Check out what’s happened this week in forestry news!

Researchers in Australia studied whether trees will be able to cope with rising temperatures and extreme, prolonged heatwaves. One of the results: To prevent leaf damage by burning, trees use transpiration to “sweat.”

Concerned about the availability of maple syrup for your breakfast? You’re right to be. Research targeted on Michigan’s sugar maples shows that climate change does affect the production of maple syrup, and not for the better. While nitrogen compounds from cars, factories, etc., provide a fertilizing effect for sugar maples, that effect will be outweighed by an increasingly dry climate, which may cause the tree species to disappear altogether.

Famous for its “smile,” the Cow Knob salamander is a high-elevation species found in the Appalachian Mountains. They contribute to maintaining forest health and are important environmental indicators. It, and other high-elevation amphibian species, face the threat of extinction caused by warming temperatures and habitat loss.

The increased demand for charcoal is causing the rapid destruction of Uganda’s forests. According to the National Forestry Authority, about 200,000 acres are cleared every year for the production of charcoal or timber. Local leaders are trying to stop this unsustainable trade.

Red-headed vultures are endangered due to loss of nesting sites and reduction in prey availability. The Wildlife Conservation Society has employed community members to protect the recently discovered nests to help conserve the vulture population, in addition to vulture restaurants — sites where supplementary feedings are periodically provided.