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Bycatch in static nets (i.e., gillnets, trammel nets and tangle nets) has been identified as the leading cause of harbour porpoise mortality globally. Various options are available for mitigating and managing this risk. However, selecting the most effective management measures to balance harbour porpoise conservation needs with sustainable fishing practice is challenging. By understanding the spatial variation of bycatch risk, it is possible to tailor mitigation and management options for a specific localised area or region. This study identified areas of potential interaction between harbour porpoise and static net fishing activity. An interaction index, a measure of the coincidence of porpoise and fishing activity, was developed. Using this approach, it was possible to differentiate between areas that potentially represented concentrations of higher bycatch risk and other areas with a lower but more widespread level of risk. For the Irish and Celtic Seas, an area recognised as having the highest harbour porpoise bycatch rate in European waters, there was a low to moderate interaction index, with the risk spread over a relatively large area. In the North Sea, in contrast, high values of the interaction index occurred in smaller areas, indicating that bycatch risk was more concentrated in this region. With the exception of some coastal areas, the interaction index was generally low for the West of Scotland and Ireland region. The identification of potential areas of interaction between harbour porpoise and static net fishing provides an opportunity to focus monitoring efforts and inform management decisions. For example, the use of area‐based management encompassing small areas may be appropriate when spatially concentrated risk of bycatch is evidenced, whereas the use of technical measures, such as pingers, could be considered for areas with widespread lower risk of bycatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsustainable wildlife consumption and illegal wildlife trade (IWT) threaten biodiversity worldwide. Although publicly accessible data sets are increasingly used to generate insights into IWT, little is known about their potential bias. We compared three typical and temporally corresponding data sets (4204 court verdicts, 926 seizure news reports, and 219 bird market surveys) on traded birds native to China and evaluated their possible species biases. Specifically, we evaluated bias and completeness of sampling for species richness, phylogeny, conservation status, spatial distribution, and life‐history characteristics among the three data sets when determining patterns of illegal trade. Court verdicts contained the largest species richness. In bird market surveys and seizure news reports, phylogenetic clustering was greater than that in court verdicts, where songbird species (i.e., Passeriformes) were detected in higher proportions in market surveys. The seizure news data set contained the highest proportion of species of high conservation priority but the lowest species coverage. Across the country, all data sets consistently reported relatively high species richness in south and southwest regions, but markets revealed a northern geographic bias. The species composition in court verdicts and markets also exhibited distinct geographical patterns. There was significant ecological trait bias when we modeled whether a bird species is traded in the market. Our regression model suggested that species with small body masses, large geographical ranges, and a preference for anthropogenic habitats and those that are not nationally protected were more likely to be traded illegally. The species biases we found emphasize the need to know the constraints of each data set so that they can optimally inform strategies to combat IWT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022–2023 specimens of A. fallax are recorded for the first time in approximately 17 years in Szczecin Lagoon. We collected 11 specimens of juveniles, 9 premature and mature females, and 9 premature and mature males (20.3–40.7 cm of total length, aged from 1+ to 4+). The 2+ aged fish was slightly dominated (34.5% of the whole sample). Females in the Szczecin Lagoon were ready to spawn in the age of 3+ and 4+ years, while males partly in 2+, and in the age of 3+ and 4+. Fulton’s condition factor of this fish was 0.93±0.14 and Clark’s 0.78±0.14. Analysis of correlations between the total length and individual weight of fish revealed that the growth of A. fallax was allometric (b < 3.0). The range of gonadosomatic index (GSI) was 0.12–26.59%, while the mean of the absolute and relative fecundity was 58,756 eggs per female and 139,650 eggs per kilogram of body weight. The obtained results indicate the occurrence of an anadromous population of Alosa fallax in the studied water areas. However, there is still a need to obtain detailed information on the population status and the biology of A. fallax in these areas in order to designate special conservation areas (SACs) for their protection, especially taking into account spawning habitats.

Abstract Locals engaged in traditional farming and possessing traditional ecological knowledge consider certain species worthy of protection, as do official nature conservationists, although the sets of taxa may not be identical. Exploring the relationship between the two sets of taxa could bring many practical benefits, yet the literature on this subject is scarce. For more efficient conservation and better engagement and knowledge co‐production with locals, it is necessary to understand the principles, preferences and worldviews of the two knowledge systems, and the drivers behind the choices of which animal species to protect. We examined which animal species traditional farmers and conservationists wish to protect, and why. We also examined whether there is a correlation between the extent of farmers' ecological knowledge and the number of species they regard as needing protection. In the case of the species that conservationists consider most in need of protection, we also enquired how knowledgeable local farmers are about these species. Our research was carried out in two adjacent protected sites in Central Europe along the Slovenian‐Hungarian border. We conducted 20 structured interviews with traditional farmers at each of the two sites (40 altogether), and 23 with local conservationists. Both conservationists and local farmers predominantly mentioned the protection of species that do not provide a tangible economic benefit to farmers and that show a declining population trend. Local farmers with greater species knowledge did not know significantly more than those with less knowledge about the species to be protected, nor did they list more legally protected species. The preliminary assumption of the conservationists was that the locals knew the species and listed the ones to be protected for essentially functional reasons (e.g. usefulness). By contrast, it was found that many more aspects (e.g. population trends, appearance) also had a significant impact. Once the boundaries between the two knowledge systems are removed, collaboration between the stakeholder groups can facilitate the protection of natural assets and local communities. We consider it the responsibility of conservationists (together with ethnoecologists and other researchers) to ensure that these preferences are properly understood for the benefit of conservation and local communities. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Paeonia peregrina Mill. is a protected, herbaceous species native to Southeastern Europe and Turkey. Due to its vulnerability, it has to be protected both in its natural habitats and through cultivation. Peonies are known to have a low potential for natural regeneration due to their seed dormancy, low germination rate, and long germination period. In this study, treatments with gibberellic acid (GA3 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg L−1 GA3) and warm (at 20/16 °C day/night regime) and cold stratification (at 4 °C) were used to accelerate dormancy release and increase the germination rate. The seeds of P. peregrina from four natural habitats in Serbia and the Institute's collection were collected and analyzed. They showed an underdeveloped embryo that needs to grow inside the seed before it can germinate. The application of GA3 accelerated each stage of germination (seed coat rapturing, hypocotyl dormancy release, and epicotyl dormancy release) for approximately 10 days compared to the control. It was also found that two-day imbibition with 200 mg L−1 GA3 significantly accelerated and equalized germination. Higher GA3 concentrations had a more pronounced impact on each stage but also resulted in greater seed infection after the seed coat rupture, elongated and weak seedlings, while lower concentrations did not result in obtaining uniform seedlings. There were no significant differences observed between localities. Restoring P. peregrina through seeds and nursery-produced plants is crucial for conserving the genetic diversity of the tested species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of People & Nature 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.)

The present study was based on a species list published in 2014 and a compilation of data from papers on marine molluscs along the coasts of Türkiye published from that date until the end of April 2024, along with six new records presented herein. Mollusca were represented by 1133 species classified into 7 classes, 255 families, and 617 genera on the Turkish coasts. The Pyramidellidae (92 species) and Rissoidae (64 species) were species-rich mollusc families. Most of the listed molluscs were benthic, except for 26 pelagic species and 119 parasitic taxa. The Aegean Sea had the highest number of species (875 species), followed by the Levantine Sea (859 species), the Sea of Marmara (635 species), and the Black Sea (163 species). In total, 133 species were alien molluscs that entered the Mediterranean Sea via different pathways. The molluscs distributed along the Turkish coasts were mostly encountered in soft substrates at shallow depths (0--10 m) (752 species), and only 109 species were reported at depths over 600 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022-2023 specimens of A. fallax are recorded for the first time in approximately 17 years in Szczecin Lagoon. We collected 11 specimens of juveniles, 9 premature and mature females, and 9 premature and mature males (20.3-40.7 cm of total length, aged from 1+ to 4+). The 2+ aged fish was slightly dominated (34.5% of the whole sample). Females in the Szczecin Lagoon were ready to spawn in the age of 3+ and 4+ years, while males partly in 2+, and in the age of 3+ and 4+. Fulton's condition factor of this fish was 0.93±0.14 and Clark's 0.78±0.14. Analysis of correlations between the total length and individual weight of fish revealed that the growth of A. fallax was allometric (b < 3.0). The range of gonadosomatic index (GSI) was 0.12-26.59%, while the mean of the absolute and relative fecundity was 58,756 eggs per female and 139,650 eggs per kilogram of body weight. The obtained results indicate the occurrence of an anadromous population of Alosa fallax in the studied water areas. However, there is still a need to obtain detailed information on the population status and the biology of A. fallax in these areas in order to designate special conservation areas (SACs) for their protection, especially taking into account spawning habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation planning traditionally relies upon static reserves; however, there is increasing emphasis on dynamic management (DM) strategies that are flexible in space and time. Due to its novelty, DM lacks best practices to guide design and implementation. We assessed the effect of planning unit size in a DM tool designed to reduce entanglement of protected whales in vertical ropes of surface buoys attached to crab traps in the lucrative U.S. Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) fishery. We conducted a retrospective analysis from 2009 to 2019 with modeled distributions of blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales and observed fisheries effort and revenue to evaluate the effect of 7 planning unit sizes on DM tool performance. We measured performance as avoided whale entanglement risk and protected fisheries revenue. Small planning units avoided up to $47 million of revenue loss and reduced entanglement risk by up to 25% compared to the large planning units currently in use by avoiding the incidental closure of areas with low biodiversity value and high fisheries revenue. However, large planning units were less affected by an unprecedented marine heat wave in 2014–2016 and by delays in information on the distributions of whales and the fishery. Our findings suggest that the choice of planning unit size will require decision‐makers to navigate multiple socioecological considerations—rather than a one‐size‐fits‐all approach—to separate wildlife from threats under a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproduction of rare and endangered plant species is one of the most important factors determining the stability and survival of their populations, and knowledge of the barriers to successful reproduction is essential for species conservation. Habitat loss and slow reproduction due to low fruit set are usually considered the main threats to Cephalanthera longifolia and C. rubra (Orchidaceae). The aim of this study was to analyse the natural fruit set of these species during three consecutive years in Lithuania in the northern part of the temperate zone of Europe. Six populations of C. longifolia and three populations of C. rubra were studied each year from 2021 to 2023. During the study period, 49.3% to 54.4% of C. longifolia and 40.0% to 54.3% of C. rubra individuals produced no fruit. Over the three-year period, fruit set in individual populations of C. longifolia ranged from 5.2% to 19.5%, whereas fruit set in populations of C. rubra ranged from 4.1% to 18.8%. Significant weak or moderate correlations were found between plant height, inflorescence length and the number of flowers in the inflorescence and fruit set of both species. Flower position in the inflorescence had a significant effect on fruit set in both species, and the fruit set rate of lower flowers was higher than that of upper flowers. Significant but weak correlations were found between the fruit set and most of the environmental factors analysed. The results of this study suggest that the fruit set of C. longifolia and C. rubra is dependent on insect pollination of the flowers, which in turn is affected by habitat conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to data on the late 20th century in the Trans-Baikal and Baikal areas, the family Najadaceae is represented by four species known in few localities: Caulinia flexilis (4 localities), C. minor (3), Najas major (3), and N. marina (4). All of them are annuals, r-strategists, which are characterized by fluctuations in abundance. Since the 21st century, these species have been found in 20 more localities, mainly situated within the Baikal Depression. In 2015, when performing monitoring studies of aquatic flora, three more new localities of Caulinia flexilis,C. minor, and Najas major were found in the basin of the Amur River. Distribution maps of the Najadaceae species in the region were compiled, and the ecological characteristics of their habitats were given. In Trans-Baikal area, since the middle of the 20th century, warming has occurred due to an increase in the average annual temperature. For the last 70 years, aridization has increased in southern regions, which changes the habitat conditions in waterbodies. Findings of these Najadaceae species in Trans-Baikal area have coincided with the periods of increase in mean annual air temperatures and with local minimums of precipitation. An increase in the number of findings of Najadaceae species since the beginning of the 21st century, both in the Trans-Baikal area and in other regions of Russia, has been occurring against the background of an increase in the average annual air temperature. In Trans-Baikal area, the trend of increasing of temperatures in the warm season since the beginning of the 21st century is favorable for these species and may contribute to their further distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity conservation is a top priority in the face of global environmental change, and the practical restoration of biodiversity has emerged as a key objective. Nevertheless, the question of how to effectively contribute to biodiversity restoration and identify suitable systems for such efforts continues to present major challenges. By using genome-wide SNP data, our study revealed that populations from different mountain ranges of the Formosan Long-Arm Scarab beetle, a flagship species that receives strict protection, exhibited a single genetic cluster with no subdivision. Additionally, our result implied an association between the demographic history and historical fluctuations in climate and environmental conditions. Furthermore, we showed that, despite a stable and moderately sized effective population over recent history, all the individuals we studied exhibited signs of genetic inbreeding. We argued that the current practice of protecting the species as one evolutionarily significant unit remains the best conservation plan and that recent habitat change may have led to the pattern of significant inbreeding. We closed by emphasizing the importance of conservation genetic studies in guiding policy decisions and highlighting the potential of genomic data for identifying ideal empirical systems for genetic rescue, or assisted gene flow studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Marine Fisheries: Jurnal Teknologi & Manajemen Perikanan Laut is the property of IPB 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.)

Marine biological resources have become key issues concerning our live, in order to address the issue of depletion of marine biological resources and to conduct monitoring for the purpose of marine ecosystem research, statistics on fishery resources protection and ecosystem research are currently being compiled through observers. However, there are concerns about the reliability of data and the stability of observers due to the potential for corrupt transactions between ship owners and observers on board oceanic vessels and specialized fishing vessels. Therefore, automating the monitoring part of fishery resource acquisition is expected to ensure the independent role of observers and enhance the reliability of data. In this research, we aim to design a system for image transmission technology on ships in order to automate the monitoring system that can assist observers and increase the reliability of fish identification through the use of image segmentation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Monitoring bycatch of protected species is a fisheries management priority. In practice, protected species bycatch is difficult to precisely or accurately estimate with commonly used ratio estimators or parametric, linear model-based methods. Machine-learning algorithms have been proposed as means of overcoming some of the analytical hurdles in estimating protected species bycatch. Methods: Using 17 years of set-specific bycatch data derived from 100% observer coverage of the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery and 25 aligned environmental predictors, we evaluated a new approach for protected species bycatch estimation using Ensemble Random Forests (ERFs). We tested the ability of ERFs to predict interactions with five protected species with varying levels of bycatch in the fishery and methods for correcting these predictions using Type I and Type II error rates from the training data. We also assessed the amount of training data needed to inform a ERF approach by mimicking the sequential addition of new data in each subsequent fishing year. Results: We showed that ERF bycatch estimation was most effective for species with greater than 2% interaction rates and error correction improved bycatch estimates for all species but introduced a tendency to regress estimates towards mean rates in the training data. Training data needs differed among species but those above 2% interaction rates required 7-12 years of bycatch data. Discussion: Our machine learning approach can improve bycatch estimates for rare species but comparisons are needed to other approaches to assess which methods perform best for hyperrare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Taking into account the unique ichthyological complex of the upper course of the Dniester River, the studies should be directed both at the structure of the ichthyofauna and at its quantitative parameters of the species structure, and fish with a special conservation status need special attention. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the peculiarities of the current structural and functional organization of the ichthyocenosis of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Methodology. Quantitative assessment of fish juveniles was carried out using the area method. Fish juveniles were identified to the species level using A.F. Koblytska and Yu.V. Movchan identification keys. All fish, after some measurements, were released to the place where they were caught in an undamaged state and alive. After identification of fish species with a special conservation status, which were trapped into the fishing gear, they were immediately returned to their habitat without removing them from water. Findings. Fourteen fish species were observed in the community of fish juveniles on the nearshore areas of the Dniester River in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. According to the data of the analysis, following relative abundances of juvenile fish species were observed: vyrezub (40% of the total abundance), bleak (23% of the total abundance) and vimba (18% of the total abundance). The total relative abundance of fish juveniles with special conservation status in the total catch was 68%, which suggested the need to create additional zones in order to increase conservation measures. Given the high share of fish species with special conservation status, the assessment of species biodiversity in terms of biotope similarity is important. The area of Mariyampil village and floodplain coastal areas were characterized by the highest biodiversity in terms of species composition of ichthyofauna among the studied biotopes. The highest abundance of fish juveniles in absolute values was recorded in the mouth areas of the rivers, but its high values were achieved due to the juveniles of vyrezub. Also, this studied nearshore area was not characterized by a high biodiversity of ichthyofauna, which was confirmed by the Shannon-Weaver index at the level of 1.74. According to the results of our study, it can be stated that the nearshore areas of the mouth part of the rivers are important and unique for the formation of ichthyocenosis specifically for the vyrezub. Thus, it can be concluded that all analyzed stations were characterized by the presence of vyrezub, which allows classifying the studied area as important in terms of environmental protection. In view of the prevalence of juvenile vyrezub within the studied areas, protective measures are more important, which are aimed not only at ensuring control over the state of aquatic biological resources, but also at the organization of artificial replenishment of natural localities and the creation of new populations of this species with their purposeful acclimatization in specially selected ecological conditions of the water body. Originality. For the first time, the yield of fish juveniles in the nearshore areas of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk Region was analyzed. The obtained data will be used to solve the problem of the preservation of species diversity and the abundance of fish species, which are valuable in terms of environmental protection. Practical value. As a result of the assessment of the current state of the ichthyofauna of the Dniester River within the limits of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, data were obtained regarding the natural localities of rare and endangered fish species in the specified area.

Olonets grasslands (61.041111° N, 32.931389° E) are the most extensive agrolandscapes in the Republic of Karelia (Northwest Russia), one of the largest spring stopovers of migrating birds in Northern Europe and a breeding area of farmland-associated birds. This territory is essential for the life of many bird species and is listed among international-level Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of Russia. However, the preservation level of Olonets grasslands is rather low, since only spring hunting has been prohibited in a part of the Olonets grasslands (49 km2) since 1993. Thus, the conservation status of this area and the bird protection measures have to be upgraded and a system should be set up for monitoring the abundance of Red Data Book and other threatened species, which use this territory in certain stages of their life cycle. One of such species is Numenius arquata (hereinafter – curlew), many populations of which have both declining abundance and shrinking distribution. This species uses the Olonets grasslands both as a spring migration stopover and as a breeding area. We analysed the curlew registrations obtained in the Olonets grasslands in April and May 1997–2023 during the transect censuses (both transect walks and surveys using a car). We compared these records with both local weather data and grassland use intensity. We also analysed the time dependence of curlew spring abundance on date and year of observations. The research hypothesis was that curlew's abundance decreased in cold spring seasons, in seasons with intensive grassland use, as well as over time. The latter supposition is based on the observations of a curlew population decline in the past decades in various parts of the species' range. The monitoring showed that this species is consistently present in the Olonets grasslands in April – May. Curlews, stopping over on migration, used the grasslands quite evenly, with no clear preference for any specific areas. In the case of breeding, however, they tended to choose the sites most inconvenient for agricultural treatments. The even distribution of curlews over the grasslands was probably due mostly to the individuals foraging in stopovers. In the surveyed part of the Olonets grasslands (49 km2), the size of the local population breeding varied from 30 to 150 pairs in 1999–2023. In 2019–2023, it was 30–90 pairs. In the entire Olonets grasslands (180 km2), the breeding curlew population varied from 100 to 1200 pairs at various years in 1999–2023, but it did not exceed 100–300 pairs in 2019–2023. During the stopping over on migration, the annual number of curlew individuals passing through the surveyed part of the Olonets grasslands was 90–750, while it was 150–2500 birds in the entire Olonets grasslands. So far, we have found no correlation between the total abundance of curlews in the study area and the intensity of grassland use, apparently because stopover and breeding sites are still available. On the other hand, the curlew abundance was lower in warmer spring seasons. Apparently, some curlews fly farther north in such seasons, whereas in colder seasons more birds settle on Olonets grasslands or linger on them on their migration route. Over 25-year retrospective, the total curlew abundance registered in the Olonets grasslands has decreased by 34.4%. In the study area, the negative trend in the species abundance was likely due not only to local but also to global processes, which have caused a decline in some other European populations as well. These birds probably face with certain problems on flyways or in wintering grounds, but more data are needed to verify this conjecture. The local-scope factors that may potentially affect curlew abundance include burning of last year's grass cover, farming intensification, predation, and human disturbance. By assessing possible future changes in the curlew abundance in the Olonets grasslands, we predict that in the coming 30–40 years this species is highly likely to become «endangered» in the study area. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to conserve the sites where curlews can nest, strengthen the protection regime in the Olonets grasslands (preferably through designation of a high-status Protected Area), and raise public awareness of the need to conserve the species and reduce human disturbance.

Western Pacific leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are a priority bycatch mitigation concern due to the projected extinction of the population before the end of the 21st century. The species regularly occurs as bycatch in gillnet and surface longline fisheries. Here, we explore the potential for dynamic ocean management in an emerging hotspot of leatherback sea turtle bycatch in the New Zealand pelagic longline fishery. We compared spatial areas of different sizes built from single oceanographic covariates as well as built from a composite risk surface developed through ensemble random forests. We found that, individually, the Okubo-Weiss parameter, sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly, SST, moon phase, and distance to the SST front were important oceanographic covariates for leatherback sea turtle bycatch. However, the spatial areas built from the composite risk surface were the most effective at discriminating sets with and without bycatch across a range of risk cutoffs. When we also considered implementation metrics of spatial area and coherence as part of performance, the area derived from the composite risk surface with a risk of interaction per set greater than 52% performed best. This spatial area was ephemeral, occurring 1 or 2 weeks each year, and localized, occurring along the north coast of East Cape in the North Island of New Zealand. The apparent presence of discrete spatial areas with elevated risk may be useful to inform future management in the area. Considering implementation metrics in defining utility was useful for identifying tradeoffs between the total size and the underlying covariates delineating a spatial area. As such, we recommend these types of metrics to be included when designing spatial bycatch mitigation strategies elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of research on biological diversity in a section of the Chepelarska River and the territories adjacent to it, subjected to anthropogenic pressure, are presented. The studied area (water body code BG3MA500R103, river type R5Semi-mountainous type in Ecoregion 7 Eastern Balkans) falls entirely within protected area BG0000194 "Chaya River". It is located along the lower section of the river before it flows into the Maritsa River (Eastern White Sea Basin). The types of natural habitats and their ecological status are presented. Regarding the registered 45 species of higher plants and 22 animal species, the nature protection status and the species with resource importance have been determined. The results from the ecological monitoring of the freshwater ecosystem based on physicochemical elements (dissolved O2, pH, electrical conductivity, Ptotal, N-NH4, N-NO2, N-NO3, P-orthoPO4, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) and ecological quality element macrozoobenthos, after applying the established standards are discussed. Measures to improve the ecological condition of the studied area are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limpets play an important role in structuring the intertidal fringe, one of the most heavily impacted marine habitats. A large number of limpet species are listed as Endangered or Vulnerable, including Patella ferruginea, one of the most endangered marine invertebrates in the Mediterranean Sea.Relocation attempts have been made as a conservation tool for reintroductions and population reinforcements for P. ferruginea. Some relocations were mandatory because of port infrastructure repairs in areas where viable populations of this limpet occurred. However, most relocations attempted to date have experienced high mortality rates, leading to the Spanish National Conservation Strategy not recommending this approach for this species.In this study, 84 individuals of P. ferruginea were relocated, using artificial portable plates (APPs) installed on the ripraps of the Port of Ceuta (Western Mediterranean Sea). These plates were divided into two groups and relocated: (i) as a translocation to a nearby site with similar environmental conditions to the donor area (procedural control); and (ii) as a reinforcement translocation to a relatively distant location (30 km, Algeciras Bay) (experimental procedure). The mortality of the translocated individuals in the procedural control after 10 weeks was similar (6.6%) to that expected for natural populations, whereas the mortality rate for individuals in the reinforcement translocation was higher (26.6%).The APPs have been proven to be a feasible method for translocation, as they result in relatively low mortality by preventing the stress and damage caused by limpet detachment from substrata. The constraints caused by reinforcement translocation to a new environment seem to be the cause of the increased mortality, as the translocated limpets changed their home scar at a much higher rate than the control limpets did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMonitoring bycatch of protected species is a fisheries management priority. In practice, protected species bycatch is difficult to precisely or accurately estimate with commonly used ratio estimators or parametric, linear model-based methods. Machine-learning algorithms have been proposed as means of overcoming some of the analytical hurdles in estimating protected species bycatch.MethodsUsing 17 years of set-specific bycatch data derived from 100% observer coverage of the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery and 25 aligned environmental predictors, we evaluated a new approach for protected species bycatch estimation using Ensemble Random Forests (ERFs). We tested the ability of ERFs to predict interactions with five protected species with varying levels of bycatch in the fishery and methods for correcting these predictions using Type I and Type II error rates from the training data. We also assessed the amount of training data needed to inform a ERF approach by mimicking the sequential addition of new data in each subsequent fishing year.ResultsWe showed that ERF bycatch estimation was most effective for species with greater than 2% interaction rates and error correction improved bycatch estimates for all species but introduced a tendency to regress estimates towards mean rates in the training data. Training data needs differed among species but those above 2% interaction rates required 7-12 years of bycatch data.DiscussionOur machine learning approach can improve bycatch estimates for rare species but comparisons are needed to other approaches to assess which methods perform best for hyperrare species.

Understanding the evolution of bat homeostasis and the formation of an adaptive strategy of animals to climatic fluctuations and pathogens determine the need for further laboratory and modelling studies devoted to the ecology and physiology of bats. This study was aimed to assess the hematological and biochemical parameters of homeostasis of Myotis dasycneme, a protected endemic bat species of the Urals. Animals (n = 65) were caught in the zone of mass habitation of bats in the Southern Urals (Chelyabinsk Region) and the Middle Urals (Sverdlovsk Region). We used samples from M. dasycneme populations in the Ilmensky State Nature Reserve (Russia). Multivariate non-parametric analysis of variance has shown no significant sex differences in red blood parameters in bats (p > 0.05). The blood of bats was characterised by high levels of hemoglobin (167.9–187.2 g/L), hematocrit (47.2–51.5%), erythrocytes (9.6–11.5 × 1012/L), platelets (136.8–271.3 × 109/L). In the autumn-winter period of hibernation, under hypoxic load on the body and prolonged exposure to low positive and near-zero temperatures, an increased content of agranulocytes (50.6–53.6%) was noted in the blood of females and males. The spring process of awakening and exit from deep hypothermia is accompanied by the reactivity of the innate immune system in males and females (granulocytes: 53.2–54.2%). During the winter period of hypobiosis in bats, the basal metabolism increases and the concentration of glucose in the blood increases to 4.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L (p < 0.05). The absence of statistically significant sex differences in the content of glucose and triglycerides (p > 0.05) in the blood plasma of animals has been noted. This ensures metabolic processes (carbohydrate and lipid metabolism) in all seasonal periods of their annual life cycle. The amino acid fund of blood plasma of bats is represented by 22 amino acids. In the blood plasma of males and females, the fund of free amino acids decreases during the year in the following direction: summer ≥ autumn ≥ winter > spring (p < 0.05). There were no sex differences (p > 0.05) in the content of amino acid metabolic groups, namely glycogenic (GGAA), non-essential (NEAA), branched carbon chain (BCCA). A significant accumulation of metabolically active glucoplastic alanine in autumn (3.1 times) and winter (2.3 times) in the blood of females, and in autumn and winter (2.0 and 1.9 times) in males indicates its role as a low-temperature adaptogen. Under conditions of low positive temperatures, in the blood plasma of M. dasycneme, the disappearance of the essential amino acid tryptophan was observed (p < 0.05). This suggests a high demand for serotonin synthesis as one of triggers actively involved in maintaining hypothermia and hypometabolism in bats. Thus, the biochemical and immunohematological parameters, obtained in the course of the study, make it possible to expand and systematise the available information on the mechanisms of participation of the blood system in the regulatory processes in bats. They can be used for long-term monitoring in solving problems of conservation and abundance of healthy populations of bats that adapt both to seasonal modulations and biotic factors, and to stressors of zoonotic significance.

Paeonia peregrina Mill. is a protected, herbaceous species native to Southeastern Europe and Turkey. Due to its vulnerability, it has to be protected both in its natural habitats and through cultivation. Peonies are known to have a low potential for natural regeneration due to their seed dormancy, low germination rate, and long germination period. In this study, treatments with gibberellic acid (GA3 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg L−1 GA3) and warm (at 20/16 °C day/night regime) and cold stratification (at 4 °C) were used to accelerate dormancy release and increase the germination rate. The seeds of P. peregrina from four natural habitats in Serbia and the Institute’s collection were collected and analyzed. They showed an underdeveloped embryo that needs to grow inside the seed before it can germinate. The application of GA3 accelerated each stage of germination (seed coat rapturing, hypocotyl dormancy release, and epicotyl dormancy release) for approximately 10 days compared to the control. It was also found that two-day imbibition with 200 mg L−1 GA3 significantly accelerated and equalized germination. Higher GA3 concentrations had a more pronounced impact on each stage but also resulted in greater seed infection after the seed coat rupture, elongated and weak seedlings, while lower concentrations did not result in obtaining uniform seedlings. There were no significant differences observed between localities. Restoring P. peregrina through seeds and nursery-produced plants is crucial for conserving the genetic diversity of the tested species.

Western Pacific leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are a priority bycatch mitigation concern due to the projected extinction of the population before the end of the 21st century. The species regularly occurs as bycatch in gillnet and surface longline fisheries. Here, we explore the potential for dynamic ocean management in an emerging hotspot of leatherback sea turtle bycatch in the New Zealand pelagic longline fishery. We compared spatial areas of different sizes built from single oceanographic covariates as well as built from a composite risk surface developed through ensemble random forests. We found that, individually, the Okubo–Weiss parameter, sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly, SST, moon phase, and distance to the SST front were important oceanographic covariates for leatherback sea turtle bycatch. However, the spatial areas built from the composite risk surface were the most effective at discriminating sets with and without bycatch across a range of risk cutoffs. When we also considered implementation metrics of spatial area and coherence as part of performance, the area derived from the composite risk surface with a risk of interaction per set greater than 52% performed best. This spatial area was ephemeral, occurring 1 or 2 weeks each year, and localized, occurring along the north coast of East Cape in the North Island of New Zealand. The apparent presence of discrete spatial areas with elevated risk may be useful to inform future management in the area. Considering implementation metrics in defining utility was useful for identifying tradeoffs between the total size and the underlying covariates delineating a spatial area. As such, we recommend these types of metrics to be included when designing spatial bycatch mitigation strategies elsewhere.

The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding on short-distance basidiospore dispersal of the wood-decay fungus Fistulina hepatica, thereby providing valuable knowledge for the conservation management of this protected species. Specifically, the study was expected to reveal site-specific patterns of basidiospore release and spread in oak stands during one fruiting season under north European conditions. The trapping of fungal spores was carried out between August and October 2022 using passive spore traps placed in three oak stands (>200-year-old) in central Lithuania. The average daily temperature was recorded throughout the period of spore trapping. Collected samples were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of fungal ITS2 rDNA. The results showed that the relative abundance of F. hepatica reads was influenced by the time of fruitbody maturation, but not by the average daily temperature. Although there was a certain variation among different study sites, the results showed that a great majority of F. hepatica spores were deposited within 50 m from the fruitbody, showing that the fungus to a large extent is dependent on local habitats for colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK is committed to reducing or eliminating the by‐catch of protected species in fisheries. Of key concern is the by‐catch of harbour porpoise in static nets. Fishers do not want to catch harbour porpoise, and the only proven effective mitigation measure currently available is an acoustic device known as a 'pinger'.Legislative requirements for the mandatory use of pingers on larger vessels (i.e. those greater than 12 m in length) has resulted in a by‐catch reduction of approximately 17% for the UK fleet annually. In most areas where the risk of by‐catch is high (i.e. the southern North Sea, English Channel, and Bristol Channel), smaller inshore vessels (i.e. less than 12 m in length) account for over 90% of the fishing effort (determined as days at sea).Small inshore vessels are not permitted to use pingers without a licence. The information required for a licence, however, makes it extremely difficult for fishers to obtain one. Without access to effective mitigation in most of the static net fleet, it seems unlikely that the UK will meet its ambition to minimize or eliminate harbour porpoise by‐catch.Finding workable and effective solutions for smaller vessels is essential. As harbour porpoise by‐catch is such a rare event, it is unlikely that the mandatory use of pingers on all static net vessels will be cost‐effective. Nor is such widespread deployment considered desirable because of the potential consequences on the conservation status of harbour porpoise. A potential solution within the current UK legislative framework is proposed that would facilitate the use of pingers in small‐scale localized fisheries with a high risk of by‐catch until a suitable mitigation alternative to pingers becomes available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) are a long-lived, understudied, multi-species fish assemblage in inland Washington (USA) waters. Driven by large-scale fishery removals in the 1970s, their numbers declined and have yet to recover, perhaps due to slow maturation and rare recruitment success. Since then, rockfish fishing restrictions have increased within Puget Sound, culminating in a 2010 total ban. Here, we analyze rockfish community trends (abundance and Shannon Diversity) within Puget Sound from 2009 to 2023. Our dataset includes 157 recorded dive transects from nine rocky or artificial reef habitats at depths 5–24 m throughout four Puget Sound basins: Admiralty Inlet (2 sites), Central Puget Sound (4 sites), Hood Canal (2 sites), and South Puget Sound (1 site). Significant differences in community species composition between basins were observed; we noted more Black (S. melanops), Yellowtail (S. flavidus), and Puget Sound (S. emphaeus) rockfish and fewer Brown rockfish (S. auriculatus) at sites in Admiralty Inlet vs. Central Puget Sound. Adult rockfish counts and Shannon Diversity varied seasonally, with higher rockfish counts and diversity indices in summer/autumn vs. winter/spring. Notably, we observed that total adult rockfish count per survey tended downward over time, driven partly by significant downward trends in Hood Canal Copper rockfish (S. caurinus) counts. We recommend continued monitoring and additional investigation into what factors besides fishing may be driving the trends reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five adults and one juvenile specimens of Vertigo angustior Jeffreys, 1830 (narrow-mouthed whorl snail) were found near Dunjska River, Mariovo for the first time in the Republic of North Macedonia. The species is included in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, and Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (Bern Convention).

The reproduction of rare and endangered plant species is one of the most important factors determining the stability and survival of their populations, and knowledge of the barriers to successful reproduction is essential for species conservation. Habitat loss and slow reproduction due to low fruit set are usually considered the main threats to Cephalanthera longifolia and C. rubra (Orchidaceae). The aim of this study was to analyse the natural fruit set of these species during three consecutive years in Lithuania in the northern part of the temperate zone of Europe. Six populations of C. longifolia and three populations of C. rubra were studied each year from 2021 to 2023. During the study period, 49.3% to 54.4% of C. longifolia and 40.0% to 54.3% of C. rubra individuals produced no fruit. Over the three-year period, fruit set in individual populations of C. longifolia ranged from 5.2% to 19.5%, whereas fruit set in populations of C. rubra ranged from 4.1% to 18.8%. Significant weak or moderate correlations were found between plant height, inflorescence length and the number of flowers in the inflorescence and fruit set of both species. Flower position in the inflorescence had a significant effect on fruit set in both species, and the fruit set rate of lower flowers was higher than that of upper flowers. Significant but weak correlations were found between the fruit set and most of the environmental factors analysed. The results of this study suggest that the fruit set of C. longifolia and C. rubra is dependent on insect pollination of the flowers, which in turn is affected by habitat conditions.

As marine aquaculture expands around the world, there is increased concern for impacts to protected species. Documented cases of marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird, and shark interactions with aquaculture installations do exist but are challenging to find. This extensive review summarises the state of knowledge of protected species interactions with marine fish and shellfish aquaculture installations. Although seaweed aquaculture was beyond the scope of this review, some of the findings for shellfish and finfish aquaculture may be relevant. The potential impacts of farms including habitat exclusion, entanglement, entrapment, collisions, and behavioural modifications are the primary risks posed to protected species by marine aquaculture facilities and operations. In addition, indirect effects from habitat impacts of farm operations may be of concern in some areas as well as the cumulative impacts of multiple small or large farms in the same general vicinity. Decades of farm innovations and best management practices have been driven by industry, natural resource managers, conservation organisations, and international conservation agreements. This review is useful for informing industry planning and permitting to develop aquaculture in the open ocean. This work will help advance the science of conservation by synthesising the state of knowledge and provide managers and industry with more insight to protect the most vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepenthes occur in various habitat types in West Kalimantan. But some species are categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Autecological studies of Nepenthes spp. are required for species management and conservation. The study aimed to analyze species diversity, distribution pattern, association, and environmental factors that correlated with Nepenthes spp. at peat swamp and heath forest in Pematang Gadung. Data was collected in September 2021 by purposive sampling on 60 plots measuring 3m x 3m in each habitat type. Species diversity was analyzed based on the presence and abundance of species in the plots. The distribution pattern was determined using a standardized Morisita index (Ip). Meanwhile, the association type was determined based on the Jaccard index (JI). Environmental data were analyzed by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) using Past Version 4.03. This study found six wild species in a peat swamp and four species in a heath forest. The population of Nepenthes spp. has clumped distribution pattern with Ip>0. Nepenthes spp. are associated with plants such as Barringtonia racemosa, Syzygium sp., Nephrolepis biserrata, and Campnosperma auriculatum. The result of CCA revealed that environmental factors in both habitat types affected the presence of each Nepenthes species. The air temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity show different influences on different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss proposals to extend the list of protected insect species in Great Britain and question whether existing species protection measures are appropriate for insects whose ecology is substantially unknown. We highlight the practicalities of applying such measures to very poorly known taxa, whose identification depends upon highly experienced specialists and a tiny pool of relevant expertise. We propose a seven-point plan that would strengthen invertebrate conservation in Great Britain. Our proposals could be applied to other countries with a protected sites network and a desire to improve habitat-based insect conservation measures. Implications for insect conservation: Our analysis suggests that insect conservation will not be improved by legislation that restricts the potential for adhoc surveillance that currently provides almost all the data used to monitor rare and threatened insects. We highlight the need for Improvements in the understanding of insect micro-habitat requirements amongst conservation managers. Our proposed seven-point plan provides a structured approach to insect conservation that should improve identification of important insect sites, site management and landscape-scale conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of natural and anthropogenic eutrophication, shallow lakes ultimately become wetlands. Several aquatic ecosystem values diminish, but some biotic communities may benefit. Lake Lahepera is a very shallow lake filled with sediments and overgrown with macrophytes. It is a former bay and an important spawning ground for fishes of Lake Peipsi, the fourth largest lake in Europe. The main question is, how to reconcile the goals of nature conservation and circular economy – restore and maintain good functioning of the lake ecosystem, preserve habitats for wetland communities, make economic use of sapropel, and renew spawning conditions for fish. The lake has been investigated since the 1950s. Resulting from strong human pressure, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, the accumulated organic sediments and macrophyte overgrowth have diminished the habitat diversity of the lake. Irregular flushing of the lake with Lake Peipsi waters can wash away large amounts of phosphorus. According to the investigations in 2014-15, phosphorus in- and outflow are in balance, but the internal loading is high. A set of possible restoration options with sediment and macrophyte removal methods is proposed and their outcome assessed using the ecosystem service concept. A comparison of possible future scenarios, based ecosystem service values shows that with a balanced combination of different habitat restoration methods it is possible to achieve stable ecological status of the lake. Species diversity, especially that of floating leaved macrophytes, will increase in the lake. At the same time, wetland habitats will retain their values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and has recently been upgraded to Appendix I on CITES due to significant population reduction and commercial trade. Despite increasing conservation efforts for otters worldwide, land conversion, waste, pesticides, and poaching pose significant threats to otter populations. Previous studies have identified the presence and habitat characteristics of Aonyx cinereus in various regions of Indonesia. However, more research still needs to be done on the Ciliwung River species. The field observation was carried out from August to October 2022; with most fieldwork happening in the rainy season, there are better times to sample otter markings. Spraints and latrine sites were the most commonly reported signs of otter presence. Two direct sightings of otters were made during the survey, one of a group of eight otters at Ciliwung Bridge and another of two otters searching for food along the riverbank at Blue Bridge. We confirmed the presence of otters in this area through visual encounters, sign surveys, and direct sightings. The proximity of Aonyx cinereus to settlements in the Jabodetabek region makes this species vulnerable to hunting. It is essential to preserve the Ciliwung River so that it may be passed on to future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the known populations of Lycaena helle from Romania are found at a lower altitude than those from Western and Central Europe. Besides land-use changes, climate warming severely threatens this specie that prefer humid and cool habitats. Withdrawal to higher altitudes is also restricted by the species' low dispersal ability. Therefore, the future of the Romanian population is uncertain. While implementing a peatlands restoration project in the northeastern part of the country, we investigated the local invertebrate fauna around a bog woodland from Dornelor Depression (Suceava County). Here we found a mosaic of wet habitats sheltering a violet copper population. This population was mentioned long ago, representing the first recorded instance of this species in present-day Romania. The violet copper butterfly has not been spotted in the area since the initial record was published in 1897, and current literature only refers to it as historical data from the Dorna Depression. We describe the habitat occupied by this population, bring up to date the specie's distribution, and prompt for the designation of a special area of conservation for this European protected species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a checklist of the butterfly fauna from the Apuseni Natural Park. The study aimed to inventory the fauna of Lepidoptera and their distribution in the park. In the investigated area, a number of 56 species of Lepidoptera were recorded. The research study of butterfly species in the southeastern area of the Apuseni Natural Park was realized over two years (2021 and 2022). In the researched area, the following species protected by European and/or National Legislation were identified: Parnassius mnemosyne, Neptis sappho, Euphydryas maturna and Euplagia quadripunctaria. Threats to some populations of butterflies were reported, predominantly the loss of preferential habitats. Several measures have been proposed for the conservation of the Lepidoptera species including maintaining preferential habitats, mowing meadows at the right time and moderate grazing of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Apart from a number of various activities, the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia is also engaged in the taking care of strictly protected and protected species of animals. During 2021, a total of 118 individuals from the class of birds (Aves) including 22 species were taken care of, as well as two individual species from the class of reptiles (Reptilia) and one individual from the class of mammals (Mammalia), while in 2022 35 individuals were taken care of, and in 2023 a total of 70 individuals, all from the class of birds (Aves). Upon recovery, individuals found to be rehabilitated were returned to their natural habitats.

Euphydryas aurinia, a highly endangered species listed on the Annex II of the Habitats Directive as well as on the Annex II of the Bern Convention, has a wide distribution in the Palearctic realm. Although it is an intensively studied species, its distribution is still not enough known. In Romania, in the last century it has been reported almost exclusively from the regions inside and westwards to the Carpathian Mountains. Records from Oltenia and Wallachia are filling a gap in the known distribution of this butterfly in the southern part of Romania, while 13 new records consolidate the known range of this species in southern and eastern Transylvania. In order to assess the progress encountered, a critical reviewed checklist with the records of the Marsh Fritillary presented in a regional distribution map complete this paper.

Abstract Background Canine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus, CDV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects many mammalian species, including members of the Mustelidae family. These animals have an elusive nature, which makes related virological studies extremely challenging. There is a significant knowledge gap about the evolution of their viruses and about the possible effects of these viruses to the population dynamics of the host animals. Spleen and lung tissue samples of 170 road-killed mustelids belonging to six species were collected between 1997 and 2022 throughout Hungary and tested for CDV with real-time RT-PCR. Results Three species were positive for viral RNA, 2 out of 64 Steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanii), 1 out of 36 European polecats (Mustela putorius) and 2 out of 36 stone martens (Martes foina); all 18 pine martens (Martes martes), 10 least weasels (Mustela nivalis) and 6 stoats (Mustela erminea) tested negative. The complete CDV genome was sequenced in five samples using pan-genotype CDV-specific, amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, all five viral sequences were grouped to the Europe/South America 1 lineage and the distribution of one sequence among trees indicated recombination of the Hemagglutinin gene. We verified the recombination with SimPlot analysis. Conclusions This paper provides the first CDV genome sequences from Steppe polecats and additional complete genomes from European polecats and stone martens. The infected specimens of various species originated from distinct parts of the country over a long time, indicating a wide circulation of CDV among mustelids throughout Hungary. Considering the high virulence of CDV and the presence of the virus in these animals, we highlight the importance of conservation efforts for wild mustelids. In addition, we emphasize the importance of full genomic data acquisition and analysis to better understand the evolution of the virus. Since CDV is prone to recombination, specific genomic segment analyses may provide less representative evolutionary traits than using complete genome sequences.

Many desert fishes, which evolved in isolated aquatic "islands" with limited predation pressure, have been severely impacted by non-native predators. These impacts have been attributed to the evolutionary loss of antipredator competence, known as the predator naiveté hypothesis. Recent work provided support for this hypothesis for one desert fish species. We sought to examine the generality of the predator naiveté hypothesis by evaluating antipredator competence in five populations of Red River pupfish (Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis), a species that occupies habitats that vary in the degree of isolation and levels of fish species richness. Fish were exposed to a conspecific chemical alarm cue released from damaged epidermal tissue as a general assay of antipredator response. We found that pupfish from all five populations exhibited antipredator behavior in response to the alarm cue, regardless of the exposure to predation risk. These data provide evidence that antipredator responses to alarm cues are conserved in Red River pupfish, even in populations isolated from piscivorous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describing the acoustic repertoire of cetaceans is necessary to understand the functionality of their sounds and the effect anthropogenic pressures have on animals living in a marine environment. This study provides a description of the acoustic repertoire of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago based on continuous 24-h recordings collected from two monitoring stations, both inside and outside the Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance, during an 8-day period in March/April 2020 and a 13-day period in July/August 2020. A total of 1008 h were visually and aurally analyzed to identify vocalizations and investigate diel and seasonal patterns in their parameters. Furthermore, sound pressure levels were calculated for the low (63 Hz–2 kHz) and high (2 kHz–20 kHz) frequency range. Bottlenose dolphins in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago were found to produce whistles, chirps, low frequency narrow-band sounds, burst pulse sounds, and echolocation clicks showing that dolphins are present at both monitoring stations, during both diel and seasonal periods, in a comparable manner. This paper also provides evidence that whistles, chirps, and low frequency narrow-band sounds change their parameters in relation to the background noise in the area, that varies according to diel and seasonal patterns. This suggests a vocal plasticity in the species and a coping strategy to avoid masking of relevant acoustic signals for the local population in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural souvenirs collection has been identified as a driving force in biodiversity and habitat degradation of tropical marine ecosystems. This work considers this phenomenon in the Mediterranean region taking Sardinia (Italy), one of the most renowned tourism destinations, as a case study. The biological material seized at Cagliari‐Elmas Airport (years 2019–2020: 138 kg) was analyzed: 199 taxa were identified, gastropods (112 species, 7866 pieces) and bivalves (63 species, 34,218 pieces) resulted the most represented classes. Twenty‐two protected species were found in the tourists' luggage including Patella ferruginea and Pinna nobilis, the invertebrates most threatened with extinction in the Mediterranean Sea. This study demonstrates that the illegal collection of natural mementos is common in Sardinia, thus its relevance is not limited to tropical regions. Regulation, enforcement and compliance shortcomings emerged, highlighting the importance of strengthening stakeholders' collaboration for a deeper insight on this phenomenon and implementing effective conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One challenge in wildlife conservation is understanding how various threats and management actions may influence long-term population viability. This is particularly evident when there is considerable uncertainty regarding population structure and vital rates. Reassessment of current knowledge and population trends is necessary for listed species to improve management actions that benefit conservation. We present an updated population viability analysis for northern Great Plains piping plovers (Charadrius melodus circumcinctus) based on the latest scientific data on survival, fecundity, and connectivity. Further, we explore the consequences of potential management actions and the stochastic effects of global climate change on population viability through changes in survival and fecundity. Our results predict elevated risks of extinction after 50 years (0.088 - 0.373) compared to previous predictions (0.033) based on assumed conditions of low connectivity among four major breeding groups structured as a metapopulation. We explored eight scenarios based on empirically-derived, higher connectivity rates and found that the northern Great Plains population never had a mean predicted population growth rate greater than one (0.946 - 0.996). Two scenarios that simulated a reduction in adult survival showed higher extinction probabilities (0.267 - 0.373), whereas two other scenarios that simulated an increase in fecundity exhibited lower extinction probabilities (0.088 - 0.103). These results indicate that viability of the northern Great Plains population of piping plovers could be improved with management actions that increase fecundity as long as adult survival is not simultaneously reduced. Lastly, breeding groups appeared to function less independently when connectivity rates were higher, as the breeding population was divided evenly among breeding groups. This indicates that the presumed metapopulation structure of our study system may need to be reevaluated, and that empirically-based estimates of connectivity are essential to assessing population viability of mobile species that exhibit a spatially structured distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Mediterranean horseshoe bats Rhinolophus euryale were observed in Romanian Dobrudja on the 12 January 2016. This observation is the first record in Romania of the species away from its Carpathian Range. The two specimens were found hibernating in an abandoned mine shaft in the Pădurea și Valea Canaraua Fetii, Iortmac Natural Reserve, near Băneasa, Constanța County, SE Romania. The only published record of the species in this region is from Bulgaria (Malkata Badzhaliya Cave in the valley of the Taban Dry River), about 24 km southwest of the Pădurea Canaraua Fetii Natural Reserve. The karst area of the southern part of the Dobrudjan Plateau, which is characterised by dry valleys (former riverbeds) and scattered thermophilous deciduous forests, may represent the sole suitable habitat for the northernmost population of the Mediterranean horseshoe bats near the western shores of the Black Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using published and herbarium data, and internet resources, the change in distribution of the aquatic fern Salvinia natans (Salviniaceae) in Russia has been traced since the beginning of 20th century until 2021 and the current boundaries of its range is identified. Among the bioclimatic and temperature indicators that determine the distribution of S. natans, the minimum and maximum temperatures in October and January and the maximum temperatures in April and July show the highest statistical significance, which is associated with important stages of the life cycle of S. natans. A comparison of species localities with climatic and temperature indicators for the time periods of 1960–1969, 2010–2018, and 2011–2021 showed that, by 2021 in the European part, West Siberia, and the Far East, there had been a significant spreading of S. natans to the north (more than 200 km). A notable increase in the number of records of the species has been found since the 2000s in different regions. For example, in Ivanovo oblast from 2018 to 2021, their number has increased more than three times. The expansion of the species occurs against the background of a noticeable increase in average annual temperatures and changes in other bioclimatic indicators. If present temperature trends continue, S. natans will expand its range even further north, east, and west in European Russia and north and west in West Siberia and the Far East. Due to the ongoing expansion of S. natans, the premises for the exclusion of the species from a number of regional Red Data Books is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use change is a perennial driver of biodiversity decline. However, climate change may pose novel pressures on species populations, adding to the mixture of anthropogenic threats. Determining the main causes for species decline is important for effective allocation of conservation efforts and for understanding the linkages between biodiversity decline and climate change. Here, we study the impacts of forest management, urbanization, and changes in spring climatic conditions on the presence of a threatened plant species, Pulsatilla patens. In addition, we examine if topographic heterogeneity has supported the persistence of species populations under climatic change starting from 1961. We modelled the effect of land-use and climate change both separately and jointly, finding that both drivers have individual and potentially direct impacts on the persistence of P. patens. This is in agreement with the historic standpoint of land-use change being the main threat for the species, as well as recent findings of the potentially harmful effects of altered climatic conditions in spring, e.g., through late frost damage following earlier emergence of flowers. However, we found no indication that topographic heterogeneity would offer a buffering effect, suggesting that changes in spring climatic conditions form a tangible threat to this species that is not alleviated in the current landscape. As climate change continues, it is likely that the number and intensity of stressors increases for a variety of species, which warrants further attention to the role of climate change and appropriate conservation action.

Five species of sea turtles are known to occur in New Zealand waters, with the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) being the most frequently reported. In New Zealand all sea turtles are protected, but there are currently no fisheries bycatch mitigation measures. We describe fishery captures of leatherbacks from Ministry observer and fisher self-reported data. A generalized additive model (GAM) was then used to evaluate which factors might explain the observed year trend in captures. Between fishing years 2007–08 and 2020–21 (years starting 1 October), there were 217 captures of leatherback turtles, an annual average of 15.5. Reported captures increased substantially to 50 in 2020–21. Nearly all (97.7%) captures were reported from surface longline fisheries. Because of sparse observer coverage most captures (85.3%) were self-reported by fishers. Within the main fishery, just 9.4% of the vessels reported 94.5% of the leatherback captures, and one vessel reported 40.4% of all captures. Some non-reporting of captures seems likely. The GAM estimated a higher probability of capture with increasing SST from a constant-over-time spatial pattern of monthly sea surface temperature, and predicted the increase in captures in 2020–21. Much of the increase in bycatch could therefore be explained by the fleet moving into warmer areas where the probability of leatherback capture was higher. Capture mitigation measures could include restricting fishing in turtle ‘hotspot’ times and areas. New Zealand waters should be recognized as an important seasonal foraging ground for leatherback turtles where capture mitigation measures are necessary.

The field survey made in the last 20 years revealed that large areas of Romania's territory are still unexplored concerning moss distribution. The long-term research in natural and mature spruce forest habitats of this country shows that many sites are well protected, a status that is also confirmed by reports of Buxbaumia viridis. However, many other sites where this species was identified still lack legal protection. We also generated a potential distribution of the species based on an ensemble model, useful in guiding extensive field surveys and also management and conservation measures. In a country where the volume of wood cut by illegal logging is larger than the legal one, according to official data, it is very important that all habitats for B. viridis be included in protected areas. Our paper brings important data to aid in this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]