Hasil untuk "General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution"

Sara M. Melo‐Merino, H. Reyes‐Bonilla, A. Lira‐Noriega

In recent years, the use of ecological niche models (ENMs) and species distribution models (SDMs) to explore the patterns and processes behind observed distribution of species has experienced an explosive growth. Although the use of these methods has been less common and more recent in marine ecosystems than in a terrestrial context, they have shown significant increases in use and applications. Herein, we provide a systematic review of 328 articles on marine ENMs and SDMs published between 1990 and 2016, aiming to identify their main applications and the diversity of methodological frameworks in which they are developed, including spatial scale, geographic realm, taxonomic groups assessed, algorithms implemented, and data sources. Of the 328 studies, 48 % were at local scales, with a hotspot of research effort in the North Atlantic Ocean. Most studies were based on correlative approaches and were used to answer ecological or biogeographic questions about mechanisms underlying geographic ranges (64 %). A few attempted to evaluate impacts of climate change (19 %) or to develop strategies for conservation (11 %). Several correlative techniques have been used, but most common was the machine-learning approach Maxent (46 %) and statistical approaches such as generalized additive models GAMs (22 %) and generalized linear models, GLMs (14 %). The groups most studied were fish (23 %), molluscs (16 %), and marine mammals (14 %), the first two with commercial importance and the last important for conservation. We noted a lack of clarity regarding the definitions of ENMs versus SDMs, and a rather consistent failure to differentiate between them. This review exposed a need to know, reduce, and report error and uncertainty associated with species’ occurrence records and environmental data. In addition, particular to marine realms, a third dimension should be incorporated into the modelling process, referring to the vertical position of the species, which will improve the precision and utility of these models. So too is of paramount importance the consideration of temporal and spatial resolution of environmental layers to adequately represent the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems, especially in the case of highly mobile species.

Jake A. Lawlor, Lise Comte, G. Grenouillet et al.

Kirsten V. K. Gilardi, Kirsten V. K. Gilardi, Brooke N. Genovese et al.

Morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases are an important health consideration for free ranging great apes, and respiratory illness (RI) is of particular concern in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), accounting for 25% all of mortalities. In addition to ongoing efforts to determine the etiology of RI in mountain gorillas, an improved understanding of environmental and demographic risk factors for the development of RI is critical for informing a disease prevention strategy for this species. To evaluate potential risk factors for RI, data were compiled from medical and life history records on free-ranging human-habituated mountain gorillas in Rwanda over a 7-year period from December 2005-December 2012. Associations between demographic, environmental and management risk factors and the presence of signs of clinical RI were evaluated using a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model. Clinical records from 21 habituated gorilla family groups, including 346 individuals, were included in analyses. Seventy-one percent of groups (n=15/21 gorilla groups) and 55% of individuals (n=192/346 gorillas) experienced at least one RI event. Rainy season (odds ratio [OR]=2.30, 95% CI = 1.74-3.03, P-value<0.001) and group size (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11-1.18, P-value<0.001) were associated with increased odds of RI in mountain gorillas, and there was a significant trend of increasing odds of RI with increasing group size for groups larger than 16 individuals and a more than 3-fold increase in odds of RI for groups larger than 38 individuals compared to groups of ten or less.

Jessica Bell Rizzolo, Hubert Cheung, Jovy Y.S. Chan

Samuel Langlois Lopez, Katherine R. S. Snell, Rob S. A. van Bemmelen et al.

Summary Data on species’ demography are essential to detect changes in population size, identify drivers of population change, motivate conservation plans, or evaluate the effectiveness of management. The Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus is a seabird with a circumpolar distribution, which is listed as “Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) European Red List, although listed as “Least Concern” globally. It is both a predator and a kleptoparasite reliant on marine and terrestrial prey, and undertakes migrations from northern breeding habitats to temperate and tropical marine environments. Most studies of breeding populations originate from North Atlantic populations where Arctic Skuas are primarily kleptoparasitic. However, a large proportion of the global breeding population occupies remote coastal and inland tundra of Arctic regions where Arctic Skuas are more generalist in foraging modality and the range of prey taken. Here, we collated and summed national/regional population estimates to provide an updated global estimate of breeding population size and trends. We reviewed drivers of population change and knowledge gaps, and their implications for the conservation of this species. We estimated a minimum breeding population of 185,131–395,315 pairs combining Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Europe; we extrapolated that at least 40,000 pairs could be found in Asian Russia, where no estimates were available. We noted differential trends, with substantial declines in typically kleptoparasitic populations of the North Atlantic where data quality was higher, whereas for populations in the Nearctic, trend data were scarce and geographically restricted. Various threats were identified as potential drivers of population change, including bottom-up processes, fisheries, heat stress, and interspecific competition/predation. Given the large uncertainty around abundance and population trends for much of the Arctic Skua’s range, the current global conservation status of Least Concern may be better designated as “Data Deficient”, and we encourage the implementation of a range of approaches to improve monitoring of population trends and demography globally.

Junjie Liu, Yilong Kang, Aiwu Jiang

Isha, Pardeep Kumar, A. Singh

Justicia adhatoda, also known as Adulsa or Vasaka, is a notable member of the family Acanthaceae, with a broad geographic distribution across varied climatic conditions, and is known for its extensive medicinal properties for treating respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, malaria, and dysentery. It possesses several pharmacological activities, including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancerous ones. In addition to discussing its morphology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects, the present review also focuses on its several unexplored facets, such as pollination mechanism, cytology, molecular and genetic aspects, conservation, and ecological attributes. The literature survey indicates that, despite its medicinal value, J. adhatoda is also a strong invader in various ecosystems, suppressing associated species and cause vegetation homogenization. It also provides several ecosystem services, including soil stabilization, ecological restoration, and phytoremediation by removing contaminants such as chromium and mercury from wastewater. Additionally, its leaves increase the nitrogen content in compost, promote the proliferation of earthworms, and help suppress plant diseases. This highlights its potential for sustainable land management and integrated disease control. The urgency of this research is underscored by the significant gap in the literature regarding the ecological interactions of J. adhatoda, particularly its allelopathic effects on other plant species. The findings underscore the need for sustainable utilization and conservation strategies, emphasizing the dual importance of J. adhatoda as a medicinal resource and an ecological disruptor.

Tapan Adhikari, Hemsingh Gehlot, Gaurav et al.

Dylan E. Feldmeier, Oswald J Schmitz, Amy J. Dickman et al.

Wire snare poaching is an indiscriminate and pervasive form of hunting that poses a significant threat to global biodiversity. However, research synthesizing the ecological and socio-economic dimensions of snaring remains limited. To address this gap, we systematically reviewed 304 studies published between January 1977 and May 2025 to: (1) assess the global distribution of wire snaring research, (2) examine spatio-temporal trends, (3) identify core research themes, and (4) determine key knowledge gaps. We found that snaring is a global issue, occurring across Africa, Australia, Asia, North America, and Europe. Despite the global nature and increasing magnitude of snaring research over the past three decades, most research attention was in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Through thematic analysis, we identified five core wire snare research themes: Direct Effects, Indirect Effects, Optimized Detection, Socio-economic Dimensions, and Management Interventions. While Direct Effects (mortality and injuries) are well-documented, Indirect Effects, such as altered predator prey dynamics and behavioral shifts, remain limited, underscoring the need for innovative methodologies to better capture non-consumptive impacts of snaring. Emerging research on Optimized Detection, including machine learning, shows promise but requires further validation to overcome low snare detectability. Addressing Socio-economic Dimensions, including poverty, bushmeat demand, and community perceptions, is critical for designing effective Management Interventions. Integrated approaches combining law enforcement with community-driven conservation strategies are gaining traction. However, further research is needed to assess effectiveness and adapt-ability. Expanding geographic representation, advancing interdisciplinary research, and refining intervention strategies is essential to mitigating the threat of snaring and informing conservation policies globally.

R. B. Fontana, F. Brum, Camila Both et al.

Fa Zheng, Zanhui Huang, Zanhui Huang et al.

IntroductionChina's rapid economic growth has led to escalating environmental pollution, significantly impacting mangrove ecosystems. The persistence and response to pollution in mangrove ecosystems involve multiple processes, including the accumulation of contaminants in sediments, their transport in plants, and their accumulation in other organisms. However, comprehensive studies on the multidimensional interactions among these processes are limited. MethodsThis study investigated two mangrove forest areas in Hainan, which were categorized according to the type of mangrove forest cover: planted forests and natural forests. Thirty sampling sites were established to collect data on benthic organisms and their sediment characteristics. ResultsElemental As showed moderate, ongoing pollution. The distribution of species in the two regions showed significant population differences. The benthic population density in the natural forest was significantly lower than that in the planted forest, which was mainly due to the prevalence of Batillaria cumingi, and biodiversity indices and habitats in the natural forest were superior to those in the planted forest, which mainly depended on the degree of anthropogenic disturbance. Total phosphorus, nitrogen, dissolved solids, Hg, and sand grains were the most important variables. DiscussionTotal phosphorus and total nitrogen were the most important environmental factors affecting community composition, while total dissolved solids influenced overall changes in species composition, highlighting the significant influence of the type of mangrove cover on sediment pollution and environmental factors, leading to significant changes in the biomass and density of benthic organisms. This study emphasizes the complex interactions among sediment contamination, mangrove cover, and benthic communities, providing a three-dimensional view of the distribution patterns of mangrove contamination.

J. Marcus Drymon, J. Marcus Drymon, Amanda E. Jargowsky et al.

Determining the distributions of marine animals is a challenge, particularly for highly migratory species like sharks. In the United States, several shark populations are beginning to recover following exploitation, including the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Recently, reports of white sharks have increased in the northern Gulf of Mexico (hereafter Gulf), but determining whether these reports represent actual changes in distribution is difficult. Therefore, we examined two long-term fishery-independent camera datasets to assess whether the recent increase in reports of white sharks reflects changes in distribution or typical (albeit rare) events. Long-term fishery-independent stereo-baited remote underwater video (sBRUV) and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) datasets were examined. From 2010 – 2024, 8368 sBRUV and 2199 ROV surveys were conducted. From 2010 – 2023, no white sharks were seen on either camera gear, but two white sharks were observed on ROV videos in 2024. The first was a female estimated at 239 cm total length and the second was a male estimated at 191 cm total length. These observations lend support to the notion that recent reports of white sharks in the northern Gulf may indicate early evidence of range-edge expansion rather than increases in telemetry efforts or citizen observations. Studies like this one highlight the value of long-term, randomized, fishery-independent camera surveys for documenting changes in distribution for rare species.

Paolo Salvador, Saverio Fracaros, S. Sponza

Summary Bycatch, the incidental capture of non-target species in fishing gear, has been recognised as the most significant global conservation threat affecting seabird species. Geographically, bycatch rates vary widely, depending on local fishing efforts, environmental features, and seabird community composition. Regional and local research is essential due to the complexity of accurately extrapolating general conclusions regarding the impacts of bycatch. Existing European bycatch research predominantly focuses on northern regions, leaving a significant knowledge gap regarding bycatch in the Mediterranean Sea. This work presents findings of wintering diving seabirds as bycatch of small-scale fisheries in a coastal area of the northern Adriatic Sea, based on data collected between 2021 and 2023. Seabird distribution varied along the depth profile. The bathymetric range between 3 m and 5 m was the most exploited by fishermen. Bycatch of seabirds was confirmed in the study area, with five species recorded, i.e. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis, Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata, Black-throated Loon Gavia arctica, Mediterranean Shag Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii, and Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Our results suggest that bathymetry likely plays a strong influence on bycatch occurrence. Incidental captures were not widespread but appeared concentrated in the shallowest depths <5 m and the range <2.5 m was identified as particularly susceptible due to the low associated fishing effort and the majority of bycatch events recorded. We estimate that between 46 and 108 birds were incidentally captured during the research period. This study identifies key factors shaping the areas of bycatch vulnerability and risk, proposing a spatial–temporal mitigation framework within Natura 2000 sites and highlighting the value of local stakeholders’ engagement.

A. N. Nerlekar, D. Patil

The ecological history of tropical savannas remains a subject of intense debate and of high conservation relevance. Despite emerging evidence suggesting the antiquity of tropical savannas, the misconception that all tropical savannas are products of anthropogenic deforestation still dominates public and policy spheres. Clarifying this misconception among the public and policymakers is a time‐sensitive challenge and thus necessitates utilizing culturally resonant and interdisciplinary approaches. In this study, we use nature descriptions in traditional literature to triangulate the ecological history of tropical savannas in western Maharashtra, India—a region where savannas continue to be devalued as degraded forests by conservation practitioners, policymakers, and the general public. Specifically, we test the popular claim of the recent anthropogenic origin of India's savannas using data from traditional literature and other lines of evidence. We reviewed biographies, hagiographies, myths, narrative poems, and folk songs composed in Marathi language and dated between the 13th and 20th century CE to identify 28 relevant excerpts. From these excerpts, we collated georeferenced landscape descriptions alongside occurrences of plants. Using botanical literature, we classified these plants as savanna indicators, forest indicators, generalists (i.e. occurring in both savannas and forests), and cultivated plants. Finally, we use this botanical classification and qualitative landscape descriptions to reconstruct ecological history. We found that descriptions of both the landscape and specific plants point to an open‐canopy savanna in the past rather than a forest. Of the 44 wild plant species recorded (i.e. omitting exclusively cultivated plants), a clear majority (27 species) were savanna indicators, 14 were generalists, and only three were forest indicators. Our ecological reconstructions from traditional literature complement data from archival paintings, revenue records, plant and animal fossils, and dated molecular phylogenies of endemic biodiversity—all attesting to the antiquity of India's savannas. Policy implications: We urge conservation practitioners and policymakers to pay heed to emerging data from multiple lines of evidence—including nature descriptions in traditional literature—that clarify the ancient origins of tropical savannas. Reframing biodiversity conservation initiatives in tropical savannas—many of which are sacred natural sites—by explicitly valuing traditional literature as archives of biocultural histories could catalyse the conservation of both nature and culture.

S. Ackland, T. Robinson

Marine protected areas (MPAs) act as essential conservation tools. However, biological invasions directly undermine the ability of these important conservation areas to meet their objectives by negatively affecting biodiversity, ecosystem functions and service provisioning. Currently, data on the distribution of marine alien species in South Africa are scarce and often outdated, with little known about invasions in MPAs. This reflects the absence of long‐term monitoring programmes, a common challenge for many African countries. Recently, crowdsourced data platforms, including iNaturalist, have been used to support large‐scale data collection. Beneficial due to their accessibility, these platforms provide data that cover broad temporal and spatial scales while not requiring funding. This study assessed the status of iNaturalist records for species known to be alien in South Africa, with a focus on MPAs. A total of 952 records were recovered, with 568 retained for analysis following the application of a confidence metric. Alien species were documented in 14 of the 29 South African coastal MPAs, with most species (15) recorded in the Table Mountain National Park MPA. This study documented three ascidians ( Ciona robusta ; Clavelina lepadiformis ; Styela plicata ) in natural habitats for the first time and extended the known range of the maritime earwig Anisolabis maritima by more than 1500 km, highlighting the pervasive nature of alien species in MPAs. This study presents the first use of iNaturalist data in a marine invasion context in South Africa and demonstrates the potential of this approach to enhance monitoring in resource‐restricted under‐surveyed MPAs throughout Africa.

N. Cantasano

The Natura 2000 network is the main tool established by the European Union for biodiversity conservation. The cornerstones of this natural infrastructure are, actually, represented by the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and the Zones of Special Protection (ZPS). In the Calabria coastal region, this network is formed by 44 ZSCs widespread along the regional coastline. In this way, most of the Natura 2000 sites are located in continental areas, as 75% of the whole, and every key area includes some natural habitat types. In particular, the greater number of habitats is concentrated in transitional environments, as the case study located in the mouth of the Crati River, including 17 habitat types. However, the geographic distribution of Natura 2000 sites is quite unbalanced because most of the SACs are located in continental landscapes, 75% of the whole, while only 25% are concentrated in coastal regions. This irregular distribution of the network leads to a loss of biodiversity levels from continental to coastal areas. So, the implementation of the Natura 2000 network could be the main tool to connect terrestrial and coastal regions not only for biodiversity conservation but also to improve the social and economic conditions of local people.

Philipp Johst, Moritz Bühl, Chiara Enderle et al.

M. Toivanen

Despite the growing recognition of geodiversity in recent years, it remains overshadowed by its biotic counterpart, biodiversity. The objective of this thesis is to narrow this gap by advancing the quantitative assessment of geodiversity within the context of biodiversity.  The main objective is to provide a theoretical and methodological framework for the study of landscape-scale geodiversity in biodiversity investigations, with some insights for nature conservation. To achieve this goal, I will I) review the theory of the geodiversity–biodiversity relationship, II) empirically test the relationship in Finnish freshwater ecosystems, and III) provide data and methods for Europe-wide geodiversity and biodiversity studies. By employing quantitative geographical research methods inspired by ecological research traditions, I investigate the relationship between geodiversity and biodiversity across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Empirical investigations revealed positive correlations between geodiversity and vascular plant species richness in distinct studies conducted in Finland and Switzerland, across both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This aligns with the theoretical assumption that geodiversity fosters greater biodiversity. Moreover, the Europe-wide geodiversity data produced within the thesis provides ready-to-use variables for future biodiversity investigations across the continent and contributes to large-scale geodiversity assessment in general. In conclusion, I recommend further development of geodiversity assessment methods and the establishment of systematic frameworks for various research contexts. Such actions would facilitate the implementation of standardized and reproducible research practices, thereby helping to unlock geodiversity’s potential in biodiversity and conservation research and in practice. Integrating geodiversity systematically into conservation and policy making is essential to fully acknowledge its crucial role in shaping sustainable future. By broadening perspectives on natural diversity beyond biodiversity alone, this thesis seeks to enhance general understanding and appreciation of geodiversity.

Nagisa Hashimoto, Takashi Iwata, Natsumi Kihara et al.

Finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) currently face population decline caused by significant human activities and are categorized as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List; however, information on their habitats is currently insufficient. Although conducting visual surveys to determine the distribution of cetaceans is common, visual observation of finless porpoises is challenging owing to their specific morphological and ecological characteristics. In this study, we developed an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for species-specific detection of finless porpoises. To test the utility of the assay, we conducted a visual survey in parallel with an eDNA survey by collecting water samples from 50 sites throughout Osaka Bay. We visually found a finless porpoise at one location and detected eDNA at nine sites, including sites near the visual observation site and those with rare sightings of finless porpoises. Therefore, in this study, we suggest that the use of eDNA analysis for distribution surveys of finless porpoises will enable more efficient surveys. The proposed eDNA technique can not only be applied to the distribution surveys finless porpoises but also to those of other cetacean species.

C. Isabel Nuñez Lendo, David J. Suggett, David J. Suggett et al.

Coral carbonate production is fundamental to reef accretion and, consequently, the preservation of essential reef ecosystem services, such as wave attenuation and sustained reef biodiversity. However, the unprecedented loss of coral reefs from anthropogenic impacts has put these valuable ecosystem services at risk. To counteract this loss, active rehabilitation of degraded reef sites has accelerated globally. A variety of restoration practices exist, tailored to local site needs and reef types. For sites where there is a significant unconsolidated substrate, Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS, or “Reef Stars”) has been utilised to contribute toward rubble stabilisation and reef accretion. However, the effect of the Reef Stars on the local carbonate budgets and structural complexity has not been assessed. For that purpose, we assess coral cover and reef complexity through a census-based approach to identify the contribution of carbonate producers and eroders alongside studying coral skeletal properties to estimate current carbonate budgets on a rehabilitated site compared to natural unrehabilitated reef and rubble patches on the mid-Great Barrier Reef. Our research identified positive ecological processes and ecological functions such as increased carbonate budget, coral cover and structural complexity at the restored site compared to the non-intervened reef and rubble patches. In general, no impacts on skeletal rigour relative to this active reef restoration were found for two key coral species and the Acropora rubble for most of the skeletal traits. However, Pocillopora damicornis hardness seemed to decrease on the restored site compared to the other sites, demonstrating different performances of coral species during restoration activities that should be considered to maximise return-on-effort of restoration activities. Overall, our data demonstrate that consideration of carbonate budgets is important for measuring success of coral restoration initiatives and that coral restoration can be a relevant tool to recover lost local carbonate budgets.