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Aim: Recent unprecedented efforts to digitise and mobilise biodiversity data have resulted in the generation of 'biodiversity big data', enabling ecological research at scales previously not possible. However, gaps, biases and uncertainties in these data influence analytical outcomes and the validity of scientific research and conservation actions. Here, we estimated tree species inventory completeness globally and identified where future surveys should focus to maximise regional inventories. Location: Global. Methods: We analysed spatial patterns in sampling effort of tree species occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity and Information Facility (GBIF) and estimated global tree species inventory completeness for 100 × 100 km grid cells (sampling units) and ecoregions. We also identified forested areas for future botanical exploration, by examining the spatial overlap between inventory completeness, remaining natural habitat and protected areas and degrees of forest modification by anthropogenic pressure (forest integrity). Results: Spatial patterns in sampling effort and tree species inventory completeness were unevenly distributed around the world. Only 35% of ecoregions and 18% of sampling units can be considered well surveyed, most of which were concentrated in the Global North, including Europe, North America and Australia. Large areas in species‐rich tropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia, remained poorly documented. Moreover, our results showed that many areas with low inventory completeness overlapped with ecoregions retaining less than 50% of natural habitat and protected land area, as well as sampling units with low forest integrity. Main Conclusions: Due to limitations in biodiversity data, simply sampling more will not necessarily lead to increasing knowledge. We illustrated how gaps in these data can be used to improve existing knowledge by identifying priority areas for future surveys. With ongoing anthropogenic impacts and escalating rates of biodiversity loss, limited resources should be allocated to strategically survey regions likely to yield new knowledge and improve biodiversity representativeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent international agreements have strengthened and expanded commitments to protect and restore native habitats for biodiversity protection ("area‐based biodiversity conservation"). Nevertheless, biodiversity conservation is hindered because how such commitments should be implemented has been strongly debated, which can lead to suboptimal habitat protection decisions. We argue that, despite the debates, there are three essential principles for area‐based biodiversity conservation. These principles are related to habitat geographic coverage, amount, and connectivity. They emerge from evidence that, while large areas of nature are important and must be protected, conservation or restoration of multiple small habitat patches is also critical for global conservation, particularly in regions with high land use. We contend that the many area‐based conservation initiatives expected in the coming decades should follow the principles we identify, regardless of ongoing debates. Considering the importance of biodiversity for maintenance of ecosystem services, we suggest that this would bring widespread societal benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most protected area impact research that uses counterfactuals draws heavily on quantitative methods, data, and knowledge types, making it valuable in producing generalizations but limited in temporal scope, historical detail, and habitat diversity and coverage of ecosystem services. We devised a methodological pluralistic approach, which supports social science qualitative methods, narratives, mixed methods, and interdisciplinarity, to fully unlock the potential of counterfactuals in ensuring a place‐based and detailed understanding of the socioecological context and impacts of protected areas. We applied this approach to derive possible counterfactual conditions for the impact of a montane protected area on 40 years of vegetation change in the Cape Floristic Region—a global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. We incorporated diverse methods, knowledge, and information sources, drawing on before–after protected area comparisons for inside and outside the protected area. A significant increase in shrubland vegetation (17–30%) was observed and attributed primarily to a decline in frequent burning for grazing. This also occurred outside the protected area and was driven by socioeconomic drivers and not by concerns over biodiversity conservation or land degradation. Had the protected area not been established the area would have seen intensification of cultivation and increased road networks, buildings, and water storage in dams. Our approach increased historical temporal coverage of socioecological change and contextualized assumptions around causality. Protected area impact evaluation should reengage in place‐based research that fully incorporates pluralism in methodologies for constructing counterfactuals in a way that builds regional and global understanding from the local level upward. We devised 10 key principles for deriving counterfactuals grounded in methodological pluralism, covering aspects of collaboration, cocreation, inter‐ and transdisciplinarity, diverse values and lived experiences, multiple knowledge types, multiple possible causal mechanisms, social science qualitative methods, perceptions, perspectives, and narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated what students learnt about biodiversity, a broad and multi-dimensional concept, challenging to understand, following a visit to a nature reserve. Acknowledging the individual nature of informal learning, we explore Personal Meaning Maps (PMMs) coupled with semi-structured interviews to investigate learning among 13 scouts aged 13–15 years as they participated in a single guided tour to a nature reserve in Mauritius. PMMs were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Adopting a constructivist approach, biodiversity learning was framed along three lenses, namely, 'ecological literacy', 'biodiversity and society' and 'nature and self', recognising that biodiversity is a socio-scientific concept. Following the visit, there was an increase in ecological literacy through an understanding of the importance of biodiversity, conservation measures and endemic species. Participants retained a species-centred view of biodiversity. Students could better critique biodiversity and society issues and displayed a higher appreciation for nature and the intrinsic value of biodiversity. The visit contributed to an enrichment in biodiversity-related vocabulary especially regarding local endemic and extinct species. Prior knowledge determined vocabulary enrichment but not conceptual additions among individual students. We suggest a wider explo ration of PMMs to investigate prior knowledge and subsequent learning during nature reserve visits which can powerfully enhance biodiversity education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny" are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biodiversity research on mountain ecosystems is mainly focused on vertebrates and vascular plants; therefore, we are still far from understanding the general diversity patterns of mountain insects. In this study, we surveyed and recorded butterflies in a typical subtropical mountain in the Chebaling National Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China, through grid-based monitoring across the entire region for two years, and then investigated their taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. The results show that taxonomic diversity played a considerable role in mediating the effects of environmental changes on stability; stochastic processes are dominant in governing the composition of butterfly assemblages; increasing selective pressure mainly caused by abiotic factors enhanced the heterogeneous selection processes at higher elevations; placement trees could improve the accuracy compared to barcode trees in community phylogenetic analyses. Mountain ecosystems harbor evolutionarily unique and exceptionally rich biodiversity, particularly in insects. In this study, we characterized the diversity, community stability, and assembly mechanisms of butterflies on a subtropical mountain in the Chebaling National Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China, using grid-based monitoring across the entire region for two years. The results showed that species richness, abundance, and Faith's phylogenetic diversity decreased with increasing elevation; taxonomic diversity played a considerable role in mediating the effects of environmental changes on stability. Moreover, our results showed that stochastic processes are dominant in governing the assembly of butterfly communities across all elevational gradients, with habitats at an elevation of 416–580 m subjected to the strongest stochastic processes, whereas heterogeneous selection processes displayed stronger effects on the assembly of butterfly communities at 744–908 m, 580–744 m, and 908–1072 m, with abiotic factors inferred as the main driving forces. In addition, significant differences were detected between the barcode tree and the placement tree for the calculated β-NTI values at 416–580 m. Overall, this study provides new insights into the effects of environmental change on the stability and assembly of butterflies in Chebaling, which will be beneficial for biodiversity conservation and policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1997 Tanzania has undertaken a process to identify and declare a network of Nature Forest Reserves (NFRs) with high biodiversity values, from within its existing portfolio of national Forest Reserves, with 16 new NFRs declared since 2015. The current network of 22 gazetted NFRs covered 948,871 hectares in 2023. NFRs now cover a range of Tanzanian habitat types, including all main forest types—wet, seasonal, and dry—as well as wetlands and grasslands. NFRs contain at least 178 of Tanzania's 242 endemic vertebrate species, of which at least 50% are threatened with extinction, and 553 Tanzanian endemic plant taxa (species, subspecies, and varieties), of which at least 50% are threatened. NFRs also support 41 single-site endemic vertebrate species and 76 single-site endemic plant taxa. Time series analysis of management effectiveness tracking tool (METT) data shows that NFR management effectiveness is increasing, especially where donor funds have been available. Improved management and investment have resulted in measurable reductions of some critical threats in NFRs. Still, ongoing challenges remain to fully contain issues of illegal logging, charcoal production, firewood, pole-cutting, illegal hunting and snaring of birds and mammals, fire, wildlife trade, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change. Increased tourism, diversified revenue generation and investment schemes, involving communities in management, and stepping up control measures for remaining threats are all required to create a network of economically self-sustaining NFRs able to conserve critical biodiversity values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The network of nature reserves that has been a centrepiece of Ukraine's environmental policy has been devastated by Russian aggression. Violation of their integrity threatens endemic species and irreplaceable ecosystems; indeed, entire ecosystems have been lost; extensive fires, illegal logging, mechanical damage and chemical contamination of the soil cover are responsible for a critical reduction in forest cover, and degradation of the soil and water conservation and recreational functions of the nature reserve fund. Measures are proposed to make the best of a bad situation at the local level, as well as ways to prevent a bigger ecological catastrophe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Brazilian Caatinga is one of the most diverse, seasonally dry, tropical forests of the world and is threatened by strong land use pressure and poor protection. One way of understanding changes in the soil conditions caused by anthropogenic activities is using the nematode assemblages as potential bioindicators. This study analysed changes in nematode communities in three different types of land use (natural forest-CA, natural area with accumulation of salts-SS, and agricultural growing areas, such as cover crops-CC for cattle and fruit trees-IC) in the Caatinga, in the sub-median region of the São Francisco River Valley (SFRV), Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. We recorded a total of 63 262 nematode individuals, representing 42 genera, belonging to 23 families. Nematode abundance, diversity and maturity indices were highest in the CC and lowest in the SS. Among the nematode trophic groups, bacterivores, omnivores + predators and plant parasites were significantly affected by type of land use. Different soil properties were related to the differences in taxonomic composition among the natural and agricultural areas, accounting for 26.6% of the total variation. In general, our results indicate that soil salinisation and desertification in the natural areas, as well as soils subjected to cover crops and fruit tree production, significantly influenced the composition of nematode communities in the São Francisco River Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postsecondary science faculty face challenges in balancing the engagement of undergraduates and concomitantly ensuring they gain and retain knowledge, either in standard lectures or labs as well as in outdoor activities. Designing on-campus trails with interpretive signs may provide a unique avenue to inform students across majors of local biodiversity and tie in concepts related to ecology, organismal biology, and conservation. In this article, we evaluate the efficacy of course-specific interpretive signs deployed around a small on-campus natural area to engage first-year students. We assessed students' overall engagement level and retention of information conveyed across specific signs via a student-guided nature walk where students examined signs and answered both a pre- and post-activity survey, rated their favorite sign, and provided a short reflection on this outdoor activity. Students' responses indicated that they retained general information on specific signs, most notably regarding reptiles and what types of mammals are found around campus. Overall, students rated this activity as engaging, with 87.7% combined agreeing or strongly agreeing that signs helped them learn about the biodiversity and ecosystems on campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the failure to fully achieve any of the 20 Aichi biodiversity targets, the future of biodiversity rests in the balance. The Convention on Biological Diversity's Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) presents the opportunity to preserve nature's contributions to people (NCPs) for current and future generations by conserving biodiversity and averting extinctions. There is a need to safeguard the tree of life—the unique and shared evolutionary history of life on Earth—to maintain the benefits it bestows into the future. Two indicators have been adopted within the GBF to monitor progress toward safeguarding the tree of life: the phylogenetic diversity (PD) indicator and the evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered (EDGE) index. We applied both to the world's mammals, birds, and cycads to show their utility at the global and national scale. The PD indicator can be used to monitor the overall conservation status of large parts of the evolutionary tree of life, a measure of biodiversity's capacity to maintain NCPs for future generations. The EDGE index is used to monitor the performance of efforts to conserve the most distinctive species. The risk to PD of birds, cycads, and mammals increased, and mammals exhibited the greatest relative increase in threatened PD over time. These trends appeared robust to the choice of extinction risk weighting. EDGE species had predominantly worsening extinction risk. A greater proportion of EDGE mammals (12%) had increased extinction risk compared with threatened mammals in general (7%). By strengthening commitments to safeguarding the tree of life, biodiversity loss can be reduced and thus nature's capacity to provide benefits to humanity now and in the future can be preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although protected areas (PAs) are designed to safeguard natural ecosystems from anthropic modifications, many PAs worldwide are subjected to numerous human-induced impacts. We evaluated whether the establishment of PAs in the Upper Paraná River floodplain region could reduce anthropic landscape changes and whether there is a difference in protection when using different PA restriction categories. We analyzed the overall landscape dynamics using 30 years of land-use time series data and evaluated the change intensity via a partial land-use intensity analysis. Despite the increasing landscape anthropization, the PAs seemed to relieve the general change process, protecting natural areas mainly from agricultural expansion. Concerning the degree of use restriction, more restricted protection led to less human-induced changes. Finally, accessing PA effectiveness is a multidisciplinary challenge for researchers; however, this knowledge is crucial to avoid misunderstandings or poorly crafted public policies or decisions that may harm the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest degradation is a serious environmental issue that has significant implications for ecological stability, biodiversity, and human well-being. Identifying the extent and severity of forest degradation is crucial for effective management and conservation of forest ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the ecological vulnerability of the forest in the Dadabad region using spatial analysis and landscape metrics. The land cover map of the area was divided into 13 sub-basins to quantify landscape metrics, and the severity of human activities, degradation level, and ecological vulnerability were calculated for each sub-basin. Each sub-basin was evaluated as a single landscape to determine the extent of degradation, and landscape zoning was performed based on the degradation coefficients. The study found that sub-basins 2 and 4 had the highest levels of degradation, while sub-basins 3, 7, 8, 11, and 12 were the least degraded. Over half of the Dadabad region, 37.8% for protection and 32.25% for rehabilitation, was recommended for conservation planning. The research highlights the importance of using spatial analysis of landscape metrics to assist managers and planners in protecting and conserving natural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human pressure on ecosystems has strongly increased over the last decades and now impacts even the most remote regions. To help mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to designate protected areas in regions that retain a high level of ecological integrity. However, ecological data remain scarce for many such areas, making the systematic design of new protected zones challenging.Following a request from local managers, we developed an original methodological approach to help design new zoning for a pre‐existing protected area in a remote, data‐poor Sahelian wetland of southern Chad, a vast area rich in biodiversity and exploited by diverse human activities. The method involved first collecting extensive aerial survey data (6252 records) on birds and mammals and then analysing this through a combination of distance sampling and density surface modelling. The biodiversity data, combined with ecological predictors, helped model species distribution layers that were then incorporated with socio‐economic constraints into the systematic conservation planning tool Marxan.This approach produced an array of protected zoning options that met three levels of conservation objectives set by experts, corresponding to proportions of individuals from given species to protect in the proposed protected area. Frequent exchanges with local managers allowed the analyses to be refined, resulting in seven potential scenarios to be considered for conservation purposes.Synthesis and applications. In a context of high data scarcity, lack of access and short‐term conservation objectives, this combined approach that optimizes newly obtained data via a suite of modelling tools can facilitate identifying and protecting natural areas in regions most in need of urgent conservation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is the material basis for human survival. At present, the conservation of biodiversity is mainly carried out through nature reserves. As an essential supplement to the existing nature reserve systems in China, the mini reserve is an essential means to connect fragmented habitats for animals and plants and maintain the integrity of ecosystems. This study systematically collates and analyzes the organizational structure, system construction, daily work, and preliminary results of the community-based Qu'nan mini reserve through a literature review and field investigations. The results are as follows: (1) The construction of the Qu'nan mini reserve is based on the mindset of “self-construction, self-financing, self-management, and self-benefit”. It is managed mainly by “equal discussion and democratic consultation” which has been recognized and supported by local community residents, the local government, and the outside world. (2) The establishment, construction, and development of the mini reserve have not only enhance the protection awareness of community residents and increase the number and diversity of surrounding animal and plant populations. It also improves the living environment of the Qu'nan community and enriches the spiritual culture of residents, significantly contributing to the protection of local biodiversity and traditional culture. In addition, this paper also discusses the hidden dangers in the construction of conservation communities. Some feasible suggestions are proposed to provide a reference for developing biodiversity conservation and other mini reserves in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep shoal of Punta del Faro (Ligurian Sea, Mediterranean Sea) is a mesophotic rocky elevation hosting complex animal forests threatened by fishing activities. To identify appropriate conservation measures and set a reference example for similar cases, we present a detailed characterization of its megabenthic communities and a quantification of the fishing pressure. The results highlight the high natural value of the area, presenting high biodiversity (111 megabenthic and demersal species) and diverse types of animal forest, predominantly dominated by cnidarians. The tridimensional seascape is among the most complex in the eastern Ligurian Sea, but the long-term evaluation of its environmental status suggested consistent affects due to the high abundance of lost fishing gear (0.65 items m−2) directly entangled with structuring cnidarians. The artisanal and recreational fishing pressure are currently moderate. However, the use of bottom-contact fishing gear causes significant modifications to the seafloor's integrity. This study emphasizes the high conservation value and vulnerability of the shoal, highlighting the importance of its protection through its inclusion in the Portofino MPA, whose external perimeter is 200 m from the study area. A critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages is provided with a map of the possible extension of the MPA boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to compare two different sets of solutions on best pathways for biodiversity conservation present in a specific territory in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, in southern Bahia. We look specifically at three interconnected administrative instances: the Tupinambá de Olivença Indigenous Land; the Una Biological Reserve; and the Una Wildlife Refuge. We show that different perspectives regarding what it means to preserve nature come into focus in this territory. These are intertwined with power relations that highlight the inequality in the legitimacy of different groups in decision making for environmental governance. We map the causes and solutions for biodiversity degradation proposed by two contrasting narratives: the Indigenous perspective and the institutionalized western science-based environmentalism developed by state agencies and non-governmental organizations that work with conservation projects in the region. We expect to equalize these contrasting perspectives that are commonly seen in hierarchical terms. We conclude by advocating for managing combinations of diverse sets of knowledge and for pluralism in conservation efforts that accounts for underlying power relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of natural protected areas is one of the most effective strategies to conserve forests and their biodiversity; however, the uncontrolled advance of deforestation resulting from the change of use to expand the agricultural frontier has become a threat to these intangible areas. This research aimed to analyze the dynamics of forest cover in Parque Nacional Tingo María (PNTM) and its buffer zone (ZA) located in the high jungle of the Huánuco region of Peru. The main input was Sentinel-2 images that were classified using the Random Forest algorithm. As a result, coverage maps were obtained for the study area corresponding to the years 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023, achieving considerable thematic accuracy. During the evaluation periods, the rates of change from forest to non-forest within the PNTM presented low values -0.26% (2017 - 2019); -1.24% (2019 - 2021) and -0.02% (2021 - 2023). While the forests in the ZA have undergone a dynamic transition, with rates of change of -2.97%; -4.39% and -1.15% derived from land use change. The landscape metrics suggest that the forests of the PNTM are moderately fragmented, and the forests of the ZA are strongly fragmented, which leads to the conclusion that the protected natural area has fulfilled its objective of maintaining vegetation cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present our dataset containing up-to-date information about occurrences of trematodes in small mammals in the Middle Volga region (European Russia). The dataset summarizes micromammals' trematode occurrences obtained by long-term field helminthological studies of soricomorphs, erinaceomorphs, bats and rodents during a period of more than 20 years (1999–2022). Our studies of trematodes in micromammals were conducted using the method of complete helminthological necropsy. The dataset includes 7470 records of trematode occurrences in micromammals with 4483 digenean records in Samara Oblast, 2986 records in Republic of Mordovia and one trematode record in Ulyanovsk Oblast. Our dataset presents the data on 43 trematode species from 21 genera and 9 families found in the region studied. The data on trematodes from 28 species of micromammals belonging to 14 genera are presented. In total, the number of collected trematode specimens in our dataset is 153,050. Each occurrence record contains the trematode species name, basis of record, locality of finding, host species, site in host, date and authors of the record and species identification. All occurrence records are georeferenced. The dataset is based on the research of the staff of the Institute of Ecology of the Volga River basin of RAS and the Joint Directorate of the Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny". The distribution and diversity of trematodes of small mammals in the Middle Volga region has not been completely studied, and further investigation may reveal both new occurrences of trematodes and new host records. Dataset:  https://doi.org/10.15468/gmt9ct. Dataset License: Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocultural diversity is an important result and outstanding representation of human-land relationship. This study established a novel framework for evaluating the coupling mechanism of biocultural diversity beyond the nature-culture dualism. Taking the Beichuan-River-Source National Nature Reserve (BRSNNR) as an example, combined with regional characteristics, Coupling Coordination Degree Model (CCDM) and Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) were used to explore the correlation mechanism between natural systems and cultural systems in protected areas. The research results indicated that BRSNNR had five types of landscape character areas with outstanding natural and cultural characteristics; the spatial distribution of biodiversity and cultural diversity was highly overlapping, forming a 'high-medium-low' three-level biocultural diversity area. Analysis demonstrated that positive or negative feedback patterns between natural and cultural systems contributed to the formation of representations of biocultural diversity. Altitude, animals, and traffic conditions are important drivers for the biological and cultural diversity in protected areas. At the same time, residents' emotions and behaviors have a direct impact on the formation of biocultural diversity. The research suggests that the priority protection areas and functional divisions of protected areas should be delineated according to the evaluation results of biocultural diversity, and thresholds should be calculated and set for the constraints. This method is conducive to the improvement of the system's ability to deal with risks and the formation of the action mechanism of 'factor interaction-system interaction-biocultural diversity representation' in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The anthropogenic spread of disease from captive to wild amphibian populations (referred to as spillover) is linked to global amphibian declines. Disinfecting procedures and protocols exist to mitigate pathogen transmission to and within natural areas, but understanding of visitor attitudes and behaviour regarding their adoption is limited. We surveyed visitors in two natural areas in a global amphibian biodiversity hotspot to assess their attitudes regarding pathogen spread in such areas and analysed the factors influencing their behavioural intentions to take specific actions to prevent pathogen spillover. Visitors' willingness to take action was influenced by their attitudes, behavioural control and trust in wildlife/land managers, whereas socio-demographic characteristics were less influential. These findings help us to understand visitor behaviour with respect to amphibian biosecurity in natural areas and inform enhanced biosecurity measures and strategic messaging to reduce pathogen spillover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fate of insects in the Anthropocene has been widely discussed in the scientific literature, the popular media, and in policy circles. This recent attention is justified because reductions in insect abundance and diversity have the potential to undermine the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Reports of insect declines have also been accompanied by skepticism that is healthy and to be expected in scientific discussion. However, we are concerned about a prevalent misconception that equates reports from monitored natural areas with the global status of insects. In the vast majority of cases, areas monitored for arthropods are undeveloped and thus do not record or even necessarily reflect the masses of insects that are continuously being impacted by habitat loss to urban, suburban and agricultural expansion. We address this misconception and discuss ways in which conservation and policy can be enhanced by correctly locating results from insect monitoring programs within our broader knowledge of biodiversity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsum soils occur around the world, mainly in arid regions. These harsh environments promote unusual flora with high degrees of endemism. Mexico has extensive gypsum outcrops, but their flora has been poorly studied. However, the highest species richness and endemism are expected to be concentrated in Mexico's northern dry regions. To promote the study of this flora and its conservation, we estimate how well sampled it is, quantify species richness, identify centers of endemism, and detect which gypsum outcrops lie within federal protected natural areas (PNA). We conducted exhaustive literature and herbaria reviews to generate a database of botanical records on gypsum soils. The total species and gypsophyte richness were calculated using cell grids. Centers of endemism were identified using the corrected weighted endemism index (CWE). We mapped the gypsum outcrops within PNA polygons. The most collected sites are Cuatro Ciénegas (Coahuila) and Santo Domingo Tonalá (Oaxaca), which also had the highest total species richness. Nevertheless, gypsophyte richness was higher in Cuatro Ciénegas and Nuevo León. The CWE identified seven gypsophyte centers of endemism. Mexico hosts the most diverse gypsophile flora in the world, despite having been only partially studied and collected. The regions with the highest species richness and endemism are unprotected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study contributes to bridging the gap in research related to the presence and distribution patterns of carnivore mammals in western México and identifies priority areas for biodiversity conservation in western Michoacán, México. The distribution of 11 carnivore species (Canis latrans; Urocyon cinereoargenteus; Herpailurus yagouaroundi; Leopardus pardalis; Leopardus wiedii; Puma concolor; Panthera onca; Conepatus leuconotus; Bassariscus astutus; Nasua narica; Procyon lotor) in western México was modeled through the application of a two-scale approach, including a large modeled region that corresponded to the western part of the country, for which consensus models were obtained that represent the species' bioclimatic envelopes (historic occurrence records); and the second modeled study area that includes only the western portion of the state of Michoacán in which compounded models of the species' habitat suitability (field occurrence records) for this region were proposed. Using species' habitat suitability models as biodiversity units, prioritization exercises were carried out on important areas for the conservation of these species, as well as the comparison and analysis of the existing natural protected areas (NPA) and existing proposed conservation areas in the study area. The different exercises for prioritizing areas for conservation yielded similar results and show the potential percentages of the landscape that can be subjected to conservation programs. The highest conservation priority values were mainly located in the Costas del Sur and Cordillera del Sur provinces. This study signifies a flexible basis from which future studies on planning and designing a network of natural protected areas can be carried out in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance operations in regulated rivers are often implemented as preventive measure to maintain wide, smooth channels and to limit the risk of flooding. By clearing vegetation, removing roots and lowering sediment bar elevation, these works can recreate pioneer habitats and related plant communities. Using a before‐after‐control‐impact design with monitoring of riparian vegetation over 10 years, we evaluated the effects of fluvial maintenance works on plant richness and composition in an island complex located in a Nature Reserve along the Middle Loire River. Our results showed that artificial rejuvenation operations had a significant short‐term negative effect on richness. However, in the few years following the work, the riparian communities established on the rejuvenated island became more diverse, with a large proportion of annual plants, contributing to the increased species pool of the Nature Reserve. In addition, we found that temporal changes in species richness were strongly influenced by hydrological conditions, with a peak in biodiversity observed during prolonged summer low water. This highlights the importance of considering flow variations to more accurately assess the ecological benefit of restoration operations on riparian vegetation. Overall, as successional stages were more advanced at the island complex scale, fluvial maintenance works have allowed the recreation of sandy pioneer habitats exposed to flooding. These habitats have promoted the establishment of species‐rich communities without favoring the installation of invasive alien species. From this view, the maintenance works have increased the mosaic of habitats within the Nature Reserve and have restored environmental conditions favorable to early‐successional species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Weeds have been extensively reported to cause numerous disturbances in ecosystems worldwide. However, the impacts of these weeds on biodiversity, especially for mammals, has received little attention in South Africa. Therefore, this study explored the impact of one specific weed, Lantana camara, on the mammals of an urban Game Reserve in South Africa. Small mammal weights were varied by treatment type and the degree of invasion. Moreover, the weight of these small mammals varied by season across different treatments. This finding implies that the weight of the small mammals in the study was seasonally affected by the quantity of weeds. For large mammals, the distance of treatments (where large mammal tracks were sampled) from a water source was not a significant predictor of species richness, but density of L. camara was a significant predictor of large mammal species richness. This study concludes that the L. camara weed influences mammals of the Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR) negatively. Multi-scale approaches have been used to determine scales at which mammal species are responding to habitat destruction due to invasion, but the impacts of weeds on mammals have not been extensively studied, especially in Africa. Inside the Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR), we assessed how mammals are affected by an invasive weed Lantana camara. A series of models were applied to determine the differences in species abundance as well as richness, separated for large and small mammals. When diversity indices were used, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed no statistically significant difference between treatments (F5 = 0.233, p = 0.945) for large mammals. The results of a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) showed that vegetation type (Wald χ22 = 120.156; p < 0.01) and foraging guilds (Wald χ23 = 76.771; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of large mammal species richness. However, for small mammals, the results of a GLMM showed that only treatment type (Wald χ25 = 10.62; p = 0.050) was a significant predictor of the number of small mammals trapped. In addition, the ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in species diversity between treatments (F5 = 0.934; p < 0.001) and by season (F1 = 9.122 p = 0.003) for small mammals. The presence of L. camara coupled with other predictors was associated with differences in large mammal abundances and diversity, and differences in how these large mammals were distributed across the landscape. Furthermore, the highest species diversity was found in the spring for small mammals. Therefore, for all the mammals studied, the presence of L. camara negatively affected species abundance, richness, and diversity, as well as how these species were distributed across the invaded and cleared areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The mountainous regions in SW Asia harbour a high number of endemic species, many of which are restricted to the high‐elevation zone. The (sub)alpine habitats of the region are under particular threat due to global change, but their biodiversity hotspots and conservation status have not been investigated so far. Location: Subalpine‐alpine habitats of SW Asia. Methods: Distribution data of all (sub)alpine vascular plant species of the region were compiled, resulting in 19,680 localities from 1672 (sub)alpine species, the majority of them being restricted to the region (76%). Six quantitative indices of species diversity were used on the basis of 0.5° × 0.5° grid cells to identify (sub)alpine hotspots. Hotspots whose surface area in the (sub)alpine zone was covered by nature reserves maximally by 10% were defined as conservation gaps. Results: A high proportion (80%) of the endemic species of the study area is range‐restricted and narrowly distributed. The results of all six indices were highly correlated. Using the top 5%, 10% and 20% richest cells supported by any index, 32, 53 and 98 cells, respectively, were identified as Hotspots. Almost 60% of these Hotspots at all three levels were identified as unprotected (i.e. constituted Conservation Gaps). Generally, only 22%, 18% and 16%, respectively, of the alpine surface area of the identified Hotspots were covered by nature reserves for the top 5%, 10% and 20% richest cells, respectively. Main conclusions: Although the rate of protection in (sub)alpine Hotspots exceeds that of the entire region it is still insufficient, because these Hotspots are much richer in endemic and in range‐restricted species, but at the same time are under high pressure of global change. Therefore, the establishment of new nature reserves with high conservation efficiency in (sub)alpine habitats with a particular focus on the identified Hotspots is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare European species Atrichobrunettia (Mirousiella) graeca Ježek et Goutner, 1993 and the invasive species Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893) (both Diptera: Psychodidae) are newly recorded from "Dunele Marine de la Agigea" Nature Reserve from Romania. The updated checklist of non-Phlebotomine species of the family Psychodidae for Romania with 53 species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ukrainian Carpathians provide an important refuge for rare lignicolous fungi due to one of the largest areas of old-growth forests in Europe. During 2019-2022, new localities of 13 noteworthy species of lignicolous fungi were revealed on the northeastern macroslope of the Ukrainian Carpathians (Gorgany Nature Reserve, vicinities of the towns of Nadvirna and Yavoriv). Of these, Sistotrema alboluteum is a new species for Ukraine. In addition, we report two rare species restricted to natural forests, Amylocystis lapponica and Crustoderma dryinum, which had not been recorded in the country for over 80 years. Locality data and habitat types for all reported species as well as detailed descriptions and illustrations of the most interesting finds are provided. Ecology and distribution of some species are briefly summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper Jejuí River is a major tributary of the Paraguay River in eastern Paraguay and is the principal drainage for the Mbaracayú Forest Biosphere Reserve. Despite the international significance of the biosphere reserve and detailed documentation of its terrestrial fauna and flora, the fish fauna in its streams remains relatively unknown, with 48 species previously recorded. We sampled 35 sites within the biosphere reserve over five years (2007–2011) to assess the richness of its ichthyofauna. These surveys yielded a new total of 105 known species for the biosphere reserve, including two newly-recorded orders, Gymnotiformes and Cyprinodontiformes, and 14 newly-recorded families. Fish community composition resembled that of previously-reported fish communities from the Paraguay River drainage, with characiforms and siluriforms comprising the majority of the species (57.1% and 31.4%, respectively). Post hoc analyses showed significantly greater ichthyofaunal diversity at sites within the Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve, a core protected forest area within the biosphere reserve, compared to areas outside the nature reserve, suggesting a negative impact from deforestation and land conversion on fish assemblages in these headwater streams. Broad regional deforestation places greater emphasis on important management decisions that will protect current biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Action at local scales is needed to reduce documented declines in global biodiversity. Agricultural land constitutes 6.8% of the surface area of Canada, including more than 20 million hectares of grazing pasture alone, providing habitat to many species at risk of extinction. In Canada, where a voluntary stewardship approach is the main strategy for species at risk conservation on privately owned and managed lands, the challenge is to create conservation programs that maximize participation. We reviewed research on voluntary conservation programs on agricultural lands from five Canadian provinces to understand which approaches were most effective in maximizing participation. The objective of this paper is to contribute to policy development for conservation on private lands in Canada. We highlight common themes from all five regions. Key findings include the value of establishing a local delivery agent for the program, and the importance of designing the program to be in alignment with existing agricultural operations. Private landowners may build trust with local program managers, and are more open to making subtle adjustments to their land management rather than major changes. We conclude with eight recommendations to support the development of high impact species at risk stewardship programs on agricultural lands in Canada. Key Messages: The use of a local program delivery agency that engages in meaningful, long‐term stakeholder engagement and collaboration builds trust and encourages participation.Land managers appreciate flexible and collaborative program design that aligns with current agricultural land management.Stable, long‐term organizational funding and strong financial incentives for land managers are key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the trunks of spruce and birch trees after a windblow on the territory of the Zvenigorod Biological Station of Moscow State University and the Sima Quarry Nature Reserve (Moscow oblast) was carried out. The diversity of epiphytic lichens depending on height of the trunk was studied. It is shown that the position on the tree trunk significantly affects the number of identified lichen species, which increases monotonously with height. Both spruce and birch trees are characterized by a high non-matching diversity of lichen biota in the lower and upper parts of the trunk (and especially in the crown). The complex of the dominant lichen species was changing throughout trunks examined. It is noted that the finds of Bryoria and Usnea spp. protected in the Moscow oblast are concentrated in the upper part of the trunks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest composition characteristic of the Mid-Holocene has survived on Hallands Väderö, an island nature reserve off the south west coast of Sweden. Current veteran Tilia and Quercus trees contribute to a remarkably rich biodiversity of fungi, bryophytes, lichens and insects. Understanding which potential factors influence Holocene vegetation dynamics can support efforts to protect biodiversity, but the role of grazing and browsing has previously been difficult to evaluate because of the lack of long-term datasets. Palaeoecological analyses over the last c. 3000 years from a pond on the island reveal sustained presence of Quercus, Alnus, Tilia, Corylus and Ulmus, alongside increasing Fagus in recent centuries. Changes in grazing pressure have been documented since AD 1665 and a statistical approach was used to calculate the relative importance of grazing pressure, climate variability, and fire activity on the dynamics of selected taxa. Grazing was the main factor reducing population size of Fagus, Alnus, Tilia and Corylus on the island over the period AD 1665–1858, with warm winter temperatures and summer humidity having significant positive influences in the last millennium for Quercus, Alnus, Tilia and Corylus. The survival of large numbers of red-listed species is likely to be due to the continuity of large old trees, ancient forest composition and a distinctive disturbance history in a favourable climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although one of the main purposes of protected areas is to provide viable habitats for species, the effectiveness of protected areas in retaining the landscape's ecological integrity is highly variable (Coetzee, 2017; Watson et al., 2014). As demand for landscape conservation from NGOs and governments increases and financial resources to support conservation remain limited, more careful consideration of the variability in ecological condition of the landscape is needed to design efficient protected area networks. Keywords: 30 × 30; additionality; Aichi targets; biodiversity conservation; counterfactual; landscape conservation; land-use conversion; reserve selection; 30 para el 30; adicionalidad; conservación de la biodiversidad; conservación del paisaje; conversión del uso de suelo; hipotético; objetivos de Aichi; selección de reserva; > ; , , "30 by 30" , , , , , EN 30 × 30 additionality Aichi targets biodiversity conservation counterfactual landscape conservation land-use conversion reserve selection 30 para el 30 adicionalidad conservación de la biodiversidad conservación del paisaje conversión del uso de suelo hipotético objetivos de Aichi selección de reserva > , , "30 by 30" , , , , , 1 10 10 10/04/22 20221001 NES 221001 INTRODUCTION With the world's biodiversity in peril (IPBES, 2019), many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government conservation agencies are focusing on biological conservation through establishing protected areas. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of the work was to analyse the essence of recreational resources as a component of ecosystem services for the planning and development of recreation within the protected areas of Ukraine. This study highlights the features and essence of the ecosystem services concept. The classification, characteristics and possibilities of cultural ecosystem services usage of protected areas are assessed, and the location and importance of recreational services are emphasized. Theoretical and methodological approaches to the recreational ecosystem services assessment of protected areas were performed using GIS tools. The negative consequences of the Russian Federation military aggression on the protected areas of Ukraine and the ecosystem services decline are considered. The main advantages and obstacles of implementing the ecosystem services concept for planning the recreation development of the Ukrainian nature reserve fund are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Cerrado, the most biodiverse savanna globally with great importance for water and carbon conservation, faces the impacts of rapid and extensive land conversion, mainly for agricultural uses. The native Cerrado vegetation originally covered an area of 204 Mha however, 43% has been converted to human use. Pastures are the major land use category in Cerrado, covering 57 Mha, 28% of its area. Most of these pastures are underused and present some degree of degradation, representing an opportunity for restoration programs and agriculture expansion without further conversion of natural areas. The restoration of the Cerrado's degraded pastures is a source of recovery of ecosystem services, however, it might involve synergies and trade‐offs between ecosystem services and stakeholders.To evaluate potential trade‐offs, we modelled seven scenarios for prioritization for restoration, focusing on pasture areas on a biome scale. We considered biodiversity, water‐related ecosystem services, potential carbon stock and agriculture aptitude to understand the trade‐offs between each feature and the conflicts with agriculture. We also applied the same prioritization logic for one Cerrado ecoregion to understand the importance of planning on a finer scale.We identified important trade‐offs between the scenarios, especially with agriculture. The agriculture conflict scenario showed that 16 Mha of areas suitable to agriculture have also a high importance for restoration, representing a gain around 70% in ecosystem services and biodiversity. By refining the spatial scale of the prioritization process, we could also identify local conflicts and demands, which indicates the relevance of a local approach, allowing a more representative cover of the Cerrado's heterogeneity to minimize trade‐offs between different demands associated with restoration.Policy implications. The restoration of degraded lands is an international priority to mitigate climate change as well as protect the biodiversity. Our work provides a better understanding of the trade‐offs and conflicts involved in the restoration of the Cerrado, a megadiverse savanna with great importance in agriculture. This understanding is key to implementing public policies that enable large‐scale restoration projects while optimizing biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services provision and minimizing conflicts with agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the benefits and challenges associated with local community involvement in biodiversity conservation in the Blouberg Nature Reserve (BNR) of South Africa. To achieve this, a descriptive research design was used in the study. Three hundred and thirty‐five households from four villages scattered around the nature reserve were selected using a stratified systematic sampling procedure to participate in a household questionnaire survey. The BNR Manager was purposefully selected for an in‐depth structured interview so that an overview of socio‐economic benefits and challenges to the community from the park's perspective could be known. Field data collection was conducted during the month of June 2019. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as thematic analysis were used to analyse the field data. The main study findings indicated that the community members do not obtain sufficient socio‐economic benefits from the nature reserve. The majority of the household respondents (89.6%) were not participating in biodiversity conservation in the nature reserve, despite possessing knowledge about nature conservation. The chi‐square test results showed a significant association between household respondents' conservation involvement and access to natural benefits (p = 0.008), and not cultural benefits (p = 0.740). Moreover, the chi‐square test results further show no significant association between household attributes (gender and age) and knowledge of the role of nature reserve (p > 0.05), whereas education had a bearing on the knowledge possessed by households (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate the need for more community involvement to support biodiversity conservation within nature reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new species of the genus Sinopoda Jäger, 1999, S. muyuensis sp. nov. (♂, ♀), is described and figured from the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province, China. In addition, the male of Sinopoda wuyiensis Liu, 2021 is described for the first time from the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve, Fujian Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed knowledge about biodiversity distribution is critical for monitoring the biological effects of global change processes. Biodiversity knowledge gaps hamper the monitoring of conservation trends and they are especially evident in the desert biome. Mauritania constitutes a remarkable example on how remoteness and regional insecurity affect current knowledge gaps. Mammals remain one of the least studied groups in this country, without a concerted species checklist, the mapping of regions concentrating mammal diversity, or a national assessment of their conservation status. This work assessed the diversity, distribution, and conservation of land mammals in Mauritania. A total of 6,718 published and original observations were assembled in a spatial database and used to update the occurrence status, distribution area, and conservation status. The updated taxonomic list comprises 107 species, including 93 extant, 12 Regionally Extinct, and 2 Extinct in the Wild. Mapping of species distributions allowed locating concentrations of extant mammal species richness in coastal areas, along the Senegal River valley, and in mountain plateaus. Recent regional extinction of large-sized Artiodactyla and Carnivora has been very high (11% extinct species). From the extant mammals, 11% are threatened, including flagship species (e.g., Addax nasomaculatus and Panthera pardus). Species richness is poorly represented by the current protected areas. Despite the strong advances made, 23% of species categorise as Data Deficient. Persisting systematics and distribution uncertainties require further research. Field surveys in currently unexplored areas (northern and south-eastern regions) are urgently needed to increase knowledge about threatened mammals. The long-term conservation of land mammals in Mauritania is embedded in a complex web of socioeconomic and environmental factors that call for collaborative action and investment in sustainable human development. The current work sets the baseline for the future development of detailed research studies and to address the general challenges faced by mammals and biodiversity in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We develop a unique dataset of 3 SDG indicators at district level in Lao PDR. • We find a positive correlation between poverty and stunting in 2005 and in 2015. • We find a negative correlation between these indicators and natural areas. • There are no significant relations between changes in indicators over time. • Variations between districts highlight the need for subnational analyses of SDGs. Monitoring the status and evolution of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is typically carried out at the national level. However, significant variation can exist within countries, and this may not be captured by aggregate statistics. Here, we develop a unique dataset representing indicators for three SDGs at a district level for Lao PDR. The indicators comprise prevalence of stunting (SDG 2, Zero hunger), poverty headcount (SDG 1, No Poverty), and share of natural area (SDG 15, Life on land) for two moments in time: 2005 and 2015. In both years, we find considerable variation among district-level outcomes for stunting and poverty. We also find that higher stunting and poverty rates are significantly correlated with higher shares of natural land in both years. This is consistent with the common perception of a trade-off between environmental outcomes and socioeconomic wellbeing. The correlation vanishes, however, when we consider changes in poverty, stunting, and natural area over the ten-year study period. This holds as well when we focus on agricultural land instead of natural areas. We observe that most regions show improvements in both stunting and poverty, albeit not always in a statistically significant sense. This points to synergistic development. Similarly, improvements in both indicators are associated with losses in natural areas in all regions, indicating a trade-off. These results suggest that both trade-offs and synergies between SDGs can arise at the district level, but that context and local conditions likely moderate the strength of these interactions. Our results highlight the importance of quantifying and monitoring sustainable development at the detailed subnational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytoplasmas are bacteria transmitted by insects that cause severe diseases in many plants, including crops, worldwide. Most phytoplasma research focuses on the epidemiology of phytoplasma-associated diseases in agriculture, and relatively few efforts have been made to survey phytoplasma diversity in natural areas. We compared traditional methods for detecting and identifying phytoplasmas with a new method based on next-generation DNA sequencing and found that the next-generation method performs as well, or better, for identifying phytoplasmas in DNA extracted from plant-feeding insects. Using this method, we report several new country/region records and insect associations for known phytoplasmas, three new designated phytoplasma subgroups and three possible new groups. Despite several decades' effort to detect and identify phytoplasmas (Mollicutes) using PCR and Sanger sequencing focusing on diseased plants, knowledge of phytoplasma biodiversity and vector associations remains highly incomplete. To improve protocols for documenting phytoplasma diversity and ecology, we used DNA extracted from phloem-feeding insects and compared traditional Sanger sequencing with a next-generation sequencing method, Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE) for detecting and characterizing phytoplasmas. Among 22 of 180 leafhopper samples that initially tested positive for phytoplasmas using qPCR, AHE yielded phytoplasma 16Sr sequences for 20 (19 complete and 1 partial sequence) while Sanger sequencing yielded sequences for 16 (11 complete and 5 partial). AHE yielded phytoplasma sequences for an additional 7 samples (3 complete and 4 partial) that did not meet the qPCR threshold for phytoplasma positivity or yielded non-phytoplasma sequences using Sanger sequencing. This suggests that AHE is more efficient for obtaining phytoplasma sequences. Twenty-three samples with sufficient data were classified into eight 16Sr subgroups (16SrI-B, I-F, I-AO, III-U, V-C, IX-J, XI-C, XXXVII-A), three new subgroups (designated as 16SrVI-L, XV-D, XI-G) and three possible new groups. Our results suggest that screening phloem-feeding insects using qPCR and AHE sequencing may be the most efficient method for discovering new phytoplasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ideal aim of rewilding is to restore natural processes to create ‘selfwilled’ ecosystems involving the creation of large areas of habitat subject to stochastic disturbance, connected by favorable corridors for species to disperse along. Reversion of arable farmland to grassland and scrub habitats on Black Bourn Valley nature reserve in Suffolk (south-east England) through non-intervention allowed succession to occur largely unmanaged. Fields in the early stages of rewilding (4–14 years) are found at Black Bourn Valley, while pond creation has been extensive since 2010, creating water edge habitat and heterogeneity to the re-establishing grassland. Monitoring of Orthoptera revealed statistical evidence that species diversity/richness and field grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus (Thunberg, 1815), meadow grasshopper Pseudochorthippus parallelus (Zetterstedt, 1821), common groundhopper Tetrix undulata (Sowerby, 1806) and slender groundhopper Tetrix subulata (Linnaeus, 1758) were in higher abundance in fields ≥8 years since arable cropping ceased compared to those 4 years post reversion. Fields ≥8 years old were probably favorable due to the presence of microhabitats for basking and egg-laying orthopterans that included ant hills, sparsely vegetated pond edge and open swards with an abundance of fine-leaved grasses (Agrostis and Festuca spp.) and a low abundance of leaf litter. Lagomorph grazing by wild brown hare Lepus europaeus and rabbit Oryctoloagus cuniculus was critical in maintaining exposed soil for Orthoptera in the older fields, while deer paths appeared to create microhabitats that may be utilized by Orthoptera. We postulate that rewilding schemes on arable farmland should use a Rewilding Max approach and avoid the frequent usage of domestic livestock, relying on wild lagomorph and ungulate grazers to maintain an open mosaic habitat structure with only intermittent cattle, horse, or sheep grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Altillanura is a unique ecosystem within the Colombian Llanos, characterized by well-drained savannas and extensive riparian forests. The Altillanura harbors a rich assemblage of species, largely understudied and currently under threat by large-scale and unplanned agribusiness. Moreover, the number of public protected areas in the Colombian Llanos, particularly in the Altillanura, is insufficient to conserve the threatened habitats and species. Therefore, conservation efforts by private reserves are crucial for the protection of the region's biodiversity. Here we present the first species list of the Tomogrande, a private nature reserve and scientific research field station in the municipality of Santa Rosalía, Vichada, Colombia. After ten years of ongoing research, we have recorded 299 species of plants, 189 species of birds, and 47 species of mammals. Compared to other private nature reserves in Vichada and the Tuparro National Park, the largest protected area in the region, Tomogrande makes a substantial contribution to the conservation of all three taxonomic groups. We advocate that better landscape planning and sustainable practices should become mandatory in the Altillanura to protect its biodiversity and the livelihoods of all stakeholders that inhabit this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Law for the conservation of the natural heritage of the Basque Country, introduces a comprehensive perspective from which to approach the regulation of the set of goods, resources and nature services related to biological and geological diversity. With that premise, it updates the Basque legislative framework by incorporating fundamental elements derived from European guidelines, measures to accommodate categories and define typologies, to simplify procedures, promote coordination and improve protection instruments, all of this with the aim of strengthening the capacity of natural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Law for the conservation of the natural heritage of the Basque Country, introduces a comprehensive perspective from which to approach the regulation of the set of goods, resources and nature services related to biological and geological diversity. With that premise, it updates the Basque legislative framework by incorporating fundamental elements derived from European guidelines, measures to accommodate categories and define typologies, to simplify procedures, promote coordination and improve protection instruments, all of this with the aim of strengthening the capacity of natural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it is known, protected areas networks should (once again) protect the native ecosystems from the negative influence of alien species introduction. In this study, we select a protected area (Mordovia State Nature Reserve, IUCN category: I) in European Russia (Republic of Mordovia). Moreover, alien floras have never been compared between the Mordovian regional districts (managed areas) and protected areas. We aimed to compare the alien species proportion between the flora of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve and 23 floras of the regional districts. For this purpose, we used actual floristic checklists of both Mordovia State Nature Reserve (at present, more than 800 species) and the whole Mordovia (at present, more than 1470 species), as well as the set of the published additions to the flora of the region and Protected Area. The temporal comparison was performed between data of 2010 and 2022 years. We hypothesized that, contrary to the widely known fact on the intactness of Protected Areas, the Mordovia State Nature Reserve is characterized by a high proportion of alien plant species. The obtained results demonstrated that in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, the alien species proportion before starting intense botanical studies was lower (10.7%) than in floras of certain managed areas (17.7% in the Kochkurovo district, 18.8% in the Insar district, or 22.0% in the Ardatov district). At the same time, additional studies resulted in a considerable increase in the alien species proportion in the flora of the protected area (19.0%) in comparison with data of the 2010 year. This indicates both the initial underestimation of the protected area's flora and the importance of additional purposeful investigations in obtaining the complete data on the flora composition. The obtained results in comparison with updated data for the Mordovian districts' floras are discussed in light of the current knowledge on the flora of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve and the Republic of Mordovia as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using socioecological concepts and within a historical biodiversity conservation context, this research study reviews the main interactions between human communities and protected natural areas (PNAs) to describe their different stages over time and assess the implications arising from climate change. The review suggests that both society and governments have raised awareness and interest regarding the importance of biodiversity conservation. The interactions of human communities in these areas have had different effects on biodiversity use, management, and conservation. Local communities have historically developed traditional uses of natural resources that allow them to remain over time and conserve them. Thus, the interest in PNAs as a conservation instrument has increased worldwide. Regarding climate change, this study found evidence indicating that PNAs may act as buffer barriers to prevent biodiversity loss and mitigate the impacts of extreme events; nevertheless, a great variation can be expected. The magnitude of the impacts on human communities, levels of vulnerability, and resilience capacity of PNAs facing climate change (CC) rely on many factors, such as location, extent, composition, management, and ecology of a given protected area. Therefore, the new scenarios that CC may bring are challenging current systematic conservation planning and traditional management methods of the natural resources that are vital for people. Finally, the authors suggest that society is increasingly aware of PNAs as one of the best tools humans have to prevent biodiversity loss, and potentially buffer the effects of CC. These increases in social awareness of biodiversity conservation importance and PNAs are gratifying and spread optimism about the future that next generations may face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas are the main reserves of biodiversity resources and are also important distribution areas for China' s natural re⁃ serves. Opportunity cost, as the main cost of the construction of natural reserves, is a potential driving factor in the spatial distribution of natural reserves. This study analyzed the decision-making mechanism of natural reserves from the perspective of county-level govern⁃ ments, using county-level panel data from 2005 to 2018 to empirically analyze the impact of opportunity cost in rural areas on the distri⁃ bution of natural reserves, and discussed the impact according to the location and level of natural reserves. On this basis, this study fur⁃ ther explored the impact of opportunity cost on the individual scale of natural reserves. The results showed that: ① In general, opportu⁃ nity cost was an important factor in determining the distribution of natural reserves. There was a significant negative relationship be⁃ tween the opportunity cost and natural reserve areas. Each 1% increase in the opportunity cost would reduce the natural reserve areas by 0.679%. ② In the eastern and central regions, opportunity cost had a significant negative impact on the natural reserve areas, while in the western and northeastern regions, opportunity cost had no significant impact on the natural reserve areas. ③ Opportunity cost had a significant negative impact on the areas of local-level natural reserves, while having no significant impact on the areas of national-lev⁃ el natural reserves. ④ As the opportunity cost increased, the size of a single natural reserve had a tendency to shrink, which could alle⁃ viate the pressure of the opportunity cost. However, the habitat of the reserve faced the risk of fragmentation, which was not conducive to biodiversity conservation. We suggest that in the process of further optimizing the layout of natural reserves, China should fully con⁃ sider the impact of opportunity cost in rural areas on the establishment and management of natural reserves, improve the multi-function⁃ al protected area system with national parks as the main body, strictly approve the adjustment of the scope and functional areas of natu⁃ ral reserves at all levels, include objects with high ecological protection value and rich biodiversity in the protection system, and estab⁃ lish a diversified and market-based ecological compensation mechanism for natural reserves to alleviate the conflict between the con⁃ struction of natural reserves and the development of surrounding communities, so as to achieve the dual goals of biodiversity conserva⁃ tion and economic development in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]