Latest Articles from Nature Conservation Latest 22 Articles from Nature Conservation https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:52:28 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Nature Conservation https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/ Environmental characteristics, including soil and vegetation composition, in relation to the occurrence patterns of an endangered lizard, Eremias argus, in a fluvial island, South Korea https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/113483/ Nature Conservation 55: 21-39

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.55.113483

Authors: Eunhee Cho, Deokjoo Son

Abstract: Eremias argus, known as the Mongolian racerunner, is a reptile that has been designated as a level II endangered species in South Korea since 2005 despite being listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Particular vegetation and soil characteristics are critical components of the habitat of E. argus, which is an ectotherm. However, research on the environmental characteristics of E. argus living on a fluvial island is lacking. This study sought to characterize the soil environmental factors and vegetation composition of E. argus habitats on Doriseom Island, South Korea by dividing the island into an area in which E. argus occurred frequently (F zone) and an area in which E. argus occurred rarely (R zone). Both soil hardness and cobble cover were significantly higher in the R zone (soil hardness: 1.6 ± 0.2 kg‧cm-2, mean ± standard error; cobble cover: 40 ± 5%) than in the F zone (soil hardness: 0.9 ± 0.1 kg‧cm-2; cobble cover: 18 ± 3%). Plant litter cover did not differ significantly based on E. argus occurrence. The vegetation composition within F and R zones appeared distinct, though Coreopsis lanceolata dominated both zones. A sand dune sedge, Carex pumila, thrived in F zone sites, where soil hardness was low, while the endemic Aster danyangensis, which prefers cobble areas, was found largely in the R zone. In conclusion, E. argus was most commonly found in areas with low soil hardness dominated by dune vegetation. Understanding endangered species’ habitat requirements can provide important clues for establishing conservation plans and restoration measures.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:40:45 +0200
Lost in hostile lands: moths of conservation concern in cultivated and suburban areas of south Italy https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/108425/ Nature Conservation 54: 203-215

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.54.108425

Authors: Laura Bevacqua, Giada Zucco, Kevin Garofalo, Innocenzo Muzzalupo, Stefano Scalercio

Abstract: Cultivated and suburban areas are usually considered unfavourable to the vulnerable components of biodiversity and regarded as not interesting from a conservation point of view. However, remnants of semi-natural vegetation can be embedded in such areas, becoming possible refuges for wild biodiversity despite the high anthropogenic pressures. With the present study, we raise awareness that, in some cases, these areas can be regarded as biodiversity treasure chests, even when apparently poor and with low appeal for conservationists. We demonstrate the importance of urbanised and cultivated landscapes by providing new records of two lepidopteran species rare for the Italian Peninsula, namely Amphipyra (Pyrois) cinnamomea and Boudinotiana notha. The European range of A. cinnamomea has become strongly reduced, seeming extinct in some Central European regions and the few Italian records mostly date back several decades. B. notha has very few relict populations in Mediterranean Europe, some of which are in peninsular Italy, where it is threated by urbanisation and reduced precipitations expected in the next decades. Our findings confirm the importance of small and highly fragmented patches of semi-natural vegetation for biodiversity conservation, as they can allow species of conservation interest to persist in hostile lands.

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Short Communication Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:01:19 +0200
Spatial distribution of sand dunes along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast: inventory, UAS mapping and new discoveries https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/105507/ Nature Conservation 54: 81-120

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.54.105507

Authors: Bogdan Prodanov, Lyubomir Dimitrov, Iliyan Kotsev, Radoslava Bekova, Todor Lambev

Abstract: Coastal sand dunes are amongst the world’s most sensitive and dynamic landforms. Unfortunately, during the last thirty years, heavy anthropogenic alterations have been observed, encompassing the greater part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast (BBSC), which has changed the land-sea interactions significantly. As a consequence, the depositional coast has shrunk to 131 km or 25% of the aggregate Bulgarian Black Sea shoreline length. Although our research reveals that 86% of BBSC dunes are included in the Natura 2000 network of protected sites established under the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC 1992), they are often heavily modified, subjected to environmental vandalism and destroyed due to mismanagement or lack of accurate information and prevention. These facts were the main reason for carrying out an inventory of the Bulgarian Black Sea coastal dune systems in 2021-2022. Our research aimed to identify all dune systems/sand dunes, update their spatial distribution and classify the observed coastal sand dunes landforms along the BBSC. The article demonstrates a successful methodology for combining unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, in situ sediment sampling, video imaging and verification and GNSS-RTK ground control points for coastal mapping. As of June 2022, over 97% of the Bulgarian shoreline has been surveyed with this technique, excluding military areas and national security sites. Based on the acquired data, as of 2021, the shoreline length was estimated to be 518.7 km at a scale 1:5000. The integrated UAS approach includes using Digital surface models (DSM), raster orthophotomosaics (OM) and 3D models, based on SfM photogrammetry to analyse the coastal topography, detect dune forms and update their spatial distribution. Throughout the inventory, 46 beach-dune systems were identified along the BBSC, which were divided into 62 dune sectors. The area of coastal dune systems was estimated at 988.21 ha (0.0089% of Bulgaria) and a total length of 73 km (14% of the shoreline). A comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the relationships between landforms morphology, aeolian and morphodynamic processes, vegetation density and type was the basis for the coastal dune landforms (CDLs) or dune systems to be classified into primary (312 ha; 32%) and secondary (676 ha; 68%). Additionally, the CDLs were classified according to Natura 2000 habitats: fixed (grey) dunes (546.27 ha; 55.28%), wooded dunes (222.61 ha; 22.53%), shifting (white) dunes (150.30 ha; 15.21%), embryonic dunes (68.3 ha; 6.91%) and humid dune slacks (0.94 ha; 0.09%). The highest positioned CDLs on the Balkan Peninsula were registered at perched Sozopol Sand Dunes (61 m a.s.l.) and cliff-top dunes at Arkutino (50.2 m a.s.l.). The multi-temporal analysis of photogrammetric DSMs and raster OMs showed the permanent loss of five dune systems in the Pomorie-Burgas-Rosenets coastal sector. The accrued UAS data approach allowed us to identify and map eight dune systems for the first time: Zlatni Pyasatsi (Panorama), Asparuhovo (Varna), Byala, Atanasovska Kosa, Central Beach (Burgas), Chernomorets, Kavatsite (partly) and Rezovo-Kastrich. A high anthropogenic footprint was registered on 50.7 ha (5.1%) of the entire dune surface. In the final stage of the study, human interventions that caused degradation and permanent loss of dunes (12 ha) over the last 15 years along the BBSC were shown. The main causes for dune degradation along BBSC have been documented, such as massive tourism development after the socialist period, road construction, recreational pressure exerted on the dunes, human trampling, lack of designated footpaths in areas with fixed and mobile dunes, off-road vehicles and parking lots (especially at camping sites), dumping of garbage and anthropogenic marine litter on the sand dunes etc.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Dec 2023 15:31:45 +0200
Analysis of the effects of habitat characteristics, human disturbance and prey on felids presence using long-term community monitoring information https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/104135/ Nature Conservation 53: 279-295

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.53.104135

Authors: J. Roberto Sosa-López, Nydia Nicté Díaz Bernal, Eugenio Padilla, Miguel Briones-Salas

Abstract: Predator species are essential for ecosystems as they maintain the ecological integrity of the habitat. Particularly, felids populations have declined globally due to their sensitivity to habitat disturbances. Nevertheless, in Mexico, there are areas protected by indigenous communities to preserve a portion of their territory, benefiting multiple species, including felids. Although the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas of Mexico sponsors a long-term national-wide communal monitoring programme using camera traps, there is not a systematic analysis of the information generated by the programme. We assessed the occurrence of three felids species known to occur in a Zapotec indigenous community conservation area in Oaxaca, Mexico. Specifically, we evaluated how habitat characteristics, human disturbance and prey influence felids’ occurrence across the protected area. None of the variables explained better than the null model the proportion of sites used by Pumas (Puma concolor). Bobcats and Margays favour areas with medium-sized prey. Our study shows the importance of community-based monitoring and information systems (CBMIS) for identifying communal reserve characteristics that contribute to the occupation of carnivores. Further, our results also suggest that management should consider the habitat requirements of felids´ prey. By understanding wildlife habitat use, communal authorities could improve sustainable forest management within the reserves.

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Research Article Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:20:02 +0300
Hydrological regime and forest development have indirect effects on soil fauna feeding activity in Central European hardwood floodplain forests https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/106260/ Nature Conservation 53: 257-278

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.53.106260

Authors: Nicole Scheunemann, David J. Russell

Abstract: Soil fauna act as regulators of decomposition processes via their feeding activity, thereby playing an important role in regulating carbon cycling and sequestration. Hardwood floodplain forests are critically endangered habitats, but strongly contribute to carbon sequestration in Central Europe. In the present study, within a floodplain forest-development programme, we investigated the feeding activity of soil fauna via the Bait Lamina test in hardwood floodplain forests of the middle Elbe River in Germany in sites with different hydrological regimes and forest-development stages, with neighbouring grassland sites for comparison. While statistically significant differences in overall feeding activity between general hydrological regimes or forest development stages were not found, decreases in feeding activity with soil depth were strongly modulated by these factors, indicating more unfavourable conditions for soil fauna at increasing soil depth due to, e.g., anoxic conditions in floodplains of tributaries or low soil moisture content below the shallow rooting zone of grasslands. Registered effects of soil texture on soil fauna feeding activity were dependent on forest-tree density, and combined effects indicate that soil-fauna feeding activity varies with soil temperature during spring, but with soil moisture in early autumn. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of the current abiotic conditions on soil-fauna feeding activities in floodplain forests, i.e. soil temperature, moisture and ground water level. Hydrological regime and forest development have a strong impact on the effect of these conditions, indirectly affecting soil fauna feeding activity and highlighting the multifactorial influence on soil fauna functional activity to be considered in floodplain-forest restoration programs.

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Research Article Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:15:03 +0300
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
Coastal beaver, Chinook, coho, chum salmon and trout response to nearshore changes resulting from diking and large-scale dam removals: synergistic ecosystem engineering and restoration in the coastal zone https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/85421/ Nature Conservation 53: 61-83

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.53.85421

Authors: J. Anne Shaffer, Dave Parks, Katrina Campbell, Anna Moragne, Bligh Hueske, Pamela Adams, Jenise M. Bauman

Abstract: In this paper we assess long-term trends and habitat changes to understand the relationships between coastal beaver (Castor canadensis), salmon, shoreline alterations, large-scale dam removals and nearshore ecological restoration. From this work we conclude that the removal of two large scale dams in the Elwha River has benefited beaver use of the coastal zone through water quality changes that allow beaver to re-establish high-quality zones and the expansion of riparian zones that provide extensive new food resources to beaver. However, the lower river hydrodynamic processes continue to be disrupted by a 200-meter earthen dike installed by local government and landowners for flood protection in the Elwha coastal zone in the 1960’s. The dike acts as a driver of lower river geomorphology and has resulted in the formation of a large and persistent lateral bar along the lower river channel. Associated disrupted hydrodynamics are causing a critical coastal zone of the unimpounded lower river side channels to fill in. This channel habitat has decreased by 23%, with an annual average shrinkage rate of 13%, from pre-dam removal size, resulting in a decrease in both quality and quantity of nursery function for juvenile wild fish in a coastal zone that was historically documented to be the highest functioning for endangered juvenile salmon and trout. Inversely, physical changes including improved water quality in the adjacent impounded west side channel and continued expansion of riparian vegetation along the west delta lateral bar benefitted coastal beaver that recolonized the west delta after dam removals. The newly colonized coastal beaver may provide ecological engineering services to offset side channel loss as well as promote continued fish access. However recreational use was found to negatively impact beaver use of the area. We therefore recommend a series of additional ecosystem restoration actions that incorporate beaver as an ecosystem restoration component of the coastal zone. These actions include a public outreach program to encourage passive recreation measures to prevent negative impacts to beaver, and legacy, ecosystem scale restoration projects that reconnect the hydrodynamics of the west delta to complete Elwha ecosystem restoration. Together, these steps, if implemented, will result in a synergistic ecosystem restoration throughout the watershed to the benefit of the coastal ecosystem, including both beaver and salmon, as intended by the large-scale dam removal project.

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Research Article Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:07:55 +0300
Vegetation changes at oligotrophic grasslands managed for a declining butterfly https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/90452/ Nature Conservation 52: 23-46

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.52.90452

Authors: Přemysl Tájek, Aleš Tenčík, Martin Konvička, Václav John

Abstract: A selection of sites occupied by the EU-protected marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) in western Czech Republic were subjected to a vegetation survey 15 years ago and again recently. In the 66 time-replicated 25 m2 plots from 12 sites, representing the diversity of E. aurinia-occupied oligotrophic grasslands in the Slavkovský les Protected Landscape Area (and covering a fifth of the currently-occupied Czech sites), we recorded quantitative representation of vascular plants and mosses. We analysed the data using multivariate ordinations, asking how the vegetation changed between the surveys, how was it affected by the conservation management applied and how it affected occupancy by the butterfly larval nests; the vegetation patterns were interpreted using Ellenberg’s plant indicator values. Between the two surveys, the overall representation of the larval host plant, Succisa pratensis, did not change; tree and herbs layers (both grasses and forbs) increased and the moss layer decreased. Across surveys, the main driver of vascular plants’ species composition was moisture, followed by soil reaction and nitrogen, whereas in mosses, nitrogen was the main factor. The main change between the surveys was the increase of nitrogen accompanied by decreased light, probably due to increase of competitively strong plants. Butterfly occupancy declined at sites with high soil moisture and increased at sites with higher soil reaction. Mowing of moist nitrogen-rich sites, but not drier nitrogen-poor sites, increased occupancy, illustrating the need for context-dependent interventions. All the evidence thus shows that E. aurinia prefers drier, warmer and less acidic conditions within the generally moist acidic grasslands and that ongoing eutrophication represents a potential problem in the future.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Mar 2023 18:16:18 +0200
Changes in suitable habitat for the critically endangered Northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam: Implication for conservation https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/90373/ Nature Conservation 51: 167-188

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.51.90373

Authors: Khoa Van Phung, Dung Van Tran, Hai Thanh Dong, Vinh Quang Luu, Van Bac Bui, Thinh Tien Vu

Abstract: Several recent studies have highlighted that change in land use and land cover (LULC) is the main threat causing the decline and extinction of certain species. Gibbons (Hylobatidae) could be excellent examples, on account of their potential for extinction in the near future under the effects of LULC changes due to their particular ecological traits. This study aims to model the current suitable habitat of the Northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys (Ogilby, 1840)) in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (BR), Vietnam and assess the changes in its suitable habitat following the changes in LULC from 1990 to 2020. The maximum entropy approach (MaxEnt) was used to predict the suitable habitat of the gibbon using its occurrence localities and environmental predictors. The model analysis showed that the “Distance to Agriculture” variable had the strongest impact on the gibbons’ suitable habitat. Our results predicted the present suitable habitat of the gibbon species at approximately 4,022.42 km2 (30.95% of the overall BR area) in three spatially separated areas inside the Western Nghe An BR. Furthermore, the suitable habitat areas of the gibbon in 1990, 2000, and 2010 were projected at roughly 4,347.68 km2, 4,324.97 km2, and 2,750.21 km2, respectively, following a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2010, but a gradual increase between 2010 and 2020. The suitable habitat of the gibbon inside three core protected areas (Pu Mat National Park, Pu Huong, and Pu Hoat Nature Reserves) showed a continually increasing trend from 1990 to 2020. Our results highlighted the influence of LULC changes and the role of the protected area network in gibbon conservation. The information from the study provides a quantitative baseline for the future conservation of the critically endangered gibbon in the Western Nghe An BR.

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Research Article Tue, 21 Feb 2023 19:27:17 +0200
First insight into freshwater fish assemblages in the western part of the Endau-Rompin landscape, Malaysia https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/86090/ Nature Conservation 50: 265-281

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.50.86090

Authors: Munian Kaviarasu, Farah Farhana Ramli, Lokman Mohd Ilham Norhakim, Nursyuhada Othman, Nur Aina Amira Mahyuddin, Hidayah Haris, Nur Hartini Sariyati, Mohd Faudzir Najmuddin, Salim Aman, Salman Faris Zaharin, Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff

Abstract: In Malaysia, our knowledge of freshwater ecosystem and its aquatic inhabitants, particularly freshwater fish, remains inadequate, even in protected regions. It is essential to understand the composition of freshwater fish, their distribution along river gradients, and their interactions between environmental variables to develop and strategize effective conservation and management plans. Consequently, an investigation into freshwater fish assemblages in three rivers draining off from the western part of Endau-Rompin Landscape was conducted in 12 established substations. Sampling sessions were conducted from September to December 2021 in the Labis district of Johor, using multiple sampling methods along 200 meters for each substation. The environmental variables were measured using water quality parameters. A total of 66 species were collected. The family Cyprinidae presented the highest species diversity (17 species), constituting 52% of total capture. Crossocheilus obscurus was the most dominant species, and the highest species richness was recorded in the Segamat River (45 species), followed by Juaseh (36 species) and Labis River (34 species). It was discerned that the composition of fish varied between the substations. The knowledge presented here is the first documentation on the freshwater fish from these rivers. It would serve as a baseline information for key authorities and stakeholders to conserve the biodiversity inhabiting freshwater ecosystems in Malaysia.

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Research Article Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:16:46 +0200
A literature-based database of the natural heritage, the ecological status and tourism-related impacts in show caves worldwide https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/80505/ Nature Conservation 50: 159-174

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.50.80505

Authors: Elena Piano, Giuseppe Nicolosi, Stefano Mammola, Valentina Balestra, Benedetta Baroni, Rossana Bellopede, Elena Cumino, Nicola Muzzulini, Anna Piquet, Marco Isaia

Abstract: The touristic use of caves causes multiple environmental alterations to the subterranean ecosystem, having potential effects on all components, from the atmosphere to lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Setting a baseline on the current knowledge of the ecological status of world show caves is pivotal to implement monitoring and management programs aiming at their conservation. However, information on this topic is scattered throughout several publications, making it difficult to access data and ultimately delaying advances towards a sustainable touristic use of show caves. We provide a literature-based dataset relative to the knowledge on the ecological status of 265 show caves worldwide. Data were collated from 289 papers selected through a systematic literature survey of an initial set of more than 1,000 scientific papers. We made the compiled information available through two complementary datasets, reporting: (i) references of the selected papers and (ii) 44 fields relative to the main characteristics of show caves investigated in literature. These fields encompass information about geographic locations, cave general characteristics, natural heritage, and the specific environmental components—and related environmental parameters—investigated in each of the considered study. Such a dataset improves our accessibility to the basic information provided by literature on the ecological status of show caves, also pointing out some literature gaps that should be addressed by future research. By making these data freely available and re-usable, we hope to stimulate research in the field of cave tourism, cave conservation, and cave-based ecology.

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Data Paper Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:00:46 +0200
Ecology and conservation of the Dutch ground beetle fauna – Lessons from 66 years of pitfall trapping https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/89861/ Nature Conservation 49: 189-192

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.89861

Authors: Lucija Šerić Jelaska

Abstract:

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Book Review Tue, 9 Aug 2022 16:21:20 +0300
Biogeographic assessment of Gorgonian-associated bacteria with antipathogenic Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Karimunjawa Marine National Park, Java Sea, Indonesia https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/84825/ Nature Conservation 49: 137-151

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.84825

Authors: Agus Sabdono, Endang Sri Lestari, Mada Triandala Sibero

Abstract: Gorgonian corals of Karimunjawa are impacted by anthropogenic activities, such as increasingly high mariculture intensity with consequent eutrophication, overfishing, tourism, sewage, and other pollutant discharges, which result in changes in the microbial community structure. In this study, bacterial communities associated with six species of Gorgonian, Viminella sp., Ellisella sp., Antipathes sp., Melithaea sp., Astrogorgia sp., and Junceella sp. from both the Marine Protected Area (MPA) and non-Marine Protected Area (non-MPA) zones were screened for their antipathogenic potential against Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) pathogens. The selected bacterial isolates were identified and compared for their abundance and diversity between the two zones. A total of 156 bacterial strains were assayed for their prospective antipathogenic compounds against seven UTI pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus saptophyticus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Candida albicans. The results showed that 17 of 92 (18.48%) and 6 of 64 (9.37%) bacterial isolates from MPA and non-MPA, respectively, exhibited antimicrobial activity in at least one of the UTI pathogens. By analyzing the gene of 16S rRNA, it was discovered that the 17 isolates of MPA were associated with phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, including Streptomyces zhaozhoue, Nocardiopsis salina, Micrococcus endophyticus, Brevibacterium casei, Micrococcus yunnanensis, Saccharopolyspora coralli, Bacillus paramycoides, Virgibacillus salarius, Oceanobacillus iheyensis, and Vibrio alginolyticus. In contrast, only six selected isolates of non-MPA were associated with the phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, including Nocardiopsis salina, Micrococcus yunnanensis, and Acinetobacter soli. The Diversity Index (H’), Species Richness (S), and Relative Abundance of the MPA zone were higher than those of non-MPA. These results demonstrated that Gorgonian octocoral species in the MPA region harbour varied bacteria and we propose that many Gorgonian-associated bacteria have the prospective for advancing broad-spectrum antibiotics.

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Research Article Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:43:58 +0300
Maps of area of habitat for Italian amphibians and reptiles https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/82931/ Nature Conservation 49: 117-129

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.82931

Authors: Dario Nania, Maria Lumbierres, Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Mattia Falaschi, Michela Pacifici, Carlo Rondinini

Abstract: Planning conservation actions requires detailed information on species’ geographic distribution. Species distribution data are most needed in areas hosting unique or endangered biodiversity. Italy is one of the European countries with the highest levels of herpetological diversity and endemism and is home to several threatened species of amphibians and reptiles. Information on the distribution of species’ habitats can help identify sites where the species is most likely to thrive, as viable populations depend on it. Area of Habitat (AOH) maps reveal the distribution of the habitat available to the species within their geographic range. We produced high resolution, freely accessible global area of habitat maps for 60 species of reptiles and amphibians distributed in Italy, which represent 60% of all Italian amphibian and reptile species. We validated a total of 44 AOH maps through a presence-only based evaluation method, with 86% of these maps showing a performance better than expected by chance. AOH maps can be used as a reference for conservation planning, as well as to investigate macroecological patterns of Italian herpetofauna. Furthermore, AOH maps can help monitoring habitat loss, which is known to be a major threat to many reptile and amphibian species in Europe.

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Data Paper Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:09:59 +0300
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
Strict laws fail to deter illegal trade of China’s largest and most endangered freshwater turtle https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/84287/ Nature Conservation 48: 95-97

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.48.84287

Authors: Shijia Hu, Tien Ming Lee, Hai-Tao Shi

Abstract: In May 2021, a number of people were arrested for the illegal poaching and trade of one of the most endangered freshwater turtle species in China. The large female Pelochelys cantorii individual was poached from a strict protected area, sold, and was publicly advertised on social media despite being a Class I protected species (no trade allowed) for over 30 years and in a country with one of the strictest penalties for IWT worldwide. We discuss and call for more conservation efforts to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of this threatened species. We argue that unless China meets the urgent conservation needs of this iconic species, the impending extinction of this species cannot be reversed.

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Letter To The Editor Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:01 +0300
Speed thrills but kills: A case study on seasonal variation in roadkill mortality on National highway 715 (new) in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, Assam, India https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/73036/ Nature Conservation 47: 87-104

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.47.73036

Authors: Somoyita Sur, Prasanta Kumar Saikia, Malabika Kakati Saikia

Abstract: Animal-vehicle collision on the roads is a major cause of mortality of a wide range of animal taxa both within and around protected areas. This study has been conducted in the National Highway 715 (new) covering a continuous stretch of 64 km that passes through Kaziranga National Park (KNP) of Assam (India). The area falls between the boundary of KNP on its north and North Karbi Anglong Wildlife sanctuary on the south. The survey concentrated on the mortality study of four groups of vertebrates viz., amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals resulting from collisions with vehicles from October 2016 through September, 2017. A total of 6036 individual roadkills were registered, belonging to 53 species, 23 other taxa and 30 families of vertebrates, with herpetofauna being the most affected group followed by birds and mammals. The study evaluated seasonal variation in the overall roadkill pattern with highest mortality in the monsoon season 38.27% (n = 2310) and with peak casualties starting with the onset of rainfall (February and March) and during monsoons (July and August). The amphibian mortality was also found to be highest during the monsoon with 43.28% (n = 1575) of kills, as compared to the other three groups. NH-715 (new), therefore serves as a challenging passage for the animals, forming a major barrier for the faunal component of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape. This study thus tried to reflect the often overlooked issue of roads and highways in terms of direct mortality of animals due to traffic and thereby can be helpful in understanding the seriousness of the situation and identifying prospective measures to be taken for sustainable coexistence of both animals and human.

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Research Article Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:00:06 +0200
Do the roadkills of different mammal species respond the same way to habitat and matrix? https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/73010/ Nature Conservation 47: 65-85

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.47.73010

Authors: Douglas William Cirino, Artur Lupinetti-Cunha, Carlos Henrique Freitas, Simone Rodrigues de Freitas

Abstract: While road network expansion connects human settlements between themselves, it also leads to deforestation and land use changes, reducing the connectivity between natural habitat patches, and increasing roadkill risk. More than 30% of registered mammal roadkills in Brazil are concentrated in four species: Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox); Euphractus sexcinctus (six-banded armadillo); Tamandua tetradactyla (collared anteater) and Myrmecophaga tridactyla (giant anteater), the latter being categorized as vulnerable by IUCN redlist. Our aim was to understand how these animals’ roadkills could be related to the land use proportions on landscapes all over the Brazilian territory, and investigate if the roadkill patterns differ among species. We collected secondary data on mammal roadkills (N = 2698) from several studies in different regions of Brazil. Using MapBiomas’ data on land use and land cover, we extracted landscape composition around each roadkill sample. Through the proportion of land use and land cover in the area of influence where the roadkill occurred, we built binomial GLM models and selected the best ones by Akaike Information Criteria. For crab-eating fox and the six-banded armadillo, the best models include matrix coverage resulting in increased roadkill risk, while both anteaters’ species have a habitat and a matrix component in their best models, with an interaction between the variables. These four species seem to be roadkilled in different landscape arrangements, but in all scenarios, anthropic areas had an important influence over the models. For habitat-dependent and more sensible species, such as Tamandua tetradactyla and Myrmecophaga tridactyla, the amount of matrix influencing the roadkill risk depends on habitat availability in the landscape. It changes the strength and direction of the effect according to the proportion of natural areas in the region, while with generalist species such as Cerdocyon thous and Euphractus sexcinctus, the quantity of human-modified coverage increases the risk.

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Research Article Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:00:05 +0200
Rapid linear transport infrastructure development in the Carpathians: A major threat to the integrity of ecological connectivity for large carnivores https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/71807/ Nature Conservation 47: 35-63

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.47.71807

Authors: Cristian-Remus Papp, Ivo Dostál, Václav Hlaváč, Gavril Marius Berchi, Dušan Romportl

Abstract: The development of sustainable transport is a key challenge in societies where there is an accelerated need for socio-economic development. This is the case for seven countries from central and south-eastern Europe that share the Carpathian Mountains. The challenge of developing sustainable transport requires transdisciplinary, or at least cross-sectoral cooperation, between the transport development and nature conservation sectors. Such cooperation is not in the culture of the Carpathian countries, which together host some of the most remarkable biodiversity values in Europe, including the largest populations of brown bear, grey wolf and Eurasian lynx. The overall length of motorways in these countries more than quintupled in the last 30 years and the rapid expansion of Linear Transport Infrastructure (LTI) continues at exacerbating rates. The rich biodiversity habitats are being fragmented and the concept of ecological connectivity is poorly understood and implemented by the national authorities. Ecological networks for large carnivores are not defined nor officially recognised in the Carpathian countries, with little exceptions. The legislation is not consistent across the strands of ecological connectivity and is not harmonised between the countries to effectively support transnational conservation efforts. Thus, the critical intersections between planned or even existing LTI and ecological corridors for large carnivores cannot be identified, in most cases leading to increasing habitat fragmentation and isolation of wildlife populations in the region. We summarised all this key context-related information for the Carpathians in relation to LTI development and ecological connectivity. To counteract this trend in the Carpathian ecoregion, we propose a set of recommendations to: improve and harmonise the legislation; develop and endorse methodologies for designating ecological corridors; address the cumulative impact on ecological connectivity; define other threats on landscape permeability; improve stakeholder engagement, cooperation and communication; develop comprehensive and transparent biodiversity and transport databases; monitor wildlife and transport for implementing most appropriate mitigation measures and strategies; build capacity to address the issue of sustainable transportation; and foster transnational cooperation and dialogue. Bringing these elements together will support the design of ecological networks in a way that considers the needs and location of both current and future habitats and contribute to efforts to address the climate crisis. These specific recommendations are relevant also for other areas of the world facing similar problems as the Carpathians.

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Review Article Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:00:04 +0200
Tropical Important Plant Areas, plant species richness and conservation in the British Virgin Islands https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/73544/ Nature Conservation 45: 11-39

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.45.73544

Authors: Michele Dani Sanchez, Colin Clubbe, Nancy Woodfield-Pascoe, Sara Bárrios, Joseph Smith Abbott, Thomas Heller, Natasha Harrigan, Keith Grant, Cassander Titley-O'Neal, Martin Allen Hamilton

Abstract: The global loss of biodiversity is a pressing and urgent issue and halting loss is the focus of many international agreements and targets. However, data on species distribution, threats and protection are limited and sometimes lacking in many parts of the world. The British Virgin Islands (BVI), part of the Puerto Rican Bank Floristic Region in the Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot, is rich in plant diversity and regional endemism. Despite the established network of National Parks in the BVI and decades of botanical data from international collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, there was a need for consolidated data on species distribution across the archipelago and national lists for threatened and rare plants of conservation concern. The process of identifying the network of 18 Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs) in the BVI, completed in 2018, delivered national lists and accurate data for all 35 Species of Conservation Concern. These data (3688 georeferenced records) are analysed here to reveal species distribution across the archipelago, within the TIPAs network and the National Parks System. The TIPAs network contained all 35 Species of Conservation Concern and 91% of all the records, as expected. Ten out of the 21 National Parks had one or more of the species present. Most species occur across the archipelago, while some are restricted range and/or endemics. These new data will help management of plant conservation efforts and resources in the BVI, contributing to the revision of the Protected Areas System Plan and local environmental policies and have relevance to the wider Caribbean Region.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Dec 2021 11:19:38 +0200
Recreation effects on wildlife: a review of potential quantitative thresholds https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/63270/ Nature Conservation 44: 51-68

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.44.63270

Authors: Jeremy S. Dertien, Courtney L. Larson, Sarah E. Reed

Abstract: Outdoor recreation is increasingly recognised for its deleterious effects on wildlife individuals and populations. However, planners and natural resource managers lack robust scientific recommendations for the design of recreation infrastructure and management of recreation activities. We reviewed 38 years of research on the effect of non-consumptive recreation on wildlife to attempt to identify effect thresholds or the point at which recreation begins to exhibit behavioural or physiological change to wildlife. We found that 53 of 330 articles identified a quantitative threshold. The majority of threshold articles focused on bird or mammal species and measured the distance to people or to a trail. Threshold distances varied substantially within and amongst taxonomic groups. Threshold distances for wading and passerine birds were generally less than 100 m, whereas they were greater than 400 m for hawks and eagles. Mammal threshold distances varied widely from 50 m for small rodents to 1,000 m for large ungulates. We did not find a significant difference between threshold distances of different recreation activity groups, likely based in part on low sample size. There were large gaps in scientific literature regarding several recreation variables and taxonomic groups including amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles. Our findings exhibit the need for studies to measure continuous variables of recreation extent and magnitude, not only to detect effects of recreation on wildlife, but also to identify effect thresholds when and where recreation begins or ceases to affect wildlife. Such considerations in studies of recreation ecology could provide robust scientific recommendations for planners and natural resource managers for the design of recreation infrastructure and management of recreation activities.

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Review Article Fri, 28 May 2021 10:19:18 +0300
Plant diversity assessment of karst limestone, a case study of Malaysia’s Batu Caves https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/60175/ Nature Conservation 44: 21-49

DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.44.60175

Authors: Ruth Kiew, Rafidah Abdul Rahman

Abstract: Batu Caves hill is typical of karst hills in Peninsular Malaysia due to its small size and high biodiversity. It harbours 366 vascular plant species that represent about 25% of the Peninsula’s limestone flora. Five species are endemic to Batu Caves and 23 are threatened species. This high biodiversity is the result of many microhabitats, each with their own assemblages of species. Threats are especially severe as the area of Batu Caves is surrounded by urbanisation that encroaches to the foot of cliffs, is vulnerable to fire, habitat disturbance and, formerly, by quarrying. Assigning a Conservation Importance Score (CIS) to all species is quantitative and accurate, can be implemented rapidly and produces reproducible results. Species with highest CIS are native species of primary vegetation, restricted to limestone substrates, endangered conservation status and, in this case, endemic to Batu Caves. It allows not only species, but microhabitats, sites within a hill and different hills to be compared. By identifying and surveying all microhabitats and focusing on locating endemic and threatened species, maximum biodiversity can be captured. Of the 16 microhabitats identified, the most threatened were the buffer zone, lower levels of steep earth-covered slopes and cave entrances. Application of this method provides a scientific basis for balancing the need to protect microhabitats and sites with the highest CIS, with their multiple uses by various stakeholders, which, at Batu Caves, include the activities of cave temples and eco-recreation. It also provides a scientific quantitative method to compare hills to ensure that those hills with highest CIS are not released for mining.

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Research Article Tue, 11 May 2021 10:06:30 +0300