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New World Marsupials (NWMs) comprise over 135 species ranging from Patagonia (Argentina) to northern North America, classified within the orders Didelphimorphia, Microbiotheria and Paucituberculata.This study examines recent taxonomic revisions and conservation priorities for NWMs, based on the IUCN Red List assessments and current literature.NWMs are included in the following IUCN Red List categories: 2 (1.5%) Critically Endangered (CR), 9 (6.6%) Vulnerable (VU), 7 (5.1%) Near Threatened (NT), 15 (11%) Data Deficient (DD), and 72 (53%) Least Concern (LC), with 32 (23%) species awaiting formal assessments.Population trends remain unknown for more than half of the 137 species (n = 82; 60%), with 34 stable species (25%), 30 declining (22%), and only three showing increasing trends (2.2%). Of the 105 IUCN assessed species, 45 (43%) have unknown population trends.Identified threats for assessed species (n = 32) include ecosystem conversion and degradation as the main threats, with habitat loss through fragmentation and/or land conversion potentially affecting 26 additional species. When analysed in detail with the proposed classification 'Habitat loss, fragmentation, and conversion' were identified as the main threat to 61 species.Research needs were identified for 85 species (62%), across five categories: Taxonomy (9 species), Life History and Ecology (75 species), Population size, Distribution and Trends (80 species), Threats (78 species), and Actions (2 species).We propose four key steps to enhance the conservation of NWMs: 1) update assessments to include all valid species, 2) identify priority areas for NWM conservation, 3) encourage research collaboration, and 4) integrate data into conservation strategies at various spatial and political scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tackles some resilient discourses and strategies engaged by Hmong and Mien people living in Hoàng Liên National Park, a prominent conservation area of the northern Vietnamese highlands located in Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province, Vietnam. Facing the neoliberal transition of socialist institutions, economy, and ecology, communities living in and out of this mountain range must adopt enduring mindsets and demeanours to sustain their environmental imaginaries and ensure some future for their hard-earned livelihoods. Looking at this situation through everyday politics, we argue that resilience theory—when used duly—can help fill the gap between blatant opposition and straight acceptance and reveal the inconspicuous strategies of continuity and adaptations adopted by subordinated groups and individuals. Inside Hoàng Liên's socialist-neoliberal conservation system, administrators apply principles of responsibilisation and co-management through private financing and development initiatives, and in the process, dumping much of the burden on highlanders' shoulders. On the other hand, they hope to pursue their way of life, making the most of local opportunities. Such cohabitation causes undue pressures, which Mien and Hmong communities deal with by creatively engaging with, adjusting to, and evading the national park's rationale while rangers keep a close eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Wildlife & Biodiversity (JWB) is the property of Arak University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The creation of protected areas is the main mechanism for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. The Mata do Pau-Ferro State Park, located in the Brejo Paraibano region, protects an important fragment of the Atlantic Forest and in its surroundings there are activities that damage ecosystems, such as livestock farming. The aim was therefore to assess forest fragmentation in the park's buffer zone and analyse its influence on the park. We found 516 fragments, totalling 2102.20 ha, of which 98.64% are smaller than 50 ha. There is a predominance of rounded shapes and expressive areas affected by edge effects. Finally, the Distance to the Nearest Neighbour was an average of 39.43 m. In the context observed integration systems between livestock and forest can reduce impacts on biodiversity. Similar results have been found for arbitrary delimitations, but have not yet been reported for a buffer zone delimited through the Management Plan in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulating and predicting carbon storage under different development scenarios is crucial for formulating effective carbon management strategies and achieving carbon neutrality goals. However, studies that focus on specific regions and incorporate local policy context require further investigation. Taking Fujian Province as a case study, this research developed four policy-driven scenarios—natural development, farmland protection, urban development, and ecological protection—based on local policy frameworks. Using the PLUS (Patch-generating Land Use Simulation) and InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) models, the study simulated and predicted the carbon storage dynamics under each scenario. The results show that carbon storage declined from 1995 to 2020, mainly due to the conversion of forests and agricultural land into construction areas. The ecological protection scenario demonstrated the highest potential for carbon storage recovery, projecting an increase to 2.02 billion tons by 2030, driven by afforestation and conservation initiatives. Conversely, the urban development scenario posed the greatest risks, leading to substantial losses. Key conservation areas, including 12 priority districts, were identified in the western and northwestern regions, while coastal urban areas, comprising 31 vulnerable districts, face significant carbon storage losses. These findings emphasize the need for balanced land use policies that prioritize both urban development and ecological protection to achieve sustainable carbon management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosphere Reserves (BRs), designated by UNESCO, are spaces that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on BRs through a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus between 1977 and 2024. The main objective was to analyse the evolution of research in this field, identifying trends in scientific output, types of papers, most influential countries and universities, highest impact journals, prominent authors and established collaborative networks. In addition, the predominant research topics were identified, highlighting emerging areas of study and challenges yet to be addressed. The results provide a global perspective on the scientific development of BRs and serve as a reference for future work aimed at the sustainable management of these areas. Integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge enhances adaptive management, ensuring that strategies remain relevant and effective over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protected areas (PA) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo serve as vital carbon reservoirs and are crucial for biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. Despite their significance, these areas face escalating rates of deforestation and degradation, often poorly understood at the local level. This study focuses on the dynamics of tropical moist forest (TMF) and the relative importance of the driving factors in the landscape of Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP), one of the country's prominent PAs. Analyzing annual TMF dynamics from 1990 to 2022 using data classified by Vancutsem and his collaborators in 2021 from Landsat imagery alongside spatial datasets of deforestation and degradation drivers, we employed a comprehensive analytical approach. This included meshing, multi-scale analysis, principal component analysis, zoning, multiple linear regression, and relative importance analysis through bootstrapping. The findings indicate that the grid size considered does not significantly influence TMF dynamics in the KBNP landscape (p-value = 0.67, α = 0.05). The edge and outer zones experienced substantial dynamics, with approximately 30% forest cover loss in both areas, contrasting with the relatively stable TMF cover (~100%) in the inner zone. Fire emerged as the most influential driver, explaining TMF dynamics with a relative importance of approximately 55%, 30%, and 23% in the inner, edge, and outer zones, respectively. This study underscores KBNP's efficacy in curbing TMF loss but highlights the need for enhanced protection around its periphery. Management efforts should prioritize sustainable land use practices, livelihood improvement, and the establishment of an officially recognized buffer zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of citizen science (also called community science) has led to vast quantities of species observation data collected by members of the public. Citizen science data tend to be unevenly distributed across space and time, but the treatment of sampling bias varies between studies, and interactions between different biases are often overlooked. We present a method for conceptualizing and estimating spatial and temporal sampling biases, and interactions between them. We use this method to estimate sampling biases in an example ornithological citizen science dataset from eBird in Brisbane City, Australia. We then explore the effects of these sampling biases on subsequent model inference of population trends, using both a simulation study and an application of the same trend models to the Brisbane eBird dataset. We find varying levels of sampling bias in the Brisbane eBird dataset across temporal and spatial scales, and evidence for interactions between biases. Several of the sampling biases we identified differ from those described in the literature for other datasets, with protected areas being undersampled in the city, and only limited seasonal sampling bias. We demonstrate variable performance of trend models under different sampling bias scenarios, with more complex biases being associated with typically poorer trend estimates. Sampling biases are important to consider when analysing ecological datasets, and analysts can use this method to ensure that any biologically relevant sampling biases are detected and given due consideration during analysis. With appropriate model specification, the effects of sampling biases can be reduced to yield reliable information about biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ibis is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This empirical article intends to examine the conservation value of an ecotourism site in Borneo, Malaysia, specifically the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). The second objective is to determine the visitors' willingness to pay (WTP) and their heterogeneity with regard to the RDC. In addition to the bid prices and the socio-demographic characteristics of visitors, the dichotomous-contingent valuation analysis takes into account five preferences of visitors for sustainable development in the RDC. These preferences are as follows: (i) Wildlife species population; (ii) Wildlife observation; (iii) Information provision; (iv) Protection level; and (v) Habitat quality. Visitors' heterogeneity will reveal which factors affect their WTPs. Using the estimated WTP, the total expected increase in economic value in 2017 was about RM 416 323 compared to the actual revenue; which was RM 327 730. In terms of visitors' heterogeneity, WTP is influenced by income, bid prices, 'wildlife species population,' 'habitat quality,' and 'protection level.' In light of this, emphasis should be given to ways in which these attributes can be enhanced in order to maintain a competitive edge in the travel and tourism business and encourage a greater number of tourists to visit specific locations. This not only helps to preserve the natural world and its various types of flora and fauna, but it also provides the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) and the surrounding community with economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Protected areas (PAs) are crucial for global biodiversity conservation and human well-being fostering. The latest global biodiversity goals for the coverage of effectively conserved and managed systems of PAs and other effective area-based conservation measures worldwide is expected to increase to 30% by 2030, emphasizing that PAs should be comprehensive, ecologically representative, well-connected, and well-managed. However, early-established PAs were traditionally designed using bottom-up and opportunistic methods, rather than adopting a systematic, multi-factorial planning approach, failing to comprehensively and effectively achieve conservation goals. Objectives: This study identifies the priority conservation areas and biodiversity conservation gaps for the PA optimization. Specifically, it aims to explore a comprehensive approach for PA network re-design and optimization based on information on species, habitats, and ecosystems. Methods: In optimizing the PA network in the Qinling Mountains, we firstly employ the systematic conservation planning to identify conservation areas for key species, incorporating the species distribution modeling to identify habitat-critical regions. Then we evaluated ecosystem services utilizing the InVEST model to assess key area of ecosystem services provision. These spatial datasets were subsequently overlaid after normalization to derive priority conservation areas that balance species conservation and ecosystem services provision. And a comparative analysis of the identified priority conservation areas with existing national natural reserves was conducted to identify protection gaps. Results: We identified the priority areas for biodiversity conservation, covering 7.92% of the total study area, and each hosting at least one national natural reserve. Although the locations of the existing national nature reserves were basically consistent with the priority areas that we identified, we found three sites need to be further incorporated into the current PA network. This would almost double the size of the PA network in the study region. Conclusions: This study proposed a comprehensive approach for decision-makers to identify the priority areas of biodiversity conservation informed by species, habitat, and ecosystem data. Our study provides a direction for PA network expansion and optimization to fill the worldwide growing ambition for biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natur und Recht is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The necessity of increasing biodiversity conservation efforts has been highlighted by planetary boundary research. Through review and critical thinking, this paper aims to highlight inadequacies within historic and current environmental ideologies, many of which continue to entrench flawed conservation trajectories. The first part of this paper reviews the context in which the term conservation has been viewed within society, particularly between 1950 and the present day, revealing an early preservationist purpose that was embedded within a larger context of environmental plunder. It examines differing social, scientific and economic dimensions as well as certain approaches to environmental awareness within that period, particularly as it applies to the historic and emerging value of protected areas. It does this through the lenses of divergent thinking, including sequential iterations of colonialism, neoliberalism, "new conservation", convivial conservation and ecocentrism. By juxtaposing the gradual increase in environmental awareness with socio-political and economic milestones within the last 70 years, it illustrates why firstly, truly reformist thinking has not gained traction and secondly, why exploitative and inherently unsustainable forms of environmentalism have endured within policy. By illuminating these factors, the duplicity of certain conservation trajectories is exposed. Contrastingly, some unlikely alliances between previously antagonistic socio-environmental ideologies are introduced. The second part of the paper deals with how emerging environmental principles are being applied (or not) within South Africa's proud conservation history. It asserts that the post-Apartheid transformation within the environmental sector was incomplete, resulting in the retention of both social and environmental exploitation within policy. With the perpetuation of inadequate measures to stem global (and local) biodiversity loss, despite its now obvious need, the paper concludes with a set of actionable recommendations that have general application to conservation policy makers, researchers and practitioners including those within the South African context. The urgency of addressing the transgressed biodiversity planetary boundary, amidst inertia preventing rectification, provides the motivation underpinning this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure on ecosystems resulting from outdoor recreational activities is increasing globally. Protected areas offer to large mammals refugia free of hunting with greater access to food resources, but the presence of humans for recreation in these areas may induce changes in behaviour, activity pattern, and habitat use. We used camera traps to model the spatial distribution and temporal activity of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a nature reserve located close to Montreal, the second largest metropole in Canada. We showed that deer limit their overlap with the public both across space and over time. White-tailed deer exhibited their highest activity level early in the morning, prior to the reserve's opening hours, indicating temporal avoidance of the public. Deer were also detected at a higher rate when further away from the hiking trail, although in less suitable habitat, indicating spatial avoidance. Human recreational activities in nature reserves open to the public may thus have an indirect effect on ecosystems, by altering the habitat use and behaviour of wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative effects of land-use changes on biodiversity significantly contribute to climate change. Primates are among the animals most affected by these changes, because of their high dependence on forest cover where a lack of forest connectivity can limit their dispersal and segregate their populations. In this sense, protected areas (PAs) are crucial for conserving endangered primates, especially endemic species. Using species distribution models, we assessed the impact of climate change and deforestation on the geographic distribution of 35 endangered Brazilian primates. We also evaluated the potential of PAs to retain suitable habitats for primate species under current conditions (baseline) and four future climate scenarios (optimistic and pessimistic, both for the periods 2041–2060 and 2061–2080), as well as the capacity of PAs to preserve species' geographic representation both now and in the future. Our findings indicate that most primate taxa would experience a significant loss of suitable area (> 90%) in both pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. For future scenarios, the loss could exceed 98% for 10 taxa, particularly Amazonian species. Regarding PAs potential to retain suitable areas for maintaining the richness of threatened primates, only 8.6% harbor more species than expected by chance (1–6 taxa) in the baseline conditions, with a decrease in future scenarios. Results suggest that taxa already threatened with extinction are inadequately protected by PAs in the baseline conditions and even less so in future scenarios. Given the restricted geographic distribution and current population decline for most taxa, we emphasize the need to increase the number of PAs to ensure population viability and prevent future extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), barrier coverage is used to detect objects crossing a protected area or to monitor an area of interest. It is a critical application within WSNs. Due to cost considerations, sensor nodes are often randomly deployed along the boundary of the monitoring area, constructing multiple barriers to maximize network lifetime. These barriers operate based on a sleep-wakeup schedule. However, a new security issue, known as the barrier-breach problem, can arise during this schedule. In this paper, we propose a novel barrier coverage construction algorithm (BCC_VL) that addresses the barrier-breach problem using Virtual Lines (VLs), a concept that has not been explored before. By employing VLs, our algorithm can construct a barrier coverage without any breaches. We conducted simulations to validate the proposed method, and the results were compared and verified against the MaxFlow model. In the MaxFlow_RM method, our approach demonstrated superior performance in identifying barrier coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remotely-sensed risk assessments of emerging, invasive pathogens are key to targeted surveillance and outbreak responses. The recent emergence and spread of the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), in Europe has negatively impacted multiple salamander species. Scholars and practitioners are increasingly concerned about the potential consequences of this lethal pathogen in the Americas, where salamander biodiversity is higher than anywhere else in the world. Although Bsal has not yet been detected in the Americas, certain countries have already proactively implemented monitoring and detection plans in order to identify areas of greatest concern and enable efficient contingency planning in the event of pathogen detection. To predict areas in Costa Rica with a high Bsal transmission risk, we employed ecological niche modeling combined with biodiversity and tourist visitation data to ascertain the specific risk to a country with world renowned biodiversity. Our findings indicate that approximately 23% of Costa Rica's landmass provides suitable conditions for Bsal, posing a threat to 37 salamander species. The Central and Talamanca mountain ranges, in particular, have habitats predicted to be highly suitable for the pathogen. To facilitate monitoring and mitigation efforts, we identified eight specific protected areas that we believe are at the greatest risk due to a combination of high biodiversity, tourist visitation, and suitable habitat for Bsal. We advise regular monitoring utilizing remotely-sensed data and ecological niche modeling to effectively target in-situ surveillance and as places begin implementing educational efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock predation by wild animals poses a significant challenge to communities residing in and around protected areas. This study aimed to assess the extent and patterns of livestock predation by Asiatic Black Bears and Leopards in villages around Kazinag National Park and adjoining areas: Limber Wildlife Sanctuary, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, and Naganari Conservation Reserve, in Kashmir, India. Semi-structured questionnaire surveys and interviews conducted with residents and herders camping in the study area were used to collect data on livestock predation. A total of 72 livestock kills were documented for the years 2021 and 2022, involving Leopards and Black Bears. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in predation patterns based on age class, livestock type, time & place of events, injury pattern, and body part affected. Sheep were most frequently targeted, with total economic loss estimated at >USD 15,000. Asiatic Black Bears primarily attacked at night and preferred cattle and sheep, while Leopards targeted goats and horses, peaking in summer and late autumn. The main factors influencing predation were grazing within the park and adjacent protected areas, and poorly constructed corrals. Mitigation strategies recommended include building robust corrals and designating specific grazing zones away from core wildlife habitats. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive, context-specific approaches to ensure the long term humanwildlife coexistence in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature‐based tourism in protected areas can benefit millions of people, generating significant economic income. However, tourism can also have negative impacts on the environment and wildlife. The emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic led to the closure of cities and towns, bringing substantial disruption to various human activities and providing an opportunity to assess the impact of reduced tourism activity from the general level. In this study, we assessed the association between tourism and guanaco (Lama guanicoe) activity patterns in Ischigualasto Provincial Park across two contrasting periods: pre‐pandemic and pandemic during the COVID‐19 outbreak. The different roads in the area were used as a proxy of tourism activity, and comparisons of activity patterns of guanaco between the roads were made, taking into account both periods. Based on camera‐trapping data, we analyzed the daily activity patterns of the species, as well as whether there was a change in activity toward night hours. We found that guanacos changed their activity patterns in response to human tourism activities and increased their nocturnal activity in places with high tourist activity in pre‐pandemic periods; however, we found no such effects during the pandemic when tourist pressure was low. These results are vital for the area's management aimed at conserving the species since, currently, after the pandemic, tourism activities have been resumed, and the number of visitors to Ischigualasto Provincial Park has grown exponentially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivores such as the lion are declining across Africa, in part because their large herbivore prey is declining. There is consensus that increased protection from prey depletion will be necessary to reverse the decline of lion populations, but few studies have tested whether increased protection is sufficient to reverse the decline, particularly in the large, open ecosystems where most lions remain. Here, we used an integrated population model to test whether lion demography and population dynamics were measurably improved by increased protection. We used data from monitoring of 358 individuals from 2013 to 2021 in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where prior research showed that lions were strongly limited by prey depletion, but protection increased in several well‐defined areas beginning in 2018. In some other areas, protection decreased. In areas with high protection, lion fecundity was 29% higher, and mean annual apparent survival (φ) was 8.3% higher (with a minimum difference of 6.0% for prime‐aged adult females and a maximum difference of 11.9% for sub‐adult males). These demographic benefits combined to produce likely population growth in areas with high protection (λ̂$$ \hat{\lambda} $$ = 1.085, 90% CI = 0.97, 1.21), despite likely population decline in areas with low protection (λ̂$$ \hat{\lambda} $$ = 0.970, 90% CI = 0.88, 1.07). For the ecosystem as a whole, population size remained relatively constant at a moderate density of 3.74 (±0.49 SD) to 4.13 (±0.52 SD) lions/100 km2. With the growth observed in areas with high protection, the expected doubling time was 10 years. Despite this, recovery at the scale of the entire ecosystem is likely to be slow without increased protection; the current growth rate would require 50 years to double. Our results demonstrate that increased protection is likely to improve the reproduction and population growth rate of lions at a large scale within an unfenced ecosystem that has been greatly affected by poaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal tuberculosis (TB) has been reported in several wildlife species in the Greater Kruger Conservation Area (GKCA), South Africa. This report describes the discovery of clinical tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), in free-ranging vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus). The "One Health" concept is especially relevant to TB since this is a multi-host disease with zoonotic potential and is endemic in GKCA. Vervet monkeys have become habituated to humans in tourist areas and may be a source of infection through close contact. Indirect transmission of M. bovis through environmental sources has also been suspected to present a risk of spread between host species. Clinically diseased monkeys present in two tourist areas in the GKCA, that died (n = 1) or were euthanized (n = 5), were submitted for diagnostic necropsies. The presence of pathological lesions, Ziehl-Neelsen-stained impression smears, Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra (GXU) assay, mycobacterial culture and speciation by genomic regions of difference PCR, were used to confirm the diagnosis of M. bovis infection in these monkeys. The finding of multiple cases necessitates further investigation of TB in monkey troops living within the GKCA tourist areas to determine the source of infection and assess the risk of transmission to other animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Action‐oriented conservation sciences are crippled by 3 false assumptions. First, although it is recognized in theory that natural and anthropic components of ecosystems are tightly intertwined, in practice, many conservation policies and actions are still based on the assumption that human and nonhuman stakes should be dealt with in deeply different ways. Second, although the anchorage of environmental sciences in values is amply demonstrated, many conservation scientists still assume they will lose their scientific credentials if they actively participate in decision‐making. Finally, although there is much scientific evidence of the permeability—to both protected entities and threats—of static geographic frontiers delimiting protected areas, many conservation policies are still based on the assumption that these frontiers in themselves produce relevant protections. To overcome these false assumptions, it is useful to articulate them in terms of frontiers based on 2 ideas associated with the term. As a synonym of border, frontier materializes a limit whose crossing can have high stakes. As used in phrases such as frontiers of knowledge, the term also refers to the ever‐moving horizon of what should be overcome. These 2 ideas capture the reasons current attempts at overcoming the 3 assumptions remain unsatisfactory. They are also useful for elaborating a new vision of conservation to simultaneously break from the 3 assumptions. Instead of taking fixed geographic frontiers of protected areas for granted, conservation scientists should participate, along with stakeholders and Indigenous peoples, in the collective identification of the conservation problems that need to be addressed. For these problems, decision committees that include representatives of concerned humans and representatives of concerned nonhumans should be formed to determine the temporal and spatial scope of relevant conservation actions. The result would be multidimensional protected areas dynamically fine‐tuned to the conservation issues they address and to changing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Evaluating the effectiveness of freshwater protected areas (FPAs) is crucial for improving their performance, yet evidence remains limited. Using remote sensing and field surveys from 2001 to 2017, we examined FPA coverage, their efficacy in preventing species decline and habitat deterioration, and strategies to enhance FPA effectiveness for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). FPAs failed to cover nearly half of high‐abundance regions and two thirds of medium‐abundance areas. Despite initially better conditions, FPAs experienced similar or greater species declines and habitat deterioration. Porpoise distribution closely correlated to habitat conditions, with abundance declining most in severely degraded floodplains while remaining stable or increasing in less disturbed areas. To improve FPA performance, we recommend expanding protection to medium‐ and high‐abundance areas to better cover key porpoise habitats and enhancing existing FPAs through stricter law enforcement, proactive management, and targeted restoration. These strategies are reinforced by China's new legal and policy framework for Yangtze River protection, providing a foundation for long‐term conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tramway Ridge, a geothermal Antarctic Specially Protected Area (elevation 3340 m) located near the summit of Mount Erebus, is home to a unique community composed of cosmopolitan surface-associated micro-organisms and abundant, poorly understood subsurface-associated microorganisms. Here, we use shotgun metagenomics to compare the functional capabilities of this community to those found elsewhere on Earth and to infer in situ diversity and metabolic capabilities of abundant subsurface taxa. Results: We found that the functional potential in this community is most similar to that found in terrestrial hydrothermal environments (hot springs, sediments) and that the two dominant organisms in the subsurface carry high rates of in situ diversity which was taken as evidence of potential endemicity. They were found to be facultative anaerobic heterotrophs that likely share a pool of nitrogenous organic compounds while specializing in different carbon compounds. Conclusions: Metagenomic insights have provided a detailed understanding of the microbe-based ecosystem found in geothermally heated fumaroles at Tramway Ridge. This approach enabled us to compare Tramway Ridge with other microbial systems, identify potentially endemic taxa and elucidate the key metabolic pathways that may enable specific organisms to dominate the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of intertidal Cystoseira sensu lato (s.l.) species across different protection zones within the "Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine" Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the central Mediterranean Sea. Five Cystoseira s.l. species (Cystoseira compressa, C. foeniculacea, Ericaria amentacea, E. brachycarpa and E. crinita) were observed on the intertidal rocky shores, with varied abundances across the MPA's protection zones. Ericaria amentacea was the only species found in all zones, with a much higher cover percentage in the most protected area (zone A). However, its morpho-functional traits showed an inverse trend, with the largest thalli found in the moderately protected zone B and C. The remaining Cystoseira s.l. species were only found in zones B and C probably due to their wider area and greater habitat diversity compared to zone A. The presence of two non-indigenous species, Asparagopsis taxiformis and Caulerpa cylindracea, was observed exclusively in the less protected zones B and C. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between MPA protection levels and Cystoseira s.l. species conservation, with protection having, in some respects, a positive influence on selected Cystoseira s.l. species, indicating the importance of careful consideration in MPA design and management. Furthermore, this study provides a baseline for future monitoring of Cystoseira s.l. populations in light of ongoing environmental changes in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species distribution models (SDMs) are often generated to inform conservation plans. When developed for use in spatially-restricted areas, such as protected areas, investigators often make arbitrary decisions as to the geographic extent from which locality data to inform the model are drawn (i.e. the "study extent" of the model). However, there has been little attention to the impacts of this decision on model predictions. Here we explore the impacts of study extent on SDM predictions of (i) suitable habitat for or (ii) the actual occurrence of individual species, as well as on (iii) the identification of sites that could support multiple species (i.e. from stacked-SDMs). Focusing on six amphibian species of conservation concern at the edge of their range in western Canada, we generated SDMs using range-wide, ecoregion, and political study extents and compared the alternative predictions for each species in one of two national parks of interest. Differences in model predictions were substantial, with precent agreement among models developed with different extents as low as 10% for one of the species. Study extent also influenced the ability of models to predict independent occurrence at the edge of the range, although most models performed poorly in this regard (AUC < 0.7). Finally, study extent influenced stacked predictions, suggesting that uncertainty in individual species predictions muddies interpretation of SDMs at the community-level. Importantly, results varied across species and region, precluding simple recommendations for choosing a study extent; Instead, uncertainty arising from this decision should be quantified before using SDMs in conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomotourism has emerged as a conservation strategy that seeks to promote greater awareness and sensitivity to the importance of the invertebrates in the ecosystem. In this context, we conducted a global bibliometric analysis with the aim of identifying trends and gaps of research on entomotourism published in the last 39 years (1984–2022), as well as highlighting areas that need to be explored in the future. For this purpose, articles related to entomotourism and its variants in the literature were extracted from Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 150 entomotourism publications were identified. Biodiversitas is the journal with the most articles published on entomotourism. The countries with the highest scientific production were Mexico, Malaysia and the USA. Most of the studies were conducted in protected areas such as sanctuaries, reserves and national parks. The predominant orders and species in the studies were Lepidoptera (Butterflies: Danaus plexippus and Morpho helenor), Hymenoptera (Bees: Apis mellifera and Apis cerana) and Coleoptera (Fireflies: Pteroptyx tener and Pteroptyx malaccae). The most common entomotouristic activities include wild watching and apitourism. Research in the field focuses on identifying perceptions, inventorying invertebrates, and developing ecological studies. Although there has been a recent increase in the number of publications, general research on the subject is still very scarce. There are gaps regarding: the perception and willingness of local communities, guidelines and criteria for species selection, the impact of entomotourism on biodiversity, entomophagy as a sustainable alternative, the relationship between culture and insect-based tourism, and training on entomotourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global genepool conservation and use strategy for yam were developed in this study. Diversity analysis, and in situ and ex situ conservation gap analyses were carried out for the 27 global priority yam crop wild relatives (CWR) at taxon and ecogeographic levels to determine their representativeness in conservation actions. Hotspots were found in Nzerekore region of Guinea, Nimba and Grand Gedeh regions of Liberia, Montagnes, Sassandra- Marahouse, and Bas – Sassandra regions of Cote d'Ivoire, Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana, Centrale and Plateau regions of Togo, Donga, Oueme, Atlantique, Littoral and Plateau provinces of Benin, Southwest zone of Nigeria, Es region of Cameroon, Sangha- Mbaere region of Central Africa Republic. Likouala and Sangha regions of the Republic of the Congo, Northeast of India, Northern, Central, Western, Eastern and Northeast regions of Thailand, West of Cambodia, South Central Coast, Central Highlands, Southeast and Makong River Delta regions of Vietnam, Xaisomboun, Bolikhamxai, and Viangchan prefecture provinces of Lao People's Democratic Republic. A total of 13 potential reserve sites were identified in 13 countries, with four locations in the network of protected area (PA). 22 priority CWR (81%) were conserved ex situ, but only 15.38% of the taxa had at least 50 accessions in genebanks, and 65.38% of the priority CWR are underrepresented in genebanks, and 19.23% of the species are not represented in ex situ collections. The findings and recommendations of this study will guide the production and implementation of effective long-term conservation action and sustainable utilization of global priority yam CWR. The active conservation of the global yam priority species will underpin food security and mitigate climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) are one of the main tools used to promote species persistence and biodiversity conservation worldwide. Assessing the use and effectivity of protected areas (e.g., PAs and Nature 2000 network), by using forefront methods such as GPS technology, has grown in importance over the last decades due to the advantages these methods offer. In the case of birds, the use of these technologies provides vital information to identify key areas and habitats throughout their movement ecology and has become a particularly useful tool to identify key areas for threatened species of birds that should be declared legally protected. The Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus is an Endangered social scavenger species. Though roosts are key for the species, the protection is mainly centred on nesting places and not at roosting sites, most of which are unknown. We used year-round movement data from 11 Egyptian vultures to identify and analyse the use of their night roosts according to the frequency of use and we assessed their protection. We identified 50 'multi-use roosts', 80 'occasional roosts' and 339 'one-night roosts'. PAs cover 12.5% of the identified roosting sites, while Nature 2000 network sites give cover to only 20% of the identified night roosts under a legal protection figure. However, Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), a network without a legal figure, cover 71% of these roosts identified. We thus encourage managers and conservation practitioners to use tracking technologies to identify vital areas for threatened species and assess their protection in combination with fieldwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical Andes region harbors areas that are highly significant for biodiversity at both global and local scales. However, despite the severe conservation threats that this region has to confront, conservation initiatives are limited, by funding and because of the need for more information to decide which areas are priorities for conservation. Identifying Important Plant Areas (IPAs) offers a valuable methodology for establishing conservation priorities, a particularly complex task in a mega-biodiverse region such as the northern Andean tropics. Due to its iconic recognition and conservation value, this study focused on the Espeletiinae subtribe (Asteraceae) as a model group; hence, the distribution data for 138 species was compiled from 5560 georeferenced records. Using the IPA methodology, we divided the study area, this is, the distribution area of the subtribe in the Andean tropics, into 220 Units of Analysis (UA) represented by 10 × 10 km plots. Refined species' distribution areas, incorporating richness, threatened species, and ecosystem-based richness distributions, were analyzed using newly generated maps to evaluate the conservation value of each UA. Our analysis identified 176 UAs with some level of relevance using sub-criterion cA1 (with 59 species) and 51 UAs using sub-criterion cB (with 76 species). Integrating both criteria, we classified 11 UAs as high-priority, 62 as medium-priority, and 147 as low-priority, highlighting the IPAs that require focused conservation efforts. Two identified high-priority IPAs are located in Venezuela and nine in Colombia, predominantly associated with the Eastern Cordillera. These areas concentrate between 7 and 12 species. They are mainly linked to the páramo complexes of Colombia and the Sierra Nevada in Venezuela, primarily within Cool Temperate Moist Grassland ecosystems on mountains. Our results provide a spatial planning procedure and analytical tool for decision-makers to guide conservation management and actions across northern Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Coastal fishery resources shared by Belize and Mexico emphasize the need for bi‐national conservation and management strategies. We used the recreational flats fishery as a model to: (1) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a mixed‐methods approach for fishery conservation and management and (2) propose a general strategic plan to guide conservation and management that also benefits biodiversity of aquatic resources. The approach consisted of gathering local knowledge, observing participants, reviewing literature, and interviewing key representatives of the flats fishing community, resource managers (governmental and co‐managers), academia and non‐governmental organizations, followed by online surveys, to rank overall findings and prioritize concerns identified by a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Our findings indicated that science, education, conservation, and management were important. The strategic framework included goals, objectives, strategies, and outcomes that will depend on validation and collaboration amongst sectors to generate information and application to fisheries and protected areas (PAs) management to benefit local communities, national economies, and preservation of biodiversity. Prioritized needs included: (1) science to address habitat loss and degradation, overharvest, habitat use conflict resolution, fishing pressure, and protection of key habitats for all life cycles of target species; (2) education and awareness to increase knowledge, address fish handling practices, and guide conservation and management decision‐making; (3) inclusion of the flats fishery in conservation plans, PAs, development, and economic plans; and (4) improved enforcement of regulations to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Controlled experiments have shown that northern pike (Esox lucius) is able to develop lure avoidance, but whether such patterns exist in the wild is unknown. We assessed the impact of recreational fishing on a natural population of pike in the southern Baltic Sea, from samples of three pairs of partially protected areas (pMPA) and nearby unprotected sites. Pike were 2–4 times more abundant inside pMPAs than outside in sites open to fishing. The mean size of pike was not greater in pMPAs, but protected sites hosted more exceptionally large fish than sites open to fishing. Pike in sites with reduced recreational fishing effort were more aggressive to artificial lures. About one‐third of the catch rate differences among pMPAs and open sites could be attributed to lure shyness. Collectively, our work shows that recreational fisheries exploitation of coastal pike reduced abundance, truncated the size structure of the largest individuals, and contributed to fisheries‐induced timidity through reduced reactivity to lures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates land use and land cover changes in the Teiči Strict Nature Reserve, Latvia, from 1982 to 2023 and models potential future changes based on four legislative scenarios extending to 2064. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of existing conservation zoning in relation to historical and projected changes in land use and land cover, addressing the ongoing debate between fixed and adaptable conservation strategies. The study employs remote sensing imagery, geographical information system data, and land use and land cover modeling methods to analyze historical changes and predict future trends. The results suggest substantial land use and land cover changes over the past four decades, including intensified urbanization, agricultural expansion, and a decline in peat bogs and forested areas. Scenario projections indicate that continued land use and land cover changes could further challenge the efficiency of current conservation strategies, with varying outcomes depending on legislative measures and climate change impacts. The study concludes that adaptive management and variable conservation zoning are necessary to address these dynamic changes and preserve the reserve's ecological integrity. The results emphasize the importance of integrating predictive modeling into conservation planning to improve flexibility and sustainability in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is recognized as an emerging zoonosis. Pigs and wild boars are considered the main reservoirs of zoonotic HEV-3 and HEV-4 genotypes. In Europe, autochthonous human cases of hepatitis E, mainly associated with HEV-3 and consumption of raw or undercooked pig and wild boar liver/meat, have increased over the last decades. From 2016 to 2024, during several hunting seasons, we conducted a molecular and serological longitudinal survey on the circulation of HEV in Maremman wild boar (Italian subspecies/ecotype, Sus scrofa majori) and fallow deer (Dama dama) populations in a protected area in Central Italy. During the study period, 346 livers (256 from wild boar, 90 from fallow deer), 161 serum (127 from wild boar, 34 from fallow deer), and 23 meat juice (11 from wild boar, 12 from fallow deer) samples were collected. Serum and meat juice samples were tested using a commercial ELISA test for the detection of total anti-HEV antibodies. An estimated serological prevalence of 28.3% (39/138) in wild boar and 21.7% (10/46) in fallow deer was found. The 346 liver samples were tested using a HEV Real-Time RT-PCR for the detection of HEV-RNA. Thirty-one wild boar (12%) and four fallow deer (4.4%) livers were found positive. Phylogenetic analysis of 11 partial ORF2 sequences from wild boar confirmed the HEV3 heterogeneity in this species, revealing different strains (3f, 3c) circulating over the years. The detected subtypes are among the most commonly detected in Italy and our strains showed a high correlation with human and wild boar Italian strains. Although the studied area is a fenced natural reserve, the presence of different strains over time suggests the probable virus introduction from the external. Our results confirm fallow deer susceptibility to the infection, and that wild boar could be considered the main wild HEV reservoir. This is also the first study demonstrating the infection in the so-called Italian subspecies/ecotype Maremman wild boar. Moreover, our results corroborate that the consumption of undercooked or raw liver from both wild boar and fallow deer, or the direct contact with these animals, could represent a zoonotic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of ecological tourism on the ecological conditions and ecosystem diversity within Adjara's protected areas has been thoroughly studied. The focus of these discussions encompasses the protected areas of Kobuleti, Kintrishi, Mtirala, and Machakhela, along with their existing infrastructure and the diverse services they offer. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of plant diversity has been performed. This analysis indicates that the vegetation cover within these regions is marked by significant floristic diversity. It also highlights the presence of species with considerable conservation importance, particularly an abundance of endemic and relict species, as well as those listed on the Red List. The development of ecotourism has been observed to contribute to the preservation of natural beauty in unique areas, while simultaneously mitigating negative environmental impacts. Moreover, the threats posed by ecotourism to protected areas, including pollution, noise, fire, and the potential invasiveness of alien plant species, have been thoroughly examined. These threats significantly affect the protection and preservation of ecosystem diversity. A comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses associated with the development of ecotourism in the protected areas of Adjara, including its impact on the diversity of natural vegetation, has been provided. A statistical analysis of the visitor numbers to the protected areas of Adjara from 2018 to 2023 has been conducted. It has been observed that, despite Georgia's rich ecotourism resources, there is a current deficiency in marketable tourist products characterized by relevant properties. Moreover, it has been emphasized that ecotourism in protected areas not only cultivates new market segments and advances the tourism sector but also increases the efficiency of ecotourism and contributes to Georgia's economic development. An analysis of the development of ecological tourism in Adjara, identified as a crucial sector in the modern tourism industry, reveals that this area necessitates support at both the state and regional levels. This perspective is robustly corroborated by the 'Georgian Ecotourism Strategy 2020-2030,' collaboratively formulated by the Agency for Protected Areas of Georgia, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). Within this strategy, it is acknowledged that ecotourism in Georgia notonly provides tourists with an authentic experience but also markedly boosts the economic well-being of the country. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding natural and cultural heritage and in elevating environmental awarenessamong both tourists and local inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chechen Republic has one of the highest levels of biological diversity, due to the unique natural conditions and the presence of various high-altitude zones, ranging from semi-deserts to glaciers. This diversity includes animals from Europe, Asia, Siberia, and even Africa, making it a fascinating place to explore. However, the biological diversity in the region is still poorly understood. The vertebrate fauna in the Chechen Republic includes 44 fish species and subspecies, nine amphibian species, at least 31 reptile species, more than 320 bird species that nest, and up to 88 mammal species. Unfortunately, this rich ecosystem is threatened by the devastating effects of war, which have led to uncontrolled and intensive exploitation of natural resources. As a result, preserving the biodiversity of the area is a significant challenge. Many areas have changed, losing their original appearance. The environmental conditions for many animal species have deteriorated, leading to fewer of them. Some species, such as bison, moose, tarpans, kulans, and beavers have completely disappeared, while others, like the common grouse and geese, are becoming rare. Bezoar goats, chamois, martens, otters, minks, bustards, strepets, cranes, grey partridges and ulars have become few. Taking into account the current ecological situation in the republic and to preserve the unique fauna and flora, it is essential to take measures to conserve and increase the biodiversity of the landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosses play a key role in Antarctic ecosystems. Understanding of moss diversity and its likely drivers across Antarctica is, however, limited, as is the extent to which Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) represent this diversity. Both are important given changing climates and direct human impacts in the region. Here we investigate variation in moss diversity, the frequency distribution of their range sizes, and their continent‐wide conservation. Richness is positively related to temperature, but negatively related to latitude, distance from bird colonies and geothermal sites; terrain roughness showed weak, yet positive, effects. Beta‐diversity is similar to that found for assemblages separated by long distances, dominated by species turnover. Multi‐site turnover (zeta diversity) suggests that niche‐related mechanisms are likely more responsible for diversity patterns than neutral mechanisms, despite the significant role wind‐driven dispersal is thought to play in structuring Antarctic biodiversity patterns. The frequency distribution of range sizes of mosses was right skewed, indicating that several moss species have very small range sizes, while a few species have larger ranges. Where ASPAs include mosses, richness varies between 1 and 41 species, with 65.1% (71 species) of the 109 species known from the continent included in the ASPA network. Twenty‐four species lie within 25 km2 radius of an ASPA, and 14 species beyond this distance could be considered relatively more difficult to protect. These findings lend support to the proposal that changing temperatures and expanding ice‐free areas will substantially increase Antarctica's diversity. Nonetheless, the mosses are reasonably well represented by the ASPA network, contrasting with other Antarctic taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present information about the findings of Pleurotus abieticola on the territory of the northeast of the European part of Russia and the western macroslope of the Northern Urals within the borders of the Komi Republic (Russia). P.abieticola is a rare species found in Europe (Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, Russia), Asia (China, Eastern Siberia, Far East, Korea), and North America (Alaska). In Russia, several locations are known in Leningrad oblast and Krasnoyarsk and Primorsky krai. Comparison of the ITS nucleotide sequences of several collected specimens of P. abieticola with the data deposited in the GenBank database showed 98.2–100% similarity to P. abieticola specimens from other parts of the range (Southern Siberia, Far East, China). The article presents a description of basidiomata, gives photographs of microstructures, clarifies features of the morphology, and provides information on the distribution and ecology of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The harvesting and trade of species for use in traditional medicine, or muthi, is predominantly illegal, unregulated, and likely unsustainable, representing a major conservation challenge. In South Africa, vulture populations have declined considerably in recent decades, but evidence shows a consistent use of vultures by traditional health practitioners. However, less is understood about the key factors that underpin the hunting of these birds. We evaluated aspects of the illegal hunting and trade of vultures in northern KwaZulu-Natal Province. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with local hunters and muthi traders. A mixed-method sampling design was used, and data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. The results revealed that vultures were hunted mainly by local men aged 24–40 years. The vultures were obtained using multiple techniques, but poison (38%) and firearms (31%) were the preferred methods. Vultures were hunted upon request and traded through local networks comprising hunters, traditional health practitioners and muthi traders. Carcasses were sold directly to traditional health practitioners, but some were destined for the local market. Prices for the whole carcass ranged from ZAR500 (US$29) to ZAR2 000 (US$116). Perceptions held by respondents concerning the hunting and trade of vultures alluded to the difficulty of obtaining birds. This was attributed to vultures' conservation status and the risk of being found in the possession of a vulture or any of its by-products. Live vultures were reportedly hard to find as they mostly inhabited protected areas, and their low numbers were also highlighted as an exacerbating factor. The use of vultures in African traditional medicine is a well-established practice; however, presently, this threatens the long-term persistence of vultures in the wild. Intricate socio-economic influences are at play, and addressing these may facilitate positive conservation outcomes for vultures and other target species in northern KwaZulu-Natal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peperomia is a species-rich genus, and one of its centers of richness and endemism is in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. During field work in the Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, a protected area in Espírito Santo State in southeastern Brazil, a new species was discovered that is described here. Peperomia capixaba is a terrestrial herb with small, non-peltate leaves forming a rosette, each 5- (or obscurely 7) veined, with a concave lamina when living, having a cordate base and sinus overlapped by the lobes. This unique combination of features distinguishes it from the morphologically similar P. arifolia and related species. Peperomia capixaba is known only from the type locality, on the slopes of a mountainous region in Espírito Santo. Analyses of protologues and type images of related species resulted in novel taxonomic interpretations and nomenclatural changes in subgenus Multipalmata. Two new synonyms are proposed here: P. hydrocotyloides var. prolifera is synonymized with P. arifola, and P. rostulatiformis with P. clausenii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind-powered recreational (WPR) activities are increasingly popular and occur in many areas of high conservation value. Possible impacts are poorly understood; existing reviews do not generally include recent widespread forms of WPR or have narrow taxonomic/ecological scopes. We identify the coastal ecosystems/wildlife that may interact with WPR and potential impacts: a) noise, movement and other stimuli, b) direct contact, c) disruption of substrates, and d) transport of pests. Almost all available evidence on impacts involves coastal birdlife, specifically their escape responses. Most studies are a) non-peer reviewed, largely anecdotal or otherwise limited in scope and b) from temperate locations. Sustainable use of WPR craft is required despite the prevailing information gaps. We suggest a precautionary, proactive approach which likely requires a combination of site-based management, plus policy and education initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock grazing represents the largest land use globally and causes impacts that vary according to intensity, evolutionary history and local environmental conditions. In the Dry Chaco, many grasslands were altered, modifying the cover of the species that make up the grasslands, which was significantly reduced in recent years due to inadequate livestock management. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effect of grazing on the herbaceous plant community, for which we estimated and compared the species richness, plant cover of palatable species, species composition and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of grasslands with different intensities of livestock use in Copo National Park. We selected two natural grasslands with different grazing pressures (high and low grazing pressure) and two sites per grassland on five different dates (two dry seasons and three wet seasons). The results showed that there were no statistical differences of the grazing pressures evaluated in the richness and species composition or in the ANPP. However, there were statistically significant differences (P=0.0009) in the cover of palatable species, which was higher in low-pressure grasslands. These changes are associated with an increase in the cover of annual, woody, toxic or unpalatable species in the high-pressure grassland, altering the plant community without changing richness or species composition. On the other hand, ANPP was not significantly affected by different pressures, possibly due to the higher cover of aibe (Elionurus muticus), which is not consumed by cattle in advanced phenological stages. Therefore, the lack of changes in richness, composition and ANPP suggests compatibility between livestock grazing and conservation of the protected area, although monitoring of the cover of palatable species in grasslands under high pressure from livestock use is recommended to avoid degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contains insights into the creation of transboundary protected areas, their features, the relationship between nature protection and achieving and maintaining peace in a global and regional context. Using various cases, the goals, benefits, and advantages of transboundary cooperation are elaborated, with a particular emphasis on the areas of nature protection and peace. Regardless of the causes that lead to disputes and conflicts between states, many of them occur in transboundary areas. Conflicts over disputed border lines are becoming more frequent, and some of them pose a serious threat to important biodiversity and geodiversity sites around the world. Therefore, the concept of peace parks offers an alternative to tensions in crisis and conflict hotspots via joint management of natural heritage and the environment, involving multiple stakeholders, with local communities playing an important role as the first and immediate beneficiaries of such cooperation. Despite the numerous benefits offered by transboundary nature protection, there are only a few examples in the Balkans, mostly in the initial stages. Despite its relatively small territory, Kosovo has very heterogeneous natural conditions, with various morphological units. Some of them extend beyond its borders, thus offering numerous opportunities for transboundary cooperation for the protection of natural heritage and the environment, which would transcend its narrower goal and serve as a means of establishing and preserving peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore how relational thinking in protected area (PA) conservation both converges with and diverges from neoliberal capitalism. Deploying political ontology as a relational mode of enquiry, we identify how modern world-making continues to undermine the goals of PA conservation by constituting it as a practice for demarcating society from nature. An emerging socio-ecological paradigm has seen PA conservation shift from protecting fortresses of nature to managing PAs as sites for selective forms of human immersion in nature. No longer overtly opposing society to 'Nature', this paradigm, however, continues to mask the relations that join nature's conservation to its destruction. Arguing that embedded practices of society-nature dualism reproduce the illusion that modern worlds stand apart from the rest of reality, we explore how the protected inside of PAs is co-created with the outside that threatens them. We describe a growing reliance of PA conservation on world-making practices that create PAs as sanctuaries of scarce and spectacular 'Nature' that drives neoliberal capital accumulation. While inspired by Indigenous practices of human co-becoming in earthly webs, our aim is to identify opportunities within contradictory modern legacies for practices of PA conservation that can recuperate the more-than-human condition. The interplay of life and death in conservation offers one such opportunity for PA practices that revive multilateral relations between diverse lives, human and otherwise. Through this example, we advocate for modest world-making practices in PA conservation that renegotiate the political and economic realities that threaten the Earth. Key policy highlights: Practices of modern dualism embedded in protected area (PA) conservation continue to create the illusion of social separation from nature. Protecting nature by seeking to seclude it from modern societies has strengthened the convergence of neoliberal capitalism and PA conservation. Socio-ecological thinking is yet to significantly challenge the relations that bind PA conservation to the causes of ecological degradation in modern societies. Connecting politics and ontology, we identify opportunities for creative departures in PA conservation that expose the relations between the protected nature within PAs and the threatened nature outside of them. We advocate for relational forms of PA conservation that contribute to political, economic and cultural transformations in modern societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban expansion is a key driver of change that has been affecting nature's contributions to people (NCP) in peri-urban regions near metropolitan areas. In southeast Brazil, Campinas Environmental Protected Area (EPA) is a peri-urban, sustainable-use protected area located within the metropolis of Campinas. Campinas EPA provides relevant NCP at the local and regional level, including water provision for 1.2 million people, nature-based tourism and food production. We conducted a participatory, qualitative assessment of past and future trends of NCP at Campinas EPA, in collaboration with the management council of the protected area. We collected data through direct observation, semi-structured interviews and scenario workshops. In our research process, we innovate using the NCP framework, a concept acknowledging multiple values and knowledge systems, coupled with ecosystem services, a concept already understood by management councilors. To assess past trends (2000–2020), we built a causal-loop diagram which depicts an amplifying feedback loop that fosters change towards an urban-dominated state. To assess future trends (2020–2040), we facilitated scenario planning workshops to create and contrast a business-as-usual and a desirable future for NCP, illustrated in the form of artistic panels. We identified a local agroecological farm that represents a seed of good anthropocenes – i.e. the farm is an innovative example of what a positive future could look like, thus providing relevant evidence on how to achieve a desirable scenario. Our findings shed light on how urban expansion within peri-urban areas impacts NCP and suggest strategies for positive transformations. Key policy highlights: Urban expansion is a driver of change affecting nature's contributions to people in peri-urban social-ecological systems, including Campinas EPA. Key NCP at Campinas EPA include water, nature-based tourism, and food production. Participatory scenario planning can illustrate pathways towards desirable futures for people and nature. When depicted as graphical panels, scenarios can foster engagement and provide visualizations of the future. Collaborative research projects in partnership with management councils of protected areas can increase the relevance of results in informing decision-making processes, management, and planning. Using ecosystem services (a concept already understood by policymakers) and nature's contributions to people (a concept acknowledging multiple values and knowledge systems) as complementary conceptual frameworks has proved effective in this place-based research. Organizations, initiatives and projects that enact justice and sustainability in practical ways in the present – i.e. seeds of good anthropocenes – can provide relevant evidence on how to achieve a positive future scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parks and protected areas (PPAs) are crucial for providing society with essential ecosystem services, encompassing both tangible and intangible benefits derived from healthy ecosystems. While previous research has predominantly focused on material-based ecosystem services, limited attention has been devoted to the impact of non-material cultural ecosystem services (CES), such as recreation and cultural-historic aspects, on visitor loyalty. Visitor loyalty refers to an individual's commitment and willingness to repeatedly visit a PPA. CES can significantly shape these attitudes, as many visitors are drawn to specific PPAs due to their cultural significance or scenic beauty. This study investigated how CES influences visitor loyalty attitudes and intention-to-return at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBE). In the summer of 2022, data were collected from 645 GBE visitors using a population sampling approach. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed a robust link between various CES factors, visitor loyalty attitudes, and intention-to-return. For instance, findings suggest that education and the sense of place exert a strong and consistent influence on visitor attitudes regarding referrals, financial support, volunteerism, and advocacy. Additionally, positive visitor attitudes toward referrals strongly and independently predicted their overall intent to revisit the GBE. This research contributes to the advancement of both CES and visitor loyalty frameworks, offering empirical insights for natural resource managers. By acknowledging the significance and trade-offs associated with CES elements, like education and the sense of place, resource managers can enhance visitor loyalty and secure the long-term sustainability of natural resources worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to simultaneously study vertebrate diversity holds promise to accelerate conservation efforts, especially in freshwater systems which are among the most imperiled in the world. Here, using eDNA sampling, we identify patterns of vertebrate biodiversity across different habitats of the Kankakee River watershed, one of the most diverse lotic systems in Illinois, USA. Our eDNA metabarcoding analyses identified 147 different taxa, including 77 fishes, 38 birds, 24 mammals, five amphibians and three reptiles at 11 locations in the watershed, including tributaries and mainstem stretches upstream and within the Kankakee River State Park protected area. When compared to seining, eDNA sampling consistently detected more fish species, including non-native and imperiled species. We also found that vertebrate communities among the different habitats significantly varied in taxonomic composition, showing an upstream-downstream shift along the mainstem river as well as tributary-specific assemblages. Our study demonstrates the ability of single-marker eDNA metabarcoding to simultaneously document aquatic and terrestrial communities across large temperate lotic ecosystems and to monitor diversity patterns across protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While wildlife management efforts have primarily focused on protected areas, unprotected areas – including community‐owned lands – are becoming increasingly important as habitat linkages and dispersal areas between multiple protected areas for species and processes that sustain them. However, these unprotected areas and community lands often lack structured protection measures and face numerous threats to both species and habitats. Involvement of local communities in the management of these areas through community‐led strategies can enhance safety for both people and wildlife, thereby promoting coexistence. To examine the effectiveness of community‐led strategies for managing wildlife outside protected areas, we fit multi‐season occupancy models on African elephant (Loxodonta africana) sightings data collected by volunteer Village Game Scouts (VGS) while on irregular and demand‐driven patrols within Mwanga district in Northern Tanzania. Patrol data were processed using the Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool (SMART). We estimated elephant probability of occupancy, detection, colonization and extinction, identifying key elephant dispersal areas in the community‐modified areas within the district. Our results indicate that proximity to Tsavo West National Park and the availability of seasonal water sources positively influenced the probability of elephant colonization. In contrast, the proportion of built‐up and farmed areas, and distance to permanent water sources, negatively influenced the probability of colonization. The number of scout patrols did not significantly influence the probability of elephant colonization or extinction, and elephant occupancy remained relatively stable during the study period. Our study highlights the complementary role of non‐protected areas in maintaining populations of endangered species such as elephants. We demonstrate that structured, volunteer community‐led strategies coupled with effective communication with authorities, can be used to monitor wildlife spatial distribution and identify factors influencing their distribution in non‐protected areas. We recommend community‐led protection measures for corridors and dispersal areas, as well as transboundary collaboration to maintain landscape connectivity for endangered species such as elephants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed long-term camera-trap data from Protected Areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to study activity patterns of coexisting peccary species (Tayassu pecari and Dicotyles tajacu) and the exotic wild boar (Sus scrofa). The highest pattern overlap was between D. tajacu and S. scrofa (Δ1 = 0.78), followed by T. pecari and S. scrofa (Δ1 = 0.64), and the lowest between D. tajacu and T. pecari (Δ1 = 0.61). In the presence of feral pigs, collared peccary activity exhibited two distinct peaks, occurring in the late evening and early morning. When coexisting with white-lipped peccaries, their activity peaks early in the evening and again in the mid-morning, potentially enabling them to avoid overlapping with the activity peaks of white-lipped peccaries, which are distributed throughout the day. Our findings suggest a potential interference of wild boars in the temporal niche dynamics of native peccaries across various areas within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. Nonetheless, we emphasize the imperative for more focused investigations at both regional micro and macro scales throughout the Atlantic Forest, specifically delving into other dimensions of the niche, such as food and habitat utilization among the three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]