Pub Date : 2024-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126757
Agus Sudibyo Jati , Bayu Wisnu Broto , Gabriela Franzoi Dri , Ikeu Sri Rejeki , Alessio Mortelliti
Monitoring is a critical step in evaluating the efficacy of conservation measures, and having an effective monitoring protocol can serve as a warning system for population decline. We performed a power analysis to develop a camera trap-based monitoring protocol to detect occupancy changes of the endangered Togean Islands babirusa (Babyrousa togeanensis) as a case study for a threatened species in a developing country. We divided our study sites, representing the entire distribution range of the species, into three areas following the species occupancy probability: high (0.8–1), medium (0.4–0.8), and low occupancy (0–0.4), and estimated the required sampling efforts to detect declines in occupancy in each area. Under a realistic sampling scenario (i.e., maximum 135 camera stations), our protocol is able to detect a ≥ 20 % occupancy decline in high occupancy areas and a ≥ 40 % decline in medium occupancy areas. The low occupancy area requires unrealistic sampling efforts to monitor changes in occupancy. We provide budgeting estimations for monitoring scenarios that are achievable in developing countries, as well as strategies to allocate limited funding. Furthermore, we derived some lessons from our study as guidelines for practitioners to develop and implement a cost-effective monitoring protocol for threatened species in developing countries, particularly by considering the species traits, management boundaries, priority areas, and budget constraints.
{"title":"Developing a monitoring protocol for a threatened species in a developing country: Lessons learned from monitoring the Togean Islands babirusa","authors":"Agus Sudibyo Jati , Bayu Wisnu Broto , Gabriela Franzoi Dri , Ikeu Sri Rejeki , Alessio Mortelliti","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monitoring is a critical step in evaluating the efficacy of conservation measures, and having an effective monitoring protocol can serve as a warning system for population decline. We performed a power analysis to develop a camera trap-based monitoring protocol to detect occupancy changes of the endangered Togean Islands babirusa (<em>Babyrousa togeanensis</em>) as a case study for a threatened species in a developing country. We divided our study sites, representing the entire distribution range of the species, into three areas following the species occupancy probability: high (0.8–1), medium (0.4–0.8), and low occupancy (0–0.4), and estimated the required sampling efforts to detect declines in occupancy in each area. Under a realistic sampling scenario (i.e., maximum 135 camera stations), our protocol is able to detect a ≥ 20 % occupancy decline in high occupancy areas and a ≥ 40 % decline in medium occupancy areas. The low occupancy area requires unrealistic sampling efforts to monitor changes in occupancy. We provide budgeting estimations for monitoring scenarios that are achievable in developing countries, as well as strategies to allocate limited funding. Furthermore, we derived some lessons from our study as guidelines for practitioners to develop and implement a cost-effective monitoring protocol for threatened species in developing countries, particularly by considering the species traits, management boundaries, priority areas, and budget constraints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126757"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142592825","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 : 2024-10-26DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126755
Mezgebu Ashagrie , Kemal Jilo , Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew
The increasing human pressure has threatened wildlife conservation, even in protected areas. However, findings reporting the effects of human on wildlife conservation are not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the effect of human disturbance on the distribution and abundance of mammals in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park considering the consumptive and non-consumptive modes of human activities. The study was conducted from September 2017 to February 2018 in three selected sites, which were stratified based on human disturbance as nature conserved areas, sites engaged in consumptive livelihood, and ecotourism sites. Data were collected using a line transect method. The distribution and abundance data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA, respectively. There was a significant difference on the distribution of target wild animals in the selected sites; greater kudu (P < 0.001), warthog (P < 0.01), and bohor reedbuck (P = 0.03) were highest in the “nature conserved” site. Human disturbance also significantly affected the abundance of warthog (P = 0.028), greater kudu (P < 0.001), and bohor reedbuck (P = 0.024). Greater kudu distribution was limited in nature conserved site. However, Warthog and Bohor Reedbuck were distributed in all sampling sites; nature conserved sites hold the highest population abundance. The results indicate that consumptive local livelihood and ecotourism disturbances adversely affected the distribution and abundance of mammals relative to the nature reserved site. However, ecotourism favored some mammal species from the consumptive local people’s livelihood activities. Thus, to reduce the impact of human disturbances on wildlife conservation, monitoring and controlling the level of human disturbance is urgent. Sustainable practices such as community engagement, awareness creation and alternative livelihood options should be proposed.
{"title":"Effects of human disturbance on the distribution and abundance of large mammals in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park, Ethiopia","authors":"Mezgebu Ashagrie , Kemal Jilo , Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing human pressure has threatened wildlife conservation, even in protected areas. However, findings reporting the effects of human on wildlife conservation are not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the effect of human disturbance on the distribution and abundance of mammals in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park considering the consumptive and non-consumptive modes of human activities. The study was conducted from September 2017 to February 2018 in three selected sites, which were stratified based on human disturbance as nature conserved areas, sites engaged in consumptive livelihood, and ecotourism sites. Data were collected using a line transect method. The distribution and abundance data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA, respectively. There was a significant difference on the distribution of target wild animals in the selected sites; greater kudu (P < 0.001), warthog (P < 0.01), and bohor reedbuck (P = 0.03) were highest in the “nature conserved” site. Human disturbance also significantly affected the abundance of warthog (P = 0.028), greater kudu (P < 0.001), and bohor reedbuck (P = 0.024). Greater kudu distribution was limited in nature conserved site. However, Warthog and Bohor Reedbuck were distributed in all sampling sites; nature conserved sites hold the highest population abundance. The results indicate that consumptive local livelihood and ecotourism disturbances adversely affected the distribution and abundance of mammals relative to the nature reserved site. However, ecotourism favored some mammal species from the consumptive local people’s livelihood activities. Thus, to reduce the impact of human disturbances on wildlife conservation, monitoring and controlling the level of human disturbance is urgent. Sustainable practices such as community engagement, awareness creation and alternative livelihood options should be proposed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126755"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142587074","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}
State of West Bengal is the last stronghold for fishing cats in the country. Although Fishing cats has been mentioned as a vulnerable wetland species, few works have been conducted on their distribution pattern, habitat or ecology. Our study uses camera traps in various urban and rural wetland areas of southern West Bengal spanning more than 67,000 km2 to identify their presence. Out of 38 potential habitats, 24 regions came up with evidence of these cats spanning through the eight districts of southern West Bengal. We used presence absence data to fit an ensemble model to delineate suitable habitat for the species in the southern West Bengal. Results indicated areas less than 30 m of elevation and enough annual precipitation that functions healthy hydrological cycle in the areas of lower Gangetic plains to be most suitable for fishing cats. High mortality of the species due to retaliation and roadkill is a known fact for the species in the state. Hence, we also demarcated conservation priority zones for the species in the southern West Bengal which suggested agricultural lands (51.02 %), wetlands (21.22 %), vegetation cover (18.6 %) with populistic tourism spots in urban patches of southern West Bengal need to have focus from the concerned authority to save the remaining habitats. Accordingly, we further identified potential roadkill zones over state and national highways within the suitable habitat of the southern West Bengal.
{"title":"Cat out of the bag: Coastal and Gangetic plains outside protected areas require focus for fishing cat conservation in southern West Bengal, India","authors":"Samrat Chakraborty , Tanoy Mukherjee , Supratim Dutta , Souvik Barik , Subhendu Mazumdar , Paromit Chatterjee , Goutam Kumar Saha","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>State of West Bengal is the last stronghold for fishing cats in the country. Although Fishing cats has been mentioned as a vulnerable wetland species, few works have been conducted on their distribution pattern, habitat or ecology. Our study uses camera traps in various urban and rural wetland areas of southern West Bengal spanning more than 67,000 km<sup>2</sup> to identify their presence. Out of 38 potential habitats, 24 regions came up with evidence of these cats spanning through the eight districts of southern West Bengal. We used presence absence data to fit an ensemble model to delineate suitable habitat for the species in the southern West Bengal. Results indicated areas less than 30 m of elevation and enough annual precipitation that functions healthy hydrological cycle in the areas of lower Gangetic plains to be most suitable for fishing cats. High mortality of the species due to retaliation and roadkill is a known fact for the species in the state. Hence, we also demarcated conservation priority zones for the species in the southern West Bengal which suggested agricultural lands (51.02 %), wetlands (21.22 %), vegetation cover (18.6 %) with populistic tourism spots in urban patches of southern West Bengal need to have focus from the concerned authority to save the remaining habitats. Accordingly, we further identified potential roadkill zones over state and national highways within the suitable habitat of the southern West Bengal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126754"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554464","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 : 2024-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126750
Yukai Zhang , William Bol Yaak , Nan Wang , Zhiwei Li , Xinyang Wu , Qianqian Wang , Yihang Wang , Weiwei Yao
The spatial and temporal patterns of river meanders play a crucial role not only in shaping the hydrogeomorphic properties of channels and floodplains but also in ascertaining the suitability of fish habitats for river ecological conservation. This study evaluates hydrodynamic features and fish habitat quality in six highly sinuous bend sequences along the Black River in China’s Qinghai plateau. The ecohydraulic model system was used to simulate hydrodynamics, habitat suitability, and sediment transport to determine the habitat quality of the highly sinuous bend sequences. The results have successfully identified differences in the suitability of various bends for fish spawning. Bend 1 was found to be the most suitable among all bends, while bends 5 and 6 were deemed unsuitable specifically during higher flood flows. Cases 3 and 4 were discovered to be highly suitable for fish habitat under normal discharge scenarios. Conversely, cases 5 and 6 were the least suitable, with cases 5 and 6 exhibiting the worst habitat quality, with HSI values nearing zero under high discharge. The study concluded that regulated discharge conditions could support fish spawning in these sinuous bends, with lower flood flows promoting habitat suitability and higher flood flows fragmenting habitat quality. The findings highlight the importance of diverse hydrodynamic and geomorphic conditions in creating suitable fish habitats across varying flow conditions, offering insights into the conservation and management of mountain rivers to protect endangered fish species and aquatic organisms.
{"title":"Evaluation of the highly sinuous bend sequences using an ecohydraulic model to ascertain the suitability of fish habitats for river ecological conservation","authors":"Yukai Zhang , William Bol Yaak , Nan Wang , Zhiwei Li , Xinyang Wu , Qianqian Wang , Yihang Wang , Weiwei Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The spatial and temporal patterns of river meanders play a crucial role not only in shaping the hydrogeomorphic properties of channels and floodplains but also in ascertaining the suitability of fish habitats for river ecological conservation. This study evaluates hydrodynamic features and fish habitat quality in six highly sinuous bend sequences along the Black River in China’s Qinghai plateau. The ecohydraulic model system was used to simulate hydrodynamics, habitat suitability, and sediment transport to determine the habitat quality of the highly sinuous bend sequences. The results have successfully identified differences in the suitability of various bends for fish spawning. Bend 1 was found to be the most suitable among all bends, while bends 5 and 6 were deemed unsuitable specifically during higher flood flows. Cases 3 and 4 were discovered to be highly suitable for fish habitat under normal discharge scenarios. Conversely, cases 5 and 6 were the least suitable, with cases 5 and 6 exhibiting the worst habitat quality, with HSI values nearing zero under high discharge. The study concluded that regulated discharge conditions could support fish spawning in these sinuous bends, with lower flood flows promoting habitat suitability and higher flood flows fragmenting habitat quality. The findings highlight the importance of diverse hydrodynamic and geomorphic conditions in creating suitable fish habitats across varying flow conditions, offering insights into the conservation and management of mountain rivers to protect endangered fish species and aquatic organisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126750"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142539835","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 : 2024-10-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126751
Nang Biyogue Douti , Ebenezer Ebo Yahans Amuah , Babang Bawa Ibrahim , Samuel Kojo Abanyie , Raymond Webrah Kazapoe , Prosper Kpiebaya , Stephen Sodoke , Kwame Anokye
Evaluating human impacts on the structural and functional dynamics of ecotourism sites is crucial for monitoring and managing natural ecosystems. This study assessed conservation performance in the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary versus degradation in the adjacent unprotected forest, which is prone to human activities. Eighteen samples each of above-ground live biomass (AGL), litter, and root biomass, along with 36 soil samples (0–20 cm depth), were collected from 20 m × 20 m and 1 m × 1 m plots and subplots at both sites. The study found that the average tree density in the area was 210.00 whereas the above-ground live biomass had 524.30. Mean values for litter and root biomass, pH, N and P were 345.44 and 69.94. The protected site recorded a significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentration of total N and OM content as compared to the adjacent unprotected site whereas there was no significance (p = 0.010) in available P in both areas. Available micronutrients (Mn, Zn) were higher in the protected area compared to the unprotected while the Fe levels were higher in the unprotected site. Cu was below the detectable value in both sites. The protected and unprotected areas revealed significant differences (t(14) = 1.527, p = 0.029), with a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.766, p = 0.001). Therefore, if the adjacent unprotected forest is not subjected to management mechanisms and protection from the fringe communities, the reserve may remain under threat of encroachment and degradation as these resources may be severely affected.
评估人类对生态旅游景点结构和功能动态的影响对于监测和管理自然生态系统至关重要。本研究评估了魏桥河马保护区的保护绩效与邻近未受保护森林的退化情况，后者容易受到人类活动的影响。研究人员从两个地点的 20 m × 20 m 和 1 m × 1 m 小块和子块中各采集了 18 份地上生物量（AGL）、枯落物和根系生物量样本，以及 36 份土壤样本（0-20 厘米深）。研究发现，该地区的平均树木密度为 210.00，而地上活生物量为 524.30。枯落物和根系生物量、pH 值、氮和磷的平均值分别为 345.44 和 69.94。与邻近的未受保护地相比，受保护地的总氮和 OM 含量明显更高（p < 0.001），而两个地区的可利用钾含量没有显著性差异（p = 0.010）。与未受保护地区相比，受保护地区的可用微量营养元素（锰、锌）含量较高，而未受保护地区的铁含量较高。两地的铜含量均低于检测值。保护区和非保护区显示出显著差异（t(14) = 1.527，p = 0.029），两者之间具有很强的正相关性（r = 0.766，p = 0.001）。因此，如果邻近的未受保护森林没有受到管理机制和边缘社区的保护，保护区可能会继续受到侵占和退化的威胁，因为这些资源可能会受到严重影响。
{"title":"Ecological assessment and conservation performance of the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary: A differential assessment of protected and unprotected zones","authors":"Nang Biyogue Douti , Ebenezer Ebo Yahans Amuah , Babang Bawa Ibrahim , Samuel Kojo Abanyie , Raymond Webrah Kazapoe , Prosper Kpiebaya , Stephen Sodoke , Kwame Anokye","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Evaluating human impacts on the structural and functional dynamics of ecotourism sites is crucial for monitoring and managing natural ecosystems. This study assessed conservation performance in the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary versus degradation in the adjacent unprotected forest, which is prone to human activities. Eighteen samples each of above-ground live biomass (AGL), litter, and root biomass, along with 36 soil samples (0–20 cm depth), were collected from 20 m × 20 m and 1 m × 1 m plots and subplots at both sites. The study found that the average tree density in the area was 210.00 whereas the above-ground live biomass had 524.30. Mean values for litter and root biomass, pH, N and P were 345.44 and 69.94. The protected site recorded a significantly higher (<em>p</em> < 0.001) concentration of total N and OM content as compared to the adjacent unprotected site whereas there was no significance (<em>p</em> = 0.010) in available P in both areas. Available micronutrients (Mn, Zn) were higher in the protected area compared to the unprotected while the Fe levels were higher in the unprotected site. Cu was below the detectable value in both sites. The protected and unprotected areas revealed significant differences (t(14) = 1.527, <em>p</em> = 0.029), with a strong positive correlation between them (<em>r</em> = 0.766, <em>p</em> = 0.001). Therefore, if the adjacent unprotected forest is not subjected to management mechanisms and protection from the fringe communities, the reserve may remain under threat of encroachment and degradation as these resources may be severely affected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126751"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531722","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 : 2024-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126752
Annika Tienhaara, Tuija Lankia, Eija Pouta
In species conservation, various options for conservation measures typically exist, yet their implementation may lead to conflicts among different population groups. Heterogenous preferences toward conservation measures often stem from the utilization of natural resources, whether for livelihood or recreational purposes. This study, focusing on the Saimaa ringed seal, a symbol of nature conservation in Finland, examines both population size and conservation measures. We distinguish the stated preferences between recreational visitors to Lake Saimaa, fishers at the lake, and individuals residing in other parts of Finland without direct use of the lake. To measure preferences, we utilize a choice experiment that incorporates both population size and the most promising conservation measures as attributes. The findings reveal significant variations in willingness-to-pay estimates between visitors and non-visitors, as well as between fishers and non-fishers. Interestingly, all population groups expressed a preference for a moderate increase in the seal population and a small extension of conservation measures, rather than opting for a substantial extension of measures. This insight emphasizes the importance of considering diverse stakeholder perspectives when designing and implementing species conservation strategies.
{"title":"Seal of approval: Public preferences for the conservation of endangered Saimaa ringed seal","authors":"Annika Tienhaara, Tuija Lankia, Eija Pouta","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126752","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126752","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In species conservation, various options for conservation measures typically exist, yet their implementation may lead to conflicts among different population groups. Heterogenous preferences toward conservation measures often stem from the utilization of natural resources, whether for livelihood or recreational purposes. This study, focusing on the Saimaa ringed seal, a symbol of nature conservation in Finland, examines both population size and conservation measures. We distinguish the stated preferences between recreational visitors to Lake Saimaa, fishers at the lake, and individuals residing in other parts of Finland without direct use of the lake. To measure preferences, we utilize a choice experiment that incorporates both population size and the most promising conservation measures as attributes. The findings reveal significant variations in willingness-to-pay estimates between visitors and non-visitors, as well as between fishers and non-fishers. Interestingly, all population groups expressed a preference for a moderate increase in the seal population and a small extension of conservation measures, rather than opting for a substantial extension of measures. This insight emphasizes the importance of considering diverse stakeholder perspectives when designing and implementing species conservation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126752"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126753
Tamara Rubio-Blanco , Hublester Domínguez-Vega , Yuriana Gómez-Ortiz , Rosa Laura Heredia-Bobadilla , Froylan Ramirez , Fabiola Ramírez-Corona , Jonas Alvarez-Lopeztello , Rene Bolom-Huet , María Elena Estrada‑Zúñiga , Armando Sunny
Wildfires are natural phenomena that have shaped ecosystems and maintained biodiversity for millions of years. However, the increased frequency and severity of wildfires in recent decades are predominantly attributed to human activities. These anthropogenic factors, including land use change, climate change, and fire suppression, have disrupted the natural fire regime and heightened the risk of large-scale, destructive wildfires. Reptiles, as ectothermic and often slow-moving animals, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fires due to their limited mobility and reliance on specific microhabitats. Understanding the impacts of wildfires on reptile populations is crucial for their effective conservation and management in fire-prone areas. This paper focuses on Phrynosoma orbiculare, a species distributed across the northern and southeastern regions of Mexico, where wildfires are common. The study revealed that key environmental variables driving the distribution of P. orbiculare include altitude, temperature extremes, and forest composition, while fire occurrence is strongly influenced by climatic conditions such as temperature and precipitation. As fires become more frequent and severe, the niche overlap between P. orbiculare and fire-prone regions is expected to expand. These findings highlight the importance of integrating fire management into conservation planning, particularly for protecting fire-sensitive ecosystems like Abies forests. Understanding the complex interaction between fire and species distributions is essential for developing effective conservation strategies that ensure the survival of P. orbiculare and other fire-sensitive species in Mexico’s changing landscapes.
野火是一种自然现象，数百万年来一直影响着生态系统并维持着生物多样性。然而，近几十年来野火发生频率和严重程度的增加主要归咎于人类活动。这些人为因素，包括土地使用变化、气候变化和灭火，破坏了自然的火灾机制，并增加了大规模、破坏性野火的风险。爬行动物是外温动物，通常行动缓慢，由于其活动能力有限且依赖于特定的微生境，因此特别容易受到火灾的影响。了解野火对爬行动物种群的影响对于在火灾多发地区有效保护和管理爬行动物至关重要。本文重点研究了分布于墨西哥北部和东南部地区的一种爬行动物--Phrynosoma orbiculare，在这些地区野火很常见。研究揭示出，驱动 P. orbiculare 分布的关键环境变量包括海拔高度、极端温度和森林组成，而火灾发生则受到温度和降水等气候条件的强烈影响。随着火灾变得更加频繁和严重，预计黄翅蝶与火灾易发地区之间的生态位重叠将会扩大。这些发现凸显了将火灾管理纳入保护规划的重要性，尤其是对于保护对火灾敏感的生态系统（如冷杉林）而言。了解火灾与物种分布之间复杂的相互作用对于制定有效的保护策略至关重要，这些策略可确保大叶女贞和其他对火灾敏感的物种在墨西哥不断变化的地貌中生存。
{"title":"Modelling the present and future of Phrynosoma orbiculare habitat and wildfire distribution and their environmental niche overlap in Mexico","authors":"Tamara Rubio-Blanco , Hublester Domínguez-Vega , Yuriana Gómez-Ortiz , Rosa Laura Heredia-Bobadilla , Froylan Ramirez , Fabiola Ramírez-Corona , Jonas Alvarez-Lopeztello , Rene Bolom-Huet , María Elena Estrada‑Zúñiga , Armando Sunny","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126753","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126753","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wildfires are natural phenomena that have shaped ecosystems and maintained biodiversity for millions of years. However, the increased frequency and severity of wildfires in recent decades are predominantly attributed to human activities. These anthropogenic factors, including land use change, climate change, and fire suppression, have disrupted the natural fire regime and heightened the risk of large-scale, destructive wildfires. Reptiles, as ectothermic and often slow-moving animals, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fires due to their limited mobility and reliance on specific microhabitats. Understanding the impacts of wildfires on reptile populations is crucial for their effective conservation and management in fire-prone areas. This paper focuses on <em>Phrynosoma orbiculare</em>, a species distributed across the northern and southeastern regions of Mexico, where wildfires are common. The study revealed that key environmental variables driving the distribution of <em>P. orbiculare</em> include altitude, temperature extremes, and forest composition, while fire occurrence is strongly influenced by climatic conditions such as temperature and precipitation. As fires become more frequent and severe, the niche overlap between <em>P. orbiculare</em> and fire-prone regions is expected to expand. These findings highlight the importance of integrating fire management into conservation planning, particularly for protecting fire-sensitive ecosystems like <em>Abies</em> forests. Understanding the complex interaction between fire and species distributions is essential for developing effective conservation strategies that ensure the survival of <em>P. orbiculare</em> and other fire-sensitive species in Mexico’s changing landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126753"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531723","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 : 2024-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126747
Javier E. Ciancio , Alejandro Travaini , Esteban Frere
Most seabird species avoid predation by locating their breeding colonies in predator-free islands, inaccessible cliffs, capes, or on the mainland in Antarctica, the only continent without terrestrial predators. Departing from this general rule, a significant number of large Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) colonies exist nowadays in South American Atlantic mainland shores spanning a wide latitudinal range. Based on published radiocarbon dating of colonies, along with historical and archaeological records, we postulate that the current distribution of these colonies may be a response to predator eradication by sheep farmers. This would have made breeding habitats near marine food resources accessible and may have also reduced competition with neighboring colonies. We employed stable isotope analysis to estimate the penguin contribution to the diet of four pumas responsible for killing thousands of penguins in a breeding colony located within a coastal national park. Furthermore, we used a bioenergetic model to quantify the consumption of forage fish under different population distribution and abundance scenarios. We briefly discuss the implications of our results in the context of conservation policies aimed at establishing ecosystem baselines along the Patagonian shores.
{"title":"Consequences of terrestrial top predator control by Patagonian sheep farmers for coastal marine food webs","authors":"Javier E. Ciancio , Alejandro Travaini , Esteban Frere","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126747","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most seabird species avoid predation by locating their breeding colonies in predator-free islands, inaccessible cliffs, capes, or on the mainland in Antarctica, the only continent without terrestrial predators. Departing from this general rule, a significant number of large Magellanic penguin (<em>Spheniscus magellanicus</em>) colonies exist nowadays in South American Atlantic mainland shores spanning a wide latitudinal range. Based on published radiocarbon dating of colonies, along with historical and archaeological records, we postulate that the current distribution of these colonies may be a response to predator eradication by sheep farmers. This would have made breeding habitats near marine food resources accessible and may have also reduced competition with neighboring colonies. We employed stable isotope analysis to estimate the penguin contribution to the diet of four pumas responsible for killing thousands of penguins in a breeding colony located within a coastal national park. Furthermore, we used a bioenergetic model to quantify the consumption of forage fish under different population distribution and abundance scenarios. We briefly discuss the implications of our results in the context of conservation policies aimed at establishing ecosystem baselines along the Patagonian shores.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126747"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531724","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 : 2024-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126749
Paraskevi Manolaki , Tenna Riis
Hydromorphological alterations are the most common pressures that occur in freshwater ecosystems, largely responsible for the overall decline of freshwater biodiversity. The EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, recognizing the crucial role of hydromorphological alterations, sets the target of 25 000 km of free flowing rivers in Europe by 2030. In this article, we discuss the hydromorphological restoration and mitigation measures in stream ecosystems implemented in Cyprus, the most arid country in the EU. We also assess their ability to contribute to the accomplishment of a free-flowing state, and we highlight the need for restoration guidelines for semi-arid areas in light of the climate crisis and the anticipated changes in water flow regimes. Our study showed that important progress has been made towards reconnecting streams in Cyprus, with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) being the main driving force behind this effort. However, even in semi-arid areas with severe water scarcity, emphasis should be placed on the demolition of dams and other water storage obstructions, as they are primarily responsible for the interruption of stream continuity. Thus, the development of a prioritization tool is required. Although we focus on the hydromorphological restorations in Mediterranean streams, we argue that the issues raised in this paper concern other geographical regions and river types with similar flow regimes and future challenges.
{"title":"Challenges of restoring streams to a free-flowing state in semi-arid Mediterranean areas: Lotic systems in Cyprus from the perspective of the Water Framework Directive","authors":"Paraskevi Manolaki , Tenna Riis","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126749","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126749","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydromorphological alterations are the most common pressures that occur in freshwater ecosystems, largely responsible for the overall decline of freshwater biodiversity. The EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, recognizing the crucial role of hydromorphological alterations, sets the target of 25 000 km of free flowing rivers in Europe by 2030. In this article, we discuss the hydromorphological restoration and mitigation measures in stream ecosystems implemented in Cyprus, the most arid country in the EU. We also assess their ability to contribute to the accomplishment of a free-flowing state, and we highlight the need for restoration guidelines for semi-arid areas in light of the climate crisis and the anticipated changes in water flow regimes. Our study showed that important progress has been made towards reconnecting streams in Cyprus, with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) being the main driving force behind this effort. However, even in semi-arid areas with severe water scarcity, emphasis should be placed on the demolition of dams and other water storage obstructions, as they are primarily responsible for the interruption of stream continuity. Thus, the development of a prioritization tool is required. Although we focus on the hydromorphological restorations in Mediterranean streams, we argue that the issues raised in this paper concern other geographical regions and river types with similar flow regimes and future challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126749"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531721","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 : 2024-10-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126748
I.N. Vogiatzakis, M.C. Stavrinides
Increasing conservation targets to protect biodiversity and safeguard sustainability is seen as one-way for humankind. The Half earth concept proposed by E.O. Wilson led to a debate over whether and how this can be achieved given increasing societal needs and pressure for land. The new European Biodiversity Strategy (EBS) for 2030 calls among other things for binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems setting an ambitious target of 30 % of the EU’s land areas under legal protection with 10 % of EU land under strictly Protected Areas. A concept which is gaining ground globally as a potential ally in this effort is ’other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs). The aim of the paper is to demonstrate how biodiversity conservation can be achieved on a Mediterranean island, beyond existing Protected Areas, by ’giving nature half’ on the terrestrial realm. We assess the role of conservation ’allies’ in Cyprus, by identifying potential OECM areas on the island, according to the IUCN criteria. We mapped their spatial relationship with the Natura 2000 network and propose OECM areas, which present greater conservation potential in the long term. Potential OECMs areas, which may act complementary to the N2K, extend to c. 50 % of the island. What we propose herein can serve as a model for rethinking and redesigning nature conservation in Mediterranean islands.
{"title":"Giving nature half of Cyprus: The quest for conservation allies","authors":"I.N. Vogiatzakis, M.C. Stavrinides","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increasing conservation targets to protect biodiversity and safeguard sustainability is seen as one-way for humankind. The Half earth concept proposed by E.O. Wilson led to a debate over whether and how this can be achieved given increasing societal needs and pressure for land. The new European Biodiversity Strategy (EBS) for 2030 calls among other things for<!--> <!-->binding targets<!--> <!-->to<!--> <!-->restore degraded ecosystems setting an ambitious target of 30 % of the EU’s land areas under legal protection with 10 % of EU land under strictly Protected Areas. A concept which is gaining ground globally as a potential ally in this effort is ’other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs). The aim of the paper is to demonstrate how biodiversity conservation can be achieved on a Mediterranean island, beyond existing Protected Areas, by ’giving nature half’ on the terrestrial realm. We assess the role of conservation ’allies’ in Cyprus, by identifying potential OECM areas on the island, according to the IUCN criteria. We mapped their spatial relationship with the Natura 2000 network and propose OECM areas, which present greater conservation potential in the long term. Potential OECMs areas, which may act complementary to the N2K, extend to c. 50 % of the island. What we propose herein can serve as a model for rethinking and redesigning nature conservation in Mediterranean islands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 126748"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531720","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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