UBC faculty of forestry

Two pathogens linked to salmon health and survival in B.C.

Many wild salmon populations in B.C. have experienced substantial declines over the last three decades. New UBC research published today can help chart a course towards better protection of wild salmon.

May 19, 2022

Canada needs Indigenous-led fire stewardship, new research finds

As a new wildfire season approaches, many Canadians are reflecting on the devastating losses of last season, and considering what they can do to protect themselves and the places where they live.

Apr 26, 2022

A black bear pictured near Fort McMurray in Alberta. Photo by Cole Burton/UBC Faculty of Forestry

Data from thousands of cameras confirms protected areas promote mammal diversity

A new University of British Columbia study offers new evidence that protected areas are effective at conserving wildlife.

Jan 27, 2022

Domestic cats drive spread of Toxoplasma parasite to wildlife

New UBC research suggests free-roaming cats are likely to blame in the spread of the potentially deadly Toxoplasma gondii parasite to wildlife in densely populated urban areas.

Nov 10, 2021

UBC Forestry’s Cool ‘Hood Champs program workshop facilitator Dr. Stephen Sheppard (front) asks participants questions during a neighbourhood climate action session recently held in Vancouver.

UBC researchers are helping communities prepare for the effects of climate change

The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) takes place next week and one of its four goals is to help countries adapt to climate change in order to protect communities and natural habitats.

Oct 26, 2021

Map depicting the annual percentage of greenspace in Metro Vancouver for 2011. Darker shades of green depict areas of higher vegetation percentage, while lighter shades of green depict areas of lower vegetation percentage.

Spending time in nature promotes early childhood development

Want to ensure your child hits their expected developmental milestones? New UBC research suggests living in areas with high exposure to greenspace can help set them up for success.

Oct 21, 2021

Up to 64 per cent of streams are now off-limits to salmon due to in-stream barriers like dams, floodgates and road culverts. Photo: April Bencze/Raincoast Conservation Foundation

Up to 85 per cent of historical salmon habitat lost in Lower Fraser region

For perhaps the first time ever, researchers have mapped out the true extent of habitat loss for salmon in the Lower Fraser River, one of the most important spawning and rearing grounds for Pacific salmon in B.C.

Aug 5, 2021

Juvenile gorilla beringei. Credit: Douglas Sheil/CIFOR

A planet without apes? New research highlights danger to gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos in shifting habitats

New analysis published today reveals that if the pressures on great ape habitat remain unchecked, Africa’s great apes could lose between 85 and 94 per cent of their range by the year 2050. Jacqueline Sunderland-Groves, a great ape expert in UBC’s faculty of forestry explains what can be done to ensure the long-term survival of gorillas, chimpanzees and other great apes.

Jun 7, 2021

UBC forestry professor Richard Hamelin inspects a gypsy moth trap

Portable DNA device can detect tree pests in under two hours

A new rapid DNA detection method developed at UBC can identify invasive pests in less than two hours, without complicated processes or chemicals – even in remote locations.

Jul 20, 2020

Caribou on an unrestored seismic line. Credit: UBC Faculty of Forestry

Habitat restoration alone not enough to support threatened caribou: UBC study

New UBC research suggests restoring habitat may not be enough to save threatened woodland caribou—an iconic animal that’s a major part of boreal forests in North America and a key part of the culture and economy of many Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Nov 27, 2019

The bat created by UBC researchers resembles top-rated bats in the market but can be made more economically using cheaper materials.

UBC researchers bat for gold with new cricket bat design

Young kids dreaming of becoming the next Steve Smith, Eoin Morgan or Virat Kohli rarely have access to cricket bats used by the stars of the game. Now a new bat designed at the University of British Columbia could put a high-performing bat into their hands and ultimately bring even more people into the sport.

Jul 11, 2019

From the floor to the canopy

A young Yadira Corbet always wondered what went on in the UBC forestry building where she helped her mother clean floors.

May 30, 2018