Pub Date : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127126
Yihang Hu , Qiqi Liu , Jie Li , Weibin Zhou , Chenjie Ni , Junbiao Zhang
Achieving coordinated development between the human and natural systems is of great significance for maintaining ecological integrity; however, its scientific assessment still faces numerous challenges. This study takes Danjiangkou City—home to Asia’s largest artificial freshwater reservoir and a typical ecologically sensitive area—as the research object, constructing a Socioeconomic–Resources–Ecological–Cultural (SREC) multidimensional evaluation framework to systematically assess the level of coordinated development in the regional human–natural system. Based on historical data from 2013 to 2023, the entropy weight method was used to objectively determine indicator weights, a coupling coordination degree model was applied to analyze interactions among subsystems, and an optimized multivariate grey prediction model (OGM(1, N)) was employed to forecast system evolution trends from 2024 to 2030. The results indicate that between 2013 and 2023, the comprehensive evaluation index of the SREC system increased from 0.1816 to 0.5962, with all subsystems demonstrating positive development trends. The coupling coordination degree of the system improved from 0.138 to 0.385. Predictive results show that from 2024 to 2030, the system coupling degree will slightly decrease from 0.965 to 0.913, while the coordination degree rise from 0.130 to 0.178, and the coupling coordination degree steadily increases to 0.403, indicating continuous optimization amid functional specialization and enhanced synergy. This research provides theoretical support and practical evidence for optimizing sustainable development pathways and adaptive governance in ecologically sensitive regions.
{"title":"Harmonizing human–nature systems through a multidimensional nexus framework: a sustainability assessment model for socioeconomic–resources–ecological–cultural synergies","authors":"Yihang Hu , Qiqi Liu , Jie Li , Weibin Zhou , Chenjie Ni , Junbiao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Achieving coordinated development between the human and natural systems is of great significance for maintaining ecological integrity; however, its scientific assessment still faces numerous challenges. This study takes Danjiangkou City—home to Asia’s largest artificial freshwater reservoir and a typical ecologically sensitive area—as the research object, constructing a Socioeconomic–Resources–Ecological–Cultural (SREC) multidimensional evaluation framework to systematically assess the level of coordinated development in the regional human–natural system. Based on historical data from 2013 to 2023, the entropy weight method was used to objectively determine indicator weights, a coupling coordination degree model was applied to analyze interactions among subsystems, and an optimized multivariate grey prediction model (OGM(1, N)) was employed to forecast system evolution trends from 2024 to 2030. The results indicate that between 2013 and 2023, the comprehensive evaluation index of the SREC system increased from 0.1816 to 0.5962, with all subsystems demonstrating positive development trends. The coupling coordination degree of the system improved from 0.138 to 0.385. Predictive results show that from 2024 to 2030, the system coupling degree will slightly decrease from 0.965 to 0.913, while the coordination degree rise from 0.130 to 0.178, and the coupling coordination degree steadily increases to 0.403, indicating continuous optimization amid functional specialization and enhanced synergy. This research provides theoretical support and practical evidence for optimizing sustainable development pathways and adaptive governance in ecologically sensitive regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127126"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Successful reintroduction of epiphytic orchids depends on their attachment and adaptation to their host, to ensure their survival and thriving in new habitats. This research evaluated the effectiveness of OrchiNet, a mesh designed to affix seedlings of the epiphytic orchid Brassia verrucosa, in an experiment involving two phorophytes: Fraxinus spp. and Persea americana. The experiment used a completely randomized experimental design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement (A × B), where factor A (phorophyte) had two levels: (1) Fraxinus spp. and (2) P. americana, and factor B (type of support) two levels: (1) OrchiNet and (2) mercerized thread. Four treatments and four replicates were tested, totaling 16 experimental units. B. verrucosa seedlings for the experiment were obtained from two sources: (1) asymbiotic germination, with two already-acclimatized subcultures, and (2) vegetative reproduction of adult plants, with four and eight pseudobulbs. The experiment was conducted in the gardens of the Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico. The evaluated variables were survival, plant height, number of shoots, root length, and number of roots. The experiment results showed that orchid seedlings affixed with OrchiNet had greater survival and development compared to those attached with mercerized thread on both phorophytes: P. americana and Fraxinus spp. Additionally, the phorophyte P. americana proved to be a better host for B. verrucosa seedlings. Therefore, the OrchiNet device is considered suitable for successfully establishing and reintroducing epiphytic orchids.
{"title":"Effectiveness of OrchiNet, a flexible support for reintroducing epiphytic orchids","authors":"Baltazar-Bernal Obdulia , Hernández-García Arturo , Zavala-Ruiz Jesús","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Successful reintroduction of epiphytic orchids depends on their attachment and adaptation to their host, to ensure their survival and thriving in new habitats. This research evaluated the effectiveness of OrchiNet, a mesh designed to affix seedlings of the epiphytic orchid <em>Brassia verrucosa</em>, in an experiment involving two phorophytes: <em>Fraxinus</em> spp<em>.</em> and <em>Persea americana</em>. The experiment used a completely randomized experimental design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement (A × B), where factor A (phorophyte) had two levels: (1) <em>Fraxinus</em> spp<em>.</em> and (2) <em>P. americana</em>, and factor B (type of support) two levels: (1) OrchiNet and (2) mercerized thread. Four treatments and four replicates were tested, totaling 16 experimental units. <em>B. verrucosa</em> seedlings for the experiment were obtained from two sources: (1) asymbiotic germination, with two already-acclimatized subcultures, and (2) vegetative reproduction of adult plants, with four and eight pseudobulbs. The experiment was conducted in the gardens of the Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico. The evaluated variables were survival, plant height, number of shoots, root length, and number of roots. The experiment results showed that orchid seedlings affixed with OrchiNet had greater survival and development compared to those attached with mercerized thread on both phorophytes: <em>P. americana</em> and <em>Fraxinus</em> spp. Additionally, the phorophyte <em>P. americana</em> proved to be a better host for <em>B. verrucosa</em> seedlings. Therefore, the OrchiNet device is considered suitable for successfully establishing and reintroducing epiphytic orchids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127125"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127115
Yan Wang , Feng Tian , Minxia Zhang , Xin Ye , Naifeng Lin , Dayi Lin , Yingying Zhu , Xiaojuan Xu , Jixi Gao
The ecological conservation redline (ECR) strategy is a new model for China’s ecological environmental protection that has attracted increasing attention. Ecological compensation is an effective means to promote ECR management. Although China’s ECR policy has been fully implemented, the ecological compensation mechanism remains underdeveloped, and there is an urgent need to establish a compensation standard accounting framework that meets the requirements of ECR management. This study proposed an ecological compensation accounting framework based on the protection requirements of “no reduction in function, no transformation in nature, and no reduction in area” and took Jiangsu Province, China, as a case study to estimate the ECR compensation standard. The results indicate that ECR policy effectively promotes the protection and restoration of important key ecosystems in this important ecological region. Influenced by factors such as ecosystem service value (ESV) variation, ECR distribution, and socioeconomic considerations, ecological compensation standards differed among cities during the same period. In the long term, ecological compensation standards increased with the ESV net gain and displayed a gradually increasing trend under ECR policy. Currently, the ecological compensation model is mainly organized by the government, and the sources of ecological compensation funds are limited. Government fiscal funds are limit to meet the great need of compensation, and there are serious deficiencies in inter-regional compensation especially for market oriented compensation approach between regions. It is difficult to meet the needs of ecological compensation using existing compensation methods, and diversified compensation methods such as tax exemption compensation, resident resettlement compensation, project construction compensation, resource sharing compensation, and market-oriented compensation should be adopted to improve the ecological compensation mechanism.
{"title":"Quantification of ecological compensation for the ecological conservation redline strategy based on target demand: a case study of Jiangsu Province, China","authors":"Yan Wang , Feng Tian , Minxia Zhang , Xin Ye , Naifeng Lin , Dayi Lin , Yingying Zhu , Xiaojuan Xu , Jixi Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ecological conservation redline (ECR) strategy is a new model for China’s ecological environmental protection that has attracted increasing attention. Ecological compensation is an effective means to promote ECR management. Although China’s ECR policy has been fully implemented, the ecological compensation mechanism remains underdeveloped, and there is an urgent need to establish a compensation standard accounting framework that meets the requirements of ECR management. This study proposed an ecological compensation accounting framework based on the protection requirements of “no reduction in function, no transformation in nature, and no reduction in area” and took Jiangsu Province, China, as a case study to estimate the ECR compensation standard. The results indicate that ECR policy effectively promotes the protection and restoration of important key ecosystems in this important ecological region. Influenced by factors such as ecosystem service value (ESV) variation, ECR distribution, and socioeconomic considerations, ecological compensation standards differed among cities during the same period. In the long term, ecological compensation standards increased with the ESV net gain and displayed a gradually increasing trend under ECR policy. Currently, the ecological compensation model is mainly organized by the government, and the sources of ecological compensation funds are limited. Government fiscal funds are limit to meet the great need of compensation, and there are serious deficiencies in inter-regional compensation especially for market oriented compensation approach between regions. It is difficult to meet the needs of ecological compensation using existing compensation methods, and diversified compensation methods such as tax exemption compensation, resident resettlement compensation, project construction compensation, resource sharing compensation, and market-oriented compensation should be adopted to improve the ecological compensation mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127128
Andre Becker , Nuno Negrões , María Díez-León , Indyra Lafuente-Cartagena , Nelly Guerra , Daniel Larrea-Alcázar , Valeria Boron , Melissa Arias , Lila Sainz , Michelle Peñaranda , Bernarda Sanabria , Jenny Anne Glikman
Jaguar (Panthera onca) populations are increasingly threatened by human activities, yet research on conflict over jaguar within protected areas remains scarce, especially in regions without cattle ranching. In the Bolivian Amazon, where local people rely on various forest-based income sources, we examined how two income sources, hunting and non-timber forestry (Brazil nut harvesting, acai berry harvesting, and small-scale agroforestry), along with demographic factors such as age, level of education, and gender influence psychological drivers and norms, along with past and future behavioral intentions toward jaguars. Through analysis of structured in-person interviews (n = 171), we found that hunting activity, whether one practiced hunting or increased their time spent or income derived from hunting, had predominantly negative influence on attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions toward jaguars. In contrast, non-timber forestry, whether one participates in the activity or increased their time spent or income derived from the activity, had a positive influence. Additionally, within-group variations in economic activities (e.g., time invested and income derived) were as important as whether the economic activity, specifically within hunting and non-timber forestry activities, was practiced at all. Contrary to findings from previous studies, demographic factors such as education had little effect on these psychological variables, with gender only influencing fear, and geographic area influencing norms. To support jaguar conservation, we recommend management strategies that reduce perceived risks and fears among hunters and promote non-timber forestry as a positive economic alternative.
{"title":"Hunting, non-timber forestry products, and jaguars (Panthera onca): How livelihoods influence views toward jaguars in protected areas of the Bolivian Amazon","authors":"Andre Becker , Nuno Negrões , María Díez-León , Indyra Lafuente-Cartagena , Nelly Guerra , Daniel Larrea-Alcázar , Valeria Boron , Melissa Arias , Lila Sainz , Michelle Peñaranda , Bernarda Sanabria , Jenny Anne Glikman","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Jaguar (<em>Panthera onca</em>) populations are increasingly threatened by human activities, yet research on conflict over jaguar within protected areas remains scarce, especially in regions without cattle ranching. In the Bolivian Amazon, where local people rely on various forest-based income sources, we examined how two income sources, hunting and non-timber forestry (Brazil nut harvesting, acai berry harvesting, and small-scale agroforestry), along with demographic factors such as age, level of education, and gender influence psychological drivers and norms, along with past and future behavioral intentions toward jaguars. Through analysis of structured in-person interviews (n = 171), we found that hunting activity, whether one practiced hunting or increased their time spent or income derived from hunting, had predominantly negative influence on attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions toward jaguars. In contrast, non-timber forestry, whether one participates in the activity or increased their time spent or income derived from the activity, had a positive influence. Additionally, within-group variations in economic activities (e.g., time invested and income derived) were as important as whether the economic activity, specifically within hunting and non-timber forestry activities, was practiced at all. Contrary to findings from previous studies, demographic factors such as education had little effect on these psychological variables, with gender only influencing fear, and geographic area influencing norms. To support jaguar conservation, we recommend management strategies that reduce perceived risks and fears among hunters and promote non-timber forestry as a positive economic alternative.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127128"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The genus Momordica plays a crucial role in African livelihoods, thanks to its medicinal applications, nutritional value, and importance in traditional practices and knowledge transmission. This study focuses on Momordica charantia L., Momordica balsamina L., and Momordica cissoides Planch. ex Benth., to explore their traditional uses and examine the socio-linguistic factors that may influence their utilization in the Beninese context. Through ethnobotanical surveys (712 respondents, 18 socio-linguistic groups, nine phytodistricts), we identified 16 uses, predominantly medicinal, with M. charantia exhibiting the highest diversity, notably in treating measles (Relative Frequency of Citation = 81.05 %) and chickenpox (RFC = 74.29 %), while M. balsamina and M. cissoides were linked to malaria. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant gender differences in knowledge for M. charantia (F = 14.62, p < 0.001) and M. cissoides (F = 9.87, p < 0.001). Correspondence Analysis (CA) further highlighted distinct cultural preferences in the usage of plant part usage across the three Momordica species. For M. charantia, Dim1 (explaining 73.7 % of variance) showed strong associations with fruit (r = 0.91) and root usage (r = 0.87). Socio-linguistic groups such as the Mahi, Holi, and Otammari predominantly used stems and leaves, while the Lokpa, Fon, and Adja favored fruits, and the Yom and Peulh prioritized roots. In M. cissoides, Dim1 (77.4 %) was similarly linked to stems/leaves and roots (r = 0.88 each). For M. balsamina, Dim1 (69.8 %) showed strong associations with stems/leaves (r = 0.84) and fruit (r = 0.91), underscoring the role of socio-linguistic identity in shaping use patterns. Sankey diagrams and ethnobotanical indices (RFC, UV, CMU) confirmed medicinal dominance, with M. charantia most cited. The Botanical Ethnoknowledge Index (BEI) showed significant knowledge disparities among Benin’s cultural groups, with the Adja (BEI = 0.95) demonstrating the highest traditional expertise, highlighting sociocultural influences on Momordica use and conservation needs. Findings underscore the nexus between cultural identity and plant use, advocating interdisciplinary strategies (ethnobotany, conservation biology, participatory approaches) to safeguard traditional knowledge and ensure Momordica species’ resilience.
{"title":"Use patterns and distribution of indigenous knowledge on three Momordica species in Benin, West Africa","authors":"Cossi Sosthène Assogbadjo , Carolle Avocèvou-Ayisso , Rodrigue Idohou , Hyacinthe Gbètoyénonmon Wouyou , Eminor Loïck Toundé Agontinglo , Mafouz Wallys Balley , Charbel Canisius Aiya , Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus Momordica plays a crucial role in African livelihoods, thanks to its medicinal applications, nutritional value, and importance in traditional practices and knowledge transmission. This study focuses on <em>Momordica charantia</em> L., <em>Momordica balsamina</em> L., and <em>Momordica cissoides</em> Planch. ex Benth., to explore their traditional uses and examine the socio-linguistic factors that may influence their utilization in the Beninese context. Through ethnobotanical surveys (712 respondents, 18 socio-linguistic groups, nine phytodistricts), we identified 16 uses, predominantly medicinal, with<!--> <em>M. charantia</em> <!-->exhibiting the highest diversity, notably in treating measles (Relative Frequency of Citation = 81.05 %) and chickenpox (RFC = 74.29 %), while<!--> <em>M. balsamina</em> <!-->and<!--> <em>M. cissoides</em> <!-->were linked to malaria. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)<!--> <!-->indicated significant gender differences in knowledge for<!--> <em>M. charantia</em> (<em>F</em> = 14.62, p < 0.001) and <em>M. cissoides</em> (<em>F</em> = 9.87, p < 0.001).<!--> <!-->Correspondence Analysis (CA)<!--> <!-->further highlighted distinct cultural preferences in the usage of plant part usage across the three<!--> <em>Momordica</em> <!-->species. For<!--> <em>M. charantia</em>, Dim1 (explaining 73.7 % of variance) showed strong associations with fruit (r = 0.91) and root usage (r = 0.87). Socio-linguistic groups such as the Mahi, Holi, and Otammari predominantly used stems and leaves, while the Lokpa, Fon, and Adja favored fruits, and the Yom and Peulh prioritized roots. In <em>M. cissoides</em>, Dim1 (77.4 %) was similarly linked to stems/leaves and roots (r = 0.88 each). For <em>M. balsamina</em>, Dim1 (69.8 %) showed strong associations with stems/leaves (r = 0.84) and fruit (r = 0.91), underscoring the role of socio-linguistic identity in shaping use patterns. Sankey diagrams and ethnobotanical indices (RFC, UV, CMU) confirmed medicinal dominance, with<!--> <em>M. charantia</em> <!-->most cited. The Botanical Ethnoknowledge Index (BEI) showed significant knowledge disparities among Benin’s cultural groups, with the Adja (BEI = 0.95) demonstrating the highest traditional expertise, highlighting sociocultural influences on Momordica use and conservation needs. Findings underscore the nexus between cultural identity and plant use, advocating interdisciplinary strategies (ethnobotany, conservation biology, participatory approaches) to safeguard traditional knowledge and ensure<!--> <em>Momordica</em> <!-->species’ resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127114"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127120
Iracy Maiany Nunes Soares , Admir Cesar De Oliveira Junior , Anderson Igomar Antonio , David Silva Nogueira , Santiago José Elías Velazco
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions worldwide and faces significant challenges in conserving its fauna and flora. Stingless bees (Meliponini) play a crucial role as pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. We aimed to estimate the distribution and diversity of meliponines in the Legal Amazon, assess the number of meliponines species recorded as floral visitors and the number of plants they visited, evaluate the representativeness of meliponines within protected areas, and investigate the influence of the remaining habitat on species richness. We used species distribution modeling to estimate species distribution and derive species richness map. We performed a literature review to compile information of floral visitors. Of the 132 species studied, 77 were floral visitors to 756 plant species, many of which are economically important. Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona spinipes, Tetragona clavipes, and Scaptotrigona bipunctata had the highest number of interactions with plants. Euterpe oleracea, Syzygium malaccense, and Bertholletia excelsa were the most frequently visited plants. Representativeness within protected areas for all meliponines and floral visitors were 37 % and 39 %, respectively. The areas with the highest species richness were along the major rivers of the Amazon basin, mostly outside the protected areas. Regions with the least remaining habitat were found in areas of lower species richness located in the “Arc of Deforestation”. Although the richest areas are outside protected areas, they are far from regions with high habitat loss. Therefore, it is crucial to expand protected areas, especially in the most vulnerable regions.
{"title":"Diversity, floral visitation pattern, and conservation of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in the Brazilian Legal Amazon","authors":"Iracy Maiany Nunes Soares , Admir Cesar De Oliveira Junior , Anderson Igomar Antonio , David Silva Nogueira , Santiago José Elías Velazco","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions worldwide and faces significant challenges in conserving its fauna and flora. Stingless bees (Meliponini) play a crucial role as pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. We aimed to estimate the distribution and diversity of meliponines in the Legal Amazon, assess the number of meliponines species recorded as floral visitors and the number of plants they visited, evaluate the representativeness of meliponines within protected areas, and investigate the influence of the remaining habitat on species richness. We used species distribution modeling to estimate species distribution and derive species richness map. We performed a literature review to compile information of floral visitors. Of the 132 species studied, 77 were floral visitors to 756 plant species, many of which are economically important. <em>Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona spinipes, Tetragona clavipes,</em> and <em>Scaptotrigona bipunctata</em> had the highest number of interactions with plants. <em>Euterpe oleracea, Syzygium malaccense</em>, and <em>Bertholletia excelsa</em> were the most frequently visited plants. Representativeness within protected areas for all meliponines and floral visitors were 37 % and 39 %, respectively. The areas with the highest species richness were along the major rivers of the Amazon basin, mostly outside the protected areas. Regions with the least remaining habitat were found in areas of lower species richness located in the “Arc of Deforestation”. Although the richest areas are outside protected areas, they are far from regions with high habitat loss. Therefore, it is crucial to expand protected areas, especially in the most vulnerable regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127124
Jessie-Lee Langel , Vittoria Calabretta , Céline Valin , Erwann Fraboulet , Réjean Tremblay , El Mahdi Bendif , Benjamin de Montgolfier
One major limitation in conservation studies is accurately estimating population size to adapt management efforts. Thus, avoiding individual duplicate counts is essential to prevent any overestimation of population size. Photo-identification (photo-ID) offers a low cost and non-invasive alternative for monitoring migratory animals, and yet, it remains generally under-implemented in marine species. In this study, we applied photo-ID with sea-turtle populations in the French Antilles for the first time, thereby contributing to global population survey efforts in the Caribbean while minimising stress or harm to turtles. We focussed on two species of concern, Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback) and Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill), identified through a semi-automated recognition method to analyse their nesting behaviour. Our multi-annual survey involved 5292 h of night monitoring across three Martinique beaches over four years, yielding valuable data on nesting behaviours, population dynamics and conservation needs. We recorded 57 occurrences of leatherback turtles with a recapture rate of 61 %, and 314 hawkbill observations with a recapture rate of 36 %. The microhabitat of each nest was recorded, providing insights on nesting site preferences. Additionally, leatherbacks exhibited a longer time interval between their arrival on the beach and the start of nesting activity compared to hawksbills. These results reveal significant behavioural differences and specific nesting habits underscoring the potential of expanding photo-ID combined with ecological analysis, as a valuable resource for the conservation management of threatened sea-turtle species.
{"title":"Nesting dynamics of hawksbill and leatherback turtles: a four-year photo-identification study in Martinique","authors":"Jessie-Lee Langel , Vittoria Calabretta , Céline Valin , Erwann Fraboulet , Réjean Tremblay , El Mahdi Bendif , Benjamin de Montgolfier","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One major limitation in conservation studies is accurately estimating population size to adapt management efforts. Thus, avoiding individual duplicate counts is essential to prevent any overestimation of population size. Photo-identification (photo-ID) offers a low cost and non-invasive alternative for monitoring migratory animals, and yet, it remains generally under-implemented in marine species. In this study, we applied photo-ID with sea-turtle populations in the French Antilles for the first time, thereby contributing to global population survey efforts in the Caribbean while minimising stress or harm to turtles. We focussed on two species of concern, <em>Dermochelys coriacea</em> (leatherback) and <em>Eretmochelys imbricata</em> (hawksbill), identified through a semi-automated recognition method to analyse their nesting behaviour. Our multi-annual survey involved 5292 h of night monitoring across three Martinique beaches over four years, yielding valuable data on nesting behaviours, population dynamics and conservation needs. We recorded 57 occurrences of leatherback turtles with a recapture rate of 61 %, and 314 hawkbill observations with a recapture rate of 36 %. The microhabitat of each nest was recorded, providing insights on nesting site preferences. Additionally, leatherbacks exhibited a longer time interval between their arrival on the beach and the start of nesting activity compared to hawksbills. These results reveal significant behavioural differences and specific nesting habits underscoring the potential of expanding photo-ID combined with ecological analysis, as a valuable resource for the conservation management of threatened sea-turtle species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127124"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127123
Liang Tang , Zhuofan Zhou , Hengkai Zhao , Zixi Qian , Shanshan Hou , Bo Liu
The intensification of new urbanization has exacerbated water ecological challenges, necessitating a scientific approach to harmonizing water ecological resilience with urbanization to ensure their coordinated development. This study utilizes panel data from 11 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government) in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2013 to 2022. The entropy weight-TOPSIS method and the coupling coordination degree model are employed to assess the coordination between water ecological resilience and new urbanization. The spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of this coordination are analyzed using kernel density estimation, Theil index, and spatial autocorrelation models. Furthermore, geographic detectors are applied to identify the dominant factors influencing the coupling coordination degree, while the GTWR model systematically examines the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of these influencing factors. The key findings are as follows: (1) Over the study period, the overall development level of water ecological resilience in the Yangtze River Economic Belt exhibits “fluctuations with a tendency to revert to the initial level,” while new urbanization follows a steady upward trajectory. Regionally, both indicators display a downstream > midstream > upstream development pattern. (2) Temporally, the coupling coordination degree demonstrates a stepwise increase; however, its overall level remains low, predominantly within the primary coupling coordination stage. (3) Spatially, significant regional disparities exist in the coupling coordination degree across the Yangtze River Economic Belt, primarily driven by inter-regional differences. The spatial distribution follows a “higher in the downstream, lower in the upstream” pattern, with a dynamic trend of “downstream radiating outward.” A notable clustering effect is observed, with the global Moran’s I index exhibiting an “M−shaped” fluctuation. (4) The geographic detector analysis identifies ED, ML, EO, HC, and GI as key explanatory variables for the coupling coordination degree, while GTWR model results confirm significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity among influencing factors, with varying effect intensities and fluctuation directions across regions. Based on these findings, targeted policy recommendations are proposed to enhance the coordinated development of water ecological resilience and new urbanization.
{"title":"Spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of the coupling coordination between water ecological resilience and new urbanization: a case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt","authors":"Liang Tang , Zhuofan Zhou , Hengkai Zhao , Zixi Qian , Shanshan Hou , Bo Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intensification of new urbanization has exacerbated water ecological challenges, necessitating a scientific approach to harmonizing water ecological resilience with urbanization to ensure their coordinated development. This study utilizes panel data from 11 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government) in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2013 to 2022. The entropy weight-TOPSIS method and the coupling coordination degree model are employed to assess the coordination between water ecological resilience and new urbanization. The spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of this coordination are analyzed using kernel density estimation, Theil index, and spatial autocorrelation models. Furthermore, geographic detectors are applied to identify the dominant factors influencing the coupling coordination degree, while the GTWR model systematically examines the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of these influencing factors. The key findings are as follows: (1) Over the study period, the overall development level of water ecological resilience in the Yangtze River Economic Belt exhibits “fluctuations with a tendency to revert to the initial level,” while new urbanization follows a steady upward trajectory. Regionally, both indicators display a downstream > midstream > upstream development pattern. (2) Temporally, the coupling coordination degree demonstrates a stepwise increase; however, its overall level remains low, predominantly within the primary coupling coordination stage. (3) Spatially, significant regional disparities exist in the coupling coordination degree across the Yangtze River Economic Belt, primarily driven by inter-regional differences. The spatial distribution follows a “higher in the downstream, lower in the upstream” pattern, with a dynamic trend of “downstream radiating outward.” A notable clustering effect is observed, with the global Moran’s I index exhibiting an “M−shaped” fluctuation. (4) The geographic detector analysis identifies ED, ML, EO, HC, and GI as key explanatory variables for the coupling coordination degree, while GTWR model results confirm significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity among influencing factors, with varying effect intensities and fluctuation directions across regions. Based on these findings, targeted policy recommendations are proposed to enhance the coordinated development of water ecological resilience and new urbanization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127108
María C. Sánchez , Marco Garzón-Machado , Rocío García-Urueña
Restoration programs throughout the Caribbean are aiming to recover the ecological structure and complexity of coral reefs. In Colombia, line nurseries for Acropora cervicornis were established in the Tayrona National Natural Park and over 11 months, survival, productivity, and growth of 189 fragments were quantified using three variables: maximum linear extension (MLE), total linear extension (TLE), and ecological volume (E), and the growth was compared using manual and photometric methodologies with the aim to suggest guidelines to facilitate monitoring. Subsequently, 66 colonies were outplanted, sorted in two size classes (larger than 100 cm and between 30–100 cm of TLE), attached onto metallic structures, and survival and changes in living tissue were estimated using the structure from motion (SfM) method for one year. The survival of the fragments was higher (70 %) in the nurseries established on mixed coral bottom, and the growth rate was 119.11 ± 55.25 cm/year, with a productivity of 27.96 ± 15.61. In this phase TLE measurement using photometric techniques reduces field work and provides precise growth results. Outplant survival was 91 % and the growth rate of living tissue in the plots was similar; and the SfM method facilitated the reconstruction of outplant areas, offering a less labor-intensive alternative for monitoring at the plot scale. Despite the critical status of A. cervicornis, the results obtained in TNNP were positive, so this protected area could be considered as a key natural refuge to expand restoration efforts to increase coral reef structure.
{"title":"Improving growth monitoring of Acropora cervicornis in nurseries and outplants at Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombian Caribbean","authors":"María C. Sánchez , Marco Garzón-Machado , Rocío García-Urueña","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Restoration programs throughout the Caribbean are aiming to recover the ecological structure and complexity of coral reefs. In Colombia, line nurseries for <em>Acropora cervicornis</em> were established in the Tayrona National Natural Park and over 11 months, survival, productivity, and growth of 189 fragments were quantified using three variables: maximum linear extension (MLE), total linear extension (TLE), and ecological volume (E), and the growth was compared using manual and photometric methodologies with the aim to suggest guidelines to facilitate monitoring. Subsequently, 66 colonies were outplanted, sorted in two size classes (larger than 100 cm and between 30–100 cm of TLE), attached onto metallic structures, and survival and changes in living tissue were estimated using the structure from motion (SfM) method for one year. The survival of the fragments was higher (70 %) in the nurseries established on mixed coral bottom, and the growth rate was 119.11 ± 55.25 cm/year, with a productivity of 27.96 ± 15.61. In this phase TLE measurement using photometric techniques reduces field work and provides precise growth results. Outplant survival was 91 % and the growth rate of living tissue in the plots was similar; and the SfM method facilitated the reconstruction of outplant areas, offering a less labor-intensive alternative for monitoring at the plot scale. Despite the critical status of <em>A. cervicornis</em>, the results obtained in TNNP were positive, so this protected area could be considered as a key natural refuge to expand restoration efforts to increase coral reef structure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127108"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, particularly for habitat-specialist species like Jerdon’s Babbler (Chrysomma altirostre), a grassland-dependent passerine of South and South-east Asia. This study employed an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) approach using 12 algorithms and climatic-elevation predictors to assess the current and future habitat suitability for Jerdon’s Babbler under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, across four future timeframes (2021––2100). Occurrence data (n = 79) were compiled from field surveys and secondary sources, filtered to reduce spatial autocorrelation. Environmental predictors were selected through Pearson correlation and permutation importance methods, with elevation, grassland proximity, and thermal variables emerging as key determinants of distribution. Among individual models, Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machine outperformed others (TSS > 0.88), and ensemble models achieved perfect calibration (TSS and ROC = 1.00).
Projected distributions indicate severe range contraction under all future scenarios, with habitat loss exceeding 80 % by 2081–2100 period under SSP1-2.6 and near-total collapse under SSP5-8.5. Subspecies-specific centroid analyses showed varying climate sensitivity, with Indian and Burmese populations shifting over 900 km, while Indo-Bangladesh populations remained largely static. Despite the potential persistence of refugia in northeastern India and Nepal under low-emission pathways, model projections underscore the urgency of targeted conservation strategies, including grassland restoration, climate-resilient corridors, and ex-situ conservation in high-risk areas. This study highlights the critical vulnerability of grassland birds to climate change and the value of ensemble SDMs for anticipatory conservation planning.
{"title":"Climate-driven habitat decline and fragmentation of a South Asian grassland specialist: ensemble projections for Jerdon’s Babbler under future scenarios","authors":"Harif Parengal , P.R. Arun , P.V. Karunakaran , Sarbasis Dutta","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, particularly for habitat-specialist species like Jerdon’s Babbler (<em>Chrysomma altirostre</em>), a grassland-dependent passerine of South and South-east Asia. This study employed an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) approach using 12 algorithms and climatic-elevation predictors to assess the current and future habitat suitability for Jerdon’s Babbler under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, across four future timeframes (2021––2100). Occurrence data (n = 79) were compiled from field surveys and secondary sources, filtered to reduce spatial autocorrelation. Environmental predictors were selected through Pearson correlation and permutation importance methods, with elevation, grassland proximity, and thermal variables emerging as key determinants of distribution. Among individual models, Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machine outperformed others (TSS > 0.88), and ensemble models achieved perfect calibration (TSS and ROC = 1.00).</div><div>Projected distributions indicate severe range contraction under all future scenarios, with habitat loss exceeding 80 % by 2081–2100 period under SSP1-2.6 and near-total collapse under SSP5-8.5. Subspecies-specific centroid analyses showed varying climate sensitivity, with Indian and Burmese populations shifting over 900 km, while Indo-Bangladesh populations remained largely static. Despite the potential persistence of refugia in northeastern India and Nepal under low-emission pathways, model projections underscore the urgency of targeted conservation strategies, including grassland restoration, climate-resilient corridors, and ex-situ conservation in high-risk areas. This study highlights the critical vulnerability of grassland birds to climate change and the value of ensemble SDMs for anticipatory conservation planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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