The environment around us consists of a fragile ecosystem, where flora and fauna are dependent on each other for survival. This means that when a slight change is made to that ecosystem, the results can be catastrophic and wide ranging.
For instance, the introduction of a new pesticide to an area of farmland could not only kill the targeted pests, but also harm the insects, birds and mammals that are part of that local food chain. As a result of this, native species could become endangered or even extinct, further impoverishing the landscape.
It is for reasons like this that expert ecologists are now more important than ever when it comes to the mighty task of protecting the natural world. Ecology is a scientific specialism that focuses on the relationship between wildlife and the natural world. As such, ecologists are dedicated to protecting threatened habitats whilst ensuring that humans, plants and animals can all flourish in the same space.
Read on to find out more about what ecologists can do, with a look at why they are so essential for our environment today.
What Is An Ecologist?
Ecologists are dedicated scientists who primarily study the relationship between animals, plants and the environment or habitat where they live. Some will carry out intensive research to better understand the world around them, whilst others will offer practical support to encourage the protection and restoration of the natural world.
More specifically, an ecologist could work in the following areas:
Data gathering and analysis of plants, animals or environmental conditions.
Research focused on how humans are impacting local habitats, the climate and the planet as a whole.
Cultivating new wildlife conservation areas and restoration projects.
Providing an advisory service to landowners and local authorities on ecological legal matters.
Supporting sustainable landscape development projects in a consulting capacity.
Actively campaigning for wildlife protections and new approaches to wildlife-human cohabitation.
Most ecologists will specialise in a particular area of the environment in order to carry out focused research, where some may choose to investigate freshwater habitats, rare plant species or the lives of endangered mammals.
Today, technological advancements have helped to make ecological research incredibly accurate and scientific. With financial support provided by various funding bodies and charities, many ecologists can now work with infra-red cameras, satellite imagery, GPS and aerial photography to accurately monitor different species and habitats.
Famous Ecologists Throughout History
The in-depth study of ecology as we recognise it today is a relatively recent development, with scientists relying on modern technology to investigate issues of climate change and habitat loss.
But prior to these modern developments, numerous scientists were already investigating the natural world and making extraordinary discoveries. Their findings and dedicated efforts have paved the way for modern ecological study, helping us all to better understand the natural world.
Just three of these contributors are discussed below:
Johannes Eugenius Bülow Warming (1841 - 1924)
Also known as Eugen Warming, this Danish botanist is considered to be a key founder of ecology as a scientific disciple. He wrote the first textbook on plant ecology in 1895, and also taught the first university course in ecology. Many of his textbooks were translated into several languages, and were hugely influential for decades.
Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)
Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist and conservationist. She is primarily remembered for her groundbreaking work Silent Spring (1962), which documents the intense harm caused by the pesticide DDT. It is widely believed that this work spurred on an environmental movement that led to better regulations for pesticide use, helping to protect countless species and habitats.
Robert Harding Whittaker (1920 - 1980)
Robert Whittaker was a well-renowned American plant ecologist. He is known in particular for being the first scientist to propose the five-kingdom taxonomic classification of the world's biota in 1969 - these being Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera. He also lends his name to the Whittaker Biome Classification, which categorises biome-types by temperature and precipitation.
Ecologists & Sustainable Landscaping
Today, the work carried out by ecologists helps to make the world a better place for plants and animal species everywhere. As human life expands to every corner of the globe, with urbanisation quickly becoming the norm, it’s never been more important for humans to live in harmony with the natural world.
Ecologists can help to make this dream a reality, by consulting on sustainable development projects and by helping developers to understand the legal protections that are in place to conserve natural habitats.
In particular, ecologists can support sustainable development efforts in the following ways:
Biodiversity Assessments & Surveys
Ecologists can carry out in-depth assessments of habitats and local wildlife populations before a development project is undertaken. This can allow commercial developers to include environmental protections in their initial plans, helping to preserve biodiversity for the long term.
Often, these surveys are a legal requirement in order to secure planning permission, where ecologists may also consult with developers to help them to put together a wildlife-friendly proposal.
Managing Soil Health
Ecologists can also examine soil composition, structure and nutrient levels, where this can help to identify areas that are prone to erosion. With this data, landscaping teams can implement effective solutions to manage soil health, such as erosion-resistant planting and supportive engineering.
Water Resources
When it comes to landscape design, water management is an essential factor. Ecologists can help by monitoring water availability, drainage patterns and the needs of surrounding habitats. In this way, developers can build without harming local wildlife populations, and without increasing the flood risk level in the area.
Lizard Landscape Design: Ecological Services For Your Development Project
Lizard Landscape Design is a chartered consultancy of landscape architects, planners and ecological consultants, where we provide support for a range of commercial and public sector development projects.
More specifically, our ecological survey consultants can help you to determine the impact your project may have on the environment, ensuring that your proposal is legally compliant and wildlife friendly.
Our experienced ecologists can perform Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys for developments, and Ecology Phase 1 Habitat Surveys for flora, fauna and protected species. Beyond this, we also complete detailed phase 2 Habitat Surveys. These include bat surveys and assessments for reptiles, amphibians, badgers, dormice and invertebrates.
Whether you’re working on a landscaping project for a property development or an educational facility, we’re here to support you. Our team will work with you to ensure your environmental impact is minimised, helping you to make a successful planning application.
Get in touch with our specialist team today to find out more about our services.