Kelp forest ecosystems, found in cold, nutrient-rich waters, are vital biogenic habitats that support diverse marine biodiversity. These underwater forests, primarily composed of species like Sea bamboo (Ecklonia maxima) and Split-fan kelp (Laminaria pallida), provide vital ecosystem services and act as ecosystem engineers. The Great African Seaforest, stretching from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to…

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionising biodiversity monitoring by allowing scientists to non-invasively collect and analyse genetic material from various ecosystems, such as soil, water, air, or snow. This technique captures DNA shed by organisms through skin, scales, faeces, and other biological materials, eliminating the need for invasive sampling of individual organisms. eDNA has gained significant…

Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples, such as water, soil, or air, without needing to directly interact with the organisms. This method detects DNA fragments that organisms leave in their environment, providing real-time data on species distribution, abundance, and habitat preferences. Its non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and the ease of standardising procedures…

Terrestrial vertebrates face significant threats from human activities worldwide, leading to rapid biodiversity loss, particularly in the tropics. This loss affects ecosystem functions, such as seed dispersal, and can facilitate pathogen transmission. Monitoring vertebrate distributions is crucial for understanding changes in biodiversity and ecosystems and developing adaptive management strategies. Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods have emerged…

Rice holds significant cultural and dietary importance in Madagascar, more so than in many other countries. The island ranks among the highest globally in rice consumption, with each Malagasy person consuming amounts that are probably only higher in Vietnam. In Madagascar, rice cultivation is mainly categorized into two methods: rain-fed rice and irrigated rice. Rain-fed…

In Ghana, eggplants are not just culinary staples but vital agricultural commodities. Two primary types dominate local markets and exports: the nutrient-rich African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) and the globally traded aubergine (Solanum melongena). The African eggplant, also known as the  African Garden egg, is cultivated in many parts of Ghana, though it is equally popular…

As the global community grapples with the alarming rise of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, a significant contributor to climate change, innovative solutions are imperative. Among these, agroforestry in the form of mango agroforests in Cameroon offers hope. A 2023 study published by Cameroonian researchers from the Department of Life Science, University of Bertoua, the Department of…

This article is just long enough for a cup of coffee. The interplay between agriculture and conservation is critical in Kenya, where its forests harbour precious biodiversity. Despite its rich faunal endemism, Kenyan forests are grappling with threats from climate change and human population growth. Coffee cultivation, a major economic driver, presents a paradox. While…

The “52 Science Stories” blog emerges as a beacon, illuminating the often overlooked research achievements from the global south. This blog spotlights studies in biodiversity and agroecology, two disciplines that embody the crucial interplay between nature and sustainable agriculture. Biodiversity, the diverse tapestry of life on Earth, forms the foundation of ecological health, supporting ecosystem…