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The wild large herbivores inhabiting the Yellow-River-Source National Park (YRSNP) are confronted with a significant threat from climate change and human activities. In response to these detrimental influences, measures have been proposed by the government, such as the Ecological Conservation and Restoration Project in the Sanjiangyuan Region (ECRPSR) and the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP). To advance species diversity, it is crucial to investigate the spatial distribution of large herbivores, identify factors influencing their distribution, and address conflicts arising from divergent plans within the YRSNP. In this study, unmanned aerial vehicles were employed for surveying the distribution of the Tibetan wild ass (Equus kiang) and Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). The findings indicate that the optimal habitat area for Tibetan wild ass is 437.16 km2, while for Tibetan gazelle, it is 776.46 km2. Precipitation and the human footprint index emerge as the primary factors influencing the habitat distribution of large herbivores within the YRSNP. Under the influence of the ECRPSR, there was a noteworthy expansion of the habitat area for Tibetan wild ass by 791.25 km2, and for Tibetan gazelle, it expanded by 1612.94 km2. From a wildlife conservation standpoint, this study proposes the establishment of a wildlife refuge in the YRSNP, effective coordination of conflicts between various functional zones and plans, preservation of suitable habitats for large herbivores, and the provision of a scientific foundation to reconcile development and conservation conflicts in the region, while concurrently fostering biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) involves any interaction between human and wildlife that result in negative impacts on human social, economic, or cultural life, on the habitat and conservation of wildlife populations, or on the environment. HWC is frequent in the Junnar forest division (JFD) in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India, where Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) attacks on humans and livestock have a long history and increasing in severity due to changes in land use land cover and infrastructure. Domestic animals are the preferred prey of leopards in the study area, and people compete with wildlife for food and resources. Thus, managing adverse interactions is essential for conserving the lives and livelihoods of large carnivores, domestic animals, and people. The purpose of this study is to examine the spatial–temporal patterns of human–leopard conflict in the JFD. The study is based on leopard attack records on humans and livestock for the years 2001 to 2019 and livestock compensation and incidents data for the years 2017–2019 compiled from the JFD. The data has been analyzed using interpolation techniques on geospatial platform to identify leopard movement areas and significant spatial clustering of actual conflict locations. The analysis revealed that spatial predation threats for cattle have high-risk hotspots predominantly around sugarcane fields, waterbodies, and fallow land for grazing. The temporal analysis based on daytime duration revealed that livestock is mostly killed in mid- and early evening and during August, September, and October. The spatial–temporal studies on human–wildlife interactions would strengthen the effectiveness of conflict mitigation strategies and enable coexistence between people and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zagros forests in Iran are currently experiencing an exacerbation of climate-induced mortality, placing the Persian squirrel, a keystone species reliant on these ecosystems, in jeopardy. Addressing this imminent threat, our research employed a spatial prioritization methodology, integrating assessments of habitat suitability and mortality risk. Utilizing a weighted ensemble approach, incorporating the strengths of diverse models and expert rules, we discerned that approximately 62% of surveyed forests are at risk, with 7% classified as high risk and 17% as very high risk. Notably, 83% of the forests exhibited varying degrees of habitat suitability, with 11% and 12% demonstrating high and very high suitability, respectively. Employing a conservation prioritization framework, we systematically categorized habitats into priority classes, with 8%, 17%, 29%, and 46% assigned to very high, high, moderate, and low conservation priority classes, respectively. Significantly, areas classified as very high priority demand immediate restoration efforts due to ongoing mortality, while other priority classes underscore the importance of protection and prevention in unaffected habitats. Acknowledging the irreversible nature of current climatic conditions in the Zagros forests, our strategic emphasis aligns with conservation triage principles, prioritizing the preservation of intact habitats yet to succumb to irreversible mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence of threatened wildlife species depends on successful conservation and restoration of habitats, but climate change and other stressors make these tasks increasingly challenging. Applying climate change vulnerability analyses to contemporary wildlife management can be difficult because most analyses predict direct effects of future climate on wildlife species at broad geographic scales, rather than assessing their habitats at local scales (<1 km) that correspond to site‐specific habitat management actions. We present a framework that synthesizes vegetation‐focused vulnerability assessments to assess multiple effects on wildlife species' diverse habitat needs, providing a scenario‐driven climate vulnerability assessment that maps differences in vulnerability of populations within a species' range. Our flexible habitat‐centered synthesis approach leverages available spatial datasets describing projected exposure to vegetation changes due to climate change and other potentially synergistic stressors, reclassifies and weights them based on available estimates of species' sensitivity to these changes, and recombines them to create <1‐km resolution maps of overall species vulnerability and threat‐specific habitat vulnerability. To demonstrate its potential to guide decision‐making, we applied this approach to the Gunnison sage‐grouse (Centrocercus minimus), a federally threatened habitat specialist that depends on sagebrush and mesic habitats that are imperiled by climate change. We mapped six threats forecasted out to the year 2070: direct effects of climate on (1) sagebrush cover loss and (2) mesic habitat drying, indirect changes in invasion risk from (3) pinyon–juniper conifers and (4) annual grasses, and potentially synergistic risk of (5) development and (6) wildfire. We then assessed species vulnerability for each of the eight extant populations under three climate scenarios: Optimistic, Continuation, and Pessimistic. We found that the extent of cumulative species vulnerability due to multiple habitat changes was far greater than the extent of any single habitat vulnerability. Over 75% of critical habitats were at risk under the Pessimistic scenario, and nearly two thirds of habitats were at high risk for three or more threats. Invasive species were the most widespread threat, highlighting the importance of indirect effects of climate change. We illustrate how our approach can be applied to the existing management planning strategies to better prioritize conservation of habitats for the persistence of threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization dramatically alters the ecological landscape, posing strong and novel challenge to wild animals. Although the behavioural adaptations of wildlife to urbanization have been well documented, the activity time budget and feeding habits of tree squirrels in Afro-tropical cities have received considerably limited investigations. Here, we studied the activity budget, feeding habits and habitat use by the Gambian sun squirrel (Heliosciurus gambianus) on the University of Ghana, Legon main campus in Accra, Ghana. Data was collected from December 2021 to July 2022 using focal sampling. We found that the activity pattern of H. gambianus was bimodal, with peaks in the mornings and evenings. Their activity budget composed largely of feeding (43.8%), foraging (23.1%) and observing (12.5%). Although the squirrels' activities were higher in the dry season, there was no significant difference between their activity budget in the dry and wet seasons. The Gambian sun squirrels consumed flowers, fruits/seeds and young leaves from 11 (six local and five exotic) tree species, but their diet composition varied seasonally. The squirrels used areas with high density or linear strip of tall trees (≥ 3.5 m) with overlapping canopies that enabled arboreal movement as they rarely used the ground. They nested in tree hollows and attic of buildings. Our study provides the first systematic data on the activity budget, feeding habits and habitat use of H. gambianus in a West African city and University campus. Our data can inform urban land-use planning and effective conservation of urban habitats and tree squirrels in Afro-tropical cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine plastic pollution is a well-recognised and debated issue affecting most marine ecosystems. Despite this, the threat of plastic pollution on seagrasses has not received significant scientific attention compared to other marine species and habitats. The present review aims to summarise the scientific data published in the last decade (January 2012–2023), concerning the evaluation of plastic pollution, of all sizes and types, including bio-based polymers, on several seagrass species worldwide. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive and critical review of 26 scientific papers has been carried out, taking into consideration the investigated areas, the seagrass species and the plant parts considered, the experimental design and the type of polymers analysed, both in field monitoring and in laboratory-controlled experiments. The outcomes of the present review clearly showed that the dynamics and effects of plastic pollution in seagrass are still under-explored. Most data emerged from Europe, with little or no data on plastic pollution in North and South America, Australia, Africa and Antarctica. Most of the studies were devoted to microplastics, with limited studies dedicated to macroplastics and only one to nanoplastics. The methodological approach (in terms of experimental design and polymer physico-chemical characterisation) should be carefully standardised, beside the use of a model species, such as Zostera marina, and further laboratory experiments. All these knowledge gaps must be urgently fulfilled, since valuable and reliable scientific knowledge is necessary to improve seagrass habitat protection measures against the current plastic pollution crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Most countries have declared one or more animal or plant species to be among their national symbols, termed here national biodiversity symbols. National biodiversity symbols are the species formally or informally recognised by societies and countries as having meaning to one or more of national identity, values and unity.It has been proposed previously that national biodiversity symbols can be used as flagship species to advance habitat conservation in their respective countries. However, this assumes that the symbols are well‐known and revered by the citizens of the country concerned. We examined this assumption via direct interviews with 382 urban residents in four towns in South Africa, which is a mega‐biodiversity country with five national biodiversity symbols (a national tree, flower, animal, bird and fish).We found that less than 3% of the urban respondents could name all five species, ranging from 6% for the national tree to 40% for both the national flower and national animal. Knowledge of other national symbols (flag and anthem) were equally low. The number of national biodiversity symbols known increased with income and education level of respondents. Despite limited knowledge of which species were the national biodiversity symbols, almost two‐thirds of respondents felt that having national biodiversity symbols was important for promoting national identity.These findings show that from a heritage perspective a great deal more awareness needs to be developed in South Africa around the national biodiversity symbols. From a conservation perspective, it indicates that the national biodiversity symbols are unlikely, at this stage at least, to be useful as flagship species for habitat conservation programmes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetle species living in high-latitude forests may be sensitive to variations in habitat conditions and microclimate. We tested that the functional traits and guild structure of canopy-dwelling beetle species of the southernmost subantarctic forests respond to habitat and microclimate. Beetles were collected in 50,400 m radius circular landscapes regularly distributed over the study area, where habitat and microclimate variables were quantified. We assigned species to representative ecological guilds and estimated four components of functional diversity using traits related to feeding ecology, dispersion, size and color patterns. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the additive and interactive effects of habitat and microclimate. The cover of open habitats (peatbogs and meadow) and landscape diversity had a negative effect on functional dispersion and richness, as well as on the abundance of large-sized, small-sized and saproxylic species. The moisture stress index (MSI) negatively affected the abundance of all species, large-sized species and saproxylic species. Winter temperature positively affected predators and interacted with woodpecker's foraging holes to positively affect small-sized species. A larger density of dead trees positively influenced large-sized species and reduced the negative effect of elevation and MSI on saproxylic species. These findings suggest that human-created habitat heterogeneity engages in negative effects on different guilds of beetles whereas climate conditions are limiting factors. However, unfavorable microclimate conditions are buffered by habitat and microhabitat features. Therefore, the conservation of beetle assemblages in high-latitude forests requires the preservation of habitats and microhabitats providing less stressful climate conditions to beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoos and aquaria in the European Union (EU) can play a crucial role in the conservation of EU species, as they currently hold nearly half (49%) of EU terrestrial vertebrates. In this study, we analyzed the species composition and population sizes of EU zoos and developed a framework to prioritize recommendations for additional ex-situ and in-situ interventions for 277 at-risk EU species. Our results showed that EU zoos currently hold 39% of threatened EU species, 27% of EU endemic species, 62% of EU species vulnerable to climate change, 20% of EU species listed by the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), 25% of Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) EU species, while only 5% are subject to ex-situ conservation. Using our framework, we found that additional captive breeding was recommended for 60-61%% of species while expanding protected areas was recommended for only 2-22%, as 217 out of 277 species already met habitat protection targets. Both interventions were recommended for up to 20% of species, while the remaining 18% required no interventions because captive populations and habitat protection fully met targets. Our flexible framework can support more effective integrated conservation planning decisions for EU species and help identify target species for further in-depth assessment by the IUCN Ex-situ guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With the remarkable progress in wildlife conservation in China in recent years, the problem of human–wildlife conflict has notably increased. To appropriately resolve human–wildlife conflict and safeguard environmental justice, efficient wildlife damage compensation is crucial. This review attempts to compile information on the current state of wildlife damage compensation in China, describing the characteristics of wildlife damage and highlighting the necessity for compensation, regulation, and the management of wildlife damage compensation. We further compiled a list of nuisance species, and we exemplify detailed management practices in four case studies. Finally, we carefully evaluated the difficulties and challenges faced by China's wildlife damage compensation schemes and provided recommendations for the future. The conservation management of natural ecosystems in China has significantly improved in recent decades, resulting in the effective protection of wildlife and the restoration of habitats. With the rapid growth in wildlife populations and corresponding range expansions, incidents of human–wildlife conflict have notably increased across China. However, only a few studies have paid adequate attention to wildlife damage management and compensation. In our review, we focus on the foremost mitigation measure to combat human–wildlife conflict, i.e., compensation for damage caused by wildlife. We conducted a questionnaire survey and an in-depth review of the literature across 19 Chinese provinces and autonomous regions, resulting in a total of 78 relevant sources. We first introduce the concept of wildlife damage compensation in China, followed by a review of Chinese legislation and policies regarding wildlife damage compensation. We compiled a comprehensive list of nuisance species, and we showcase four case studies in which we exemplarily describe the current situation of wildlife damage compensation. We reflect on difficulties and challenges such as delayed damage assessments or compensation quotas that do not correspond to current market prices. Since local legislation is often insufficient or completely absent, we make suggestions on how to improve existing policies and compensation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use the InVEST model and five periods of land use data from 1980 to 2020 to assess the habitat quality of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Western China, which has characteristics of a typical fragile ecosystem. We further analyse the spatial and temporal characteristics of habitat quality evolution and its relationship with land use and landscape pattern indices to explore the close relationship between regional habitat quality changes and human natural resource conservation and utilization. The research results show that the overall habitat quality of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was stable and at a moderate level (0.57–0.60) during the 40 years from 1980 to 2020; Habitat patches (2020) with low (24.89%), high (22.45%) and very high (29.81%) quality occupy a larger proportion of the area, followed by very low (13.31%) and moderate levels (9.54%). Over the past 40 years, there have been 275 sample sites in Ningxia where habitat quality has deteriorated, 1593 sample sites where the habitat quality has remained stable, and 184 sample sites where the habitat quality has increased. From 1980 to 2020, the Mean Patch Area of landscape types in Ningxia decreased by 25.9 hm2. The Patch Density increased by 0.06 /hm2. The Largest Patch Index decreased by 15.69%. The Edge Density increased by 2.5 m/hm2. The Contagion Index decreased by 2.99%. The Area‐Weighted Mean Patch Fractal Dimension remained basically unchanged (0.01). The Landscape Shape Index showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, increasing by 13.94. The Area‐Weighted Mean Shape Index has been reduced by 9.45. The Shannon Diversity Index and Shannon Evenness Index both show an increasing trend, but the amplitude is relatively small, with 0.09 and 0.04, respectively. There was a significant spatial aggregation of high and low habitat quality in Ningxia, with high values usually distributed in the northern and southern areas with good natural conditions and low values distributed in areas with frequent human activities and poor natural conditions. The decrease in habitat quality in Ningxia was mainly due to the expansion of cultivated land and construction land, the increase in landscape fragmentation and the resulting decrease in connectivity. On the other hand, due to the implementation of ecological protection measures, such as the project of returning farmland to pasture and grass to forest, the quality of habitats in Ningxia increased. The conclusions of this study support the idea that the conservation of habitat quality in ecologically fragile areas should fully preserve the original natural habitats and reduce the interference of human activities to increase the habitat suitability of the landscape and the habitat connectivity between patches. At the same time, targeted ecological protection policies should be developed to restore the areas where the habitat quality has been damaged and ultimately maintain the stability of biodiversity and ecosystems in ecologically fragile areas. Meanwhile, for ecologically fragile areas with similar ecological characteristics to those of Ningxia, our research supports the idea of increasing the protection of the stability of the original habitats, increasing the proportion of ecological restoration projects, financial investment and seeking cooperation with local community managers and residents will help to improve the quality of the regional habitats and the enrichment of the biodiversity, and ultimately promote the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature in the modernized sense of the word. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscus is marsgupials endemic to the eastern part of Indonesia. Populations and their habitats are under pressure due to deforestation, land clearing and massive utilization of forest resources. Studies on cuscus ecology have mainly focused on protected habitats or conservation areas. This study aims to identify and analyse populations and predict the distribution of cuscus in production forest area, which is PT Wijaya Sentosa. This study was conducted in November 2020 until January 2021 in several land cover categories. The methods used in this study were literature and secondary data studies, field observations using striptransect and camera trap techniques, interviews using purposive sampling techniques. This study found nine individual cuscuses from two families, namely Phalanger and Spilocuscus, as well as four species, namely ground cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis), spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus), Bohai cuscus (Spilocuscus rufoniger) and gray cuscus (Phalanger orientalis). Individual encounters were obtained from direct observation with transect lines and two cuscus individuals from camera traps. Ground cuscus (P. gymnotis) populations had the highest abundance and density, while spotted cuscus (S. maculatus) populations had the lowest values. The population structure was dominated by males and adult age classes, but no females and young age classes were found. Most cuscus was found alone on the observation path and was not found on every path. The distribution pattern of the cuscus population in the production forest of PT Wijaya Sentosa's concession is grouped/aggregated, based on the dispersion index value and the ratio of the value of variance to the mean value. The most common ground cuscus was found in the 2018 and around the 2013 logged-over areas (LOA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human activities have disrupted historical fire regimes, leading to complex and far‐reaching impacts on global ecosystems. Despite extensive research in fire ecology, studies exploring vertebrate responses to megafires, and to nuanced fire characteristics, remain limited.We collected camera trap data 3–27 months following Australia's 2019–20 'Black Summer' megafires from 30 burnt sites and 10 unburnt sites. Our data included 14 animal species/groups, encompassing mammalian predators, small and medium‐sized mammals, large herbivores, and birds. We used generalised additive mixed models to assess the influence of time‐since‐the‐fires, burn status, fire severity, proportional area burnt, and vegetation type on species' activity.Models that included fire variables were well‐supported for all species. The proportional cover of low‐moderate or high‐extreme severity fire had substantial support for five species, particularly herbivores, which generally showed a preference for burnt sites but at differing fire severities. The proportional area burnt, disregarding severity, was well supported for four species. At highly burned sites fox activity peaked shortly after the fires while small to medium‐sized mammal activity increased more gradually. Vegetation type strongly influenced the response of four species to fire; in particular, wet forest birds preferred unburnt areas.Policy implications. We document variable short‐ to medium‐term responses of a range of species to fire which could help guide management interventions. We demonstrate that animal species' responses to fire are diverse and better captured using broader landscape scale fire variables. We found that species were strongly influenced by proportional area burnt, fire severity and vegetation type. Introduced foxes were attracted to recently burnt areas, so timely predator control may benefit vulnerable prey species. Wet forest species were sensitive to fires and could benefit from preservation and restoration of these habitats. Some species exploited low‐moderate severity burnt areas, while others preferred high‐severity burns. This suggests that species will face diverse challenges and opportunities in future extreme fire events. We emphasise the importance of using multi‐faceted approaches to account for the complex responses of co‐occurring species to fire events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species within the same ecological guild exhibit niche attributes that vary in association with their diet, spatial occupancy, and temporal activity to reduce competition. In the case of the tropical felid community, many species exhibit substantial overlap in these niche dimensions. Consequently, jaguars (Panthera onca) will sometimes kill the smaller ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) competitor in a phenomenon called intraguild predation (IGP), which is a major structuring force in tropical forests. We developed a spatially explicit agent-based model to understand IGP with the expectation that ocelots employ spatial avoidance strategies using available forest canopy as the more arboreal species. We parameterized model agents with realistic behaviors to replicate the real-world environment. Jaguar and ocelot agents were allowed to move, hunt, and reproduce with varying numbers, heights, and canopy thickness of trees as we recorded IGP events and ocelot canopy occupancy. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to demonstrate how the number and height of trees significantly affected IGP occurrence. In accordance with our hypothesis, we found that the main contributor mediating coexistence between the two species was spatial avoidance of jaguars by ocelots by using available canopy refuges. Our modeling approach has broad application to different environments with similar intraguild interactions to predict the importance of forest structure and can inform policy directed toward forest management and habitat conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat fragmentation and degradation in natural wetlands has resulted in declines in the populations of shorebirds in the Indian subcontinent. Shorebirds rely on these wetlands as wintering or stop-over sites along the southern extent of the Central Asian Flyway. Shorebirds are known to utilize agroecosystems as alternate foraging habitats. The suitability of agroecosystems as foraging areas for overwintering migratory shorebirds has not been well studied in the Indian subcontinent. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of published literature and compiled field observations to investigate the importance of inland and coastal agroecosystems for shorebirds in India. We assessed the shorebird populations at natural wetlands: mudflats and mangroves of Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) and Puthuvypu sand beach, as well as adjacent agroecosystems on the west coast of India, including Sanketham Wetlands, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Elamaram, Kodinhi, and Kooriyad. On the east coast, we assessed the natural wetland habitats of Valinokkam, Point Calimere, and Pichavaram and evaluated inland agroecosystems in regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Fifty-three shorebird species utilize diverse agroecosystems from various parts of India. While studies on the use of agroecosystems by shorebirds are limited on the east coast, evidence suggests that major wintering sites are adjacent to paddy fields, fostering substantial shorebird diversity. In Pichavaram, Point Calimere, and Gulf of Mannar regions, 22 shorebird species utilize agroecosystems, including the notable near-threatened Eurasian Curlew. Seventeen of these species are winter arrivals, highlighting the crucial role agroecosystems play as stopover areas. On the west coast, 19 shorebird species appear to utilize agroecosystems in Kooriyad, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Sanketham Wetlands, Elamaram, and Kodinhi. Few species use agricultural fields in the north (Jammu and Kashmir). Paddy fields, that are flooded as part of the cropping cycle, support diverse prey species, such as macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and small fish, that could attract and support migratory shorebirds. Agricultural practices like fallowing, flooding, and ploughing could further increase the abundance and accessibility of prey for shorebirds, drawing them in greater numbers. It is crucial to recognize that unsustainable and unethical agricultural methods could detrimentally affect shorebird numbers. The accumulation of pesticide residues and the contamination from heavy metals could also threaten shorebirds. As a result, there is an urgent need for detailed research to better evaluate the importance of agroecosystems in supporting resident or migratory shorebirds. Systematic studies that explain the population dynamics, habitat selection trends, habitat utilization, and the over-summering behavior of the migratory birds at agroecosystems are needed. Implementing sustainable conservation strategies and adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices are essential to support the rich biodiversity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endangered Zambezi flapshell turtle, Cycloderma frenatum Peters, 1854, is endemic to southern and eastern Africa. Habitat ecology and usage are not well known for the Zambezi flapshell turtle, although its population has been reported to have undergone massive declines in recent years. This review examined the i) population trends, ii) habitat range shifts, and iii) threats and conservation options for the Zambezi flapshell turtle in its range states. The species is data deficient because of a lack of assessments of trends in population size and distribution. Trafficking, overfishing, poaching, habitat degradation, and infrastructural developments in riparian zones affect the distribution of the Zambezi flapshell turtle. Conservation options such as deterrent punishments and protection of aquatic habitats are important, although they need to be consistently implemented. Carefully managed harvest plans supported by captive breeding, highly controlled incubation of eggs, hatching of larvae, and remotely sensed tracing of specimens to curb trafficking are potentially effective conservation options for the Zambezi flapshell turtle. Inclusion in international wildlife trade regulations, integration of local ecological knowledge into management, and development of connectivity conservation strategies are priority actions for sustaining the Zambezi flapshell turtle populations across the shared basins where it is endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial forestry activities can increase landscape fragmentation, impacting wildlife populations, particularly Canada's woodland caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou. To protect caribou in areas with forestry activities, the province of Ontario, Canada, implemented a Dynamic Caribou Harvest Schedule (DCHS). The DCHS spatially aggregates harvest disturbance into regions and distributes them across the landscape to maintain forest patch size–age distributions consistent with a natural variation range. However, the DCHS may negatively impact the cost of timber supply. We compared the DCHS with an alternative zoning approach that assigned the harvest deferral and operational management zones within a large forest area. We compared these approaches using an optimization model that combined harvest scheduling, access road construction, and caribou protection sub-problems. We formulated the protection of caribou habitat and road construction as network flow problems, while the harvesting problem incorporated the ecological constraints prescribed by the forest management plan. We compared the DCHS and zoning approaches in the Wabadowgang Noopming Forest of Ontario, a boreal area within the caribou distribution zone. For the same volume of sustainable harvest, the zoning approach protected less total area but more habitat and old-growth stands over the long term, and yielded lower timber costs by 1.2–2.2 $·m−3 than the DCHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and fragmentation can negatively affect habitat quality within remnant habitat fragments, in terms of resource quality, abundance and spatiotemporal distribution. Variation in habitat quality across fragments may have subsequent differential effects on the behavioural ecology of animals in different locations in the landscape. However, the collection of long-term behavioural data across multiple locations is challenging. Here, I applied a broad, novel approach, using redundancy analyses to capture populationwide variation in behavioural responses to varying fragment habitat quality in the endangered black howler monkey, Alouatta pigra. I examined time budgets and group movements of 55 groups occupying 28 forest fragments around Palenque National Park, Mexico, in response to variation in fragment size, forest composition and isolation, and tested the alternative hypotheses that, in lower-quality habitats, black howlers adopt either (1) an energy-minimizing strategy, whereby they spend less time feeding and/or travelling and more time resting, or (2) an energy-maximizing strategy, whereby they spend more time feeding and/or travelling and less time resting. My results show that fragment habitat variables explained at least a third of the variation in time budgets and group movements and supported both alternative hypotheses: in lower-quality habitat in terms of fragment shape, tree size and forest composition, they rested more and fed less; in fragments with a lower Simpson's evenness index and less forest cover around the fragment, they moved more. As time budgets and group movements affect individual fitness by shaping energy intake and nutrition, my results are informative regarding potentially variable black howler population persistence in fragments of differing quality, which can be useful for conservation planning. Redundancy analyses may be useful in additional contexts where responses to habitat alteration across fragmented populations and landscapes are of interest, but long-term data collection presents logistical and scientific challenges. • Novel application of redundancy analyses to animal behaviour in habitat fragments. • Analysed black howler monkey behavioural data from 55 groups in 28 fragments. • Black howlers responded to varying habitat quality with different strategies. • Habitat variation explained >0.3 of variation in time budgets, group movements. • Results informative to assess fragment habitat suitability in conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Río San Pedro and Río La Pasión lie within the Usumacinta River Basin, a globally significant center of freshwater fish diversity. Both rivers are listed among Central America's top 50 regions for conserving freshwater biodiversity. This study presents an updated checklist of 70 fish species, of which six are non-native to the Usumacinta River Basin. From these species, 69 are reported from the Río La Pasión and 56 reported from the Río San Pedro, representing higher species richness than previously reported. The checklist derives from a systematic survey of fishes conducted in 2019 and records available in public databases and published literature. Seventy-eight percent of the species were reported in both rivers, and Cichlidae and Poeciliidae had the most species. Secondary species represent 59% of the species reported, followed by peripheral species with 22% of the species. The species with highest fidelity in Río La Pasión were the armored catfish Pterygopichthys spp. and the livebearer Gambusia sexradiata; and the cichlids Thorichthys meeki and Oscura heterospila had highest fidelity in the Río San Pedro. Thorichthys helleri was widely distributed in both rivers. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there are four species classified as Vulnerable in Río La Pasión. However, 62% of the species are of Least Concern, 25% of the species are Data Deficient, and 6% are listed as Not Evaluated. More research is needed to document the status of the fish fauna, and improved habitat protection is required to conserve stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As charismatic and iconic species, penguins can act as "ambassadors" or flagship species to promote the conservation of marine habitats in the Southern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, there is a lack of reliable, comprehensive, and systematic analysis aimed at compiling spatially explicit assessments of the multiple impacts that the world's 18 species of penguin are facing. We provide such an assessment by combining the available penguin occurrence information from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (>800,000 occurrences) with three main stressors: climate‐driven environmental changes at sea, industrial fisheries, and human disturbances on land. Our analyses provide a quantitative assessment of how these impacts are unevenly distributed spatially within species' distribution ranges. Consequently, contrasting pressures are expected among species, and populations within species. The areas coinciding with the greatest impacts for penguins are the coast of Perú, the Patagonian Shelf, the Benguela upwelling region, and the Australian and New Zealand coasts. When weighting these potential stressors with species‐specific vulnerabilities, Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti), African (Spheniscus demersus), and Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) emerge as the species under the most pressure. Our approach explicitly differentiates between climate and human stressors, since the more achievable management of local anthropogenic stressors (e.g., fisheries and land‐based threats) may provide a suitable means for facilitating cumulative impacts on penguins, especially where they may remain resilient to global processes such as climate change. Moreover, our study highlights some poorly represented species such as the Northern Rockhopper (Eudyptes moseleyi), Snares (Eudyptes robustus), and Erect‐crested penguin (Eudyptes sclateri) that need internationally coordinated efforts for data acquisition and data sharing to understand their spatial distribution properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anuran species are some of the good environmental indicators of habitat quality and condition in ecosystems. This is due to their amphibious life modes and sensitivity to environmental change caused by rapid expansion of agricultural activities, advancement of forest destruction, climate change and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding their diversity and distribution patterns is crucial for the development and implementation of effective species and habitat conservation strategies. The study aimed at assessing and comparing anuran biodiversity and distribution patterns between a protected (North Nandi Forest Reserve) and a non-protected area (Kingwal swamp) to provide additional baseline information, both being among the underexplored areas in Kenya. Data were gathered in both dry and wet seasons, between October 2022 and June 2023 by employing standard sampling techniques for anurans(Visual encounter and pitfall traps with a drift fence) to maximise detection. Three habitat types-farmland, intermediate land and forest were exploited. A total of 1649 individuals from 21 different species, belonging to nine different genera and nine different families were recorded. Ptychadenidae was the most abundant family from the recorded anurans, while Dicroglossidae, Arthroleptidae, Pyxicephalidae and Ranidae were the least. High biodiversity was observed in the forest habitat (Protected) and least in the farmland (non-protected). The wet season had high species abundance, diversity and richness compared to the dry season. There was a significant difference (p <0.05) in diversity between the habitats in wet season, but no significance difference during dry season (p >0.05) except for forest and farmland (p <0.05). There was a significant difference in species abundance between seasons (p <0.05), and between habitats (p <0.05) in all seasons except for farmland and intermediate (p >0.05), as well as farmland and forest (p >0.05) during the wet season. Habitat type and season had no influence (p >0.05) on species richness. Anuran biodiversity is a function of habitat diversity and season, with the associated differences in microhabitat structure providing diverse niches and ways of exploring resources. The modest sampling indicates that Kingwal Swamp and North Nandi Forest Reserve are rich and support anuran species, and the differences in anuran biodiversity between the 3 habitats demonstrates that conservation efforts continue to be a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of our study was to delineate a coherent ecological network for large carnivores, using a unified methodology, which would be flexible and serve as a basis for nature and habitat connectivity protection across the Carpathians. We applied a comprehensive methodological approach based on habitat suitability modelling followed by connectivity modelling. For the habitat suitability modelling, we used a robust set of large carnivores occurrence data, which allowed us to build a solid model. From the model, we derived a layer of patches of suitable habitat of required quality and resistance surface to express landscape permeability. Both outputs were crucial for the connectivity modelling. We applied Random Walk and Least-Cost Path models and combined them to determine feasible connections between suitable habitats. With expert discussions and editing/ improvement of modelled corridors, we developed a unique ecological network consisting of various components adapted to the heterogeneity of the Carpathian landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National parks (NPs) are the flagship protected areas in China's conservation network and play a key role in the ecological protection of core objects and important natural landscapes. However, the shortage of spatial optimization methods based on quantitative indicators has limited the spatially explicit identification of national parks. Therefore, in this study, we selected the main area of the Tarim River (MTR) in Xinjiang as an example to optimize the spatial boundary of a national park. We constructed an evaluation system based on representativeness, ecological importance, and the foundation of the existing protected area. Subsequently, we comprehensively employed a species distribution model to simulate the habitat of the primary conservation targets. Additionally, we spatially optimized the region using an integer linear model, considering multiple scenarios. The results of this study show that fewer than 30% of the existing protected areas in the MTR protect conservation objects. Using different protection objects and quantitative goals, the spatial optimization results for the eight protection scenarios show that the most effective national park establishment scenario covers a total area of 15,009.3 km2, which is 8157.5 km2 more than the protected area already in place and would include the Tarim Populus National Nature Reserve and Luntai Tarim Populus Forest Park. The opportunity cost to be paid for protection according to this boundary is approximately USD 115.14 million. The protection ratios of each protection object for the expanded park are more than 50%, which is 27.7% higher than the protection effect produced by the existing protected area, so we recommend that Tarim National Park be set up on the basis of this boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal wetlands are among the most vulnerable and threatened environments of the Mediterranean area. Targeted actions for their conservation require in-depth knowledge of current and past natural vegetation. In this paper, we surveyed the vegetation composition and the spatio-temporal changes of a coastal wetland area in southeastern Sicily ("Saline di Priolo" SAC). Based on 128 phytosociological surveys and several plant collections, a total of 304 taxa, 28 plant communities, and 16 habitats have been identified. Furthermore, three new plant associations were described, including two in wetland and one in rocky coast environments. For the classification of plant communities and habitats, a hierarchical clustering was performed by using Euclidean coefficient and beta-flexible algorithm. The life form spectrum of the current flora highlights the dominance of therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The Mediterranean species are largely prevailing with 123 taxa. The cartographic analysis performed with ArcGis 10.3 shows a radical reduction in the wetland habitats in the last 70 years, and a strong alteration of the ecological succession of the psammophilous-hygrophilous vegetation. Moreover, landscape configuration of the coastal vegetation and habitat types was well highlighted by a set of specific landscape metrics. In particular, our outcomes identify three habitats (2110, 2210, and 5220* EU code) with bad conservation status, among which we identified one of priority conservation (Zyziphus arborescent matorral) that requires urgent restoration measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing emphasis on ecological environment conservation, the conservation of fish habitat and the regional carbon balance need to be incorporated into the operation process of reservoirs. In this research, formulas for calculating ecological and environmental objectives in reservoir operation were obtained by fitting the curve of discharge and fish habitat area and comprehensively analysing the factors affecting reservoir carbon emissions. Additionally, we used the multi-objective optimization algorithm NSGA-II-DE to study the competitive relationship between the economic, ecological, and environmental benefits of the Longtoushi Reservoir and proposed a relatively optimized operation scheme using the multi-objective decision-making method VIKOR. The results of this scheme showed that the power generation, weighted usable area (WUA) and carbon emissions of Longtoushi Reservoir during the study period were 5.74 × 108 kW h, 9.61 × 104 m2 and 51.32 t, respectively. Compared with the relative optimal operation scheme, the power generated by the maximum power generation scheme increased by 2.66%, the WUA decreased by 1.68%, and carbon emissions increased by 9.86%; the power generation of the maximum WUA scheme increased by 0.16%, the WUA decreased by 0.08%, and carbon emissions increased by 0.72%; and the power generation of the minimum carbon emission scheme increased by 3.14%, the WUA decreased by 1.62%, and the carbon emissions increased by 9.14%. In general, competition between power generation, WUA and carbon emissions is inevitable, and reducing the water level in reservoirs can effectively increase ecological and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding habitat requirements for species at risk is crucial for effective conservation management, even though the location and extent of vital habitats may be unknown for rare or elusive species.In the case of marine species, determining important habitat often relies on limited occurrence data or extrapolation from species distribution models (SDMs). SDMs predict habitat by associating species records with environmental variables, assuming a functional ecological relationship.This study focuses on northern bottlenose whales (NBW; Hyperoodon ampullatus) and Sowerby's beaked whales (SBW; Mesoplodon bidens) in the western North Atlantic. As both NBW and SBW are at risk in Canada, the objective was to identify the extent and function of important habitats to guide conservation efforts.The analysis mapped all available geographic occurrence data and used passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data to inform the development of ensemble SDMs to predict potential habitat and assess the persistence of realized habitat use.Important habitats for NBW and SBW were found primarily concentrated along the continental shelf edges, at an average depth of 1200 m ± 460 SD. All habitat areas support foraging and movement and critical life history functions for both species.The Gully and other submarine canyons off eastern Nova Scotia emerged as important areas for both species, validating the existing Critical Habitat for NBW. However, spatial–temporal patterns diverged on either side of this region. North‐eastern Newfoundland was identified as the next closest area of near‐year‐round presence for NBW, whereas the south‐western Scotian Shelf region, Georges Bank and the Fundian Channel supported persistent foraging by SBW.By integrating multiple data sources (sightings, acoustic detections and SDMs) and demonstrating the temporal persistence of habitat use by NBW and SBW, this study provides valuable insights for identifying, protecting and managing important habitat for beaked whales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seabirds, particularly albatrosses, are among the most threatened birds as a result of their continuous exposure to anthropic pressures including interaction with commercial fisheries, climate change and pollution. Several studies that have focused on the spatial distribution of foraging seabirds have identified a certain level of segregation between age classes.The black‐browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris is the most abundant albatross species in the South‐west Atlantic Ocean and the main pelagic seabird interacting with a range of fishing fleets. There is a considerable lack of knowledge about the biology of immature individuals and on habitat suitability of the species during non‐breeding season (winter).The aim of this study was to assess the foraging habitat suitability of the black‐browed albatross in the South‐west Atlantic during the austral winter, analysing differences between adults and immatures individuals.Habitat suitability models were based on foraging locations recorded by 15 satellite transmitters deployed on six adults and nine immature individuals between 2011 and 2015. Remotely sensed oceanographic data were used to characterize suitable foraging habitat for the albatrosses.Differences were found in foraging habitat suitability by age class, with adult selecting areas located in deeper waters over the continental shelf break as well as in neritic zones under cooler water temperatures, whereas immature individuals foraged chiefly off coastal waters having more moderate temperatures.Knowing habitat suitability and segregation patterns within‐species is key for the conservation of critical marine habitats given that, by only considering one age class, other important habitats would be neglected and not considered in conservation efforts to mitigate threats such as incidental mortality. It is important to include all age classes when studying patterns of associations with threats, such as fishing activity as a proxy of risk of bycatch, and for the development of Marine Protected Areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use change is a major driver of pollinator decline and loss of pollination services. For plant and pollinator interactions to persist in rapidly changing urban systems, co‐occurring species must share matching traits, including phenological, morphological, and physiological traits. Thus, the knowledge of trait matching among interacting plants and pollinators can aid in the design of pollinator habitats and enhance the conservation value of urban green spaces, but this remains relatively understudied. Here, we review how trait matching facilitates the persistence of interactions and creation of new interactions in urban plant–pollinator networks. We highlight four major urban drivers facilitating the restructuring of plant–pollinator networks through species loss and gain in urban areas. We also show different pathways by which the matching of morphological, phenological, and physiological traits of interacting plants and pollinators is affected by urbanization. Furthermore, we show how the knowledge of functional traits can help to predict novel plant–pollinator interactions in urban environments, including those among exotic species. Finally, we show how the application of trait matching can aid management practices, facilitating the design and creation of sustainable green spaces that will accommodate functionally diverse pollinators and plants within the urban matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, caves provide important refugia for bats. The Grand Canyon, more than 400 km (250 mi) long, consists of steep-sided, rocky formations with hundreds to thousands of natural caves. Two of these, Double Bopper and Leandras Caves, are remarkable because of the presence of desiccated bat carcasses, ranging in condition from skeletal to well-preserved animals identifiable to species. Both caves are complex but differ in length and structure. Double Bopper Cave, >60 km (37 mi) long, is variable with narrow passages. Leandras Cave, 24 km (15 mi) long, has wide, open passages. We surveyed both caves, collecting information for 482 specimens. We initially hypothesized that a single catastrophic event caused the deaths of many individuals or that bats died of various causes over a long period. We expected bat communities to differ between caves, since different cave structures would favor different species based on flight maneuverability. Radiocarbon dating of 67 samples found ages ranged from modern to >45,800 cal BP, spanning the Last Glacial Maximum. The dominant bat species in each cave differed, with Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), a cave obligate, dominant in Double Bopper Cave and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) dominant in Leandras Cave. Bats continue to use these caves today, as evidenced by the presence of fresh guano. The remarkable evidence of long-term continuous use of these caves by bats illustrates the importance of protection and conservation to provide habitat for them. The caves also provide an unprecedented time machine to study bat communities from the past, understand long-term patterns of habitat use, and prepare for climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study aimed to describe Eurasian magpies' nesting site preferences and tree selections (Pica pica bacterium) in the Suru Valley area of Ladakh, Himalaya. To achieve this, the research area wasdivided into five different habitats and combinations of the line transect approach and the head-to-head counting method wasemployed. The findings revealed that the Eurasian Magpies preferred residential and woodland settings over desert regions. Two thousand one hundred thirty-four nests were discovered in several tree species, with Populus alba as the most favored. Salix alba, Salix elegans and Populus balsamifera were followed. The least preferred nesting trees were Rosa webbiana and Prunus armeniaca. Not a single nest was discovered on either of the Juniperus indica or Robinia pseudoacacia trees, despite their presence in the research region. Insights into the nesting habits and preferences of Eurasian magpies in the distinctive ecological setting of Suru Valley are provided by this study, which can aid in a better understanding of the exploitation of their habitat and its protection in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Identifying factors that drive variation in vital rates among populations is a prerequisite to understanding a species' population biology and, ultimately, to developing effective conservation strategies. This is especially true for imperiled species like the golden‐winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) that exhibit strong spatial heterogeneity in demography and responds variably to conservation interventions. Habitat management actions recommended for breeding grounds conservation include timber harvest, shrub shearing, and prescribed fire that maintain or create early successional woody communities. Herein, we assessed variation in the survival of nests [n = 145] and fledglings [n = 134] at 17 regenerating timber harvest sites within two isolated populations in Pennsylvania that differed in productivity and response to habitat management. Although the overall survival of nests and fledglings was higher in the eastern population than the central population, this was only true when the nest phases and fledgling phases were considered wholly. Indeed, survival rates of nestlings and recently fledged young (1–5 days post‐fledging) were lower in the central population, whereas eggs and older fledglings (6–30 days post‐fledging) survived at comparable rates in both populations. Fledglings in the central population were smaller (10% lower weight) and begged twice as much as those in the eastern population, suggesting food limitation may contribute to lower survival rates. Fledgling survival in the central population, but not the eastern, also was a function of habitat features (understory vegetation density [positive] and distance to mature forest [negative]) and individual factors (begging effort [negative]). Our findings illustrate how identifying how survival varies across specific life stages can elucidate potential underlying demographic drivers, such as food resources in this case. In this way, our work underscores the importance of studying and decomposing stage‐specific demography in species of conservation concern.

Seagrasses are globally acknowledged as crucial habitats as they provide a variety of ecosystem services. Mexico’s legislation protects most of these marine plants; however, the protection often fails in application. The Gulf of California, despite being a biodiversity hotspot, has scant data on seagrasses. Here, human activity and climate change increasingly threaten these coastal ecosystems, with conservation and research efforts lacking coordination at a regional level. Our manuscript aimed to review and standardize existing data on Gulf of California seagrass species, ensuring open access for data updates; pinpointing conservation deficiencies; and guiding future research. We have added new records to the official public data, but we were able to recapture only 25% of the seagrass locations meaning a potential reduction in their historical distribution of 45.8%. Even though Mexico’s legislation protects some species of seagrasses, it protection often fails in the application. We identified that only 6.1% of the seagrass locations are within protected areas that recognize their presence in their management plans (e.g., the Balandra Flora and Fauna Protected Area and the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve). At least 55.9% of seagrass records are associated with potentially damaging activities like pollution, coastal modification or biological resources use, while 23% are exposed to higher frequency of marine heatwaves. Given the importance of seagrass meadows under Mexican law and their internationally recognized ecological value, sharing current information and guiding research is essential. Our study seeks to galvanize renewed research initiatives and raise more awareness on the conservation of the Gulf of California’s seagrasses.

Maquis ecosystems are among the most uncertain and controversial vegetation types within Turkish forestry. Our review aims to describe and classify these ecosystems in Mediterranean-climate regions of Türkiye, shedding light on the evolution of their legal status in Turkish forestry since the last century. We emphasize their conservation importance and the neglect when compared to pine forests. The description and classification of maquis vary according to many studies, and even the distribution of maquis vegetation in Türkiye has not been fully clarified. Additionally, the legal status of maquis has changed many times over the years. While maquis were considered forests in the early years of the Republic of Türkiye, recent constitutional amendments allow maquis areas to be converted into agricultural land if it is deemed beneficial. Furthermore, clear-cutting is even encouraged for firefighting purposes. Given the rich ecological and biological diversity of these ecosystems and their role as carbon sink, a novel management and conservation approach for the management of maquis including conversion to Turkish pine forests, post-fire restoration, resilience and resistance to climate change should be developed.

The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is a rare and endemic species in China. The population of golden snub-nosed monkeys in Sichuan Province has an isolated genetic status, large population size, and low genetic diversity, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of climate and land-use changes on the distribution and dispersal paths of the species in Sichuan Province. We used three general circulation models (GCMs), three greenhouse gas emission scenarios, and three land-use change scenarios suitable for China to predict the potential distributions of the golden snub-nosed monkey in the current and 2070s using the MaxEnt model. The dispersal paths were identified by the circuit theory. Our results suggested that the habitats of the golden snub-nosed monkey were reduced under all three GCM scenarios. The suitable habitats for the golden snub-nosed monkey would be reduced by 82.67%, 82.47%, and 75.17% under the RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, compared to the currently suitable habitat area. Additionally, we found that the density of future dispersal paths of golden snub-nosed monkeys would decrease, and the dispersal resistance would increase. Therefore, relevant wildlife protection agencies should prioritize the climatically suitable distributions and key dispersal paths of golden snub-nosed monkeys to improve their conservation. We identified key areas for habitat preservation and increased habitat connectivity under climate change, which could serve as a reference for future adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoological institutions, which were once exclusively for entertainment, are now leaders of wildlife conservation. This centuries-long transition was punctuated by key milestones that reformed wild animal exploitation into a mission of protection. Modern zoos perform ex situ activities to preserve natural resources, which are enabled by the housing of wild species. Zoo-managed animals facilitate new scientific knowledge, public education, and strategic breeding to maintain genetic diversity. Prioritizing animal welfare management is a key advancement for modern zoos, as it lessens stress and improves quality of life. Environments enriched with sensory stimuli promote naturalistic behaviors and provide opportunities for instinctual activities like foraging and hunting. This increases resiliency by reducing stress and boredom. However, such approaches only benefit welfare when appropriately matched to the animal. Behavioral responses to environmental cues reflect how animals experience their environment, and properly documenting them informs management decisions. Other modern advancements include enclosure designs, research initiatives, public education programs, species-specific staff training, and collaborative population management among zoos. This review chronicles the milestones that shaped the role of modern zoological institutions in species and habitat preservation. It also discusses opportunities for the continued evolution of welfare management practices, which is fundamental information for zoo employees and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The páramo ecosystem is a significant centre of Andean bird diversity with high concentrations of threatened species. The Macizo del Cajas Biosphere Reserve's páramos are a district of the biogeographic páramo province of northern Andes and are therefore considered a conservation hotspot with representative bird diversity. To enhance regional conservation efforts, comprehensive inventories of bird species that occupy this páramo are required. We present an updated bird inventory for the páramos of Macizo del Cajas and included validated records from eBird and GBIF databases along with records from continuous monitoring across this páramo landscape for five years. We also provide notes on habitat affinity and important new, rare, restricted range, and threatened birds. We report 112 bird species within the reserve, including five endemics, and three globally and 12 nationally threatened species. Finally, we discuss the use of habitat affinities as indicators of biodiversity patterns in páramo to improve conservation tools for key habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first record of genus Plexippus C.L. Koch, 1846 from Morocco through the records of two species: Plexippus devorans (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) based on three male specimens collected from Tinghir (southeastern Morocco) and Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1825) based on three specimens (two males from Beni Mellal, and one single female from Fez). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant species diversity was studied in 20 sandy wadis of the northern Algerian Sahara (Ghardaïa region). Based on subjective sampling, 20 floristic surveys were carried out in the various sandy biotopes in February-April 2022. Through an ascending hierarchical analysis, we distinguished 3 phytoecological groups and assessed their functional, biogeographic, and abundance characteristics. The recorded plants represented 15 species (296 individuals) belonging to 15 genera of 10 botanical families. The most represented families were the Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Brassicaceae, and Poaceae. In terms of the real plant-life spectrum, hemicryptophytes (51.7% of individuals) dominated the sandy wadis, followed by chamaephytes (33.1%) and phanerophytes (15.2%). In the real dispersal spectrum, the barochores prevailed (60%). The real phytogeographic spectrum shows that the Saharan endemic element reached the highest share (32.7%). In terms of abundance, an analysis of the real spectrum revealed that very common species (52%) dominate in the Ghardaïa region, but some fairly rare plants were also found. Indeed, the sandy biotopes of the wadis of the Ghardaïa region are valuable habitats for the conservation of plant species in the northern Algerian Sahara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River damming has brought great benefits to flood mitigation, energy and food production, and will continue to play a significant role in global energy supply, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. However, dams have extensively altered global river dynamics, including riverine connectivity, hydrological, thermal, sediment and solute regimes, and the channel morphology. These alterations have detrimental effects on the quality and quantity of fish habitat and associated impacts on aquatic life. Indeed, dams have been implicated in the decline of numerous fishes, emphasizing the need for effective conservation measures. Here, we present a global synthesis of critical issues concerning the impacts of river damming on physical fish habitats, with a particular focus on key fish species across continents. We also consider current fish conservation measures and their applicability in different contexts. Finally, we identify future research needs. The information presented herein will help support sustainable dam operation under the constraints of future climate change and human needs. Plain Language Summary: River damming yields great social‐economic benefits, but also causes significant eco‐environmental impacts, particularly on fish. Dams block fish migration routes, alter hydrological and water temperature regimes, and modify channel morphology. These changes impact fish physical habitats and associated communities. Here, we synthesize the impacts of river damming on fish physical habitats, and review potential conservation measures that could be used to off‐set or mitigate the impacts of dams on fish habitats, populations and communities. Key Points: Dam construction alters river hydro‐geomorphological conditions and hence influences fish habitat quality and quantityKnowledge of river hydrogeomorphology and reservoir properties can inform which conservation measures may benefit fish conservationLong‐term monitoring is needed to understand causal effects and synergies with climate change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meru Betiri National Park (MBNP) is one of the conservation areas as a habitat for diurnal raptors in East Java. However, the updated information on diurnal raptors in MBNP is still limited, with the latest information recorded in 2014. Therefore, this study aims to inventory the species composition of diurnal raptors in Bandealit Resort at MBNP. This research was conducted in April-June 2022 using the point count method with an observation radius of 1 km. We sampled a total of three observation points in three forest cover types i.e dense vegetation (primary forest), semi-dense vegetation (secondary forest-plantation), and low vegetation (coastal forest). Data collection included diurnal raptors species, frequency of encounters for each species, time of encounter, coordinate points, and activity (flyover, soaring, and perched). The results showed the presence of 10 diurnal raptors at the Bandealit Resort MBNP which consisted of two families (Accipitridae and Falconidae). Based on the IUCN Red list of threatened species, there are eight species of least concern (LC), one species of near threatened (NT), and one species of endangered (EN). The frequency of encounters shows that Crested Serpent-eagle (Spilornis cheela) has the highest frequency value (20%), while the Spotted Kestrel (Falco moluccensis) and Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) have the lowest frequency value (4%). Furthermore, as a special record, the Javan Hawk-eagle (N. bartelsi) is found with a fairly high frequency of encounters (11%). Approximately 75.71% of observed diurnal raptors are in soaring activity. Moreover, based on their distribution area, the primary forest has the highest composition of diurnal raptor species encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Taal is one of the most significant lake ecosystems in tropical East Asia. In 2011, a review paper consolidated all known biodiversity and limno-ecological studies conducted in Lake Taal from the beginning of the 20th century all the way to the late 2000s. It highlighted that insufficient funding, inadequate long-term monitoring data, and the publication culture of that time impeded having a comprehensive understanding of the lake. Since then, much research work has been done in Lake Taal, especially during the past decade. This review paper provides an analysis and summary of the research work conducted in Lake Taal over the past 10 years. The recent decade has seen a steady increase in scientific interest in Lake Taal made evident by more scientists and institutions working on topics involving the lake. Research grants, collaborations, and publications have also significantly increased during the past 10 years. This has led to an improved understanding of the lake's biodiversity, ecology, and impacts of intensive aquaculture and the introduction of non-native species. Taken together, this paper presents a better understanding of Lake Taal, which can be utilized for the design and improvement of conservation, preservation, and management programs for this multi-use freshwater system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying and understanding patterns of biological diversity is crucial at a time when even the most remote and pristine marine ecosystems are threatened by resource exploitation such as deep‐seabed mining. Metabarcoding provides the means through which one can perform comprehensive investigations of diversity by examining entire assemblages simultaneously. Nematodes commonly represent the most abundant infaunal metazoan group in marine soft sediments. In this meta‐analysis, we compiled all publicly available metabarcoding datasets targeting the 18S rRNA v1‐v2 region from sediment samples to conduct a global‐scale examination of nematode amplicon sequence variant (ASV) alpha diversity patterns and phylogenetic community structure at different depths and habitats. We found that nematode ASV richness followed a parabolic trend, increasing from the intertidal to the shelf, reaching a maximum in the bathyal and decreasing in the abyssal zone. No depth‐ or habitat‐specific assemblages were identified as a large fraction of genera were shared. Contrastingly, the vast majority of ASVs were unique to each habitat and/or depth zone; genetic diversity was thus highly localized. Overwhelmingly, nematode ASVs in all habitats exhibited phylogenetic clustering, pointing to environmental filtering as the primary force defining community assembly rather than competitive interactions. This finding stresses the importance of habitat preservation for the maintenance of marine nematode diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]