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• Flower-rich road verges increase flower visitors in surrounding landscapes. • Despite similar visitor numbers, pollination success is lower closer to road verges. • High traffic intensity can reduce flower visitor abundance in surrounding landscapes. • Conserving floral resources in road verges supports pollinator communities. Flower-visiting insects and the plants that depend on them are declining due to habitat loss and deterioration. Road verges, which often provide abundant floral resources, are gaining attention for their potential conservation value, as they can support a high abundance and diversity of flower-visiting insects. Thereby, flower-abundant road verges may benefit pollination in surrounding landscapes. However, the potential negative effect of traffic on this benefit remains unexplored. We addressed the research gap using potted wild strawberry plants (Fragaria vesca , variety 'Rügen'), placed at 20 m and 80–100 m distance from road verges along roads with varying traffic intensity (around 100–5500 vehicles per day). We found that floral abundance in road verges enhanced the number of flower visitors to strawberry plants in nearby areas, regardless of the distance to the road verge. However, this positive effect was restricted by increasing traffic intensity and narrower road verge width. Despite similar numbers of flower visitors at both distances, the pollination success, measured as the number of developed achenes on each harvested strawberry, tended to be lower closer to the road verge than further away but was unrelated to flower density, traffic intensity and road verge width, which indicates potential differences in pollinator behaviour or in the pollen they carried. Our findings highlight the potential of flower-rich road verges to support the conservation of flower-visiting insects. However, we emphasise the need to consider road verge width and traffic intensity to ensure successful pollinator-friendly management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vegetation classification improve our knowledge and understanding of complex ecosystems. • Vegetation classification, description and mapping method for large areas (> 90 000 hectares). • The use of Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data in conjunction with limited floristic surveys (new approach) resulted in an accurate classification, description and vegetation map of the Karoo National Park. • A total of 12 major plant communities and two sub-communities that are distinctly linked to various abiotic factors were identified, described and mapped for the Karoo National Park. The higher-lying rocky steep midslopes as well as the valley bottomland areas had the highest diversity and species richness. This study aimed at classifying, mapping and describing the plant communities of the Karoo National Park using floristic surveys in conjunction with Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data. Karoo National Park, Western Cape, South Africa. The vegetation of the Karoo National Park was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units using Sentinel-2 images. A total of 128 survey plots (100 m2 each) were surveyed within the different homogeneous units during the period 2016 to 2020. Within each survey plot, all rooted species were identified and their cover abundance estimated. Each plot was photographed and its geolocation recorded. The floristic data were captured using the Braun Blanquet Personal Computer suite and exported to the JUICE Software programme. A modified TWINSPAN classification was done to derive a first tabled synopsis of the plant communities. The different plant communities were subsequently classified and described according to their diagnostic and dominant species gleaned from the synoptic table. Species richness was determined by counting the number of different species per plant community while the Shannon–Wiener Index and Rich-Gini–Simpson Index of diversity (D) were used to derive indices of species diversity per plant community. 12 major communities and two sub-communities that are distinctly linked to various abiotic factors were identified, described and mapped. The higher-lying rocky steep midslopes as well as the valley bottomland areas had the highest diversity and species richness. This study proves the efficacy of using Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data in classification, description and mapping vegetation of extensive natural areas. The vegetation map and classification of plant communities provide a baseline to inform management decisions. Taxonomic reference: SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first report on morphological, phytochemical, and genetic diversity assessment along with ENM for Allium stracheyi Baker in Uttarakhand, western Himalaya. • The species have important ethnomedical value such as being used as an appetizer, cardioactive, carminative, expectorant, cordial, and stomach troubles. • Correlation studies revealed a strong positive relationship among studied parameters. • Population structure and UPGMA analysis separated the 103 accessions into two sub-populations (ΔK=2). • Population attributes and ecological niche modeling (ENM) displayed suitable habitats for conservation strategies. Allium stracheyi Baker (Himalayan Allium spice) is an economically important herbaceous plant commonly known for its unique flavor and therapeutic potential. The species is distributed from 2000 to 4000 m above sea level in the western Himalayan region. A. stracheyi is used as an appetizer, cardioactive, carminative, expectorant, cordial, in curing stomach troubles, and in treating constipation. However, systematic information on the diversity and distribution of A. stracheyi species is not available to date. In this study, 14 populations of A. stracheyi gathered from Uttarakhand were subjected to morphological, phytochemical, genetic diversity assessment and mapping potential habitat areas through ecological niche modelling tools. Considerable differences (p < 0.05) were recorded in plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf diameter, and stem diameter of species. Maximum total phenols (3.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (6.17 mg QE/g) content were observed in the Kailashpur population, while total tannin content (1.84 mg TAE/g) was higher in the Malari population. The HPLC analysis enabled the identification of five phenolic constituents, namely, gallic acid, catechin, naringin, salicylic acid, and p-coumaric acid, and recorded high variations among the populations. A total of 53 clear and reproducible fragments were recorded using 15 inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers. The highest (He = 0.338; Pp = 90.57 %) genetic diversity was recorded in the Kailashpur population, and the lowest (He = 0.185; Pp = 47.17 %) in the Niti population. UPGMA and a Bayesian-based population structure analysis unanimously grouped A. stracheyi populations into two sub-populations (ΔK = 2). It is observed that A. stracheyi possesses high antioxidant activity and genetic diversity. The study also identified and predicted Niti, Mana, and Jawar valley of Uttarakhand as highest suitability areas under the current climate scenario. These findings can be helpful in planning effective conservation strategies and breeding programs for A. stracheyi. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ratification of the United Nations High Seas Treaty will help protect overlooked oceanic ecosystems, leading to an expected large increase in the declaration of oceanic (defined here as waters >200 m in depth) Marine Protected Areas (oMPAs) in the current decade. In many places this will need to be done in cooperation with existing sectoral management bodies. Despite this likely expansion, our current understanding of the ecological benefits of oMPAs is derived primarily from coastal protected areas, which are shallower, generally well mixed, and face different threats than oMPAs. Consequently, the strong scientific consensus for the ecological benefits of coastal MPAs is lacking for oMPAs. Emerging new sampling platforms and methods can help address this gap and inform the design and placement of new oMPAs that aim to conserve both pelagic and benthic biodiversity. Oceans beyond the continental shelf represent the largest yet least protected environments. The new agreement to increase protection targets to 30% by 2030 and the recent United Nations (UN) High Seas Treaty try to address this gap, and an increase in the declaration of oceanic Marine Protected Areas (oMPAs) in waters beyond 200 m in depth is likely. Here we find that there is contradictory evidence concerning the benefits of oMPAs in terms of protecting pelagic habitats, providing refuge for highly mobile species, and potential fisheries benefits. We discover a mismatch between oMPA management objectives focusing on protection of pelagic habitats and biodiversity, and scientific research focusing on fisheries benefits. We suggest that the solution is to harness emerging technologies to monitor inside and outside oMPAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use and local field management affect pollinators, pest damage and ultimately crop yields. Agroecology is implemented as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices, but little is known about its potential for pollination and pest management. Sub-Saharan Africa is underrepresented in studies investigating the relative importance of pests and pollinators for crop productivity and how this might be influenced by surrounding landscapes or agroecological practices. In Malawi, we selected 24 smallholder farms differing in landscape-scale shrubland cover, implementation of manual pest removal as an indicator of an agroecological pest management practice, and the number of agroecological soil practices employed at the household level, such as mulching, intercropping and soil conservation tillage. We established pumpkin plots and assessed the abundance and richness of flower visitors and damage of flowers (florivory) caused by pest herbivores on flowers. Using a full-factorial hand pollination and exclusion experiment on each plot, we investigated the relative contribution of pollination and florivory to pumpkin yield. Increasing shrubland cover decreased honeybee abundance but increased the abundance and richness of non-honeybee visitors. Manual removal of herbivores considered to be pests reduced flower visitors, whereas more agroecological soil management practices increased flower visitors. Neither shrubland cover nor agroecological management affected florivory. Pollinator limitation, but not florivory, constrained pumpkin fruit set, and increasing visitor richness decreased the relative differences between hand- and animal-pollinated flowers. We recommend improved protection of shrubland habitats and increasing agroecological soil practices to promote pollinator richness on smallholder farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of insect biodiversity is widespread, and in forests habitat loss is one of the major drivers responsible. Integrative forest management must consider the preservation and promotion of key habitat features that provide essential microhabitats and resources to conserve biodiversity alongside ecosystem functions and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Essential oil found in folk medicinal plant Knema angustifolia for the first time containing oxygenated sesquiterpenes. • Site specific molecular docking of τ-Cadinol and δ-Cadinol showed high tau binding affinity (-6.2 Kcal/mol) like FDA approved drug. • Phylogenetic frame work was reconstructed with K. angustifolia and allied species using plastid genes viz., psbA-trnH, rbcL and matK. • Traced diagnostic species traits onto tree topology reflected presence of essential oil as shared ancestral trait. • Maxent modelling predicted suitable habitat for long-term conservation in NE India and Western Himalayas. The folk medicinal plant Knema angustifolia (Roxb.) Warb. of Myristicaceae is reported with the essential oil (0.02±0.001 - 0.04±0.01%) in leaves and twigs respectively, for the first time. The GC-MS analysis of essential oil found 15 oxygenated sesquiterpenes viz., Globulol (30.83-35.46%), Spathulenol (21.46-23.98%), Viridiflorol (6.24-12.40%) and others. Several species under the family Myristicaceae had been used in neurodegenerative diseases. The site-specific docking of the markers against tau protein, the major causal factor for neurodegenerative diseases were carried out which found biomarkers viz., α-Cadinol, δ-Cadinol, epi -Cubenol, Neointermedeol, Shyobunol, and τ-Cadinol with moderate to high binding affinity (-5.1 to -6.2 Kcal/mol). The markers followed ADMET parameters including Human Intestinal Absorption, Blood Brain Barrier, CNS permeability, and Lipinski rule of five, and were found as moderately bioactive. τ-Cadinol and δ-Cadinol showed high binding affinity (-6.2 Kcal/mol) like Galantamine, an FDA-approved drug. Moreover, τ-Cadinol and δ-Cadinol showed moderate activity as nuclear receptors, enzyme inhibitors, and ion channel modulators and exhibited potential as a base structure to develop candidate oral drugs. The potential of trait-linked occurrence of essential oil among K. angustifolia and allied species were assessed through ancestral reconstruction using Mesquite ver. 3.61 upon Bayesian consensus tree of plastid genes viz., psbA-trnH, rbcL, and matK. The essential oil was found as a shared ancestral trait in K. angustifolia. For the long-term conservation of K. angustifolia, the MaxEnt modeling was carried out which predicted climate-suitable habitat in NE India and Western Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River dikes are secondary habitats that support species-rich grasslands when maintained by low-intensity mowing or grazing. Besides erosion control and habitat creation, dike grasslands have provided several other ecosystem services (ESs), such as biomass production and recreation. Despite the existence of trade-offs between ESs, the overarching aim of restoration and management on river dikes is to increase its multifunctionality. We believe that multiple land uses can be reconciled with biodiversity conservation. Here, we propose a conceptual framework for assessing grassland multifunctionality, and test its application using river dikes as a model system. We also present some practical implications based on vegetation surveys and manipulative experiments along the Rivers Danube and Inn in S Germany. We identified four main ESs of dike grasslands ranked by importance: erosion control, conservation of habitats, recreation and biomass production. These ESs are closely linked to general biodiversity aspects, such as species richness. Therefore, ESs can be controlled by site preparation, trait-based seeding design and grassland management. As the multifunctionality of dikes becomes more important under climate change, the spatio-temporal variability of the dike vegetation must also be considered. In conclusion, dike grasslands are an interesting model for restoration and nature conservation, since they have high potential to deliver multiple ESs while increasing biodiversity. However, restoration and management of dike grassland would benefit from more cooperation between conservation and river authorities, and by implementing ecological knowledge and using experiments to test new management or restoration approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of fish indicator species has emerged as a crucial metric for measuring the health of riverine ecosystems and assessing the efficacy of ecological restoration initiatives. The Three Gorges Dam (TGD), a globally renowned hydraulic engineering marvel, has significantly impacted the environments of the entire Yangtze River. However, few studies have systematically sorted out the indicator species of fish affected by artificial environment and the typical ecological restoration measures in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), a typical riverway reservoir. We summarized the ecological pressures confronting the aquatic ecosystem in the TGR, analyzed how the operation of the dam affected fish and its mechanism, and the evolution of fish dominant species before and after dam construction. This study proposes a list of fish indicator species for the TGR, characterized by degree of endangerment, migratory type, and spawning behavior. Furthermore, it delineates five typical ecological restoration measures—fishing ban, habitat substitution, ecological operation of dams, artificial fish nests, and stocking—implemented to mitigate the impact of the TGD on fish. This study compares the effectiveness of these diverse ecological restoration measures and presents future research prospects. It is suggested that ecological restoration measures based on habitat integrity protection are the most effective. Moreover, we underscore the need for complementary interactions and long-term monitoring among ecological restoration measures to maximize the ecological restoration outcome. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) of crab fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and discuss considerations for future EBFM efforts under a rapidly changing climate. Specifically, we review governance frameworks, ecosystem policy, fishery ecosystem plans, catch accounting systems, trawl bycatch controls, trawl area closures and habitat protections, gear modifications, a Crab Rationalization Program, Ecosystem and Economic Status Reports, and Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Profiles. The strongest EBFM features of this management system include mechanisms to avoid overfishing, use of scientific knowledge, consideration of ecosystem connections, appropriate monitoring, acknowledging uncertainty, stakeholder involvement, and decisions that reflect societal choice. Some EBFM principles, such as the efficacy of gear and area closures and accounting for the dynamic nature of ecosystems have room for improvement. In spite of the large number of EBFM measures in place, three of the eight BSAI crab stocks with biomass estimates were below their minimum stock size thresholds, and thus classified as "overfished" in 2023. The lack of apparent correspondence between implemented EBFM actions and crab stock trends may indicate that environmentally driven sporadic recruitment, spikes in natural mortality, and stock range shifts mute favorable responses to EBFM actions or that outstanding critical EBFM measures have yet to be addressed. In the face of recent large-scale changes in the marine ecosystems of the BSAI and an outlook for greater changes in the future, it is increasingly important to routinely reevaluate interactions between crab, their ecosystems, fisheries and fishing communities. • BSAI crab fisheries follow many commonly accepted principles of EBFM. • Harvest strategies are based on best available scientific information. • Nevertheless, many crab fisheries have been boom-and-bust. • Climate change poses additional challenges to sustainable fisheries. • New approaches using ecosystem indicators intend to improve future outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of the population structure and feeding habits of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda in Thailand. Sample collection was conducted using crab gill nets at seven sampling sites characterized by distinct ecosystem attributes in Pattani Bay between February 2019 and March 2020. Our findings indicate the presence of a single Asian horseshoe crab (HSC) species within the bay, with a sex ratio of approximately 1:1 (48.1 % males, 51.9 % females) that did not deviate significantly from parity. Habitat variation within the bay did not influence HSC abundance (P > 0.05) whereas monthly abundance fluctuations were highly significant (P < 0.001), peaking in March and reaching the lowest in September. Positive correlations were observed between HSC abundance and environmental factors including dissolved oxygen, temperature, water pH, water depth, and chlorophyll c concentrations. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between morphometric characteristics and body weight. However, multiple linear regression analysis indicated a negative relationship between body weight and telson length (TEL) and opisthosoma width (OW) of males, as well as TEL of females. The size at which 50 % of the HSC population reached maturity (L 50) was estimated to be 12.2 cm for males and 13.5 cm for females based on prosomal width (PW). The average PW measurements of HSC at different egg stages (1–4) from developing to mature females was 14.4 cm, with corresponding body weights ranging from 224 to 243 g. Females at egg of stages 3 and 4 were found throughout the year, indicating multiple spawning events, particularly prevalent in January-April, and predominantly abundant at stations 1, 2, 5 and 6. HSC primarily consumed bivalves (22.1±21.2 %), followed by fishes (5.9±13.0 %) and crustaceans (2.9±9.0 %) by volumetric contribution (%V). This comprehensive study provides novel insights into the population dynamics and feeding ecology of HSC within Thailand. The findings establish a foundational framework for future research endeavors and offer critical data to inform the management and conservation of their habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiny lobsters are one of the most valuable fishing resources worldwide. These lobsters have a complex life cycle with a lengthy pelagic phase followed by a lengthier benthic phase, with several habitat shifts in some species. Finding adequate habitats is complicated for these lobsters, as they interact with different prey, predators, and competitors in subsequent habitats. This paper provides an overview of the characteristics of spiny lobster benthic habitats, focusing on two species from the wider Caribbean region, Panulirus argus and P. guttatus. Tropical spiny lobsters are omnivorous; therefore, food is not as limiting a component of habitat as is shelter, on which their survival greatly depends. Indeed, lack of appropriate shelter may result in population bottlenecks. This observation underlies the use of artificial structures (such as "casitas") to enhance lobster habitats for fisheries and conservation purposes. Pros and potential cons of habitat enhancement are also reviewed. The other side of the coin is habitat degradation. Throughout the wider Caribbean and elsewhere, climate change –mostly resulting from anthropogenic stressors– and coastal development are increasing coastal pollution and eutrophication, seagrass loss, algal blooms, habitat fragmentation, coral reef degradation, and marine diseases, changing the habitat landscapes with potentially dire effects for spiny lobster populations. Because of the different habitats used by these two species throughout their benthic lives, P. guttatus is likely to be more vulnerable to coral reef degradation and the settling postlarvae and early juveniles of P. argus to degradation of seagrass and shallow hard bottom communities. Conservation of appropriate habitats for target species should be considered an important aim of ecosystem-based fisheries management. • Panulirus argus and P. guttatus co-occur in the wider Caribbean region. • Habitat enhancement via artificial shelters has been performed for P. argus. • Habitat enhancement has not been proposed for P. guttatus. • P. guttatus is likely to be more vulnerable to coral reef degradation. • P. argus is likely to be more vulnerable to seagrass and hard-bottom communities degradation. • Conservation of habitats for spiny lobsters should remain an important goal of EBFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is an important stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. But this region is also a rapidly developing area in terms of economic level. The construction and simulation of the endangered species habitat network will be beneficial for future regional species habitat conservation and human activity management. The conservation and management also contribute to advancing the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the conservation of biodiversity hotspots. Therefore, based on crane habitats and environmental data in 2000∼2020, the study used circuit theory and PLUS model to construct (2000–2020) crane habitat networks and simulate (2030) land use data. Then, the study predicted the habitat networks in 2030. The results indicated that: (1) The sources from 2000 to 2020 were mainly distributed in Caizi Lake, Shengjin Lake, and Longgan Lake. From 2000 to 2020, the area of sources reduced from 103.48 km2 to 52.61 km2 which decreased by 49.16%. The number of corridors decreased by 48.15%. The total length of corridors decreased by 47.69%. The integrity of the habitat networks was weakened. (2) In 2030, the area of shoal increased by 0.77% in nature conservation scenario. In inertial development and urban expansion scenarios, construction land increased by 6.50% and 23.80%, respectively, mainly located in the northern area of Caizi Lake. (3) In nature conservation scenario, the number of sources increased from 7 to 10 relative to inertial development and urban expansion scenarios, and the number of corridors increased by 28.57% relative to 2020. The network closure index (α) in nature conservation scenario was 0.60 which was better than inertial development (0.56) and urban expansion (0.44) scenarios. Therefore, this study proposed sustainable optimization policies for sectional functional impairments of crane habitat networks based on the nature conservation scenario in 2030. It will provide an important reference for crane habitat conservation and wetlands structural restoration in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. [Display omitted] • The habitat networks of cranes were constructed by using the circuit theory. • The multi-scenario land use in 2030 was simulated by using the PLUS model. • The habitat networks were predicted under multi-scenario in 2030. • The sustainable optimization policy of habitat networks was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the rediscovery and the geographic occurrence extension of Telmatobius ceiorum , an endemic frog species from northern Argentina. This marks the first record of T. ceiorum since November 1984. The frogs were observed near the village of Hualinchay, Tucuman Province, at an elevation of 2060 m. The introduction of salmonids across much of its historical range is one of the main threats that may have contributed to the decline of T. ceiorum. Our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts for the species, particularly in light of the potential expansion of invasive fish species. • The Andean frog Telmatobius ceiorum was rediscovered after 40 years, with a new population found in Argentina. • Invasive trout species present a significant threat to T. ceiorum through habitat overlap and predation. • No evidence of chytridiomycosis was found so far in preserved specimens of T. ceiorum. • Control of invasive species and enhanced habitat protection are urgently needed to safeguard this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding wildlife distribution patterns in relation to human disturbance and environmental variables across varying spatial and temporal dimensions is crucial for advancing effective conservation strategies. Here, we employed multi-species occupancy models on an extensive dataset derived from a systematic camera trapping survey across the Gaoligong Mountains to examine the effects of human modification (settlements and farmland) and human presence (camera detections of humans and livestock), latitude, and elevation on the diversity and distribution of large and medium-sized mammal species. We divided the study area into three sections (northern, middle and southern), 12 altitude zones, and sampling years into wet and dry seasons. We used spatial and temporal β diversity indices to quantify changes in species assemblages. From 375 stations over 113,204 camera days, we recorded 34 large and medium-sized mammal species. Throughout the year, the community mean occupancy showed a strong negative response to latitude. The dry season community mean occupancy negatively responded to latitude, elevation, and human modification and presence. Species turnover was the primary driver of diversity changes across all sections. Importantly, lower altitude zones from 1700 to 2300 m gained more species in the dry seasons, compared with wet seasons. These findings underscore the critical importance of low-elevation habitats for mammal conservation, emphasizing the need for targeted protection and restoration efforts in these areas. Effective conservation strategies should incorporate spatial heterogeneity and temporal dynamics, with particular attention to the varying habitat requirements of species across different seasons. • Human impacts on wildlife are stronger in dry and cold seasons. • Low-altitude habitats play a crucial role in wildlife conservation. • Conservation strategy should focus on both spatial and temporal dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has significantly impacted habitat loss, affecting various threatened species, including the Egyptian vulture, which is experiencing a population and habitat decline in Pakistan. This study employs MaxEnt modeling to predict the current and future distribution of the Egyptian vulture across Punjab province, Pakistan, under three Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585 for the years 2040, 2070, and 2100. We used 67 occurrence records and seven environmental variables to model the vulture's distribution. The MaxEnt model exhibited good predictive performance with an AUC value of 0.837, identifying a current suitable habitat area of 122,124.16 km2. Among the environmental factors analyzed, precipitation seasonality (Bio15), mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10), and precipitation of the wettest month (Bio13) emerged as the most influential variables, contributing 39.8 %, 18 %, and 8.8 %, respectively. The model predicts a substantial shift in suitable habitats under various climate scenarios, with an overall increase of 69 % in suitable habitat by 2100 under the SSP 370–2100 scenario. Significant habitat expansions are expected across central and southern Punjab, while reductions are anticipated in the northern and western regions, with significant changes in surface coverage. Furthermore, the conservation gap analysis reveals that although 2,451.63 km2 of highly suitable and 1,648.91 km2 of very highly suitable habitat exist within protected areas, more than 90 % of these habitats remain unprotected, highlighting a critical conservation gap that threatens the species' long term survival. The insights derived from this study are critical for informing conservation efforts and habitat management practices, offering a foundational reference for the protection of the Egyptian vulture and similar species in the face of ongoing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prioritizing renewable energy generation over the conservation of natural habitats and species on a large spatial scale, leads to the paradox of impacting biodiversity to mitigate climate change. In this study, we aim at quantifying the long-term demographic impact of the excess mortality caused by collisions with wind turbines on the populations of two vulture species of conservation concern. Using long-term monitoring data and Integrated Population Models (IPMs), we quantified demographic parameters and projected population trends under various wind power development scenarios. Our findings indicate that even under our most optimistic scenarios, annual collision mortality could reach up to 30 % of the current Cinereous vulture population and 7 % of the Griffon vulture population. Without further wind power expansion, both vulture populations are predicted to remain stable or increase over the next 20 years. However, the addition of 85 wind turbines is likely to drive the Cinereous vulture to local extinction within 18 years and significantly slow the growth of the Griffon vulture population. Scenarios involving larger numbers of turbines could result in the extinction of both species within two to five years for Cinereous vultures and up to 20 years for Griffon vultures, depending on space use intensity. Our results underscore the vulnerability of long-lived species to excess mortality and highlight the need for comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) that incorporate population dynamics analyses. Effective conservation strategies must include rigorous pre- and post-construction monitoring, the availability of monitoring data, and cumulative impact assessments that consider the entire foraging range of these species. Additionally, strategic planning to avoid critical vulture habitats and implementing mitigation measures in buffer zones are essential. This study emphasizes the necessity of integrating biodiversity considerations into renewable energy planning to balance the goals of energy production and wildlife conservation. • An Integrated Population Model (IPM) framework was used to assess impact of wind energy on vulture populations. • Predicted collision mortality rates could drive endangered Cinereous Vulture to extinction within 18 years. • Griffon Vulture populations face severe decline even under optimistic wind power scenarios • Comprehensive evaluation provides insights for renewable energy planning and environmental policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Habitat fragmentation from human activity threatens biodiversity. • Integrates ArcGIS Pro tools, MSPA, InVEST, and ecological metrics for corridor design. • Supports habitat core protection, invasive species control, and cropland connectivity. Habitat fragmentation, caused by human activities, is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity. Previous studies have largely focused on identifying potential ecological corridors, with less attention given to the optimization of these connections. In this article, a new framework is introduced that integrates ArcGIS Pro's optimal region connection tools with the InVEST habitat quality model, Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), and other ecological parameters. Ecological corridors in Yunnan Province, China, were identified and assessed using a minimum cumulative resistance model and a gravity model. Initially, 282 potential corridors spanning 6,310 km were identified. Following optimization, this number was reduced to 119 corridors, totaling 683 km in length. Over 87 % of these corridors were found to be less than 10 km in length, with most positioned strategically adjacent to key habitat cores. The likelihood of protecting and expanding habitat cores increased, while the risks of invasive species and unnecessary connectivity between croplands and natural habitats were minimized. Cost-effectiveness was enhanced, and connectivity between similar habitats was improved, linking all habitat cores within the region. This innovative methodology is presented as a comprehensive solution to mitigate the harmful impacts of habitat fragmentation and support sustainable biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Qilian Mountains National Park is vital for global ecological protection and sustainability. • Carbon storage, water production, and soil conservation highlight ecosystem health synergy. • Dynamic changes and hotspots in ecosystem services identified via spatial-temporal analyses. • Correlation and regression analyses reveal spatial-temporal variability in ecosystem services. • Five strategies proposed to enhance collaboration and offer global ecological insights. Comprehending the interdependencies and mutual benefits of ecosystem services is vital in attaining efficient ecological governance and advancing sustainable development. However, the framework and operations of ecosystems can be changed by human activities and changes to the natural environment., endangering both human well-being and the sustainability of these ecosystems. In the beginning, the InVEST approach is used to examine the five ecological benefits that Qilianshan National Park has offered throughout the years,namely from 2002 to 2022: water production, carbon storage,preservation of soil, improvement of water quality, and preservation of habitat. After that, we find the regions where things are really happening, and then we look at the benefits and drawbacks of various ecosystem services working together. The study's findings suggest that:(1)Across time, the five ecosystem services in Qilianshan National Park showed a noticeable uptick in the western areas and a little downturn in the eastern ones. The regions that weren't hotspots and those in classes II and V saw an increase, while the regions in classes I, III, and IV saw a decline. While non-hotspot regions are growing in the east and hotspot areas are shrinking in the west, a general tendency of "greater values in the east and lower values in the west" can be seen in the spatial data. (2) From 2002 to 2022, the interconnections throughout the five service providers have progressively enhanced with a notable increase in synergies. Although some relationships were negative in 2002, by 2012 and 2022, all relationships had become positive, signifying a complete shift towards synergies. Notably, there was significant growth in the positive relationship values between CS-HQ, ND-SR, and WY-ND during this period. (3) Spatially, WY predominantly exhibits trade-offs with other ecosystem services. In contrast, CS-HQ and CS-ND demonstrate synergistic interactions at the peripheries. HQ-SR and HQ-ND exhibit synergistic and trade-off dynamics, respectively, in different regions. Furthermore, the relationship between SR-ND is primarily characterized by synergistic interactions. Ecosystem services in Qilianshan National Park exhibited notable temporal and spatial variation between 2002 and 2022, with distinct trade-offs and synergies across services. The results of the study offer a useful basis for the long-term, sustainable development and management of national park ecosystems on worldwide as well as regional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Penguins pre-molt domains spatially and trophically correlated with the Polar Front. • Penguins use marine protected areas as corridors towards their main feeding area. • No sex-specific spatial or trophic niche partitioning. • Long-term pre-molt trophic studies would improve marine spatial management. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial for conserving marine biodiversity, and assessing the effectiveness of boundaries in protecting marine species is essential. In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, four MPAs have been created. In this study we evaluate the use of these MPAs by Southern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) that nest at Isla de los Estados, Argentina during the pre-molt period in February and March 2020 by combining geolocation sensor data and spatial analysis together with stable isotopes analysis (δ 13C and δ 15N) to assess their spatial and trophic niches. We recaptured 16 of 25 adults to which loggers had been attached (64 % recapture rate, 6 females and 10 males). Penguins dispersed mainly southward and used the MPAs as corridors towards feeding area such as the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone (APFZ). We found no evidence of sex-specific spatial and trophic niche partitioning. To develop robust conservation strategies, future studies should span multiple years and enhanced sampling effort to comprehensively explore the pre-molt trophic ecology and at-sea distribution of Southern Rockhopper Penguins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some scientists worry that the use of captive propagation as a conservation tool can unintentionally divert attention and resources from habitat protection. This concern was vindicated in the case of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's April 2019 decision that the eastern hellbender, a giant, aquatic salamander that has experienced population declines for decades, does not warrant listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This paper examines the case history, resulting lawsuit, social context, and paradoxes of this listing determination, where the aspirations of well-intentioned captive rearing programs were used as a pretext for denying the need for additional protections, a result that is best understood in light of discussions about perverse effects and unintended consequences in biodiversity policy and law. • Some argue that captive propagation can unintentionally undermine habitat protection. • The eastern hellbender's 2019 listing determination lends case study evidence to this argument. • Captive rearing programs were used as a pretext to undermine federal protection. • This perverse effect resulted from the misuse of conservation information by a regulatory agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large marine protected areas (LMPAs) represent one of the main strategic options for achieving international targets on mitigating biodiversity loss and ensuring habitat protection. Many LMPAs incorporate some multi-use elements within their design, such as provisions for managed fisheries. This adds complexity to MPA design, requiring prioritisation of spatial closures to ensure design efficacy. Using a subantarctic island case study, here we present a novel, bespoke and interactive 'Risk Tool'. The tool utilises historic fisheries data to quantify the ecosystem impacts of current longline fishing and simulates the change in risk profile due to fishing displacement resulting from potential MPA redesigns on associated species and ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of nature reserves (NRs) is widely acknowledged as one of the most effective measures to mitigate the threats on habitat quality (HB) posed by human activities (HAs). Precise and scientific assessment of the effectiveness of NRs holds crucial significance in improving management and promoting conservation. In this study, key indicators were creatively selected and applied to the propensity score matching (PSM) model to comprehensively assess the variations in HAs and HB within national NRs on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results indicated that between 2000 and 2020, 67.4 % of the NR area experienced a decline in HA-related impacts, while 53.8 % of the area saw improvements in HB. Additionally, with the exclusion of external environmental factors, in 2020, the difference in HAs and HB between NRs and non-protected areas was −0.131 and 0.179, respectively. Finally, based on an assessment of the overall conservation effectiveness, seven NRs were classified as "Class I", 18 as "Class II", and another seven as "Class III". These results not only confirmed the effectiveness of national NRs in alleviating anthropogenic pressure and enhancing HB but also served as an important basis for accurately assessing the conservation effectiveness of other NRs and formulating more scientifically sound and appropriate management policies. • Management measures in the national nature reserves of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have proven effective. • The propensity score matching (PSM) model effectively mitigated external environmental interference, providing a more accurate comparison of differences between inside and outside natural reserves. • Human activities have significantly declined in 67.4 % of the natural reserves. • Habitat quality has improved in 53.8 % of the natural reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Habitat restoration is crucial to halting biodiversity loss. • Partial restoration of habitats may not be sufficient for recovery of threatened species. • Extensive restoration, considering key habitat components, is critical to success. • Supportive rearing ensures breeding success even in degraded habitat conditions. Increasing concerns about biodiversity loss have prompted international efforts to restore degraded habitats. Unfortunately, wildlife habitat restoration often fails due to inadequate planning, inappropriate scale, or lack of providing key elements of habitats. We investigated the effectiveness of habitat restoration of a threatened amphibian species, the natterjack toad Epidalea calamita , in Estonia, comparing two different restoration approaches – partial habitat restoration and extensive habitat restoration over 16 years. Our goal was to investigate the impact of these two different approaches on the populations, to find out which habitat components play a key role in restoration and which measures are of primary importance in the restoration of habitats for small amphibian populations. We used GIS analysis to identify changes in the area of the habitat complex and breeding sites in seven natterjack toad locations following the restoration activities. To assess population response to habitat restoration, we used the census of the natterjack toad egg-strings as a proxy to the population size. The average number of egg-strings increased by 1.2-fold after partial habitat restoration and 3.5-fold when comparing partial habitat restoration with extensive restoration. Partial habitat restoration, which consisted of improving the condition of extant habitat, had no significant effect on population size (number of egg-strings), while extensive habitat restoration, which included improving and enlarging the entire habitat complex (both terrestrial and aquatic habitats as well as migration matrix between these components) led to population growth. The habitat features that positively influenced population growth were the area of entire habitat complex and the number and size of the breeding sites. In terms of habitat restoration and conservation measures, the number of natterjack toad populations was positively affected by restoration of the entire habitat complex (terrestrial habitats and water bodies), which was supplemented by the supportive rearing of tadpoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for targeted restoration in regions where ecosystem integrity has become compromised is now widely recognised. Local community views, alongside those of other stakeholders, should be incorporated into transparent decision-making to ensure conservation/restoration activities are successful. We used a structured decision-making approach, working with stakeholders and local communities, to pose and answer the following question for Kenya's Central Highlands: " what future land-use options [2030] are feasible for the study region, which is most preferable, how does this vary between different stakeholder groups, and what values drive these preferences? ". We engaged with 51 individuals from six stakeholder groups (Big Farms , Conservationists , Counties , Forest Users , Pastoralists , Smallholders). As individuals, the stakeholders held significantly different values for provisioning, cultural, regulation and maintenance ecosystem services. However, following consensus-building activities within the six groups, shared values and perspectives emerged. The future land-use option of habitat conservation/restoration was preferred by the majority of stakeholder groups, although one (Big Farms) favoured increased plantation forestry. Water resource management was also prioritised consistently. By using structured decision-making, we demonstrate that ecosystem restoration is compatible with the views and values of smallholders and forest users, as well as those with a direct interest in conservation. Structured decision-making processes can facilitate stakeholders with disparate views to work towards a consensus regarding future land-use options, aiding environmental planning and implementation. • Ecosystem restoration is needed for biodiversity and ecosystem function recovery. • Structured decision-making is a transparent way to account for stakeholder values. • Individuals in Kenya's Central Highlands valued ecosystem services differently. • Water management and restoration emerged as priorities from consensus-building. • Structured decision-making helped those with disparate views reach near consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how anthropogenetic change affects populations of species is crucial to halt the loss of biodiversity. Although habitat loss and degradation are key drivers of population declines, the exact demographic mechanisms are seldom well understood. Here, we investigated how habitat availability and changes in habitat availability were related to large-scale changes in the breeding and winter populations of a rapidly declining forest species, the willow tit Poecile montanus , in Northern Europe. In addition, we examined the effects of potential competitors (the great tit Parus major and the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus) and their predator (the great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major) on long-term population changes. We also investigated long-term trends in adult survival and recruitment. Changes in breeding numbers were positively associated with the availability of older forest and changes in great tit numbers, but not significantly associated to short-term changes in forest cover or the abundance of nest predator, great spotted woodpeckers. Site level population changes during winter – a proxy for survival rates – were positively associated with the amount of older forest, but were not affected by temperature. The capture-recapture study showed a strong decline in adult survival, but the per capita recruitment rate showed no clear trend. As adult survival has a large contribution to the population growth rate, our results suggest that the willow tit population decline is mainly caused by decreased adult survival rates during non-breeding season. Given that logging volumes have been increasing in recent decades in the area, the reduced habitat quality and loss of older forests are likely the key drivers of the overall population decline. • Examination of large-scale factors affecting the decline of threatened willow tit. • Summer and winter numbers were positively connected with the amount of older forest. • Great tits and great spotted woodpecker numbers did not have negative impacts. • Adult survival of willow tits has declined, but productivity has not changed. • Reduced adult survival due to increased logging likely explains willow tit decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) represent a new frontier in conservation, aiming to acknowledge efforts that contribute to biodiversity beyond marine protected areas (MPAs). Many nations, including Indonesia, are establishing country-specific criteria to define what qualifies as an OECM. However, demonstrating the biodiversity contributions of Indonesia's 382 identified potential OECMs (i.e., non-MPA areas, governed and managed, and likely contributing to biodiversity conservation) poses a challenge due to the absence of national monitoring systems outside MPAs. A spatial approach was used to provide an overview of the expected ecological contributions of potential OECMs upon formal recognition. Potential OECMs were, on average, five times smaller (26,838 ha) than MPAs (133,524 ha). Together with MPAs, they formed a denser conservation network, with many encompassing climate refugia reefs. Upon full recognition, potential OECMs could contribute to conserving <1%, 12%, and 8% of the nation's mangroves, seagrass, and coral reef areas, respectively. Potential OECMs were restricted to coastal areas, and situated in various ecological contexts, including areas typically excluded from MPA designation, such as turbid reefs. Recognizing these OECMs could potentially add 10 million ha to national marine conservation areas. Collectively, MPAs and potential OECMs could contribute to conserving 13% of the nation's waters by 2030. Potential OECMs are effective locally and offer unique strengths, including diverse governance approaches, long-term presence, and potential socioeconomic benefits. Nonetheless, they face challenges from human pressures that may compromise their effectiveness. Formal recognition and strengthening of these areas could help mitigate these risks. This study highlights the potential of recognizing OECMs to enhance conservation efforts in Indonesia, complementing the existing MPA network. • Recognizing OECMs could contribute over 3% to Indonesia's marine conservation areas. • OECMs enhance conservation networks, forming dense connections with MPAs. • OECMs are situated in diverse ecological contexts, such as turbid reefs. • Many OECMs are old, effectively managed, and provide socio-economic benefits. • OECM framework integration into Indonesia's policies demands a nuanced approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how seascape configuration influences nursery function is important for spatial management and conservation of essential habitats. Here, we examine how local habitat, seascape, and environmental factors influence demographic metrics of juvenile Lethrinus punctulatus and assess spatial variation in macroalgae nursery function. We quantified abundance, biomass, and productivity of juvenile L. punctulatus over three years and estimated size-at-age and condition from collected fish. Abundance, biomass, productivity, and size-at-age exhibited significant spatial variation, although each pattern was best explained by different factors. Lethrinus punctulatus were most abundant in macroalgae-rich seascapes, whereas biomass and productivity peaked where macroalgal cover and water temperatures were high. Conversely, fish exhibited the greatest average daily growth at sites near coral reefs. Processes contributing to spatial variation in size-at-age occur prior to fish reaching ∼5 cm in length and may be due to differences in resource availability, size at settlement, or size-selective mortality. Our findings suggest habitat and resource availability constrain L. punctulatus abundance and productivity, while size-at-age is influenced by size-selective mortality and prey quality. Thus, while seascape configuration can affect nursery function, the degree of influence will depend on the processes involved, emphasising the value of considering multiple metrics when identifying nurseries. [Display omitted] • Examine factors influencing demographic metrics of juvenile Lethrinus punctulatus. • Seascape configuration affected abundance and size-at-age of L. punctulatus. • L. punctulatus productivity peaked with high macroalgal cover and water temperature. • Our work highlights seascape effects on nursery function of macroalgal habitats. • Emphasises the need to consider multiple metrics for identifying nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New cost-efficient assessment system. • Characterize breeding amphibian community size, richness, evenness. • Good response to anthropogenic factors. • Suitable for monitoring, scientific research, and waterbody quality assessments. • May substitute fish-based metrics in ephemeral and semi-permanent waterbodies. Calling amphibian male counts (CAMC) is a cost-effective non-invasive acoustic monitoring method that needs amphibian community quality assessment system. In our survey we considered breeding amphibian assemblages as entities having three main ecological traits, size, richness and evenness, and tested the reliability of potentially suitable metrics that each characterize separate ecological trait. We also aimed at finding out the site and surrounding land-use characteristics linked to low or high-quality amphibian community state assessments, and studied differences in responses of community traits to these external factors. In this CAMC study that covered 400 amphibian breeding sites across Latvia, we tested responses of 11 metrics (5 CAMC for community size, 2 richness metrics, 4 evenness and dominance indices) to five sets of predictors (two sets of anthropogenic land use variables, two natural/mixed effect sets, and a climate variable set) using GLMs, to find out statistically significant anthropogenic factors, site and surrounding land use characteristics and model ranks according to their corrected Akaike information criterions. Then, we used anthropogenic factors to classify sites with natural and strongly impacted site groups, compared their metrics by Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Box plots, and assessed metric congruences in site classifications. Based on their properties, we recommend using three metrics, each being the best in representing their own breeding amphibian assemblage trait in the communities of temperate Europe: the total number of calling males (CAMC tot), the community completeness, and the reciprocal form of Berger-Parker dominance index. Despite of good responses to anthropogenic pressure indicators showed by the metrics, local site characteristics were still the highest-ranked factor, with waterbody dimensions being the most important for amphibian population size, and macrophyte vegetation largely determining their taxonomic richness and community evenness. Among anthropogenic threats, the strongest effects were from the transportation corridors (roads) and infrastructure developments that had particularly adverse effects on community richness and evenness, and on CAMC for some taxa. Wetlands in surrounding areas were more important for CAMC tot. The climate factor was generally among the least important in ranks, probably due to its general similarity among the study sites throughout Latvia. Our study shows opportunities for using amphibian-based metrics in ecological indicator systems, where they may substitute fish metrics in some waterbody types, and suggests the necessity of paying more attention to wetland size and location against the road network in amphibian habitat restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing protected areas (PAs) requires measurable indicators to assess effectiveness. The status of populations and guilds of multiple species are potential indicators that should be useful in biodiversity-rich tropical countries. We quantified such indicators using data from an intensive camera trap survey of seven sites at the forest-farmland interface of Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia. Surveys between 2014 and 2016 covered 671 camera locations set along habitat gradients comprising primary to degraded forest and lowland to sub-montane forest. We ran Bayesian multi-species occupancy models that incorporated landscape covariates and patrol intensity to generate four population parameters: relative abundance, probability of habitat use, species richness and detection probability. Model-derived beta coefficients summarized at the guild-level were extrapolated using detailed spatially-explicit data on landscape covariates to produce multi-guild occurrence maps to explore the role of habitats in supporting multiple overlapping functional groups. From 55,856 trap nights, we recorded 33 species from six guilds: carnivores; frugivores; granivores; herbivores; insectivores; and omnivores. All guilds were negatively correlated with elevation and positively correlated with primary forest. Five areas with high multi-guild overlap were identified and recommended for increased protection and other conservation measures, such as increasing the frequency of SMART patrols. Our data-driven guild-level approach for improving conservation practice has high relevance to other biodiversity-rich countries. Further utility of this guild approach, with potential future refinement and improvement, should greatly assist PA managers with improving area-based conservation effectiveness, such as higher patrol frequencies and or prioritizing wildlife, and habitat and ecosystem inventory, under-pinned by enhanced research, and cost-efficient budget allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new threat to conservation, namely land grabs by large tourism developers inside public protected areas. Locally, these tourism land grabs damage national parks through building footprints and access corridors, bringing habitat fragmentation, noise, light, roadkill, fire risk, and invasive plant and animal species and pathogens. They also create negative impacts on social equity and regional economies. The global tourism industry now perceives private development in public national parks as a mechanism to profit from land speculation, rather than merely monopoly provision of visitor services. Investment funds now use tourism, often with socialwashing components, as a political lever for land grabs. International "nature positive" marketing by tourism industry associations and multilateral tourism advocacy organisations is greenwash: it lacks substance, and aims to coopt conservation organisations. • Large-scale property investors now use tourism for land grabs inside protected areas. • This creates significant negative impacts on conservation of biodiversity and habitat. • Tourism developers and government advocates use socialwashing for political leverage. • International tourism industry associations have started global greenwash campaigns. • This is a change from monopoly provision of visitor services, to land speculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Internal waves are regularly observed at a shallow tropical seamount ecosystem. • The internal wave regime is controlled by background stratification and forcing. • Thermocline depth relative to summit depth modulates the internal wave regime. • Basin scale processes drive stratification variation over interannual timescales. Shallow seamounts are becoming increasingly recognised as key habitats for conservation due to their role as biological refuges, particularly throughout oligotrophic oceans. Traditionally, Taylor caps have been invoked as the mechanism driving biomass aggregation over seamounts but emerging evidence based on higher resolution measurements highlights the importance of internal waves (IW) to the local ecosystem. These waves can flush the benthic habitat with cool water from depth and impact on nutrient supply over short time scales through turbulent mixing that may also influence fish behaviour. They are dependent on the regional stratification, however, and thus influenced by planetary-scale variability in oceanographic conditions. We present here detailed observations of the internal wave regime over a shallow seamount, called Sandes, in the central Indian Ocean throughout different phases of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) that modulated the regional stratification. A deep thermocline, caused by the 2019 IOD event precluded internal wave activity over the summit, whereas a thermocline collocated with the summit during 2020 when the IOD reversed polarity resulted in a 30 m amplitude internal tide signal (t ∼ 12.5 h). A shallow thermocline, observed during 2022, resulted in propagation of IWs over the summit with less visible internal tide. Harmonic analysis shows the presence of high frequency waves (t ∼ 15 min) on both flanks of the seamount during 2020 & 2022, which are likely a result of local shear instability, whereas 2019 shows an asymmetric response, potentially due to the strong background current and suppression of the thermocline beneath the depth of the summit. The potential importance of the waves over the summit to the local ecosystem may be attributed to the elevated turbulence measured at the thermocline during internal wave propagation, with ε > 10-5 W kg-1 routinely observed. Our results highlight the ability of thermocline depth to act as a gating condition for internal wave evolution over the summit. These results show that, whilst the water column exhibits variability at short spatiotemporal scales compared to the frequently cited Taylor cap dynamics, it is also regulated by the wider basin scale processes. Thus, a more integrated approach is needed when assessing these dynamic and environmentally critical habitats to include the effects of physical oceanographic controls across multiple spatiotemporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flag of convenience (FOC) refers to the practice of registering ships in foreign countries to benefit from lax regulations. While FOC offers several short-term cost advantages to ship owners and FOC countries, it poses significant threats to critical international interests, including environmental protection and marine habitat preservation. Despite global outrage and concerns over FOC's environmental impact, the number of FOC ships have continued to rise. Using game theory, we illustrate how individual rationality – opting for FOC to maximize economic benefits – leads to adverse outcomes for the common good, resulting in increased marine pollution, that we refer to as the tragedy of the commons. Our findings have implications for understanding the strategic behaviour of key players in the maritime transportation, revealing the dark side of globalization and stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to shift these behaviours. • Game theory applied to FOC practices shows how strategic choices for short-term gains lead to the tragedy of the commons. • In this context, the tragedy of the commons refers to increased maritime pollution, resulting in global environmental damage. • FOC practices reveal a dark side of globalization, showing how global market integration can drive unsustainable practices. • Addressing FOC issues needs global collaboration to create robust enforcement mechanisms that align incentives with the greater good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-pollinator networks in agricultural landscapes are subject to high flower resources fluctuations due to mass-flowering crops cultivation. Mass-flowering crops can attract pollinators and alter community compositions in non-crop habitats, yet their impacts on plant-pollinator networks in non-crop habitats remain understudied. In this study, we investigated the effects of late-season mass-flowering red clover crops in 120 plant-pollinator networks in non-crop habitats during and after the clover bloom period in southern Sweden. Our findings show that late-season mass-flowering red clover crops did not impact the structure of plant-pollinator networks in non-crop habitats. On the other hand, plant-pollinator network structure in agricultural landscapes was predominantly affected by local flower richness and semi-natural habitat cover in the landscape. Semi-natural habitat (SNH) cover positively impacted network specialisation after clover bloom. Greater flower availability with increasing semi-natural habitat cover might increase the possibilities of pollinator species to focus on different resources to optimise foraging and avoid competition at time when flower resources are scarce in temperate landscapes (e.g. after clover bloom, late August). In line with this, both Bombus terrestris became more specialised in landscapes with high SNH cover after clover bloom. Specialisation may help reduce inter-individual and inter-specific exploitative competition for floral resources and thus favour coexistence in pollinator assemblages, especially in a context of agroecosystems, where flower resources are generally limited and fluctuating due to mass-flowering crop cultivation. In conclusion, our study underscores the robustness of plant-pollinator networks in non-crop habitats to shifts caused by mass-flowering crop cultivation and emphasises the critical role of semi-natural habitat preservation and flower richness in shaping plant-pollinator network structure in agricultural ecosystems. • We assessed how late season mass-flowering crop bloom affect plant-pollinator networks. • There was limited impact of red clover crops on network structure. • Networks were primarily affected by flower communities and SNH cover. • Specialization increased in landscapes with high SNH cover after red clover bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural land retirement is an increasingly common phenomena in irrigated agricultural systems where limited surface water availability has resulted in overdrafted groundwater basins, idled farmland, and major policy changes. Yet, the environmental and economic impacts of agricultural land retirement depend, in part, on the extent, spatial distribution and former crop type of retired lands. Here we evaluate the potential environmental, economic and social opportunities and tradeoffs embedded in land retirement decisions. Using the 2011–2015 extended drought in Kern County, California as an example, we evaluate different retirement scenarios for costs (based on foregone, crop-specific revenue), water savings, habitat for biodiversity, farmworker jobs and landscape connectivity relative to what was actually idled. Our results illustrate that the water savings and habitat protection for biodiversity resulting from the realized fallowing in 2015 could have been achieved with less than ⅙ of the cost. Alternatively, optimizing land retirement for water savings or habitat at the same cost as in 2015 could have tripled the amount of water saved or habitat created. More strategically retiring lands improved social and ecological outcomes, though tradeoffs among objectives often remained. This study illustrates the large benefits potentially attainable through landscape-level planning among landowners and the influence of policy goals on ecological and social outcomes. • Impacts of agricultural retirement are measured using crop-specific revenue, water use, and habitat for biodiversity data. • Strategic retirement can minimize economic impact and maximize conservation goals compared to haphazard retirement. • Cost focused strategies are able to reduce revenue loss from fallowing by 84 % while conserving the same amount of water. • Conservation focused strategies achieved triple the water savings and habitat creation with the same revenue loss. • Tradeoffs still remain between economic and conservation goals among strategic retirement scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the preference of migratory waterbirds to inhabit key habitats is crucial for mapping out effective management strategies to maintain migration network connectivity. This study investigated the attractiveness of Shenzhen Bay in southern China, a key site on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Site Network, to migratory waterbirds. The abundance of migratory waterbirds in January remained stable at around 45,000 from 1996 to 2015, with fluctuations of about ±5000, and decreased after 2015, with an average annual decrease of around 2130 until 2021. The preference of waterbirds to inhabit Shenzhen Bay was primarily affected by local human activities and the climate in southern China. When the proportion of freezing weather (FP) in southern China exceeded 10 % (indicative of normal and harsh winter), the abundance of migratory waterbirds in Shenzhen Bay varied exponentially with FP. When the FP exceeded 36 % (harsh winter), freezing weather became the dominant factor influencing waterbird wintering. Consequently, Shenzhen Bay served as a crucial refuge for migratory waterbirds from higher latitudes. However, compared to other waterbirds, the black-faced spoonbill demonstrated stronger adaptability to harsh winters. In warmer and normal winters (FP < 36 %), protected areas were effective in resisting high anthropogenic pressure. However, when the human population density and relative nighttime light intensity in the Shenzhen Bay area exceeded certain thresholds, the effectiveness of protected areas declined. This was the main reason for the decline in migratory waterbird abundance in Shenzhen Bay after 2015. Therefore, to protect and maintain the attractiveness of Shenzhen Bay to migratory birds, it is necessary to implement more effective management and control human activities, for example, by establishing a 2-km buffer zone around the habitat. Our findings are significant for the protection of crucial habitats for migratory waterbirds in Shenzhen Bay, as well as in other similar key habitats within migratory waterbird flyway site networks. • The attractiveness of the habitat depended on local human activities and regional climate. • Freezing weather became the dominant factor affecting waterbird wintering when FP > 36 %. • The effectiveness of protected areas decreased when human activity exceeded the threshold. • We proposed establishing a 2 km buffer zone around the habitat in Shenzhen Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat degradation is one of the most serious environmental problems worldwide, which threatens human wellbeing and sustainable development. Exploring how to protect natural habitats has become a research hotspot in the environmental management field. Ecological zoning has been widely used in habitat protection, but its actual effectiveness has been rarely revealed, especially with the robust and reliable causal inference method. Therefore, taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China as the study area, we first quantified habitat quality and changes at the district/county scale during 2005–2019. Then, we used the National Key Ecological Function Zone (NKEFZ) as a representative ecological zone scheme, and explored the effectiveness of the NKEFZ in protecting habitat quality with the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Difference combined method, which is a representative causal inference method. We found that habitat quality showed an uneven distribution during the study period, and habitat quality of districts/counties within the NKEFZ was higher than that outside the NKEFZ with statistical significance. Most districts/counties experienced a habitat quality decrease, but the decrease within the NKEFZ is less than that outside the NKEFZ. We observed that the NKEFZ can protect habitat quality from the causal relationship perspective, but there was the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of the NKEFZ effectiveness. In terms of the spatial dimension, the NKEFZ was the most effective in the Lower Reach of the YREB. In terms of the temporal dimension, there was a 1-year time-lag effect of the NKEFZ effectiveness, and NKEFZ effectiveness experienced a sharp increase from 2016. The NKEFZ contributed to protecting habitat quality through multiple management strategies such as urban land quota, high pollution industry prohibition, and ecological compensation. Overall, this study verified that the ecological zone scheme can contribute to habitat quality protection, and emphasizes that the effectiveness of ecological zoning may vary across time and space. This work can support ecological zoning implementation with robust evidence, and provides a novel perspective for understanding the effectiveness of ecological zoning. • The effectiveness of ecological zoning in protecting habitat quality is still unclear. • We used a causal inference method to analyze the effectiveness of ecological zoning. • Regional habitat quality showed a continuous decrease trend. • Ecological zoning can effectively protect habitat quality. • The effectiveness of ecological zoning exhibited spatio-temporal heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studied Black-necked Cranes' mating, questioning fidelity beliefs. • DNA revealed non-kin groups, with males showing higher nest-site fidelity. • Noted high extra-pair fertilization. Understanding a species' mating strategies is essential for elucidating their social structures and comprehending the trade-offs involved in optimizing fitness. Our study focuses on the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), an elusive species native to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which has remained largely mysterious in terms of its mating strategies and group dynamics. Using 13 microsatellite loci, we have conducted precise sex determination and individual identification, which has been instrumental in constructing detailed breeding pedigrees and calculating intricate kinship coefficients. Our comprehensive DNA analysis, combined with meticulous nest-site mapping, reveals that Black-necked Cranes form non-kinship-based groups and exhibit a strong inclination toward nest-site fidelity, especially among males (Male:100%, Female:71%). Significantly, this research documents, for the first time, a notable tendency for extra-pair copulation in this species (16.6%) and reveals that no pair maintained monogamy throughout the four-year study period. These findings challenge conventional views of crane monogamy and deepen our understanding of avian mating systems, suggesting a strategic adaptation to enhance genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding within the population. This research not only unveils new insights into the complex social structures of these cryptic avian populations but also underscores the urgent need for habitat conservation to ensure the species' continued survival and adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Species distribution points were used to identify important habitats for several species. • Watersheds were classified by cluster analysis of habitat suitability for species. • Through the circuit theory model, the migration probability of species is obtained. • Difference-in-differences method was used to explore the impact of ecological control line policy on habitat connectivity. • Habitat connectivity protection schemes were proposed for different habitat quality zones. Ecological control line (ECL) has become an important policy for enhancing ecological conservation and achieving sustainable urban development. Landscape connectivity of ecological network provides a method for exploring the effect of ECL policy on biodiversity conservation. This study used Shenzhen as an example to analyze the distribution of important habitats based on species occurrence points, environmental factors and artificial neural network methods. Four-phase ecological networks of focal species (Ardea cinerea, Callosciurus erythraeus, Copsychus saularis, Egretta garzetta, Pycnonotus sinensis) in 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were constructed, and the effects and changes of ECL on habitat connectivity of species, geographical zone, and species zone scales were sequently analyzed using the difference-in-difference method. The results showed that: (1) Forty-one important habitats were identified, with a total area of 743 km2, and the average area of each habitat was 18.1 km2. The number of ecological corridors and the area of ecological pinch points in Shenzhen decreased in the first ten years but remained stable over the final ten years. (2) ECL delineation can promote habitat connectivity of regional species and with the passage of time, this promoting effect increases. The protective effect in the high habitat quality zone was greater than that in the low habitat quality zone. (3) City managers can develop habitat connectivity conservation schemes for different species according to the five habitat quality zones: high, mid-high, middle, mid-low, and low. This study proposes a method to assess the effectiveness of the existing ecological control line, and provide a scientific basis for formulating, adusting and optimizing ecological management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 70% of the world's largest megacities (>10 million people) are within 60 km of the coast, contributing to 50% of the world's GDP. Sea level rise will intensify coastal flood threats, making cities without sufficient habitat protection even more vulnerable. However, there is currently a lack of thorough evaluation at the global scale about conservation priorities based on the current habitat cover and the high sea level rise in order to adapt coastal flood risks. Here we assessed the disparity among habitat coverage, exposed population and extreme sea level rise to identify priority areas for future coastal conservation. These priority areas are characterized by a large population residing in low-elevation coastal zones (LECZs), high extreme sea levels (ESLs), and insufficient habitat coverages. In many highly populated countries like China and India, the flooding risk has been underestimated due to insufficient adaptation based on natural processes from coastal habitats. These highly populated countries are especially concerning because they have comparatively less vegetation protection capability and are subjected to high ESLs. Globally, Asian and European nations, such as China, Japan, Bangladesh, Viet Nam, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany, have the highest potential for mitigating coastal risks through natural habitat conservation and restoration. We found that the main contributors to variations in the extreme sea level rise risks are not due to exposure headcounts (6%), but due to inadequate habitat cover (42%), which can be improved through targeted conservation and restoration. Our research identified the global priorities for managing climate resilience that most urgently require ecosystem conservation and restoration in order to prepare for the risks of coastal flooding. [Display omitted] • Spatial disparity between habitat protection and human exposure is quantified. • Habitats cover 2% of coastlines, limiting their capacity to reduce hazards. • 33% of the global coastal population faces extreme sea level rise risk. • 21% of population expose to elevated flood risks due to habitat loss. • Conservation potential for coastal habitats is high in Asia and Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceans are increasingly crowded by anthropogenic activities yet the impact on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) marine life remains largely unquantified. The MAPS (Marine Mammal Acoustic and Spatial Ecology) study of 2019 included passive acoustic and visual vessel surveys over the Mid-Atlantic OCS of the USA to address data gaps in winter/spring for deep-diving cetaceans, including sperm whales. Echolocation clicks were used to derive slant ranges to sperm whales for design- and model-based density estimates. Although more survey effort was realised in the spring, high densities of whales were identified in both winter and spring (10.46 and 8.89 per 1000 km2 respectively). The spring model-based abundance estimate of 1587 whales (CI 946–2663) was considered the most representative figure, in part due to lower coefficients of variation. Modelling suggested that high densities of whales were associated with warm core rings, eddies and edges. As OCS waters provide an important foraging habitat for North Atlantic sperm whales, appropriate mitigation is required to ensure commercial pressures to develop offshore energy do not negatively affect this endangered species. • Acoustic/visual vessel surveys took place off the mid-Atlantic US coast in 2019. • We used echolocation clicks to infer ranges to sperm whales for density estimation. • High densities were noted in winter/spring with a best estimate of 1587 whales (CV 0.27). • Modelling suggested whales were prevalent by warm core rings, eddies and edges. • Results will inform mitigation in relation to offshore energy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate shoreline management might be detrimental to semiaquatic ground-dwelling taxa that utilize shorelines for migrations, basking and nesting sites. Although turtles are often associated with shorelines, limited knowledge of their climbing abilities hinders adequate management of these habitats. In this study we tested the climbing abilities of adult Emys orbicularis (N = 60) to explore the effect which artificial shorelines could have on their dispersal and habitat use. Over 90% of turtles were able to successfully climb a 36° slope. At steeper inclinations, female climbing success drastically dropped. Furthermore, climbing steeper inclinations is more time and energy consuming and might limit habitat use. Our results suggest that body size is the limiting factor of turtle climbing ability, regardless of sex. However, larger and less agile female turtles are especially susceptible to steep shorelines, since their fitness directly depends on their ability to reach favourable nesting sites. Based on our results, we suggest that slopes of artificial shorelines in European pond turtle habitats should not exceed 36° angles. Additionally, the shoreline surface should be textured (e.g. with grooves). Further studies should focus on locomotor abilities of other semiaquatic, ground-dwelling taxa (e.g. newts, toads, turtles), particularly as they pertain to obstacles around their reproductive centres. [Display omitted] • Inclined obstacles steeper than 36° prolong climbing in semiaquatic turtles. • Climbing success of females decrease sharply at angles steeper than 36°. • Anthropogenic shorelines should allow habitat connectivity and migrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study developed a multi-feature decision approach for extraction of tidal flats based on the Landsat time series and GEE platform. • The spatial-temporal distribution of tidal flats in Zhoushan Archipelago, China is mapped. • The spatio-temporal characteristics of tidal flats in Zhoushan Archipelago, China are analyzed from 1985 to 2020. Tidal flats serve as vital spatial resources within coastal wetlands and play crucial roles in biological habitat preservation, environmental conservation, and human development. However, accurately delineating their extent from instantaneous remote sensing images poses challenges, owing to the dynamic interplay between seawater and land. Therefore, this study utilized the consistency of remote sensing satellites and developed a multi-feature decision approach based on the long-term remote sensing datasets and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform for determining the spatial extent, classifying types, and mapping the spatial-temporal distribution of the tidal flats. Initially, a multi-temporal image stack was compiled from the filtered remote sensing images. Subsequently, the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) and automated water extraction index (AWEI) were calculated to establish the maximum and minimum water surfaces using the extreme value composite algorithm (EVCA). The Otsu algorithm and spatial overlay analysis method were then utilized to accurately delineate the spatial extent of the tidal flats. Additionally, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was utilized to accurately identify tidal flat types. Post-processing involves elevation data and mathematical morphological methods to mitigate the impact of permanent water bodies. Finally, the accuracy of the extracted spatial extent and types of tidal flats was evaluated. The efficacy and practicality of the proposed method were validated using the Zhoushan Archipelago and Landsat time series in China. The results revealed the following: (1) the acquired tidal flat information exhibited evident boundaries and accurate types, achieving an overall accuracy (OA) of 94.80 % and a Kappa coefficient of 0.89; (2) the area of tidal flats in the Zhoushan Archipelago increased from 2,182.19 ha in 1985 to 3,761.21 ha in 2020, with an average annual increase of 45.12 ha and an average annual increase rate of 1.57 %; and (3) over 35 periods, the area transformed from other land types to tidal flats amounted to 2,895.74 ha, while the area converted from tidal flats to other land types totaled 1,651.90 ha. The three islands with the most rapid growth in tidal flat area were Liuheng Island, Dachangtu Island, and Daishan Island, with changes of 675.68 ha, 380.47 ha, and 362.63 ha, respectively. This method can offer an automated, swift, and accurate approach for tidal flat extraction, demonstrating high precision and practical effectiveness, thereby providing robust technical support for coastal resource surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large yellow croaker, a crucial marine economic fish in China, experienced a drastic decline in wild resource in the early 1980s due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Since the year 2000, the government has implemented habitat protection measures and initiated long-term, large-scale releases aimed at restoring this ecologically and economically important fish resource. Despite these efforts, there has been no definitive success in increasing the biomass of this overexploited species, and the underlying reasons for this lack of success remain elusive. Leveraging whole-genome resequencing data from a large number of samples encompassing both cultured and wild populations, this study offers the most exhaustive analysis of the genetic structure of large yellow croaker to date. The results revealed no significant geographical structure among the wild populations along the coast of China, overturning the long-held belief that designated them into three genetic management units. Additionally, it highlighted the absence of genetic introgression from cultured to wild populations. Furthermore, this study identified adaptive changes in cultured populations due to artificial selection and aquaculture environments, potentially reducing their adaptability to natural environments. This reduced adaptability may impact the survival rate of released populations and their hybridization with wild populations, providing insights into the limited success of previous release efforts. In light of these findings, this study recommends implementing conservation and management strategies based on a single genetic management unit for the large yellow croaker. When selecting breeding populations for hatchery releases, emphasis should be placed on genetic background considerations rather than solely relying on the origin of individuals captured in the sea. These insights hold significant implications for conservation and restoration of the large yellow croaker resource, particularly in the management of germplasm resources. • The study offers the most comprehensive analysis of the large yellow croaker's genetic structure to date. • The findings reveal minimal impact of artificial release on large yellow croaker biomass. • The study highlights how artificial selection and aquaculture conditions can prompt adaptive changes in cultured populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) form three-dimensional seascapes and provide substrate and shelter for a variety of species. We investigated the fine-scale distribution pattern of three habitat-forming species of the coastal Mediterranean MAFs: Eunicella cavolini , E. singularis and Paramuricea clavata , and assessed the influence of terrain, oceanographic, and biological factors on their distribution and the formation of MAFs in the central-northern Tyrrhenian Sea. Species presence and abundance were obtained through seafloor HD imagery and were combined with terrain and oceanographic parameters extracted from remote sensing data using distance-based linear modeling (DistLM) and generalized additive model (GAM). The three studied species occurred in all the study areas, with marked differences in their abundance and distribution across the different sites and habitat type, in relation to seafloor characteristics. Specifically, positive relationships emerged between the density of colonies and terrain parameters indicative of high seafloor complexity, such as slope and roughness, as well as the number species structuring MAFs. A clear niche separation for the three species was observed: E. cavolini and P. clavata were reported on coralligenous reefs, and in areas where the seafloor complexity may enhance hydrodynamics and transport of organic matter, while E. singularis was observed on red algal mats at shallower depths. A better understanding of the ecology of these gorgonians, as well as of the drivers determining MAFs formation, represent the first step toward the conservation of these threatened habitats which are currently poorly protected by management and conservation plans. • Terrain, oceanographic, and biological parameters shape fine-scale octocoral distribution patterns. • Eunicella cavolini , E. singularis , and P. clavata exhibit different ecological requirements and habitat selection. • Eunicella cavolini is the most abundant octocoral species in central-northern Tyrrhenian coastal areas. • Seafloor slope and ruggedness increase MAFs' complexity, mainly on coralligenous reefs and emisciaphilic red algal mats. • The patterns here defined can support conservation strategies and restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new worrying micropollutant threathens natural environments: the microfibres (MFs). Natural, regenerated and synthetic MFs have been detected in different environments, as well as in organisms. While synthetic MFs are generally detected in microplastic analyses, natural and regenerated MFs are not taken into account, or are wrongly considered plastics. They are generally considered biodegradable even if their degradation processes in ecosystems are poorly known. Their potential faster degradation could release toxic compounds, and their characteristics could led to a long-term accumulation in the environment. Understanding their dangerousness and the possible impact they could have on ecosystems is fundamental for environment conservation. We collected and investigated water and submerged sediment samples in different caves and springs of the Classical Karst Region (NE Italy), rich in protected habitats and species. MFs were analysed via microscopy and spectroscopy. MFs were found in all samples, highlighting pollution in surface and subterranean habitats of the karst system. MF concentration was higher in submerged sediments respect to waters, highlighting an accumulation of MFs over time. Big microfibres were less abundant, and MF amount increased with the decrease in the considered size. More than 80% of fibres were fluorescent under UV light. Fluorescent MFs were especially transparent, while non-fluorescent ones were mainly black and blue. Most MFs were cellulosic, and synthetic MFs represent only 15–22%, highlighting a significant gap between the MF composition detected in natural environments and the global production of synthetic textiles in recent times. Synthetic MFs were more abundant in waters. Our results improve the knowledge on micropollutants in karst environments, laying the foundations for future research. MF pollution monitoring in karst areas must become a priority for species protection, habitat conservation, and waters management, improving analyses on a larger number of aquatic environments, taking into account the ecological connections between surface and subterranean habitats. [Display omitted] • Microfibres pollute karst surface and subterranean aquatic environments. • An accumulation of microfibres in submerged sediment occurs. • Microfibre amount increase with the decrease in the size considered. • Natural and regenerated microfibres are more abundant than synthetic ones. • Monitoring aquatic environments is fundamental for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The wilderness was identified using Boolean overlay and multi-criteria evaluation methods. • The connectivity of the wilderness network was evaluated based on the identified wilderness as ecological sources. • Wilderness network can strengthen the network of nature reserves. • Constructing a wilderness network helps to select rewilding areas. • Enhancing the stability of the wilderness network is a strategy to address landscape fragmentation. Wilderness areas provide important ecosystem services for human being, and as crucial habitats for diverse species. Human activities have led to the fragmentation of wilderness landscapes, posing a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation. Identifying wilderness areas and assessing their network connectivity is fundamental for developing strategies to address this fragmentation. This study used Zhejiang Province, China, which is in the process of rapid urbanization as a case study. We identified the spatial distribution of wilderness by combing the index system and its weights of wilderness identification, using Boolean superposition analysis and the multi-criteria evaluation method, and tested the ecological sensitivity. Additionally, the connectivity of the wilderness network was assessed using the wilderness identification results in Zhejiang Province as ecological sources. The results indicate that: (1) 50% of Zhejiang Province still maintains relatively good wilderness integrity. (2) The wilderness network can cover 82% of highly fragmented habitats and currently unallocated potential natural reserves. (3) In areas not designated as nature reserves but experiencing frequent species movement as well as in identified wilderness regions, robust wilderness networks may play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. The findings provide quantitative evidence for biodiversity-oriented wilderness network protection and landscape fragmentation management. The results also aid in selecting specific areas for rewilding and ecological restoration, thereby enhancing the overall robustness of the wilderness network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence of biophysical variables on spatial distribution and seasonal locations of elephants is valuable inter alia in understanding their movement patterns, and the carrying capacity to optimise the conservation of their habitats. Furthermore, understanding elephant distribution in time and space is beneficial for predicting locations for tourist viewing and determining potential areas of human–wildlife conflicts. In this study, we examined the environmental drivers of seasonal variations in elephant ranges and movement using telemetry data. Using the elephant tracking data and biophysical characteristics, the Adaptive-Local Convex Hull (a-LoCoH) and the Maximum Entropy Modelling (MaxEnt) algorithm were adopted to determine their potential locations and distribution in a protected area. The jackknife approach was used to assess the environmental factors influencing seasonal elephant movements based on collar data from ten individual elephants tracked between December 2015 and April 2018. The performance of the elephant distribution models for the two seasons was assessed using the area under the curve from the receiver operating characteristic based on a 30% test holdout data. Results showed that the core a-LoCoH home of elephants was larger in the dry than wet season (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; W = 3, Z = 2.4973, p < 0.012). However, no noticeable differences were observed (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; W = 10, Z = 1.7838, p < 0.07) between the dry and wet season for the total (90%) a-LoCoH ranges. The MaxEnt modelling results showed that distance to the artificial water holes was the most influential variable in predicting the potential elephant spatial distribution in both wet and dry seasons, while the normalised difference vegetation index, a proxy for forage availability, was more influential in the dry season in predicting elephant distribution. The study concludes that seasonal elephant space use is mostly influenced by water availability in both seasons, while forage availability and variability influence elephant distribution more strongly in the dry than wet season. The study provides valuable insight into the biophysical characteristics of elephant home ranges. This is useful for the sustainable management of elephants and their habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]