Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127093
Elżbieta Zębek , Denis Solodov
This study analyses environmental offences outlined in Directive (EU) 2024/1203 on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The Directive aims to overcome the overall inefficiency of law enforcement response to the increasing number of environmental crimes under the provisions of the previous Directive 2008/99/EC enhancing compliance with EU environmental legislation. It does so by setting minimum standards on criminal and non-criminal penalties, clarifying key terms, and providing guidance on assessing environmental damage for the needs of criminal prosecution. The aim of the study is to identify the most significant changes introduced by Directive 2024/1203 and examine their potential impact on the protection of the environment. The analysis showed that the new Directive’s use of more precise and targeted language should facilitate more consistent implementation of its provisions across Member States. Establishing explicit criteria for environmental offences will provide law enforcement with a well-defined framework for building criminal cases, limiting potential confusion and mitigating the risk of legal challenges. The new Directive is certainly a milestone in the EU’s environmental criminal law, as it contains many aspects on how to improve its effectiveness and thus can contribute to improving the environment.
{"title":"The EU environmental crime directive 2024/1203: Legal solutions and perspectives","authors":"Elżbieta Zębek , Denis Solodov","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyses environmental offences outlined in Directive (EU) 2024/1203 on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The Directive aims to overcome the overall inefficiency of law enforcement response to the increasing number of environmental crimes under the provisions of the previous Directive 2008/99/EC enhancing compliance with EU environmental legislation. It does so by setting minimum standards on criminal and non-criminal penalties, clarifying key terms, and providing guidance on assessing environmental damage for the needs of criminal prosecution. The aim of the study is to identify the most significant changes introduced by Directive 2024/1203 and examine their potential impact on the protection of the environment. The analysis showed that the new Directive’s use of more precise and targeted language should facilitate more consistent implementation of its provisions across Member States. Establishing explicit criteria for environmental offences will provide law enforcement with a well-defined framework for building criminal cases, limiting potential confusion and mitigating the risk of legal challenges. The new Directive is certainly a milestone in the EU’s environmental criminal law, as it contains many aspects on how to improve its effectiveness and thus can contribute to improving the environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127093"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220302","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127110
Alice Misuri , Elena Tricarico , Lorenzo Lazzaro , Sara Forni , Eugenia Siccardi , Marco Morbidelli , Alberto Masoni , Giacomo Santini , Giuseppe Mazza , Alessandra Lagomarsino , Silvia Landi , Paride Balzani , Renato Benesperi , Daniele Viciani , Claudia Becagli , Michele Mugnai
Opuntia spp. are important invasive alien plants threatening Mediterranean habitats, particularly in island ecosystems, but few studies have assessed their ecological impacts and relationships with invertebrate communities, focusing more on socio-economic impacts and loss of plant diversity. To fill this gap, we aimed to evaluate the impacts of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. on the native plant and invertebrate communities of Capraia, a small Mediterranean island of high naturalistic value in central Italy and particularly invaded by this species. We investigated the natural communities occurring in EU habitats of conservation interest, comparing the areas invaded by O. stricta with control one. To thoroughly evaluate the impacts of this species on biodiversity, we assessed multiple groups of organisms, specifically vascular plants, ants, and other soil microarthropods, by randomly sampling a total of 12 plots of 4 m2 (6 invaded and 6 control plots). Samples were also collected to analyze soil physico-chemical properties. We estimated the abundance of all the groups and analyzed diversity indices and community composition. O. stricta seemed to significantly impact only plant communities (pseudoF1,10 = 17.92, P = 0.01), with a decrease in species richness in the invaded areas, but not on soil properties or invertebrate communities. However, the remarkable changes in the vegetation structure of the island’s maquis could threaten natural habitats and consequently alter other parameters related to plants (e.g., shelters or resources for animals). Therefore, further studies could assess the indirect impacts of this alien species and verify the presence of complex processes resulting from its invasion.
机会花属（Opuntia spp.）是威胁地中海生境，特别是岛屿生态系统的重要外来入侵植物，但很少有研究评估其生态影响及其与无脊椎动物群落的关系，更多地关注社会经济影响和植物多样性的丧失。为了填补这一空白，我们旨在评估严格机会的影响。山楂。在卡普拉亚的原生植物和无脊椎动物群落中，这是一个位于意大利中部的地中海小岛，具有很高的自然价值，特别受到这种物种的入侵。我们调查了在欧盟有保护意义的生境中发生的自然群落，比较了窄叶螟入侵的区域与对照区域。为了全面评估该物种对生物多样性的影响，我们随机抽取了12个4 m2的样地（6个入侵样地和6个对照样地），对维管植物、蚂蚁和其他土壤微节肢动物进行了评估。还采集了样品，分析了土壤的理化性质。我们估计了所有类群的丰度，并分析了多样性指数和群落组成。O. stricta似乎只显著影响植物群落（pseudoF1,10 = 17.92, P = 0.01），降低了入侵地区的物种丰富度，但对土壤性质和无脊椎动物群落没有影响。然而，岛上猕猴植被结构的显著变化可能威胁到自然生境，从而改变与植物有关的其他参数（例如，动物的庇护所或资源）。因此，进一步的研究可以评估该外来物种的间接影响，并验证其入侵所导致的复杂过程的存在。
{"title":"Impacts of the invasive alien prickly pear, Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw., on natural communities of Mediterranean insular habitats","authors":"Alice Misuri , Elena Tricarico , Lorenzo Lazzaro , Sara Forni , Eugenia Siccardi , Marco Morbidelli , Alberto Masoni , Giacomo Santini , Giuseppe Mazza , Alessandra Lagomarsino , Silvia Landi , Paride Balzani , Renato Benesperi , Daniele Viciani , Claudia Becagli , Michele Mugnai","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Opuntia</em> spp. are important invasive alien plants threatening Mediterranean habitats, particularly in island ecosystems, but few studies have assessed their ecological impacts and relationships with invertebrate communities, focusing more on socio-economic impacts and loss of plant diversity. To fill this gap, we aimed to evaluate the impacts of <em>Opuntia stricta</em> (Haw.) Haw. on the native plant and invertebrate communities of Capraia, a small Mediterranean island of high naturalistic value in central Italy and particularly invaded by this species. We investigated the natural communities occurring in EU habitats of conservation interest, comparing the areas invaded by <em>O. stricta</em> with control one. To thoroughly evaluate the impacts of this species on biodiversity, we assessed multiple groups of organisms, specifically vascular plants, ants, and other soil microarthropods, by randomly sampling a total of 12 plots of 4 m<sup>2</sup> (6 invaded and 6 control plots). Samples were also collected to analyze soil physico-chemical properties. We estimated the abundance of all the groups and analyzed diversity indices and community composition. <em>O. stricta</em> seemed to significantly impact only plant communities (pseudoF<sub>1,10</sub> = 17.92, P = 0.01), with a decrease in species richness in the invaded areas, but not on soil properties or invertebrate communities. However, the remarkable changes in the vegetation structure of the island’s maquis could threaten natural habitats and consequently alter other parameters related to plants (e.g., shelters or resources for animals). Therefore, further studies could assess the indirect impacts of this alien species and verify the presence of complex processes resulting from its invasion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220335","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127134
Thaís P. Alencar-Silva , Cristina H. Adania , Jéssica S. Paulino , Jean C.R. Silva , Renato R. Hilário , Karen Mustin , Luís M. Rosalino , William D. Carvalho
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres are essential for the care, recovery and potential release of wild animals, while also providing valuable information on the impacts of human activities on biodiversity. In this study, we analyzed 12 years of data (2012 to 2023) from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Associação Mata Ciliar (CRAS-AMC), located in southeastern Brazil. We investigated the monthly variation in the admission of birds and mammals, identified the main causes of admission, and evaluated how these factors influence the outcomes for the animals, including death, permanent captivity or release. A total of 23,441 bird records representing 329 species and 12,395 mammal records from 73 species were analysed. Among birds, the most common causes of admission were illegal trade and removal requests usually made by members of the public in relation to animals in urban areas, with or without injuries, while mammals were most often admitted due to requested removal from urban areas, dog attacks or vehicle collisions. Mortality was the predominant outcome for both birds and mammals, though outcomes varied according to cause, with higher mortality among animals admitted due to collision with vehicle or trafficking, and higher chances of release among those with minor injuries or mistakenly removed from the wild. These findings demonstrate the importance of long-term data collected by Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres to assess threats to wildlife, guide awareness campaigns and support preventive actions. Additionally, such data can inform improvements in the design and operation of current and future facilities. Strengthening these centres is critical for effective wildlife recovery and biodiversity conservation in Brazil, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures.
野生动物康复中心对于野生动物的照料、恢复和可能的释放至关重要，同时也提供有关人类活动对生物多样性影响的宝贵信息。在这项研究中，我们分析了位于巴西东南部的associa o Mata Ciliar野生动物康复中心（CRAS-AMC） 12年（2012年至2023年）的数据。我们调查了鸟类和哺乳动物入库的月度变化，确定了入库的主要原因，并评估了这些因素如何影响动物的结果，包括死亡、永久圈养或释放。共分析了329个物种的23441个鸟类记录和73个物种的12395个哺乳动物记录。在鸟类中，最常见的入境原因是非法交易，以及通常由公众提出的有关城市地区动物的移走要求，无论是否受伤，而哺乳动物最常见的入境原因是要求从城市地区移走，狗袭击或车辆碰撞。死亡是鸟类和哺乳动物的主要结果，尽管结果因原因而异，由于车辆碰撞或贩运而入院的动物死亡率较高，而轻伤或被错误地从野外带走的动物的释放机会较高。这些发现表明，野生动物康复中心收集的长期数据对于评估野生动物面临的威胁、指导提高认识活动和支持预防行动具有重要意义。此外，这些数据可以为改进当前和未来设施的设计和操作提供信息。加强这些中心对于巴西有效的野生动物恢复和生物多样性保护至关重要，巴西是世界上生物多样性最丰富的国家之一，受到人为压力的影响越来越大。
{"title":"Outcomes of wildlife rehabilitation vary by causes of admission for birds and mammals affected by human-wildlife impacts in southeastern Brazil","authors":"Thaís P. Alencar-Silva , Cristina H. Adania , Jéssica S. Paulino , Jean C.R. Silva , Renato R. Hilário , Karen Mustin , Luís M. Rosalino , William D. Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127134","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres are essential for the care, recovery and potential release of wild animals, while also providing valuable information on the impacts of human activities on biodiversity. In this study, we analyzed 12 years of data (2012 to 2023) from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Associação Mata Ciliar (CRAS-AMC), located in southeastern Brazil. We investigated the monthly variation in the admission of birds and mammals, identified the main causes of admission, and evaluated how these factors influence the outcomes for the animals, including death, permanent captivity or release. A total of 23,441 bird records representing 329 species and 12,395 mammal records from 73 species were analysed. Among birds, the most common causes of admission were illegal trade and removal requests usually made by members of the public in relation to animals in urban areas, with or without injuries, while mammals were most often admitted due to requested removal from urban areas, dog attacks or vehicle collisions. Mortality was the predominant outcome for both birds and mammals, though outcomes varied according to cause, with higher mortality among animals admitted due to collision with vehicle or trafficking, and higher chances of release among those with minor injuries or mistakenly removed from the wild. These findings demonstrate the importance of long-term data collected by Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres to assess threats to wildlife, guide awareness campaigns and support preventive actions. Additionally, such data can inform improvements in the design and operation of current and future facilities. Strengthening these centres is critical for effective wildlife recovery and biodiversity conservation in Brazil, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320045","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127140
Jorge Tobajas , Job Roig , Ivan Afonso-Jordana
Bird species, especially ground-nesting species, are experiencing sharp population declines. Nest predation is one of the main factors limiting the reproductive success of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in declining populations. This study represents the first trial assessing the use of Conditioned Food Aversion (CFA) as a non-lethal tool to reduce capercaillie nest predation, particularly by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), within the framework of coexistence conservation strategies. The fungicide Thiram was used as an aversive compound in artificial eggs, and predation rates were compared between a treatment and a control area before and after conditioning (BACI design). In the treatment area, CFA produced a slight reduction in overall nest predation, whereas in the control area a marked increase was observed. At the species level, red fox predation in the treatment area was reduced by a factor of 2.35 compared to controls, demonstrating a significant effect of CFA. No significant effect was observed on predation by martens (Martes martes), suggesting lower conditioning effectiveness in mustelids. Furthermore, the presence of unconditioned juveniles and a slight delay in the post-conditioning phase may have influenced the results. Additionally, nest predation by wild boar (Sus scrofa) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) was detected at low to moderate levels. The study highlights the potential of behavior-based methodologies within coexistence conservation strategies, such as CFA, as viable alternative to lethal control. These tools are not only more socially and ethically accepted but also promote more effective and sustainable conservation of threatened species.
{"title":"Coexistence conservation strategies: Testing conditioned food aversion to protect the endangered Western capercaillie","authors":"Jorge Tobajas , Job Roig , Ivan Afonso-Jordana","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bird species, especially ground-nesting species, are experiencing sharp population declines. Nest predation is one of the main factors limiting the reproductive success of the capercaillie (<em>Tetrao urogallus</em>) in declining populations. This study represents the first trial assessing the use of Conditioned Food Aversion (CFA) as a non-lethal tool to reduce capercaillie nest predation, particularly by red foxes (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>), within the framework of coexistence conservation strategies. The fungicide Thiram was used as an aversive compound in artificial eggs, and predation rates were compared between a treatment and a control area before and after conditioning (BACI design). In the treatment area, CFA produced a slight reduction in overall nest predation, whereas in the control area a marked increase was observed. At the species level, red fox predation in the treatment area was reduced by a factor of 2.35 compared to controls, demonstrating a significant effect of CFA. No significant effect was observed on predation by martens (<em>Martes martes</em>), suggesting lower conditioning effectiveness in mustelids. Furthermore, the presence of unconditioned juveniles and a slight delay in the post-conditioning phase may have influenced the results. Additionally, nest predation by wild boar (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) and brown bear (<em>Ursus arctos</em>) was detected at low to moderate levels. The study highlights the potential of behavior-based methodologies within coexistence conservation strategies, such as CFA, as viable alternative to lethal control. These tools are not only more socially and ethically accepted but also promote more effective and sustainable conservation of threatened species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127140"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465489","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127144
Maryam Mohammadi , Masoud Bijani , Amir Naeimi , Naser Valizadeh , Annalisa Setti
Iran’s agricultural water crisis necessitates examining psychological drivers of water conservation behavior (WCB). This study analyzes the mediating role of connectedness to nature (CTN) among farmers in Kurdistan Province in western Iran. The study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational method and a causal analysis using a survey and stratified random sampling method with proportional imputation (n = 340). Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire (Cronbach’s α > 0.70) and analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Independent variables included empathy with nature, environmental concerns, mindfulness, environmental identity, place attachment, and social norms. CTN had a direct positive effect on WCB (β = 0.215, p < 0.01). Empathy with nature (β = 0.316) and environmental concerns (β = 0.208) were the strongest predictors of CTN. The indirect effect of empathy on WCB via CTN was significant (β = 0.068). Place attachment influenced CTN but showed no direct relationship with WCB. Social norms and environmental identity also indirectly affected WCB through CTN (β = 0.027 and β = 0.033, respectively). The model explained 56.2 % of CTN variance (R2 = 0.562). Enhancing CTN through empathy-building programs and environmental education is a viable strategy to promote sustainable water conservation in agriculture. Policymakers should integrate psychological factors into water governance frameworks.
{"title":"Connectedness to nature as a mediator in farmers’ water conservation behavior: Evidence from Iran","authors":"Maryam Mohammadi , Masoud Bijani , Amir Naeimi , Naser Valizadeh , Annalisa Setti","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iran’s agricultural water crisis necessitates examining psychological drivers of water conservation behavior (WCB). This study analyzes the mediating role of connectedness to nature (CTN) among farmers in Kurdistan Province in western Iran. The study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational method and a causal analysis using a survey and stratified random sampling method with proportional imputation (n = 340). Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire (Cronbach’s α > 0.70) and analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Independent variables included empathy with nature, environmental concerns, mindfulness, environmental identity, place attachment, and social norms. CTN had a direct positive effect on WCB (β = 0.215, p < 0.01). Empathy with nature (β = 0.316) and environmental concerns (β = 0.208) were the strongest predictors of CTN. The indirect effect of empathy on WCB via CTN was significant (β = 0.068). Place attachment influenced CTN but showed no direct relationship with WCB. Social norms and environmental identity also indirectly affected WCB through CTN (β = 0.027 and β = 0.033, respectively). The model explained 56.2 % of CTN variance (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.562). Enhancing CTN through empathy-building programs and environmental education is a viable strategy to promote sustainable water conservation in agriculture. Policymakers should integrate psychological factors into water governance frameworks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127144"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465595","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 : 2026-01-01Epub 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":"2026-01-01","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127104
Hu Yu , Bin Zhou , Xueling Tan
Mounting evidence suggests that incorporating emotional aspects into nature sensory experiences can enhance individuals’ involvement in pro-environmental behaviors. However, investigating the contribution of diverse types to these sensory experiences remains a significant challenge. Based on the involvement theory and Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, this study extends the nature sensory experiences to five modes, and constructs a structural equation model to test the mediating effect of tourists’ involvement and place attachment, as well as the moderating effect of awe. Results reveal that, rather than directly influencing pro-environmental behaviors, natural sensory experiences, specifically sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, require emotional elements such as tourist involvement and place attachment to fully mediate between the two, with awe having a significant moderating effect. The data suggests a hierarchical pattern in how different dimensions of nature sensory experiences influence pro-environmental behaviors, with varying degrees of impact. This implies that nature sensory experiences can enhance tourists’ environmentally friendly attitudes and subsequently foster pro-environmental actions. A unique aspect of this study is its consideration of the mediating roles played by tourists’ involvement and place attachment, alongside the moderating role of awe. Based on these findings, we propose strategies for enhancing pro-environmental behaviors through a combination of multi-sensory design stimuli and single dynamic stimuli, offering valuable insights for the environmental management of nature tourism destinations.
{"title":"Beyond a single sensory experience: A new approach to explore the mechanism of nature sensory experiences for pro-environmental behaviors","authors":"Hu Yu , Bin Zhou , Xueling Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mounting evidence suggests that incorporating emotional aspects into nature sensory experiences can enhance individuals’ involvement in pro-environmental behaviors. However, investigating the contribution of diverse types to these sensory experiences remains a significant challenge. Based on the involvement theory and Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, this study extends the nature sensory experiences to five modes, and constructs a structural equation model to test the mediating effect of tourists’ involvement and place attachment, as well as the moderating effect of awe. Results reveal that, rather than directly influencing pro-environmental behaviors, natural sensory experiences, specifically sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, require emotional elements such as tourist involvement and place attachment to fully mediate between the two, with awe having a significant moderating effect. The data suggests a hierarchical pattern in how different dimensions of nature sensory experiences influence pro-environmental behaviors, with varying degrees of impact. This implies that nature sensory experiences can enhance tourists’ environmentally friendly attitudes and subsequently foster pro-environmental actions. A unique aspect of this study is its consideration of the mediating roles played by tourists’ involvement and place attachment, alongside the moderating role of awe. Based on these findings, we propose strategies for enhancing pro-environmental behaviors through a combination of multi-sensory design stimuli and single dynamic stimuli, offering valuable insights for the environmental management of nature tourism destinations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127104"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220338","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-28DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127113
Ali Abdollahzadeh , Raoof Mostafazadeh
Given its significance for environmental security, water supply, and community livelihoods, this study focuses on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in the Zagros ecoregion of northwest Iran. The study aimed to assess historical LULC changes from 1972 to 2022, predict future trends for 2030 using the Cellelar-Automata-Markov (CA)-Markov model, and analyze the driving forces behind landscape changes. LULC maps were generated for 1972, 1986, 1993, 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2022 using Google Earth Engine and classified into six categories: agriculture, forest, rangeland, settlements, barren land, and water bodies. The rate and intensity of LULC changes were quantified using single and integrated dynamic degrees to capture spatio-temporal transformations across land use classes. The analysis revealed substantial LULC shifts over the past five decades. Agricultural land increased from 6.04% in 1986 to 27.37% in 2022, while forest cover declined sharply, and rangeland decreased from 76.65% in 2000 to 44.89% in 2022. Settlements also expanded significantly from 2.35% to 8.11% during the same period. The most intense changes occurred during 2000–2008, with bare land showing a sharp increase (3.295) and rangeland a slight decrease (−0.006). From 2016 to 2022, settlements exhibited significant growth (0.263), while rangelands continued to decline (−0.037). Future projections for 2030 indicate continued expansion of agriculture and settlements, rangelands converting mainly to bare land (55.76%) and agriculture (19.32%), and forests largely transforming to bare land (58.95%) with only 1.74% remaining stable. The integrated dynamic degree dmonstrates periods of intensified LULC transformations, particularly during 1986–1993 and 2022–2030 (0.0220). The projected trends necessitate comprehensive policies such as community-based forest management, promotion of agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, incentives for sustainable farming, and participatory land restoration programs to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and strengthen ecological resilience in the Little Zab River Watershed.
{"title":"Long-term dynamics and intensity of LULC changes and conservational implications in the Zagros mountain ecoregion, Iran","authors":"Ali Abdollahzadeh , Raoof Mostafazadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Given its significance for environmental security, water supply, and community livelihoods, this study focuses on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in the Zagros ecoregion of northwest Iran. The study aimed to assess historical LULC changes from 1972 to 2022, predict future trends for 2030 using the Cellelar-Automata-Markov (CA)-Markov model, and analyze the driving forces behind landscape changes. LULC maps were generated for 1972, 1986, 1993, 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2022 using Google Earth Engine and classified into six categories: agriculture, forest, rangeland, settlements, barren land, and water bodies. The rate and intensity of LULC changes were quantified using single and integrated dynamic degrees to capture spatio-temporal transformations across land use classes. The analysis revealed substantial LULC shifts over the past five decades. Agricultural land increased from 6.04% in 1986 to 27.37% in 2022, while forest cover declined sharply, and rangeland decreased from 76.65% in 2000 to 44.89% in 2022. Settlements also expanded significantly from 2.35% to 8.11% during the same period. The most intense changes occurred during 2000–2008, with bare land showing a sharp increase (3.295) and rangeland a slight decrease (−0.006). From 2016 to 2022, settlements exhibited significant growth (0.263), while rangelands continued to decline (−0.037). Future projections for 2030 indicate continued expansion of agriculture and settlements, rangelands converting mainly to bare land (55.76%) and agriculture (19.32%), and forests largely transforming to bare land (58.95%) with only 1.74% remaining stable. The integrated dynamic degree dmonstrates periods of intensified LULC transformations, particularly during 1986–1993 and 2022–2030 (0.0220). The projected trends necessitate comprehensive policies such as community-based forest management, promotion of agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, incentives for sustainable farming, and participatory land restoration programs to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and strengthen ecological resilience in the Little Zab River Watershed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127113"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220337","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}
Illegal wildlife trade can have negative effects on biodiversity on both local and global scales. This study aimed to analyze the law enforcement efforts by Mexican environmental authorities regarding wildlife trade in México between 2000 and 2020. The study shows that 473 different species were confiscated during that period. The most confiscated taxonomic group was birds (200 species, 42.28%), followed by reptiles (146 species, 30.86%), mammals (110 species, 23.25%) and amphibians (17 species, 3.59%), Iguana iguana, Ctenosaura pectinata, Gopherus agassizii, Trachemys scripta, Crocodylus moreletii, Eupsittula canicularis, Cardinalis cardinalis and Odocoileus virginianus the most frequently confiscated species. Of the total confiscated species, 358 were native species (52 species were endemic), and 115 were non-native species. As for the conservation status of confiscated species, 453 species (95.97%) were listed in the IUCN Red List; 189 species (40.02%) in the National Red List NOM-059-SEMARNAT 2010, and 187 species (39.61%) contemplated by the CITES Appendices. This study illustrates the great diverse of species that are illegally or irregularly traded in Mexico.
{"title":"Illegal trade in wild vertebrates in Mexico over a period of twenty years","authors":"Martha Anahí Güizado-Rodríguez , Osvaldo Eric Ramírez Bravo , Inés Arroyo-Quiroz","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Illegal wildlife trade can have negative effects on biodiversity on both local and global scales. This study aimed to analyze the law enforcement efforts by Mexican environmental authorities regarding wildlife trade in México between 2000 and 2020. The study shows that 473 different species were confiscated during that period. The most confiscated taxonomic group was birds (200 species, 42.28%), followed by reptiles (146 species, 30.86%), mammals (110 species, 23.25%) and amphibians (17 species, 3.59%), <em>Iguana iguana</em>, <em>Ctenosaura pectinata</em>, <em>Gopherus agassizii</em>, <em>Trachemys scripta</em>, <em>Crocodylus moreletii</em>, <em>Eupsittula canicularis</em>, <em>Cardinalis cardinalis</em> and <em>Odocoileus virginianus</em> the most frequently confiscated species. Of the total confiscated species, 358 were native species (52 species were endemic), and 115 were non-native species. As for the conservation status of confiscated species, 453 species (95.97%) were listed in the IUCN Red List; 189 species (40.02%) in the National Red List NOM-059-SEMARNAT 2010, and 187 species (39.61%) contemplated by the CITES Appendices. This study illustrates the great diverse of species that are illegally or irregularly traded in Mexico.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415623","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}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号