dsacer's Journal

Carl Zimmer has written a popular-press article on what makes a species:

A 2021 survey found that practicing biologists used 16 different approaches to categorizing species. Any two of the scientists picked at random were overwhelmingly likely to use different ones.

Definitely worth a look, and no paywall for 30 days.

This is a welcome change

The American Ornithological Society says it will alter the names of North American birds named after humans, starting with up to 80 of them.

A new paper is out, and it looks like the higher temperatures have induced drought and beetle stress which has resulted in California losing much of its conifer forests over the last decade:

Mega-disturbances cause rapid decline of mature conifer forest habitat in California

Primarily due to the combination of wildfires, drought, and drought-associated beetle epidemics, 30% of the region's conifer forest extent transitioned to non-forest vegetation during 2011-2020. Fifty percent of mature forest habitat and 85% of high density mature forests either transitioned to lower density forest or non-forest vegetation types.

We're in for a very changed state if we don't really rapidly phase out fossil fuels which are causing the warming

With the upcoming reopening of Big Basin State Park on a limited basis, put together a trail map and fire history map mash-up to make it easier to understand

Fire map from Fig. 1 in Fuel load, stand structure, and understory species composition following prescribed fire in an old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest by David Cowman & Will Russell

Trails cropped from the Big Basin July 22, 2022 interim trail access map

Please note that access to most of the park requires a reservation. Details on how to obtain one and on current open/closed status can be found here

I'm not much of one for posting this kind of thing, but if you want to do more than just admire what you see, if you want to preserve it, to create a world where your children and grandchildren can enjoy the same world you do today, the choice for Americans in this fall's election is really clear. With Trumps' ongoing rollbacks of environmental protection, and Sanders having suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden, there is really one sane choice left for who will be the next President.

On Earth Day, April 22, Joe Biden is holding a Virtual Environmental and Clean Energy Reception. This event is a group video call, and at least some participants will get to interact with Joe Biden to explain their concerns. If you are able, and you care, donate now.