Sign in

EcosystemEngineer

@ecosystemengineer.bsky.social
945 followers 325 following 1K posts

Sam Osborne Advocating for all herbivores and megaherbivores, forest structures, vegetation structures, fast-track structural renovations, restoring ungulate migrations throughout all of Europe and beyond.

PostsRepliesMedia
EcosystemEngineer @ecosystemengineer.bsky.social · 12h
Herbivore densities. Herbivore species. Herbivore migrations. Our historic and long term relationship with herbivores. In my opinion this is probably one of the most important topics, not just for ecology, but for society in general.
000
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Nearly Wild @nearlywild.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
researchgate.net
(PDF) Beyond the closed-forest paradigm: Cross-scale vegetation structure in temperate Europe before the late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions
PDF | On Feb 1, 2025, Elena A. Pearce and others published Beyond the closed-forest paradigm: Cross-scale vegetation structure in temperate Europe before the late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions | Fi...
011
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Adam Calo @adamcalo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Has the theory land sparing seeped out of ecological journals and into the mainstream? New: The legend of land sparing in Agriculture and Human Values link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com
The legend of land sparing - Agriculture and Human Values
As institutions mobilize ambitious land-use transition agendas, dominant policy narratives risk constraining their transformative potential. The land sparing–land sharing (SpSh) framework, introduced ...
186
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
International Union of Forest Research Organizations - IUFRO @iufro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
📢Save the date and ✍️register for the webinar 🧑‍💻Regeneration in Agroforestry Systems: Ecology, Silviculture and Resilience 🗓️23-24 November 2026, 🕐13:00 UTC ➡️ www.iufro.org/events/regen... #ForestScience #ForestResearch #agroforestry #resilience #WeCantLiveWithoutForests
022
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Pablo Manzano @pablopastos.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A herder's caravan crosses 🇧🇪 to reclaim visibility and future to a crucial activity for maintaining biodiversity & producing healthy and sustainable food. Mobile pastoralism is also present in W Eur. Joined by Loupa Pius from East Africa, with the support from VSF-BE vsf-belgium.org/news/europea...
vsf-belgium.org
European Herders' March crosses Belgium
From 28 September to 13 October, the European Herders' March crosses Belgium. Meet the herders and discover their stories.
052
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration @migratinghooves.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In the Auca Mahuida Nature Reserve, guanacos migrate up the slopes of the Auca Mahuida volcano during the summer months. Here, researchers are interested in how ongoing oil development may be impacting the animals and how the broader population uses the landscape. www.cms.int/gium/migrati...
132
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Cat Frampton @catframpton.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
@britishmyology.bsky.social considering it’s spreading but also probably still pretty unusual should we report Favolaschia Claudopus / Orange Porecap if found? And if so how and where? Devon, East Dartmoor.
Tiny orange fungiSmall orange fungi Small orange fungi
271
EcosystemEngineer @ecosystemengineer.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The vegetation structures that herbivores shape are the ones that all flora and fauna are most adapted to. While it's very important to recognise these structures, it's probably more important to realise that in some places there are very few herbivores and in other places no herbivores at all.
043
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration @migratinghooves.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
New migration maps just released! Red deer traverse steep slops in Germany's Berchtesgaden National Park and guanacos migrate along Argentina's impressive Auca Mahuida Volcano. Check out the maps in the Atlas of Ungulate Migration www.cms.int/gium/migrati... @cms.int
0104
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Arthur Gessler @arthurobuntspecht.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🌳 State of Switzerland's forests 2026: The hottest summer since records began has left deep marks on our forests. Defoliation of deciduous trees increased sharply – 5% died. 🍂🇨🇭 The full extent will only become clear next year. @wslresearch.bsky.social www.wsl.ch/en/forest/fo...
wsl.ch
Sanasilva-Bulletin 2026
Long-term environmental observation (monitoring) detects gradual changes, including climate effects and the input of pollutants.
0118
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Arthur Gessler @arthurobuntspecht.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🌳 Zustand des Schweizer Waldes 2026: Der heisseste Sommer seit Messbeginn hinterlässt tiefe Spuren in unseren Wäldern. Kronenverlichtung der Laubbäume stieg stark an – 5 % starben. 🍂🇨🇭Das ganze Ausmass wird sich erst im nächsten Jahr zeigen. @wslresearch.bsky.social www.wsl.ch/de/wald/wald...
wsl.ch
Sanasilva-Bulletin 2026
Mit der Sanasilva-Inventur erfassen wir repräsentativ seit 1985 den Gesundheitszustand der Bäume im Schweizer Wald.
042
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
William (Bill) Sutherland @billsutherland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Both speakers are stars and always interesting and thoughtful.
142
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Michael Hiller @hillermich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Happy to share results of the @bat1kgenomes.bsky.social phase 1, providing reference genomes covering 21 bat families. New insights into bat phylogeny, ancestral genome reconstruction, European origin & ancestral echolocation. Great work by a team of 100+ colleagues www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Reference genomes and fossils revise bat family phylogeny and biogeography - Nature
An updated phylogeny of bats is presented, based on new genome assemblies and many ancient fossils and including all known bat families.
318380
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) @cms.int · 23/09/2026
Each spring, red deer in Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park leave the forested valleys around Königssee and climb towards alpine pastures and subalpine forests. 🦌⛰️ A new map @migratinghooves.bsky.social map traces these short but steep journeys. Explore the map: www.cms.int/gium/migrati...
042
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Nicolas Mouquet @nmouquet.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🎧 Do you want to help us understand how humans perceive forest soundscapes in Costa Rica ? Answer this quick 5-min survey: 👉 www.biodiful.org/#/soundscapes_en Take a break and listen to the voice of the forest 💚 Please like & share on 🦋 to reach more participants 🙏 🌐🌍🦤🧪🍁🪴
Flyer for the BIODIFUL Soundscapes survey. Text reads: 'Do you want to help us understand how humans perceive forest soundscapes in Costa Rica? Please answer our online questionnaire: Voices of the Tropical Forest.' Photo of a lush tropical forest interior, overlaid with a translucent ear icon surrounded by sound waves. Text continues: 'This anonymous survey will take only 10 min. https://www.biodiful.org/#/soundscapes_en.' Logos at the bottom: BIODIFUL, ETH Zürich, CNRS, and Station d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale
58375
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) @paneurope.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Together with @foodwatchde.bsky.social, @inkota.bsky.social & @umweltinstitut.org, @pangermany.bsky.social handed over 145,000 signatures opposing toxic double standards in the #pesticide trade. The EU must finally honour its pledge and put an end to the export of banned pesticides!
087
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Journal of Animal Ecology @animalecology.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
🦌 Elements on the move: How ungulate migration expands Alpine biogeochemical footprints🦌 These findings highlight the broader ecosystem consequences of declining animal movement extent 👇️ buff.ly/2KmnGj8
062
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Sabrina Schulz @auenatelier.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Gelungener Auftakt für den Kongress zum UN-Jahr der Weidelandschaften: Politiker:innen aus EU, Bund & Land diskutieren mit Wissenschaft & Praxis - über Sauergräser & Brombeeren, Bürokratie & Finanzierungslücken. Möge die Kirchberger Erklärung (=> Kommentar) die GAP-Gestaltung beflügeln. #IYRP2026
Panel mit 3 MEPs (Maria Noichl, Martin Häusling, Herbert Dorfmann), einem MdB (Artur Auernhammer) und einem MdL und Staatssekretär (André Baumann), davor Geschäftsführer des DVL (Jürgen Metzner) mit Mikro
181
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Ecological Continuity Trust (ECT) @ect-uk.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
About a week ago, we went to Loughgall in #NorthernIreland & met with Rodrigo Olave @afbini.gov.uk‬ to film for our #VR experience with @maplebay.bsky.social. Here Rodrigo is assessing how 3 different land use systems affect #sustainability & #agricultural production.  bit.ly/LoughgallNI 🌏
Two white men in the foreground as one carries a microphone to the other. There is a white woman in the background taking photos. In between the men, there is equipment.A white man wearing a hat holds a drone up at eye level outside.Two white men stand in front of the AFBI sign that is attached to the building.
081
EcosystemEngineer @ecosystemengineer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The recently published World Map of Yaks. www.pastoralpeoples.org/world-map-of...
pastoralpeoples.org
World map of yaks - League for Pastoral Peoples
Click on the image above or here to open the map. This map shows pastoralist groups who keep yaks and organizations that are involved in yak research, development and support. The yak markers show the...
040
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Soil Ecology Group @bes-soilecogroup.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
(1/5) August's 'Postcard from the Field' was submitted by Michael Steinwandter, an alpine soil ecologist at the Institute for the Alpine Environment, Eurac Research. Read more about what Michael's work below.
192
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
William (Bill) Sutherland @billsutherland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Is remarkable how a whole community of migratory fish has largely disappeared. Here we discuss the five different strategies. youtu.be/pSac_QGEMbE?...
youtu.be
The Decline of Migratory Fish: Causes and Solutions
YouTube video by Bill Sutherland's Conservation Concepts
1107
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) @paneurope.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Today, the European Parliament supported, in plenary session, last week's veto from the Environment Committee against increased Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of Flupyradifurone, a controversial #neonicotinoid, in rapeseed (canola). www.pan-europe.info/press-releas...
pan-europe.info
European Parliament vetoes more residues of Flupyradifurone insecticide in food
Today, the European Parliament supported, in plenary session, last week's veto from the Environment Committee against increased Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of Flupyradifurone, a controversial neonic...
084
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Rachel Thomson 🐘 @rachelliephant.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Fieldwork dreams: attending @uop-ccep.bsky.social journal club (a super interesting talk by Titir Debnath on #macaques and #human–wildlife #conflict in the Indian Himalayas)… and some grey friends also wanted to listen!! 🐒🏔️🐘
073
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Dr Hannah Fluck @hannahfluck.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
This thread explains some helpful facts re historic tree cover. We don't need to perpetuate inaccuracy to justify increasing tree cover now. Current & future environments & needs are different. Better to explain why than keep pretending we can return to some halcyon days to fix the mess we've made.
65018
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
rru.eurosky.social @rru.eurosky.social · 10/09/2026
Pretty good, you can get it here : www.bbquality.nl/wildrundvlees/ Natural grazing produces meat when the herds need managing. Occasionally we get a box in to fill the freezer.
bbquality.nl
Wildrundvlees - BBQuality
BBQuality All Purpose RubrnBBQuality SPG RubrnBBQuality Beef RubrnTaurus beef platter receptrnTaurus kogelbiefstuk recept met Balsamico uiencompoternBottenbouillon (bone broth) receptrnBone broth rece...
111
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Julia Koricheva @juliakoricheva.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
As we are planning to do thinning of the Satakunta forest diversity experiment next year, we went today to see some Finnish thinning harvesters in action. It was amazing to watch how efficient and fast they are in navigating difficult terrain and in cutting and delimbing individual trees
171
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Sabrina Schulz @auenatelier.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Das Bündnis zur Stärkung der Weidetierhaltung ist auf 174 Organisationen angewachsen. 💪 BMUKN und 50% der Länderministerien (Umwelt & Agrar) lobten das. Wir warten aber noch auf konkrete Maßnahmen & lauschen dem Schweigen des BMLEH. 👂🙉 #Beweidung hilft Weidetieren, der Natur & sogar gegen #Feuer! 🔥
0175
EcosystemEngineer @ecosystemengineer.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
What we actually need is a big roll-out of ecological infrastructure. 'New' Herbivore migrations should be playing a huge role here in reconnecting and improving all existing habitats.
010
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
PAISAJE lab @paisaje-lab.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
New publication in ECOLOGY @esajournals.bsky.social TENERIFE LIZARDS AS SEED PREDATORS doi.org/10.1002/ecy.... 🔓 Lizards are well known as pollinators and seed dispersers, but until now their role as granivores has remained largely overlooked Play the 🎦 + ⬆️ 🔈 www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeKe...
youtube.com
Seed predation (granivory) by Tenerife lizards
YouTube video by PAISAJE lab
076
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
James Bullock @jmbecologist.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Did you know a barrister is facing jail just for reminding a jury they have the right to vote with their conscience? This historic right has kept trials fair since 1670. We can't let it be silenced now. Add your name to defend fair trials👇 you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Sign to protect the right to a fair trial
Imagine being called for jury duty, but advised against using your own common sense. ❗A top barrister is now facing contempt of court proceedings, simply for reminding a jury of their rights. If judg...
053
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Bertrand Dumont @bdumontae.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
How do we scale up & scale out agroecology across Europe? Researchers, farmers, policymakers & practitioners tackled that question at @agtransect.bsky.social final event in Brussels Full recordings are available, including discussions on: • lessons from 11 Innovation Hubs 👉 doi.org/10.1007/s116...
147
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Yue Cheng @ycheng1030.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
New paper out! 🦏💩🌿 Stop thinking the carbon cycle is just a plant thing. Megaherbivores actively reshape C-N-P, by eating, pooping, and trampling. So why are they stil invisible in most vegetation models? 🤔 We reviewed the evidence and propose a way to bring animals into DGVM👇
0124
EcosystemEngineer @ecosystemengineer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Vegetation Structures and Herbivores. It's all about vegetation structures and herbivores. Get these two things working and everything else then just falls into place.
144
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Elodie Mandel-Briefer @ebriefer.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Important read for animal welfare researchers: new paper by Roi Mandel and colleagues on what they term ‘pragmatism bias’, i.e. tendencies to focus on intensive production systems, short-term gains, and symptoms rather than root causes. It is time for a change if we want to widen our knowledge!
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Pragmatism bias in farm animal welfare science
A fundamental role of farm animal welfare science is to generate evidence-based knowledge on animals’ needs and well-being to inform decision-makers, and ult...
153
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Gianmaria Bonari @gianmariabonari.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🌎Can foundation models improve forest mapping? Our new study compares Sentinel-2 time series, AlphaEarth Foundations embeddings, and their fusion for forest type classification and tree cover estimation. isprs-annals.copernicus.org/articles/XI-...
151
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Evolution Soup @evolutionsoup.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A Lost Human Lineage May Have Left a Genetic Legacy in People Today @paleobae.bsky.social #evolution #evolutionsoup #fossil #science #paleoanthropology 👇🏼👇🏾 tinyurl.com/27d4uey6
A Lost Human Lineage May Have Left a Genetic Legacy in People Today
052
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Biogeography Berlin @biogeoberlin.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
At the beginning of July Gabri defended his PhD!! His paper was about the restoring of the European bison in contemporary landscapes. Congratulations on a truly impactful research, great results and a great defense!! #phd #defense #dissertation #congratulations #bison #biogeography #rewilding
042
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Dr Matt Pope @mattpope.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
For recent and current ground breaking research on the Clacton Spear and related technology follow @annemiekemilks.bsky.social research.reading.ac.uk/engagement-a... scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=e...
research.reading.ac.uk
Making a point: early wood technologies of the British Isles - Engagement and Impact
Microscopic analysis and advanced imaging of what could be the world’s oldest woodworked artefact, the Clacton spear, puts the skills of its Palaeolithic makers into sharper focus. Archaeologists from...
1237
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Biogeography Berlin @biogeoberlin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Don't forget to check out @julianoeser.bsky.social's new paper published in @natecoevo.nature.com: doi.org/10.1038/s415... - based on a massive collaborative effort with partners from across Europe, we highlight why strongly increasing forest disturbances are good news for Europe’s large herbivores:
172
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Chris Stringer @chrisbstringer.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
What can the latest fossil discoveries tell us about our origins — and why are we the only human species left? youtube.com/watch?v=YmN5...
youtube.com
The Biggest Mysteries of Human Evolution | Chris Stringer
YouTube video by Conversations with Vania
1346
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Rachel Salvidge @rachelsalvidge.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
When I write an investigation, you only ever get a fraction of the story. There's so much more - context, detail, threads that don't make the final cut. Follow my Substact if you want field notes, opinion, analysis, follow-ups and more! open.substack.com/pub/watershe...
open.substack.com
Forever chemicals, forever excuses: the Government just answered MPs' calls to act on toxic PFAS. It said no to almost everything.
I've spent five years investigating PFAS and have launched the Watershed substack to keep telling critical aspects of this story and others that don't make the mainstream news.
0149
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Center for Large Landscape Conservation @largelandscapes.org · 10/07/2026
We're seeking an Operations Coordinator to support our day-to-day operations, administrative functions, meetings/events, office systems, financial recordkeeping & staff support for travel. The role is full-time and on-site at our Bozeman, Montana, office. largelandscapes.org/careers/
021
EcosystemEngineer @ecosystemengineer.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
@annieleymarie.bsky.social @funecology.bsky.social @jonastrepel.bsky.social Hi Annie, I'll do my best to answer the questions you asked. How much do you know about vegetation structures? Tell me what you know and then we can start from there.
000
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Functional Ecology @funecology.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
👀Behind the Paper!👀 Author Jonas Trepel shares the role of large herbivores as key ecological players, the thorny side of fieldwork, and the importance of doing work that truly interests you🦏 Read it here👇️ buff.ly/pN9WIUX 🧪🌍️ @jonastrepel.bsky.social
buff.ly
Jonas Trepel | Keeping the grasses in check: Wild large herbivores promote plant diversity by reducing dominance
In this behind the Paper blog post, author Jonas Trepel – a postdoctoral researcher at Aarhus University – delves into the world of ecosystems engineers and discusses his paper “W…
13317
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) @cms.int · 07/07/2026
Watch the webinar recording: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU61... Download the Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Ecological Connectivity and Land Restoration: www.unccd.int/resources/re...
youtube.com
Webinar: Socio-Ecological Connectivity
YouTube video by Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
021
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Erica Gies / SlowWater.world @ericagies.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
We lost Kongjian last year in a tragic accident. But his vision lives on.
052
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Journal of Animal Ecology @animalecology.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
🚨 new blog post! 🐘 read the story behind the paper, "elephant space use and habitat selection change across drought timescales" 📝 blog here: buff.ly/t1L3XwI
082
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Sanjeeta Sharma Pokharel @sanjeeta.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Media coverage: india.mongabay.com/2025/10/frag...
india.mongabay.com
Fragmented forests and human disturbances create stress in Asian elephants
Free-ranging elephants living in human-dominated landscapes are foraging crops at a higher risk of physiological stress and unnatural death.
111
Reposted by EcosystemEngineer
Sanjeeta Sharma Pokharel @sanjeeta.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Namibian desert elephants are adapted to the desert. I really liked this video! Here you can see, an elephant sliding down the dune! Seems like sliding down is one of the common behaviours while moving down hill! 🐘 Elephants behaving like "elephants"😎🤟🏽! #Namibia #Elephants #NamibElephants
1103