, and Adaptation Drought and Food Security Environmental Pollution and Emerging Contaminants Food Quality and Safety Forest and Natural Resource Management Glaciology & Cryosphere Dynamics Hydropower and Renewable Energy Natural Products Science-Policy Dialogue Soil, Water, and Atmospheric Research Sustainable Livelihoods and Green Economy https://lnkd.in/gQfD5bJT Tribhuvan University Kathmandu University (KU) Purbanchal University Pokhara University Western Governors University The University of Western Australia The Open University Agriculture and Forestry University Batterjee Medical College Utah Valley University Sanskriti University @Kantipur University

Recent research highlights the significant ecological benefits of restoring large, free-roaming bison herds in Yellowstone National Park. Findings indicate that bison grazing accelerates the nitrogen cycle, resulting in plants that are as productive as ungrazed areas but up to 150% more nutritious. This process enhances plant biodiversity and maintains soil nutrient storage, countering common concerns about overgrazing. The study underscores the importance of restoring natural migration and movement at scale, demonstrating that large, migrating herds can revitalize ecosystem functions and provide valuable ecosystem services across the landscape.

🌱 Soil microbiomes tell the story of forest regeneration 🌳 In tropical ecotonal regions, the recovery of degraded lands depends not only on plants, but also on the underground microbial life that supports them. Our new study published in Applied Soil Ecology examined soils from a primary forest-pasture-secondary forest chronosequence in the Cerrado-Atlantic Forest transition zone, using chemical, enzymatic, and biological analyses. 🔍 Key findings: Secondary forests showed richer vegetation and higher fungal abundance, reflecting advanced natural regeneration. Soil enzymes like β-glucosidase and arylsulfatase pointed to improving soil quality along the succession. Pasture soils had higher microbial diversity but were dominated by stress-response functions, while forest soils favored metabolism linked to ecosystem functioning. Microbial communities shifted with land use, revealing a tight synchrony between plant recovery and microbial functional regeneration. Dr. Franciele Muchalak thank you for the colaboration, it has been awesome being part of your journey. 📄 https://lnkd.in/e7S-5q8X #SoilMicrobiology #TropicalEcology #RestorationEcology #Microbiome #PlantSoilInteractions #Biodiversity

🌍Academics explore digitizing biodiversity and the opportunities and risks which may arise #Biodiversity #DigitalFrontiers #Computing #AI #Data #DataOwnership #Conservation #Restoration https://lnkd.in/gF9VZ-gg

Unravelling the Biodiversity Gain Site Register – an AI solution for BNG AI coding and analysis let me extract and summarise data from the Biodiversity Gain Site Register within a couple of minutes. This helps ensure transparency and accountability, making sure BNG delivers real outcomes for nature recovery. Below is the AI-generated summary [the data appears solid, though the AI analysis could be refined]. While it looks generally correct [I edited a few points], it should be treated with caution and cross-checked against the Register itself. Already, it has flagged minor errors on the Register (e.g. Woodland and forest – Other neutral grassland). It would be interesting to check if the numbers all add up.... I’m excited to see how this can be used in academia and practice to strengthen BNG. ********************************** BNG Gain Site Register Summary – 10 sites missing? Number of Sites: 103 Total Habitat Area (ha): 4,011 Largest Gain Site: BGS-121224001 – 537.4 ha Allocation Statistics: Sites with Allocations: 64 (≈62%) % Habitat Area Allocated: ~0.4% (site area basis) Largest Allocation by Area of single habitat type: BGS-151124001 – 6.49 ha (Grassland: Other neutral grassland) – Gas Condensate Tank Farm, Barrow-in-Furness (Ref: B06/2024/0477) Largest Allocation by Units: BGS-260225002 – 58.39 units – Sheffield Forgemasters Engineering Ltd (Ref: 24/02184/FUL) Additional Insights: Average Site Size: 39 ha Outliers: One site 0.5 ha, one >500 ha Responsible bodies: Concentrated in RSK Biocensus Limited (41 sites), plus South Cambridgeshire & County Durham LPAs Rarest Proposed Habitats (Top 5, all 0 ha allocated): Woodland & forest – Other coniferous woodland (0.05 ha) Lakes – Temporary lakes ponds and pools (H3170) (0.11 ha) Woodland & forest – Other neutral grassland (0.19 ha) Heathland & shrub – Hawthorn scrub (0.22 ha) Native hedgerow with trees – with bank/ditch (0.24 ha) Note: Culvert, Artificial unvegetated surface and Watercourse footprint excluded as not meaningful for BNG. Summary derived from the BNG Gain Site Register under the Open Government Licence (OGL). © Natural England 2024 © Crown Copyright and database rights 2025, Ordnance Survey AC0000851168 Natural England nick white Sophus zu Ermgassen #Biodiversity #NatureRecovery #BiodiversityNetGain #ArtificialIntelligence #AIForGood #DataAnalysis #Sustainability #ClimateAction #TechForNature #NaturePositive

🌱 Thrilled to share my first publication in the field of ecology in Environmental Microbiology! 🎉 This work is the result of a year of learning and adapting to a new field, and I’m proud that we can finally show how #land #use #intensity (LUI) shapes soil #fungal #communities in #forests and #grasslands across Germany. 🔍 Key findings: - Forest and grassland fungal communities respond differently to land use intensity. - Forests show stable fungal richness, but high LUI shifts communities toward more pathogenic fungi (e.g., Fusarium). - Grasslands are more sensitive: higher LUI increased fungal richness, but at the cost of functional homogenisation and reduced ecological resilience. - Overall, grassland fungi appear more vulnerable to intensive management, while forest fungi show more resilient traits. This is the first large-scale comparative study in Europe disentangling how land use intensity impacts soil fungal communities across these two key ecosystems. I’m deeply grateful to Prof. François Buscot and Kezia Goldmann for their immense support, and to all colleagues in the Biodiversity Exploratories for making this adventure possible. https://lnkd.in/dgMEK8Vw