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Ongoing habitat loss and species extinctions require managers to implement and quantify the effectiveness of conservation actions for protecting biodiversity. Fencing, when done properly, is an important management tool for conservation in landscapes where wildlife and domestic animals co‐occur, potentially enhancing habitat use through selective exclusion of domestic species. For instance, the fencing of forest patches in the Neotropics is expected to reduce the degradation of understory vegetation by cattle, releasing these resources for the native community of browsers and fruit consumers.Here, we implemented an ecological experiment using a before‐after control‐impact design to quantify the effect of cattle exclusion on encounter probability of the native community of browsers and fruit consumers, and percent ground cover in multifunctional landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía. We built 14 km of wildlife‐permeable fences along forest edges in four forest patches (i.e. blocks) containing control and fenced (treatment) sites. We installed 33 camera traps to obtain information about wildlife and cattle encounter probabilities, before and after the fences were constructed. We used Bayesian generalised linear mixed effects models to quantify the effect of fences via the interaction between the time period (before and after the fences were built) and treatment (control or fenced sites).Fencing was effective at reducing encounter probabilities of cattle in the treated sites, and it had a positive impact on relative encounter probabilities of four of seven studied wildlife species (herbivores including the black agouti [dry season only], lowland tapir [dry season only] and spotted paca [both seasons] and an omnivore, the South American coati [rainy season only]). The effect of fencing was negative for the collared peccary but only during the dry season. No statistically significant effect was detected for the white‐lipped peccary or white‐tailed deer.Synthesis and applications: We provide experimental evidence that fences are effective at selectively excluding cattle and increasing encounter rates of wild browsers and fruit consumers in forest patches where these species co‐occur with cattle. Our results highlight an important application of fencing ecology in Neotropical forests, where the implementation of wildlife‐permeable fences is feasible due to smaller body sizes of wildlife compared to domestic animals such as cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African wildlife populations are declining at an alarming rate. To stop further population declines and restore ecosystems, more areas for wildlife are needed. Community‐based conservation with wildlife‐livestock coexistence in the vast rangelands of Africa presents a major opportunity. However, the efficacy of wildlife conservation in mixed land‐use areas remains an outstanding question. To assess the ecological outcomes of land‐sharing between regulated livestock herds and wildlife populations in African savannas, we test how rotational cattle grazing affects spatiotemporal dynamics of 15 large herbivore species in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.First, we tested how wild herbivore distributions across the Greater Mara Ecosystem (the Mara, ~2600 km2) are related to cattle density and environmental variables using 584,561 observations of wild herbivores (ecosystem scale). In a second analysis, we tested how rotational cattle grazing affects wild herbivore distributions in a 300 km2 subsection of the Mara using 30,583 observations (landscape scale). Finally, we tested how functional traits of wild herbivores affect species‐level spatiotemporal responses to cattle grazing.At the ecosystem scale, the presence of five wild herbivore species was positively correlated with cattle density, while cattle effects on wild herbivore abundances were species‐dependent with both increases and decreases. At the landscape scale, rotational cattle grazing strongly impacted the spatiotemporal habitat selection of wild herbivores, resulting in distinct lag periods with which different species are attracted to areas previously grazed by cattle. These lag periods were linked to functional traits, with body mass and herd size explaining 35% of the interspecific differences. Small to medium‐sized herbivores with large herds select areas recently grazed by cattle, whereas large species with large herd sizes and small species with small herd sizes avoid recently grazed areas.Synthesis and applications: Our results revealed that the effect of cattle on wild herbivores varies considerably among species, suggesting that cattle‐wildlife interactions range from facilitation to competition. To maintain species that strongly avoid cattle, designated livestock‐free zones remain essential, also in rotational grazing systems. Rotational grazing systems with regulated livestock densities present an important opportunity to better manage wildlife‐livestock coexistence and thus improve wildlife conservation in African rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock depredation by brown bears is one of the main source of human–wildlife conflict in rural Eastern Europe. Thus, identifying environmental and anthropogenic drivers of human–bear conflict, and developing spatial predictions for predation intensity are critical to mitigate such conflicts. We used 756 records of bear‐caused livestock predation collected between 2008 and 2016 in the Romanian Carpathians and evaluated predictors and spatial distribution of bear livestock predation events (BPEs) using separate binomial generalized linear mixed models for cows, sheep, and other livestock. Despite differences in the direction and magnitude of the effect, the prevalence of BPE for all livestock was driven by the interaction between environmental drivers along with relative bear abundance. Distance from forest was a strong negative predictor for cows and sheep, while distance to villages was a strong negative predictor for cows. Landscape heterogeneity was positively associated with cow and other livestock predation and negatively associated with sheep. Relative bear abundance data collected by wildlife managers was a positive predictor for predation on all livestock. Livestock damage was more prevalent near villages, showcasing plasticity of food resources sought by bears. Our work informs brown bear and livestock management strategies to develop awareness and implement damage prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and a World Heritage Site. During 2019–2020, the Pantanal has experienced the most severe burning in its history, with vast destroyed areas of vegetation and killed wildlife. Since the long‐term damage caused by fire to the Pantanal is still unknown, understanding how the biodiversity responds to post‐fire disturbance over a short‐term is an important step for conservation initiatives.The authors studied the effects of fire on dung beetle communities, a recognised bioindicator group, in the Brazilian Pantanal. For this, the authors assessed the patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity between unburned and burned sites (16 months post‐fire).The authors found that taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles were similar between unburned and burned grasslands, but with a distinct taxonomic composition post‐fire. The functional traits composition was similar between unburned and burned sites, demonstrating that this metric is less sensitive to fire effects in the Brazilian Pantanal.The study's results provide evidence that dung beetles exhibit high resistance to the occurrence of fire and fast recovery from its consequences. Thus, due to its ecological functions (secondary seed dispersion, nutrient cycling and others), these insects may assist ecological restoration of burned sites, being useful tools in restoration approaches for areas of the Pantanal that have been affected by fire.Finally, combining traditional taxonomic community attributes with functional diversity measurements provides a more comprehensive picture of responses of dung beetle communities, post‐fire, over a short‐term in the Brazilian Pantanal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of infectious diseases was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. Notwithstanding their importance, acquired resistance has become increasingly evident and this pattern has followed the introduction of each new antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not only led to unwarranted mortality rates, but it presents as a major economic burden to societies. The alarming worldwide escalation in AMR poses a serious threat to public health and can cause major disruption globally. Whilst there has been progress in understanding AMR in the scientific literature, there is a dearth of knowledge that considers AMR from an economic perspective, especially as it relates to resource‐based sectors. This paper uses two case studies to illustrate how an economic lens can improve understanding of the potential risks surrounding AMR and to identify the net welfare associated with specific interventions. We demonstrate the importance of economics when considering the impacts of AMR in the context of livestock and wastewater use in Australia and when quantifying the potential disruption to the economy. We also illustrate how economics can both highlight the magnitude of the risks from AMR but offer a way forward through cost‐effective policy options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human behavior often determines the success of conservation projects, and the emerging discipline of conservation psychology focuses on understanding and influencing this behavior. Social norms (a group's perception of the appropriateness of behaviors) are a key influence on human behavior, and social norms campaigns can often engender population‐wide behavior changes. Human‐predator conflict is a major conservation issue, and one in which human behavior plays a substantial role: high standards of livestock management can considerably lower predation levels. In this paper, we use factor analysis to show that the livestock management normative belief structure of rural livestock owners is highly conserved between populations in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Through cluster analysis, we also show that qualitatively distinct attitudinal groups can be identified, and that some of these groups are common to both regions. Researchers often assume that social landscapes are unique, but we show that this is not the case for livestock management norms. People's attitudes are also generally assumed to be site‐specific, but we found commonalities across different regions, indicating that certain attitude sectors may be present in all livestock‐owning populations. If livestock management norms and attitude groups are indeed highly conserved between regions, it may be possible to develop standardized tools with which to understand the norms that influence livestock management behavior, and identify population sectors for targeted interventions. Often, conservation projects have little in‐house social science expertise, and social studies are avoided despite the benefits they bring. Here, we demonstrate that standardized approaches may be possible, and could aid the implementation—and success—of conservation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock grazing is a predominant land use worldwide and can influence wildlife populations by altering grassland composition, structure, and productivity. Conceptually, rest‐rotation livestock grazing could increase pasture‐level heterogeneity that would allow wildlife to balance the need for resources with the risk of predation. Prairie‐grouse (Tympanuchus spp.) are recognized as important indicator species for grassland ecosystems, so identifying management approaches suitable for prairie‐grouse could have implications for other species. We monitored radio‐collared female sharp‐tailed grouse (T. phasianellus) to evaluate the effects of 3 systems of livestock grazing management on the breeding season survival and habitat‐associated mortality risk of adult grouse in the northern mixed‐grass prairie in eastern Montana and western North Dakota, USA, during 2016–2018. Cumulative breeding season survival was 0.65 ± 0.04 (SE) and annual survival varied from 0.28 ± 0.04 to 0.50 ± 0.05. Grazing management did not have a meaningful influence on any aspect of the cumulative breeding season survival of adult female sharp‐tailed grouse, although the seasonal timing of peaks in mortality risk differed among systems. A 10% increase in cropland increased mortality risk of adult female sharp‐tailed grouse by a factor of 1.27. Overall, our results suggest that strategies that preserve economically viable ranching systems in unfragmented grasslands may have greater benefits for sharp‐tailed grouse survival than prescriptive livestock grazing systems. © 2020 The Wildlife Society. Grazing management did not influence any aspect of breeding season survival of female sharp‐tailed grouse. Strategies that preserve economically viable ranching systems in unfragmented grasslands may have the greatest benefits for sharp‐tailed grouse survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflict between people and carnivores can lead to the widespread killing of predators in retaliation for livestock loss and is a major threat to predator populations. In Kenya, a large, rural, pastoralist population comes into regular conflict with predators, which persist across southern Kenya. We explored the social and psychological backdrop to livestock management practices in this area in a process designed to be easy to use and suitable for use across large areas for the study of conflict and transboundary implementation of wildlife conflict reduction measures, focusing on community involvement and needs. We carried out fully structured interviews of livestock managers with a survey tool that examined how social and psychological factors may influence livestock management behavior. We compared survey responses on 3 sites across the study area, resulting in 723 usable responses. Efficacy of individuals' livestock management varied between and within communities. This variation was partially explained by normative and control beliefs regarding livestock management. Individual livestock managers' self‐reported management issues were often an accurate reflection of their practical management difficulties. Psychological norms, control beliefs, and attitudes differed among sites, and these differences partially explained patterns associated with conflict (i.e., variation in livestock management behavior). Thus, we conclude that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to improving livestock management and reducing human–predator conflict is not suitable. Article impact statement: Understanding the psychology of livestock management is key to determining the best strategy for mitigation of wildlife–livestock conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicts with humans are one of the main causes of the decline in populations of large carnivores, making it a crucial conservation issue worldwide. In Mexico, jaguar Panthera onca, puma Puma concolor and American black bear Ursus americanus are involved in livestock predation and are persecuted in retaliation. The sites where predation occurs are distributed throughout the country and differ not only in environmental characteristics, but also in social, economic and livestock management practices. However, due to the general focus of the studies carried out so far, the proposed mitigation measures are also general. It is necessary to consider conditions that encourage predation in the design of strategies to be more effective. In this study, environmental, anthropic and livestock management characteristics of livestock predation by large carnivores were analyzed for conflict regionalization. The variables most related to predation sites were identified, with a high percentage of them being livestock management practices. Based on these variables, we formed clusters of similar sites and analyzed their spatial distribution, which presented grouping patterns in the cases of predation by puma and black bear, in contrast to the jaguar clusters, which presented a dispersed distribution. Considering the characteristics of the clusters, we propose as mitigation measures the confinement of livestock, construction or improvement of corrals and improvement of management practices. The anthropic component and livestock management practices are closely related to the predation events and, therefore, their inclusion in the conservation programs of carnivores in Mexico is fundamental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The implementation of Grazing Management Plans (GMP), a specific policy and management tool, aimed at enhancing farm productivity while preserving plant diversity, soil and landscape. The GMP are based on rotational grazing systems (RGS) with animal stocking rate adjusted to balance grassland carrying capacity. The aim was to test the 5‐year effects produced by GMP implementation on botanical composition, plant diversity and soil nutrient content on sub‐alpine and alpine pastures. Location: Val Troncea Natural Park, western Italian Alps. Methods: A total of 199 vegetation transects was carried out in summer 2011 and repeated in summer 2016. The botanical composition was recorded and plant diversity indices, i.e. species richness and Shannon diversity (H′ index), were computed. Mean soil nutrient content was indirectly estimated through computation of Landolt N indicator value (N index) for each transect. Pair‐sample statistical tests and PERMANOVA were perfomed at different levels: on the whole vegetation dataset, on vegetation communities (i.e. vegetation types and ecological groups) and considering functional pools of species. Results: Considering the whole vegetation dataset, species richness, H′ index and N index significantly increased from 2011 to 2016. Moreover, species richness significantly increased in almost all vegetation ecological groups, with the highest increase within the mesotrophic group. The H′ index significantly increased in eutrophic, pre‐forest and thermic groups, while the N index increased in all vegetation groups, except in the eutrophic and snow‐bed groups. A significant difference in botanical composition was detected within oligotrophic, mesotrophic and thermic groups. The number and cover of N‐poor high‐elevation species increased in all groups and this result might be related to effects produced by livestock, which promoted seed transport and increased connectivity amongst different communities. The meso‐eutrophic species number and cover significantly increased within thermic, mesotrophic and pre‐forest groups, suggesting greater use of such areas by livestock under RGS than under continuous grazing. Conclusions: The implementation of RGS with stocking rate adjustments proved to be an effective and a sustainable management tool to enhance botanical composition and plant diversity of sub‐alpine and alpine grasslands over a 5‐year span. The implementation of a rotational grazing system with stocking rate adjustments proved to be an effective and a sustainable management tool to enhance botanical composition and plant diversity (species richness and Shannon diversity index) of sub‐alpine and alpine grasslands over a 5‐year span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Determine the daily rhythms of urea, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus secretion in the serum and saliva of goats and whether there is a relationship between them. Design Ten non-gravid, non-lactating does underwent a 30-day preconditioning period (natural 24-h photoperiod, environmental temperature 19–21°C, relative humidity 40–50%, the same feeding regimen, offered as a single meal at 07:00 hours, and water ad libitum), following which saliva and blood samples were collected from each subject every 4 h for 2 days (starting at 08:00 hours) for measurement of urea and electrolytes. Results Data analysis was conducted by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and by the single cosinor method. ANOVA showed a significant effect of time (0.001 < P < 0.01) on all the studied parameters in saliva and serum on both days. Cosinor analysis identified the periodic parameters and their acrophases (expressed in hours) during the 2 days of monitoring. Serum and salivary acrophases were all diurnal and were observed between 11:40 and 16:24 hours. No circadian rhythmicity was found for bicarbonate, magnesium or potassium in either saliva or serum. Conclusion There was a daily rhythm of secretion for the majority of the measured parameters, suggesting the potential role of saliva as an additional, reliable index for physiological, clinical, nutritional and chronophysiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop indicator–based management tools that can facilitate sustainable natural resource management by non–specialists, meaningful participation of stakeholders is essential. A participatory framework is proposed for the identification, evaluation and selection of rangeland condition indicators. This framework is applied to the assessment of rangeland degradation processes and sustainable natural resource management with pastoralists in the southern Kalahari, Botswana. Farmer knowledge focused on vegetation and livestock, with soil, wild animal and socio–economic indicators playing a lesser role. Most were indicators of current rangeland condition; however ‘early warning’ indicators were also identified by some key informants. This demonstrates that some local knowledge is process–based. Such knowledge could be used to improve indicator–based management tools and extension advice on the livelihood adaptations necessary to prevent or reduce ecological change, capable of threatening livelihood sustainability. There is evidence that social background influences indicator use. Communal farmers rely most heavily on vegetation and livestock indicators, whilst syndicate and land–owning pastoralists cite wild animal and soil–based indicators most frequently. These factors must be considered if indicator–based management tools are to meet the requirements of a diverse community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]