Latest Articles from Nature Conservation Latest 16 Articles from Nature Conservation https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:41:58 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Nature Conservation https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/ Dynamic change of habitat quality and its key driving factors in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/102810/ Nature Conservation 53: 125-155

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.53.102810

Authors: Ding Wang, Haiguang Hao, Hao Liu, Lihui Sun, Yuyang Li

Abstract: Habitat quality reflects the level of biodiversity, and habitat maintenance functions are related to human well-being and ecosystem stability. Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a typical ecologically fragile region in Western China with complex human-nature relationships. Maintaining good habitat is not only a fundamental requirement for biodiversity conservation but also a necessary path for sustainable regional development. In this study, we assessed and analysed the spatial and temporal patterns and changes in habitat quality in Ningxia from 2000 to 2020, and explored the driving factors of habitat quality using a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The results indicated: (1) The overall habitat quality level in Ningxia was low to intermediate, with an upwards and then downwards trend during the past 20 years, showing a small change in overall magnitude. (2) The high- and higher-level habitat quality patches in Ningxia were mainly distributed in areas with high vegetation cover, such as the Helan Mountain and Liupan Mountain. The patches of moderate-level habitat quality mainly included cultivated land, while the low- and lower-level patches were mainly distributed in areas subjected to more frequent human activities, such as cultivated land and construction land. (3) The spatial and temporal distribution patterns and changes in habitat quality in Ningxia from 2000 to 2020 were mainly influenced by fractional vegetation cover (FVC), soil moisture content (SMC), proportion of construction land area (PCL), and proportion of cultivated land area (CLP). Among them, FVC and SMC were positive driving factors, and PCL and CLP were negative driving factors. The results support that increasing vegetation cover and reducing anthropogenic disturbance to natural habitats are important measures to maintain fragile habitats and that key ecological function areas such as nature reserves are crucial for habitat quality protection in ecologically fragile areas.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Aug 2023 18:14:44 +0300
The scale of the problem: understanding the demand for medicinal pangolin products in China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/95916/ Nature Conservation 52: 47-61

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.52.95916

Authors: Yifu Wang, Samuel T. Turvey, Nigel Leader-Williams

Abstract: Wildlife conservationists are increasingly concerned about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) due to the demands it places on many threatened species. In particular, pangolin populations in both Asia and Africa have experienced drastic declines driven by illegal trade. However, few studies have attempted to determine the level of this demand for traded species. In this study, we use social science approaches to investigate the pangolin scale trade within China, based upon interviews with informants from hospitals and pharmaceutical shops in two Chinese provinces (Henan and Hainan). Doctors from 41 hospitals and shop owners or shop assistants from 134 pharmaceutical shops were interviewed between October 2016 and April 2017. We show that pangolin scales are under heavy demand and products are available in 34% of the shops and 66% of the hospitals included in this study. Sale quantities were found to vary substantially amongst sellers and no significant factors were found to correlate with sale quantity. Moreover, quantities of products traded by permitted legal sellers are estimated to greatly exceed the supply capacity of legal sources. There is an urgent need to reduce demand from TCM on pangolin scales and revise the current legal pangolin scale trade system. We also highlight the importance of incorporating the TCM sector into combating illegal wildlife trade and species conservation beyond pangolins.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Apr 2023 15:17:32 +0300
Important plant areas (IPAs) in the Fergana Valley (Central Asia): The Bozbu-Too-Ungortepa massif https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/94477/ Nature Conservation 51: 13-70

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.51.94477

Authors: Komiljon Sh. Tojibaev, Farkhod I. Karimov, Hushbaht R. Hoshimov, Rustam Gulomov, Georgy A. Lazkov, Chang-Gee Jang, Hee-Young Gil, Ju-Eun Jang, Avazbek R. Batoshov, Abdulla Iskandarov, Hyeok Jae Choi

Abstract: This paper discusses identifying Important Plant Areas (IPAs) in one of the most densely populated regions of Central Asia—the Fergana valley. The recognition of IPA sites is an attempt to introduce new ways of conserving local plant diversity with a high concentration of endemic species in Central Asia, where conservation methods of the former Soviet Union still prevail. The research revealed the current state and geography of many rare species and enriched the flora of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan with several rare species. The second IPA is the transboundary territory of the Fergana valley, uniting the southern spurs of the Chatkal range and the Ungortepa-BozbuToo massif. We documented the distribution of 62 species in the IPAs under the sub-criteria of Plantlife International. Our study aimed at continuing studies on the IPAs in this region, addressing specific conservation challenges, such as conserving national endemics and endangered species that grow outside protected areas and GIS mapping of endemic species.

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Research Article Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:41:01 +0200
Spatial and temporal dynamics of habitat quality in response to socioeconomic and landscape patterns in the context of urbanization: A case in Zhengzhou City, China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/85179/ Nature Conservation 48: 185-212

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.48.85179

Authors: Mengqi Zhao, Yuan Tian, Nalin Dong, Yongge Hu, Guohang Tian, Yakai Lei

Abstract: With the rapid development of urbanization, the habitat quality (HQ) in urban areas has been eroded. This phenomenon is destroying the balance of ecosystems, triggering the reduction of biodiversity and the decay of ecosystem service functions. The study of the relationship between urbanization and HQ in Zhengzhou City is beneficial for the reference of sustainable urban ecological planning and management. Based on landscape classification data and socioeconomic data for three years, this study analyzes the spatial correlations between socioeconomic and landscape pattern factors and HQ, compares the dynamic changes in the explanatory power of different factors, and explores the joint effects between multiple factors. The results show that: (1) The overall value of HQ index in Zhengzhou City decreased by .10 during 2000–2020, mainly occurring in suburban areas, with a small amount of HQ improvement occurring in the core areas of ecological protection, such as mountains and river channels. (2) The spatial autocorrelation of all influencing factors with HQ increased during this period, while the negative impact from socio-economic sources was stronger than the positive impact from landscape patterns. (3) Intensive human activities lead to a single habitat type, which reduces HQ; rich landscape types and complex landscape composition can enhance HQ. Improving the connectivity of blue-green landscapes helps to attenuate the negative effects of urbanization on HQ. (4) Changes of HQ in the study area and the development of multi-factor effects on HQ are driven by the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area Plan. Urban development policies and management can build idyllic complexes at the edge of urban development, preserving pristine blue-green patches to avoid their homogenized distribution and thus slowing the decline of HQ. The above results provide new ideas for the development of sustainable urban ecology.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Jun 2022 16:51:32 +0300
Temporal and spatial changes of biodiversity in Caverns of Heaven and Places of Blessing, Zhejiang Province, China from 1990 to 2020 https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/76273/ Nature Conservation 48: 1-29

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.48.76273

Authors: Yuanna Zhu, Hexian Jin, Le Zhong

Abstract: Caverns of Heaven and Places of Blessing (CHPB) are the earliest Ecological Reserve in China, but in recent years, due to the accelerated process of urbanization and weak protection, the Chinese traditional ecological reserve represented by CHPB has been damaged to a certain extent. How to accurately measure the dynamic changes of ecological value in existing ecological protection and construct is an initial topic of CHPB protection. To understand the temporal and spatial changes characteristics of biodiversity in CHPB, this paper selects three-time nodes in 1990, 2005, and 2020, and takes CHPB in Zhejiang Province as an example, comprehensive three influencing factors: habitat quality, landscape pattern, and nighttime-light. To provide a relevant theoretical basis for the protection of CHPB, this paper quantitatively analyzes the changes of ecological environment and biodiversity in recent 30 years. The results showed that from 1990 to 2020, the biodiversity of CHPB in Zhejiang Province showed a positive change, the decline in Caverns of Heaven overall area slowed down, and the core area rebounded. The spatial distribution change of biodiversity is highly consistent with the land-use changes. The low value regions of biodiversity are mainly concentrated in the regions with intensive human activities, and the area decreases with the expansion of construction land. The core areas are primary areas with high biodiversity and overlap with nature reserves, natural parks, Scenic and Historic Interest Area, and other protected areas. In a word, CHPB still plays a vital role in ecological and environmental protection. In the future development, we should still pay attention to its biodiversity protection, and give full play to its role in ecological and environmental protection, and realize the contemporary application of CHPB’s traditional ecological knowledge.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Apr 2022 14:40:26 +0300
Development evaluation of nature reserves under China’s forestry department: A spatiotemporal empirical study at the province level https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/65488/ Nature Conservation 44: 81-97

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.44.65488

Authors: Xin Zhao, Jie Zhang, Hui Guo

Abstract: It is important to evaluate the development level of nature reserves. In this study, we aimed to assess the development level of nature reserves under the administration of China’s forestry department in 31 provincial-level regions from 2005 to 2017 (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan Province). For this purpose, we analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution of nature reserve development in different regions using projection pursuit and spatial econometric methods. In terms of temporal distribution, the development level of nature reserves has been steadily improving, and the growth rate showed the trend of “strong fast” and “weak slow”. However, the development gap among different provinces is large. In terms of spatial distribution, the development of nature reserves presented the characteristics of “high in the west and low in the east” and “high in the north and south and low in the middle.” The endowment of natural resources, scientific research, and investment has a considerable effect on the development level of nature reserves. This study provides suggestions for the differential construction and sustainable development of nature reserves in China.

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Research Article Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:30:02 +0300
Number and distribution of large old ginkgos in east China: Implications for regional conservation https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/59284/ Nature Conservation 42: 71-87

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.42.59284

Authors: Jie Liu, Ruo-Yan Jiang, Guang-Fu Zhang

Abstract: Large old ginkgos (LOGs), having important ecological, cultural and historical values, are widely distributed in China. However, little is known regarding their quantity and tree-habitat quality in the mesoscale distribution. Here, the quantity, spatial distribution and conservation status of Ginkgo biloba L. older than 100 years in Jiangsu Province, east China were examined using ArcGIS software and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). Based on our collated data, Jiangsu Province included 2,123 LOG individuals and 237 LOG groves and both mostly occurred in southern and central Jiangsu. Most LOGs grew well and were distributed in villages, temples and government institutions. Ginkgos’ growth status was largely associated with tree-habitat types. LOGs performed worse in commercial areas, roadsides and residential districts than in other tree-habitat types. To protect these ginkgos, dynamic monitoring and strengthening of scientific management are required, especially for tree-habitats in the process of urban planning and construction. It is also necessary to improve the relationship between religious culture and conservation measures. This is the first study examining LOGs in Jiangsu Province using a unified standard and our findings provide a baseline for future studies and insights into the regional conservation of LOGs.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Dec 2020 14:11:15 +0200
Floristic composition and plant diversity in distribution areas of native species congeneric with Betula halophila in Xinjiang, northwest China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/54735/ Nature Conservation 42: 1-17

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.42.54735

Authors: Jihong Huang, Zhongjun Guo, Suying Tang, Wei Ren, Guangming Chu, Liping Wang, Ling Zhao, Ruoyun Yu, Yue Xu, Yi Ding, Runguo Zang

Abstract: Betula halophila, a wild plant with extremely small populations, is endemic to Xinjiang, northwest China. Its wild populations have declined severely in the field. Understanding the patterns of floristic composition where congeneric species of B. halophila are distributed and their determinants is a necessary step to restore the wild populations. Based on literature records, specimen information, shared public data and field survey data, the patterns of floristic composition, diversity and environmental conditions of seed flora within the distribution areas of five native species (i.e. B. tianschanica, B. microphylla, B. pendula, B. rotundifolia and B. humilis), congeneric with B. halophila, were examined. The results are as follows. (1) There were 3013 species, 693 genera and 108 families of seed plants in the distribution area of these congeneric species of B. halophila, which accounted for 86.16%, 94.54% and 93.91% of the total seed plants in Xinjiang, respectively. (2) The family composition of seed flora in the distribution area of these congeneric species of B. halophila was mainly cosmopolitan; the genus composition of seed flora was dominated by temperate, mainly of northern temperate and Mediterranean components. (3) There are no significant differences existing in plant richness amongst the areas where each of the five congeneric species (B. tianschanica, B. microphylla, B. pendula, B. rotundifolia and B. humilis) are distributed. (4) The influence of climate factors on species richness is significant across the whole distribution areas of the Betula genus, while the main environmental factors determining species richness are different amongst distribution areas of different species. Climate factors impacted significantly on species richness in distribution areas of tree species, but not in distribution areas of shrub species. This study provides a preliminary guideline for the conservation of B. halophila, a wild plant with extremely small populations in the field.

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Research Article Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:36:35 +0300
Threats from wildlife trade: The importance of genetic data in safeguarding the endangered Four-eyed Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata) https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/54661/ Nature Conservation 41: 91-111

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.41.54661

Authors: Minh Duc Le, Timothy E.M. McCormack, Ha Van Hoang, Ha Thuy Duong, Truong Quang Nguyen, Thomas Ziegler, Hanh Duc Nguyen, Hanh Thi Ngo

Abstract: Wildlife trade has been considered one of the largest threats to biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Many vertebrates, such as pangolins, elephants and turtles have been heavily hunted as a result of high demand from emerging markets in China and other countries in the region. In Vietnam, over-exploitation of turtles over several decades to supply the international trade has extirpated numerous populations and driven several species to the brink of extinction. To reverse this trend, conservation measures, such as re-introduction of confiscated or captive-bred animals to their native habitats, should be implemented to recover severely declined local populations. For species with a complex phylogeographic structure, however, it is crucial to understand geographic patterns of genetically-distinct populations to avoid releasing animals of unknown origin to wrong localities. In this study, we investigate the phylogeographic pattern of the Four-eyed Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata), a widely traded species, which occurs in southern China, northern and central Laos and much of Vietnam, using samples with known localities and those collected from the local trade. Our range-wide phylogenetic and network study, based on the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, recovered at least three major clades and seven subclades within the species range. Amongst these, two subclades, one from northern Annamites, Vietnam and the other from north-eastern Laos, are newly discovered. The fine scale phylogeographic analysis helped us to assign misidentified sequences from GenBank and those from confiscated animals with unknown origin to well-defined geographic populations. The results highlight the importance of incorporating samples collected from the local trade and the wild in genetic analyses to support both ex-situ and in-situ conservation programmes of highly-threatened species in accordance with the IUCN’s One Plan Approach.

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Research Article Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:55:16 +0300
Habitat preference and potential distribution of Magnolia officinalis subsp. officinalis and M. o. subsp. biloba in China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/36171/ Nature Conservation 36: 93-111

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.36.36171

Authors: Chuangye Song, Huiming Liu, Jixi Gao

Abstract: Magnolia officinalis subsp. officinalis and M. officinalis subsp. biloba are important medicinal plants in China. The bark of these two subspecies is commonly used in the production of a widely-used Chinese traditional medicine named ‘Houpu’. In recent years, M. o. subsp. officinalis and M. o. subsp. biloba have become increasingly threatened owing to the over-harvesting of their bark and the fragmentation of their habitats. In this study, we aimed to support the conservation and cultivation of these two subspecies in China by: (1) assessing the relationship between numerous environmental variables and the geographical distributions of the subspecies; (2) analysing the environmental characteristics of suitable habitats for both subspecies and predicting the spatial distribution of these habitats in China; and (3) identifying conservation areas of both subspecies in China via overlay analysis. We also assessed the degree of human disturbance within suitable habitats. We found that temperature was a major determinant for the distribution of M. o. subsp. officinalis. Conversely, the distribution of M. o. subsp. biloba was primarily dependent on precipitation rather than temperature. Distinct habitat preferences were observed between M. o. subsp. officinalis and M. o. subsp. biloba. Suitable habitats of M. o. subsp. officinalis were primarily distributed in the northern subtropical areas of China, with greater fluctuations in ambient temperature, lower extreme temperatures, less precipitation and greater fluctuations in precipitation. Habitats suitable for M. o. subsp. biloba were highly fragmented and were distributed in the central subtropical areas of China. We found that a large proportion of suitable habitats were not in the protected areas and that they were significantly disturbed by human activity. This analysis could provide useful information for the conservation of both M. o. subsp. officinalis and M. o. subsp. biloba and could aid in the selection of cultivation sites.

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Research Article Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:08:34 +0300
First photographic record of marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata Martin, 1837 (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) in Nepal https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/29740/ Nature Conservation 32: 19-34

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.32.29740

Authors: Sonam Tashi Lama, James G. Ross, Damber Bista, Ang Phuri Sherpa, Ganga Ram Regmi, Madan Krishna Suwal, Pema Sherpa, Janno Weerman, Shrota Shrestha Lama, Madhuri Thapa, Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Adrian M. Paterson

Abstract: The marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata is a Near Threatened small felid. The cat’s presence in Nepal is based on an anecdote. A camera trap-based study to access diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in eastern Nepal accumulated 3,014 camera trap days and resulted in 5,176 photographs of 17 medium-large sized mammal species. Amongst them, a marbled cat was captured at a single camera trap station in January 2018. The camera trap-capturing the marbled cat was located in the secondary forest at an altitude of 2,750 m a.s.l., dominated by free-ranging cattle close to a permanent human settlement (1.4 km) and a temporary cattle herding camp (0.4 km). This is the first photographic evidence of a marbled cat in Nepal. In this survey, we also recorded three other felid species: common leopard Panthera pardus, Asiatic golden-cat Catopuma temminckii and leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis. We recommend detailed year-round camera trap surveys in the mid-hills of eastern Nepal along with research on adaptation of the small felids to human-dominated areas and assessment of immediate threats for preparing sound conservation management plans of the marbled cat and its sympatric species. Initiation of conservation programmes engaging local dokpa (herders) is necessary.

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Short Communication Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:06:31 +0200
Diversity and distribution of food plants: Implications for conservation of the critically endangered Hainan gibbon https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/27407/ Nature Conservation 31: 17-33

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.31.27407

Authors: Zhidong Zhang, Runguo Zang

Abstract: An understanding of the diversity and distribution patterns of Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) foods is essential to its conservation. We used data from plots in various successional stages and Pinus merkusii plantations (PF) of Bawangling National Nature Reserve (BNNR) to compare variations in food species diversity and composition amongst forest types. A total of 85 food species and 16,882 food plants individuals were found across forest types. Habitat-exclusive food species were most abundant in old growth natural forest (OGF), followed by mid-aged natural secondary forest (MSF). We did not find exclusive species in PF. For all food species, as well as each stem size class, PF displayed a lower species richness and abundance and, in addition, less similar species composition in each age class compared to secondary forests. The highest stem density and species richness were found in MSF. The abundance of food trees was higher in MSF and OGF than in young natural secondary forest. Results suggested that MSF could serve as an alternative habitat for Hainan gibbons after short-term recovery. Hainan gibbons might be limited to secondary forests older than 25 years old. PF was found to be unsuitable for Hainan gibbons.

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Research Article Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:38:33 +0200
A socio-economic survey of pangolin hunting in Assam, Northeast India https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/27379/ Nature Conservation 30: 83-105

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.30.27379

Authors: Neil D’Cruze, Bhagat Singh, Aniruddha Mookerjee, Lauren A. Harrington, David W. Macdonald

Abstract: India has been identified as a source country for the illegal international trade in endangered pangolins, “scaly mammalian anteaters”, widely considered as the “world’s most trafficked mammal”. In this study, we investigated the involvement of hunters belonging principally to three locally prominent tribes (Biate, Dimasa and Karbi) in Assam State, Northeast India. Based on the results of interviews with 141 individuals, we conclude that all three tribal groups engaged in pangolin hunting between 2011 and 2016. Although pangolin meat is used locally, we found that hunters largely targeted pangolins for their scales and that substantial commercial gain via urban middlemen has now supplanted low-level traditional use as the primary driver for this activity. On average, each hunter captured one pangolin per year with the potential to earn 9,000 INR (135 USD) for a single animal (equating to approximately four months average income). The majority of hunters (89%) stated that pangolins were less abundant than they were five years ago, which suggests off-take is unsustainable. All hunters interviewed appeared to hunt pangolins occasionally, regardless of tribe, demography or income, which suggests that any mitigation strategy should focus on rural hunters. Whilst interventions to reduce poverty are no doubt required, we argue that such interventions alone are unlikely to be effective in reducing pangolin hunting. Rather, there is a need for co-ordinated packages of mutually reinforcing interventions to address this pangolin hunting in a more comprehensive manner. In particular, implementing a demand reduction strategy targeting urban consumers is urgently required.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 01:45:00 +0200
Proposed biodiversity conservation areas: gap analysis and spatial prioritization on the inadequately studied Qinghai Plateau, China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/20942/ Nature Conservation 24: 1-20

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.24.20942

Authors: Renqiang Li, Ryan Powers, Ming Xu, Yunpu Zheng, Shujie Zhao

Abstract: Global biodiversity priorities are primarily addressed through the establishment or expansion of conservation areas (CAs). Spatial prioritization of these CAs can help minimize biodiversity loss by accounting for the uneven distribution of biodiversity and conservation considerations (e.g., accessibility, cost, and biodiversity threats). Furthermore, optimized spatial priorities can help facilitate the judicious use of limited conservation resources by identifying cost effective CA designs. Here, we demonstrate how key species and ecosystems can be incorporated into systematic conservation planning to propose the expansion and addition of new CAs in the biodiversity-unique and data-poor region of Qinghai Plateau, China. We combined species distribution models with a systematic conservation planning tool, MARXAN to identify CAs for biodiversity on Qinghai Plateau. A set of 57 optimal CAs (273,872 km2, 39.3 % of this Province) were required to achieve the defined conservation targets in Qinghai Province. We also identified 29 new CAs (139,216 km2, 20% of Qinghai Province) outside the existing nature reserve (NRs) that are necessary to fully achieve the proposed conservation targets. The conservation importance of these 29 new CAs was also indicated, with 10 labeled as high priority, 11 as medium priority, and 8 as low priority. High priority areas were more abundant in the eastern and southeastern parts of this region. Our results suggest that many species remain inadequately protected within the Qinghai Plateau, with conservation gaps in eastern and northwestern regions. The proposed more representative and effective CAs can provide useful information for adjusting the existing NRs and developing the first National Park in China.

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Research Article Thu, 4 Jan 2018 10:11:34 +0200
International law and lions (Panthera leo): understanding and improving the contribution of wildlife treaties to the conservation and sustainable use of an iconic carnivore https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/13690/ Nature Conservation 21: 83-128

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.21.13690

Authors: Arie Trouwborst, Melissa Lewis, Dawn Burnham, Amy Dickman, Amy Hinks, Timothy Hodgetts, Ewan A. Macdonald, David W. Macdonald

Abstract: The lion (Panthera leo) is featuring ever more prominently on the agendas of international wildlife treaties like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Lion range and numbers have declined markedly over the last two decades. In this review we assess the present role of international wildlife treaties with a view to improving their combined contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of lions. Our analysis identifies a substantial body of relevant international wildlife law and, moreover, a significant potential for enhancing the contribution to lion conservation of these global and regional treaties. The time is right to invest in such improvements, and our review renders a range of general and treaty-specific recommendations for doing so, including making full use of the Ramsar Wetlands Convention, World Heritage Convention and transboundary conservation area (TFCA) treaties for lion conservation. The CMS holds particular potential in this regard and our analysis provides strong support for listing the lion in its Appendices.

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Review Article Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:14:53 +0300
Tree species composition rather than biodiversity impacts forest soil organic carbon of Three Gorges, southwestern China https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/6486/ Nature Conservation 14: 7-24

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.14.6486

Authors: Nan Liu, Yujie Wang, Yunqi Wang, Zhanjun Zhao, Yangyi Zhao

Abstract: Forest soil represents an important resource for mitigating the climate change. Besides, plant composition and diversity and their roles in ecosystem functioning are becoming a central issue in forest soil organic carbon (SOC) research. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the effects of tree species diversity and composition on potential of C sequestration of forest soil in Three Gorges area and provide basic information to future research on climate change. Two dominant forest ecosystems were selected: mixed conifer-broadleaf forest (Fm) and evergreen broadleaf forest (Fb). Then study transects were established and investigated. Soil samples were collected and determined for bulk density, SOC concentration and stock, nitrogen (N) concentration and C:N ratio. The results showed that the statistical differences of SOC concentrations and stocks between Fm and Fb were caused by tree species composition rather than the tree species diversity. And the most significant differences were found in the first two soil horizons (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm). The average C:N values of four different horizons in Fm were decreased with increasing soil depth as well as Fb. Not only SOC concentrations but also stocks of the two studied forests were decreased with increasing soil depth. However, Fm showed a larger capacity to store SOC with an average stock of 183.50 t/ha than that of Fb (100.44 t/ha) in study area. Thus, forest which is composed of conifer and evergreen broadleaf tree species may be the best choice for local afforestation and reforestation aimed at alleviating climate change in Three Gorges region.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Apr 2016 11:14:47 +0300