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Dogs have long been our loyal companions, but now they’re also being trained as conservation detectives to sniff out invasive species that threaten America’s agriculture and forests. A new study led by Virginia Tech found that volunteer dog-handler teams can effectively detect the elusive egg masses of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect damaging farms and forests across the eastern and central United States.

The researchers asked a simple yet profound question: “What if we tapped into the tens of thousands of dog owners already doing scent detection as a hobby around the country?” They recruited over 1,000 dog owners, with more than 40 percent having prior experience in sport scent detection or related activities. Ultimately, 182 teams from across the U.S. were selected and given devitalized egg masses as training aids.

The results? Dogs correctly identified the egg masses 82 percent of the time in controlled tests. In real-world field trials, accuracy dropped to 61 percent – still better than many human searches. Of the dogs that passed both tests, 92 percent were successful in finding live egg masses with minimal extra training.

This study highlights the untapped power of community science, where thousands of people out there doing scent work with their dogs just for fun can be a valuable resource for fighting the spread of an invasive pest. The findings show that trained pet dogs can also detect powdery mildew, a major fungal disease of grapes and vineyards, with over 90 percent accuracy.

For Sally Dickinson, lead author of the study, this research is about empowering people to work alongside their dogs to protect the places and communities they care about. It’s about giving more dogs and their humans a chance to do meaningful work – a mission that reflects her personal experience as a firefighter and career search-and-rescue canine handler.

As the project reflects, it’s time to unleash the power of citizen scientists in fighting invasive species. With the help of our loyal companions, we can safeguard agriculture and protect the environment for future generations.

As Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands faced devastating wildfires in 2020, it seemed like a catastrophe for its unique wildlife. However, a recent study published in Global Change Biology reveals that the fires actually led to an increase in jaguar population density in the area, making it a potential climate refuge. The research team from Oregon State University and their Brazilian partners have been studying the jaguars since 2014, using camera traps and scat analysis to understand their behavior and habitat.

The study site, covering over 36,700 acres, is a protected area that experiences seasonal flooding. It’s home to a distinct population of jaguars that primarily feed on aquatic organisms rather than land-based animals. These big cats are also surprisingly socially tolerant, often sharing space with other jaguars. The researchers found that the 2020 wildfires and extreme drought drove an estimated loss of 17 million vertebrates across the Pantanal.

The study, led by Charlotte Eriksson, a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University, analyzed video footage from camera traps deployed before, during, and after the fires. They also collected nearly 175 jaguar scats to determine their diet. The findings suggest that the area may serve as a climate refuge, buffering the effects of extreme climate events.

Eriksson emphasized the importance of maintaining such refugia and implementing proactive fire management to protect these unique ecosystems. “Finding even more jaguars and other mammals in the study area following the 2020 wildfire and extreme drought suggests that it may serve as a climate refuge, buffering the effects of extreme climate events,” Eriksson said.

The researchers caution against generalizing their findings to other areas due to the site’s unique characteristics, including its protected status. However, they highlight the significance of preserving refugia like this one, which can provide crucial habitat for species struggling with the impacts of climate change.

The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, but beneath the surface lies a crisis that threatens the very existence of these iconic ecosystems. As our planet absorbs increasing amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, oceans around the world, including those surrounding Hawaii, are becoming more acidic. A recent study by researchers at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa has revealed that unprecedented levels of ocean acidification are expected to hit Hawaiian waters within the next three decades.

This alarming trend poses a significant threat to marine life, particularly corals and clams, whose shells and skeletons will weaken under the increasing acidity. The consequences will be far-reaching, as these ecosystems support an array of species and play a vital role in maintaining ocean health. However, there is hope – some organisms have demonstrated their ability to adapt to changing waters.

Researchers, led by Professor Brian Powell from the Department of Oceanography at UH Mānoa’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), employed advanced computer models to project how ocean chemistry around Hawaii might change over the 21st century under different climate scenarios. The results are stark: even in a low-emission scenario, where carbon emissions flatline by mid-century, ocean acidification will increase significantly in surface waters around the main Hawaiian Islands.

The extent and timing of these changes vary depending on the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere. In a high-emission scenario, the team found that ocean chemistry will become dramatically different from what corals have experienced historically, potentially posing significant challenges to their ability to adapt. Even in this scenario, some changes are inevitable, but they occur more gradually.

The researchers calculated the difference between projected ocean acidification and acidification that corals in a given location have experienced in recent history. They referred to this as ‘novelty’ and discovered that various areas of the Hawaiian Islands may experience acidification differently. Windward coastlines consistently exhibited higher novelty, meaning future conditions will deviate more dramatically from what coral reefs have experienced in recent history.

The study’s findings serve as a wake-up call for researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and the public to take immediate action. By understanding the future challenges facing Hawaiian coral reefs, we can work towards preserving these critical ecosystems for future generations.

As Dr. Powell emphasizes, “This study is a big first step to examine the totality of changes that will impact corals and other marine organisms and how it varies around the islands.” The research team will continue to investigate the future changes in Hawaiian waters, specifically heat stress, locations of possible refugia for coral reefs, and changes to Hawai’i’s fisheries.