Pub Date : 2025-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126820
Minli Jin
The Jiangnan Water Network region has poor health and biodiversity disturbances in urban lake wetlands. This study introduces an assessment framework using the Pres-sure-State-Response (PSR) model combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) methods to evaluate the Sanbai Pool wetland health in Hangzhou. Twenty-one indicators across five dimensions (including biology, water quality, sediment, land use, and socio-economic) were identified to construct a comprehensive health assessment system. The findings revealed that the overall health index of the Sanbai Pool was 0.536 (sub-healthy). Specifically, the pressure, state, and response layers’ scores were 0.497, 0.526, and 0.693, respectively, highlighting critical areas needing intervention. Key threats to the ecosystem included high nitrogen and phosphorus levels, invasive species, and declining biodiversity. Reducing external nutrient loading, controlling invasive species, promoting ecological restoration practices, using fish manipulation measures, and developing eco-friendly industries were the main measures to improve the Sanbai Pool wetland ecosystem’s health. The research results provided techniques supporting the protection and restoration of urban lake wetlands.
{"title":"Comprehensive assessment of urban lake wetlands in the Jiangnan water network: Implementation of ecosystem health models","authors":"Minli Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Jiangnan Water Network region has poor health and biodiversity disturbances in urban lake wetlands. This study introduces an assessment framework using the Pres-sure-State-Response (PSR) model combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) methods to evaluate the Sanbai Pool wetland health in Hangzhou. Twenty-one indicators across five dimensions (including biology, water quality, sediment, land use, and socio-economic) were identified to construct a comprehensive health assessment system. The findings revealed that the overall health index of the Sanbai Pool was 0.536 (sub-healthy). Specifically, the pressure, state, and response layers’ scores were 0.497, 0.526, and 0.693, respectively, highlighting critical areas needing intervention. Key threats to the ecosystem included high nitrogen and phosphorus levels, invasive species, and declining biodiversity. Reducing external nutrient loading, controlling invasive species, promoting ecological restoration practices, using fish manipulation measures, and developing eco-friendly industries were the main measures to improve the Sanbai Pool wetland ecosystem’s health. The research results provided techniques supporting the protection and restoration of urban lake wetlands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126820"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180736","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 : 2024-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126821
Gen Hua Yue
The genetic integrity of the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), the wild ancestor of domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), is under threat due to increasing hybridization with domesticated breeds. This issue has significant ecological and conservation implications, as hybridization diminishes the genetic diversity of red junglefowl, essential for species survival. The loss of this genetic pool also compromises the potential for future genetic improvements in domesticated chickens. Addressing this problem requires urgent, coordinated efforts, including policy interventions and conservation strategies. This paper highlights the genetic, ecological, and regulatory challenges posed by hybridization and calls for action to protect the genetic distinctiveness of red junglefowl, ensuring both species’ long-term viability.
{"title":"Protecting red junglefowl by preventing hybridization with domestic chickens","authors":"Gen Hua Yue","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126821","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genetic integrity of the red junglefowl (<em>Gallus gallus</em>), the wild ancestor of domestic chickens (<em>Gallus gallus domesticus</em>), is under threat due to increasing hybridization with domesticated breeds. This issue has significant ecological and conservation implications, as hybridization diminishes the genetic diversity of red junglefowl, essential for species survival. The loss of this genetic pool also compromises the potential for future genetic improvements in domesticated chickens. Addressing this problem requires urgent, coordinated efforts, including policy interventions and conservation strategies. This paper highlights the genetic, ecological, and regulatory challenges posed by hybridization and calls for action to protect the genetic distinctiveness of red junglefowl, ensuring both species’ long-term viability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181768","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 : 2024-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126822
Qing Yang , Xia Tian , Hao Wang , Tao Tan
The coordinated development of rural tourism and ecological agriculture on islands is crucial for fostering sustainable human-ocean interactions. Existing research does not provide a detailed analysis of the relationship between rural tourism development (RTD) and agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE) from an island-based perspective. This study examines the 18 directly governed cities and counties of Hainan Island, China, as a case study to evaluate the intensity of RTD and AEE. Furthermore, the coupling coordination degree model and Geodetector are applied to analyze the spatial characteristics and driving factors influencing the coordinated development of RTD and AEE on Hainan Island. The results show: (1) Rural tourism spots on Hainan Island exhibit a spatial distribution characterized by high density in the south and lower density in the east and west, forming a “dual-center, block-shaped aggregation” pattern; (2) AEE on Hainan Island follows a “single-core development” pattern, characterized by centralized and contiguous areas with Sanya City as the nucleus, forming a single-core ecological agriculture zone; (3) The average coupling coordination degree between RTD and AEE on Hainan Island is 0.612, signifying a moderate level of coordination with notable disparities between the northern and southern regions; (4) The primary drivers of the spatial evolution of coordinated development are social, educational, and economic development levels, with explanatory powers of 0.592, 0.500, and 0.410, respectively. This research provides meaningful insights into the integrated development of rural tourism and ecological agriculture on islands.
{"title":"Exploration of the coupling coordination between rural tourism development and agricultural eco-efficiency in islands: A case study of Hainan Island in China","authors":"Qing Yang , Xia Tian , Hao Wang , Tao Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126822","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126822","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The coordinated development of rural tourism and ecological agriculture on islands is crucial for fostering sustainable human-ocean interactions. Existing research does not provide a detailed analysis of the relationship between rural tourism development (RTD) and agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE) from an island-based perspective. This study examines the 18 directly governed cities and counties of Hainan Island, China, as a case study to evaluate the intensity of RTD and AEE. Furthermore, the coupling coordination degree model and Geodetector are applied to analyze the spatial characteristics and driving factors influencing the coordinated development of RTD and AEE on Hainan Island. The results show: (1) Rural tourism spots on Hainan Island exhibit a spatial distribution characterized by high density in the south and lower density in the east and west, forming a “dual-center, block-shaped aggregation” pattern; (2) AEE on Hainan Island follows a “single-core development” pattern, characterized by centralized and contiguous areas with Sanya City as the nucleus, forming a single-core ecological agriculture zone; (3) The average coupling coordination degree between RTD and AEE on Hainan Island is 0.612, signifying a moderate level of coordination with notable disparities between the northern and southern regions; (4) The primary drivers of the spatial evolution of coordinated development are social, educational, and economic development levels, with explanatory powers of 0.592, 0.500, and 0.410, respectively. This research provides meaningful insights into the integrated development of rural tourism and ecological agriculture on islands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126822"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180966","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 : 2024-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126823
Abraham Ranglong , Abhilash Dutta Roy , Sujit Das , Sourabh Deb
Moist tropical forest ecosystems serve as substantial repositories for high carbon stocks and are also rich in biodiversity. Protected areas in these ecosystems increase the population of native floral and faunal communities and conserve biodiversity. This study aimed to provide a quantitative baseline mapping of aboveground biomass stock and tree diversity in the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary (RWLS) of Tripura, northeast India using multispectral and SAR remote sensing (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, LISS-IV) and ensemble machine learning models. We established 126 plots (10 m × 10 m) for field sampling of trees, herbs, shrubs, deadwood, and leaf litter. Local allometric models were used to calculate tree-level AGB in the field. We also estimated different indices pertaining to biodiversity such as the Importance Value Index, Family Importance Value, Pielou’s Evenness index, Margalef’s richness index, Simpson’s Dominance index and Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. Our results showed 68 tree species in the area, indicating moderately high species richness. The tree density of 1412 trees ha−1 was significantly higher than usual, while the mean basal area of 20.11 m2/ha was low. These findings suggest a forest dominated by smaller diameter trees, potentially indicating a recovering secondary forest subject to frequent disturbances. Remote sensing analysis demonstrated that Sentinel-2 outperformed LISS-IV in predicting AGB, despite LISS-IV’s higher spatial resolution, highlighting the importance of spectral resolution in estimating biomass. Incorporating biodiversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s) also significantly improved AGB estimates (R2 = 0.59). The mean AGB of RWLS was estimated as 122.60 ± 42.75 Mg ha−1. The present study also observed a dominance of the species Microcos paniculata, reflected through high Simpson index (D = 0.18) and low evenness (0.6), which suggests its colonization after past disturbances in the area. The outcomes of the study underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts in RWLS, considering its challenges as a small protected area under anthropogenic pressure. We recommend implementing silvicultural treatments, measures to prevent disturbances, and establishing a regime of repeated monitoring using advanced remote sensing technologies.
{"title":"Estimating aboveground biomass and biodiversity of a protected area in moist tropical forest ecosystem using remote sensing application","authors":"Abraham Ranglong , Abhilash Dutta Roy , Sujit Das , Sourabh Deb","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Moist tropical forest ecosystems serve as substantial repositories for high carbon stocks and are also rich in biodiversity. Protected areas in these ecosystems increase the population of native floral and faunal communities and conserve biodiversity. This study aimed to provide a quantitative baseline mapping of aboveground biomass stock and tree diversity in the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary (RWLS) of Tripura, northeast India using multispectral and SAR remote sensing (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, LISS-IV) and ensemble machine learning models. We established 126 plots (10 m × 10 m) for field sampling of trees, herbs, shrubs, deadwood, and leaf litter. Local allometric models were used to calculate tree-level AGB in the field. We also estimated different indices pertaining to biodiversity such as the Importance Value Index, Family Importance Value, Pielou’s Evenness index, Margalef’s richness index, Simpson’s Dominance index and Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. Our results showed 68 tree species in the area, indicating moderately high species richness. The tree density of 1412 trees ha<sup>−1</sup> was significantly higher than usual, while the mean basal area of 20.11 m<sup>2</sup>/ha was low. These findings suggest a forest dominated by smaller diameter trees, potentially indicating a recovering secondary forest subject to frequent disturbances. Remote sensing analysis demonstrated that Sentinel-2 outperformed LISS-IV in predicting AGB, despite LISS-IV’s higher spatial resolution, highlighting the importance of spectral resolution in estimating biomass. Incorporating biodiversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s) also significantly improved AGB estimates (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.59). The mean AGB of RWLS was estimated as 122.60 ± 42.75 Mg ha<sup>−1</sup>. The present study also observed a dominance of the species <em>Microcos paniculata,</em> reflected through high Simpson index (D = 0.18) and low evenness (0.6), which suggests its colonization after past disturbances in the area. The outcomes of the study underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts in RWLS, considering its challenges as a small protected area under anthropogenic pressure. We recommend implementing silvicultural treatments, measures to prevent disturbances, and establishing a regime of repeated monitoring using advanced remote sensing technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126823"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180965","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 : 2024-12-28DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126817
Rajashree Samal, Madhusmita Dash
Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism that emphasizes environmental conservation while enhancing the welfare of local communities. Promoting ecotourism in Chilika wetland is essential for sustaining its cultural heritage, economic viability, and pristine ecosystem. The primary objective of this research is to propose strategies for the sustainable development of ecotourism in key tourist destinations within Chilika, specifically Mangalajodi, Balugaon, and Barkul. This research employed SWOT-QSPM analysis to assess the internal and external factors influencing the ecotourism sector. The study used qualitative interviews, surveys, observations, and expert insights. The findings indicate that ecotourism has enhanced the socioeconomic well-being of the indigenous community in the vicinity of these three prominent tourist destinations. Those engaged in ecotourism, such as guided tours, boat sailing, handicraft manufacturing, and nature camp services, have diversified their sources of income. Furthermore, multistakeholder participation, the implementation of ICT (Information Communication Technology) to modernize interpretation centers, management of tourism infrastructure, and capacity-building programs are identified as the most effective strategies for Barkul, Mangalajodi, and Balugaon, respectively. The increasing number of tourists can impact the carrying capacity of the wetland, leading to environmental concerns. Therefore, monitoring tools can keep track of the number of visitors and ecological indicators. It will aid the policymakers in making better decisions and modifying strategies as needed with the help of clear information and regular reviews. Local community members also acknowledged that the success of ecotourism ventures necessitates human capital, including technical expertise and skillsets, training facilities, government funding, promotion of art and culture, eco-friendly infrastructure, and, most importantly, a pro-conservation attitude.
{"title":"From strengths to strategies: Mapping the sustainable path for ecotourism in Chilika wetland through SWOT-QSPM analysis","authors":"Rajashree Samal, Madhusmita Dash","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ecotourism is a form of<!--> <!-->sustainable tourism that emphasizes environmental conservation while enhancing the welfare of local communities. Promoting ecotourism in Chilika wetland<!--> <!-->is essential for sustaining its cultural heritage, economic viability, and pristine ecosystem. The primary objective of this research is to propose strategies for the sustainable development of ecotourism in key tourist destinations within Chilika, specifically Mangalajodi, Balugaon, and Barkul. This research employed SWOT-QSPM analysis to assess the internal and external factors influencing the ecotourism sector. The study used qualitative interviews, surveys, observations, and expert insights. The findings indicate that ecotourism has enhanced the socioeconomic well-being of the indigenous community in the vicinity of these three prominent tourist destinations. Those engaged in ecotourism, such as guided tours, boat sailing, handicraft manufacturing, and nature camp services, have diversified their sources of income. Furthermore, multistakeholder participation, the implementation of ICT (Information Communication Technology) to modernize interpretation centers, management of tourism infrastructure, and capacity-building programs are identified as the most effective strategies for Barkul, Mangalajodi, and Balugaon, respectively. The increasing number of tourists can impact the carrying capacity of the wetland, leading to environmental concerns. Therefore, monitoring tools can keep track of the number of visitors<!--> <!-->and ecological indicators. It will aid the policymakers in making better decisions and modifying strategies as needed with the help of clear information and regular reviews. Local community members also acknowledged that the success of ecotourism ventures necessitates human capital, including technical expertise and skillsets, training facilities, government funding, promotion of art and culture, eco-friendly infrastructure, and, most importantly, a pro-conservation attitude.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180967","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 : 2024-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126819
D. Samson-McKenna , T.E. Martin , H.M.J. Hoskins , M. Van de Kerk
Defaunation of medium- and large-bodied mammal species through overharvesting drives local extinctions and impacts key ecosystem services. However, the mechanisms and factors which can drive defaunation rates are incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to assess the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic on mammal species probability of use (defined as the probability that a site was occupied by mammal species during our study period) in Cusuco National Park (CNP), a Neotropical cloud forest in north-western Honduras which has been historically impacted by hunting pressures. We also assessed the effects of other covariates on mammal use probability in CNP (namely, distance to roads and elevation). We collected three categories of occupancy data – humans, hunted species, and unhunted species – at the same sites in 2018 and 2019 (pre-COVID period) and 2022 (post-COVID period), and ran multi-season occupancy analyses for each group. We found no association between human probability of use and years. Hunted species probability of use increased between years and with increasing distance to roads. Unhunted species probability of use did not change significantly between years but increased slightly with higher elevations. The significant increase in hunted species use, despite relatively constant levels of human use, suggests that hunting decreased over the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be a result of the largely recreational nature of hunting in CNP, as well as an increased park patrol presence between periods. Our results suggest the COVID-19 pandemic may have had beneficial impacts for hunted species in CNP, and that increasing park patrols during times of decreased hunting may allow hunted species to recover over short time periods.
{"title":"Mammal species occupancy in a Honduran cloud forest: A pre- and post-COVID-19 comparison","authors":"D. Samson-McKenna , T.E. Martin , H.M.J. Hoskins , M. Van de Kerk","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Defaunation of medium- and large-bodied mammal species through overharvesting drives local extinctions and impacts key ecosystem services. However, the mechanisms and factors which can drive defaunation rates are incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to assess the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic on mammal species probability of use (defined as the probability that a site was occupied by mammal species during our study period) in Cusuco National Park (CNP), a Neotropical cloud forest in north-western Honduras which has been historically impacted by hunting pressures. We also assessed the effects of other covariates on mammal use probability in CNP (namely, distance to roads and elevation). We collected three categories of occupancy data – humans, hunted species, and unhunted species – at the same sites in 2018 and 2019 (pre-COVID period) and 2022 (post-COVID period), and ran multi-season occupancy analyses for each group. We found no association between human probability of use and years. Hunted species probability of use increased between years and with increasing distance to roads. Unhunted species probability of use did not change significantly between years but increased slightly with higher elevations. The significant increase in hunted species use, despite relatively constant levels of human use, suggests that hunting decreased over the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be a result of the largely recreational nature of hunting in CNP, as well as an increased park patrol presence between periods. Our results suggest the COVID-19 pandemic may have had beneficial impacts for hunted species in CNP, and that increasing park patrols during times of decreased hunting may allow hunted species to recover over short time periods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126819"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180968","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 : 2024-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126818
Léo Correia da Rocha-Filho , João Custódio Fernandes Cardoso , Aline Claro de Oliveira , Thayane Nogueira Araújo , Ana Luisa de Sousa e Castro-Melo , Solange Cristina Augusto
Agricultural land-use changes are projected to increase worldwide and may remain the leading drivers of biodiversity loss. The impacts resulting from the conversion of native vegetation habitats into pastures and croplands include biotic homogenisation, habitat fragmentation, and the intense use of pesticides. Here, we studied the influence of agriculture on the community of trap-nesting bees, wasps, and their natural enemies as well as their antagonistic networks in small yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) crops and compared to native areas of savannah (Cerrado) in south-eastern Brazil. Across two years of sampling, we recorded 23 bee, 19 wasp, and 31 natural enemy species. First, we confirmed that the percentage of native vegetation at the landscape level was higher in the Cerrado. Cerrado areas had a higher abundance, richness, and diversity of bees, wasps, and their natural enemies when compared to Passiflora crops. Additionally, the Cerrado host-enemy bipartite network was more modular, robust, and slightly less specialised than the Passiflora network, which was more asymmetric and highly specialised. We also found that the number of both bee and wasp species positively determined the richness of both bee and wasp natural enemies, respectively. We demonstrated that even small, familiar croplands (up to 6 ha) may act as an adverse, simplified habitat for cavity-nesting bees, wasps, and their natural enemies. The conservation of native vegetation areas adjacent to agricultural lands is essential to support biodiversity and the associated ecosystem services.
{"title":"How much biodiversity do yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) croplands harbour? Insights from trap-nesting bees, wasps and their natural enemies","authors":"Léo Correia da Rocha-Filho , João Custódio Fernandes Cardoso , Aline Claro de Oliveira , Thayane Nogueira Araújo , Ana Luisa de Sousa e Castro-Melo , Solange Cristina Augusto","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126818","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126818","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agricultural land-use changes are projected to increase worldwide and may remain the leading drivers of biodiversity loss. The impacts resulting from the conversion of native vegetation habitats into pastures and croplands include biotic homogenisation, habitat fragmentation, and the intense use of pesticides. Here, we studied the influence of agriculture on the community of trap-nesting bees, wasps, and their natural enemies as well as their antagonistic networks in small yellow passionfruit (<em>Passiflora edulis</em> f. <em>flavicarpa</em>) crops and compared to native areas of savannah (Cerrado) in south-eastern Brazil. Across two years of sampling, we recorded 23 bee, 19 wasp, and 31 natural enemy species. First, we confirmed that the percentage of native vegetation at the landscape level was higher in the Cerrado. Cerrado areas had a higher abundance, richness, and diversity of bees, wasps, and their natural enemies when compared to Passiflora crops. Additionally, the Cerrado host-enemy bipartite network was more modular, robust, and slightly less specialised than the Passiflora network, which was more asymmetric and highly specialised. We also found that the number of both bee and wasp species positively determined the richness of both bee and wasp natural enemies, respectively. We demonstrated that even small, familiar croplands (up to 6 ha) may act as an adverse, simplified habitat for cavity-nesting bees, wasps, and their natural enemies. The conservation of native vegetation areas adjacent to agricultural lands is essential to support biodiversity and the associated ecosystem services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126818"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181782","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 : 2024-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126816
Rahim Maleknia , Mohammad Reza Pakravan-Charvadeh
Urban cultural heritage trees (UCHT) are integral to the ecological health and cultural identity of cities, providing environmental benefits while serving as symbols of community heritage. However, research addressing citizens’ intentions to conserve these culturally significant trees remains limited, especially concerning the role of psychological and place-based factors in shaping conservation behaviours. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the cognitive, social, and emotional determinants influencing citizens’ conservation intentions, drawing on the theory of planned behavior and place attachment theory for a comprehensive framework. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 503 respondents across six districts in Tehran, Iran. Structural equation modeling was then applied to assess relationships among key constructs, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, place identity, emotional attachment, nature bonding and social bonding. The results reveal that all variables influence intention, significantly. Social bonding is the strongest predictor of conservation intention, underscoring the importance of community connections in fostering a protective stance toward UCHT. Emotional attachment and nature bonding also significantly shape conservation intentions, emphasizing that social and emotional ties to UCHT play vital roles in citizen engagement. These findings suggest the need for conservation initiatives that emphasize the cultural and social significance of UCHT. Programmes that integrate educational outreach, community events, and cultural celebrations can deepen citizens’ bonds with these trees, fostering stronger conservation intentions. This study’s framework offers valuable insights for urban policymakers seeking to enhance conservation efforts through strategies that resonate with local communities and uphold both environmental and cultural values.
{"title":"Cultural roots in urban landscapes: Examining psychological and place attachment factors in heritage tree conservation","authors":"Rahim Maleknia , Mohammad Reza Pakravan-Charvadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126816","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126816","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban cultural heritage trees (UCHT) are integral to the ecological health and cultural identity of cities, providing environmental benefits while serving as symbols of community heritage. However, research addressing citizens’ intentions to conserve these culturally significant trees remains limited, especially concerning the role of psychological and place-based factors in shaping conservation behaviours. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the cognitive, social, and emotional determinants influencing citizens’ conservation intentions, drawing on the theory of planned behavior and place attachment theory for a comprehensive framework. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 503 respondents across six districts in Tehran, Iran. Structural equation modeling was then applied to assess relationships among key constructs, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, place identity, emotional attachment, nature bonding and social bonding. The results reveal that all variables influence intention, significantly. Social bonding is the strongest predictor of conservation intention, underscoring the importance of community connections in fostering a protective stance toward UCHT. Emotional attachment and nature bonding also significantly shape conservation intentions, emphasizing that social and emotional ties to UCHT play vital roles in citizen engagement. These findings suggest the need for conservation initiatives that emphasize the cultural and social significance of UCHT. Programmes that integrate educational outreach, community events, and cultural celebrations can deepen citizens’ bonds with these trees, fostering stronger conservation intentions. This study’s framework offers valuable insights for urban policymakers seeking to enhance conservation efforts through strategies that resonate with local communities and uphold both environmental and cultural values.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181811","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 : 2024-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126813
Alícia Helena Torres da Rocha , Jhonatan Guedes-Santos , Felipe Alexandre Santos Vieira , Ana Claudia Mendes Malhado , Richard J. Ladle , Jairo Lizandro Schmitt , Chiara Bragagnolo
Protected Areas are widely recognized for their role in conserving biodiversity and contributing to human well-being. However, PAs are globally facing serious threats as societies and many politicians still see them as opportunity costs. In Brazil, PAs are increasingly exposed to biodiversity loss due to biophysical processes such as invasive species and fires, and political pressures, such as infrastructure development, agribusiness interests, and a lack of political commitment. In this article, we present a desk-based analysis to identify and quantify threats to Brazilian National Parks. Our results indicate that hunting, land-use conflicts and agriculture are still perceived as the main threats to the long-term integrity of Brazilian protected areas. Our analysis also reveals differing levels of vulnerability to threats across Brazilian biomes. Dealing with these threats will require a complex mixture of policy, management and monitoring actions. Desk-based analysis and multiple data sources can be useful tools for improving these actions.
{"title":"What threats do Brazilian National parks face?","authors":"Alícia Helena Torres da Rocha , Jhonatan Guedes-Santos , Felipe Alexandre Santos Vieira , Ana Claudia Mendes Malhado , Richard J. Ladle , Jairo Lizandro Schmitt , Chiara Bragagnolo","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126813","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126813","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protected Areas are widely recognized for their role in conserving biodiversity and contributing to human well-being. However, PAs are globally facing serious threats as societies and many politicians still see them as opportunity costs. In Brazil, PAs are increasingly exposed to biodiversity loss due to biophysical processes such as invasive species and fires, and political pressures, such as infrastructure development, agribusiness interests, and a lack of political commitment. In this article, we present a desk-based analysis to identify and quantify threats to Brazilian National Parks. Our results indicate that hunting, land-use conflicts and agriculture are still perceived as the main threats to the long-term integrity of Brazilian protected areas. Our analysis also reveals differing levels of vulnerability to threats across Brazilian biomes. Dealing with these threats will require a complex mixture of policy, management and monitoring actions. Desk-based analysis and multiple data sources can be useful tools for improving these actions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126813"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180959","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 : 2024-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126815
Annmarie Fearing , Kylie Faulkner , Perriann Smith , Emma Humbrecht , Peter M. Kyne , Kevin A. Feldheim , Alec B.M. Moore , Alyson A. Brink , Matthew T. McDavitt , Kelcee L. Smith , Jeff M. Whitty , Tonya R. Wiley , Barbara E. Wueringer , Nicole M. Phillips
Zoological specimens held in natural history collections are an invaluable resource for studying biodiversity and providing baseline data for species of conservation concern. Confidence in collection metadata associated with specimens is needed to ensure certainty in scientific studies. These collection metadata may contain inaccuracies or missing information, which can occur during documentation or from anecdotal accounts. The few standardized methods available to assess confidence do not cater to a wide array of specimen types which may explain why many studies use unspecified or subjective methods, or neglect to address confidence altogether. Here, we developed a standardized method using flowcharts to rank confidence in collection location and date data for a wide array of specimens incorporating a minimum standard to determine which specimens should be included in a study. We demonstrated the utility of this method in a case study using Largetooth Sawfish Pristis pristis specimens (i.e., dried rostra) to assess their historical global range. As more stringent standards were applied, the pool of specimens decreased, but the confidence in their associated collection metadata increased. This novel method can increase transparency, certainty, comparability, and replicability of studies using specimens. This can reduce subjectivity, leading to more accurate baselines for conservation management.
{"title":"Assessing confidence in zoological specimen collection metadata for use in scientific studies","authors":"Annmarie Fearing , Kylie Faulkner , Perriann Smith , Emma Humbrecht , Peter M. Kyne , Kevin A. Feldheim , Alec B.M. Moore , Alyson A. Brink , Matthew T. McDavitt , Kelcee L. Smith , Jeff M. Whitty , Tonya R. Wiley , Barbara E. Wueringer , Nicole M. Phillips","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zoological specimens held in natural history collections are an invaluable resource for studying biodiversity and providing baseline data for species of conservation concern. Confidence in collection metadata associated with specimens is needed to ensure certainty in scientific studies. These collection metadata may contain inaccuracies or missing information, which can occur during documentation or from anecdotal accounts. The few standardized methods available to assess confidence do not cater to a wide array of specimen types which may explain why many studies use unspecified or subjective methods, or neglect to address confidence altogether. Here, we developed a standardized method using flowcharts to rank confidence in collection location and date data for a wide array of specimens incorporating a minimum standard to determine which specimens should be included in a study. We demonstrated the utility of this method in a case study using Largetooth Sawfish <em>Pristis pristis</em> specimens (i.e., dried rostra) to assess their historical global range. As more stringent standards were applied, the pool of specimens decreased, but the confidence in their associated collection metadata increased. This novel method can increase transparency, certainty, comparability, and replicability of studies using specimens. This can reduce subjectivity, leading to more accurate baselines for conservation management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"84 ","pages":"Article 126815"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180285","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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