Loss of Top Animal Predators Has Massive Ecological Effects. ScienceDaily (July 14, 2011) — "Trophic Downgrading of Planet Earth," a review paper that will be published on July 15, 2011, in the journal Science, concludes that the decline of large predators and herbivores in all regions of the world is causing substantial changes to Earth's terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The paper claims that the loss of apex consumers from ecosystems "may be humankind's most pervasive influence on nature. " The research was funded primarily by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts. The paper is co-authored by the Institute's executive director, Dr. Ellen K. Pikitch, and the lead author is Dr. The review, conducted by an international team of 24 scientists, illuminates the patterns and far-reaching impacts of predation and herbivory on the structure and dynamics of global ecosystems.
[1105.0968v2] Paleoclimate Implications for Human-Made Climate Change. United Plant Savers : Raising public awareness for North American medicinal plants. 1,300 New Species Discovered: Conservation International Celebrates 20 Years Of Rapid Assessment Program (PHOTOS) Conservation International (CI) is celebrating two decades of its successful Rapid Assessment Program (RAP), which has led to the discovery of over 1,300 new species, by releasing a list of its 20 "RAP Stars" -- the new species that have become international sensations with nicknames like "Yoda bat," "Dinospider," "Walking shark," and "Pinocchio frog.
" A new book, "Still Counting," details the program's progress over the past two decades. From CI: Launched in 1990, the idea behind the creation of CI’s Rapid Assessment Program was to build a team of the best field biologists from different disciplines, and create what CI founder, CEO, and Chairman Peter Seligmann described in the foreword to the book as “An ecological SWAT team that could accurately assess the health of an ecosystem in a fraction of the time it would normally take”. The organization's program has grown to include 10-30 scientists per expedition, and over 80 surveys have been completed in 27 countries. Part of HPMG News. Wolves To Lose Endangered Status Within 60 days, First Time Congress Has Taken A Species Off List.