Background and Research Aims: Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of communities living adjacent to protected areas is essential for effective wildlife conservation, as local support—shaped by experiences and perceived costs and benefits—underpins coexistence and long-term conservation outcomes. This study examined how community engagement through park visits, alongside perceived benefits, costs, and demographic factors, influences attitudes toward Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park (RNP), wildlife conservation, and lions. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods, pre- and post-visit design using semi-structured, face-to-face questionnaires to assess community perceptions of RNP and wildlife. Surveys were conducted between January 2012 and February 2018 with 933 participants from villages surrounding the park, prioritizing individuals with little or no prior park experience. Complete pre- and post-visit data were obtained from 879 participants. Results: Most participants (64.4%) had never visited RNP prior to the study. Park visitation varied by ethnicity, age, and gender, with younger Maasai and Hehe males visiting more frequently. Before visits, attitudes toward the park were overwhelmingly positive (97.8%), though perceptions varied among villages and ethnic groups. Attitudes toward lions were less favorable, particularly among pastoralists, with 60.1% expressing concern about livestock depredation. Following park visits, 91.5% of participants reported high enjoyment, with pastoralists expressing greater enjoyment than farmers. Positive perceptions of the park remained high (97.5%), and 77% reported improved views of its benefits. Attitudes toward lions within the park improved substantially, although concerns about lions on village land persisted. Conclusion: Park visits significantly enhanced community perceptions of RNP, particularly regarding wildlife protection, recreation, and the intrinsic value of conservation. Even among first-time visitors, experiential exposure fostered positive conservation attitudes. Implications for Conservation: Expanding accessible and culturally appropriate park visitation—particularly for pastoralist communities—alongside sustained conflict mitigation and equitable benefit-sharing, can foster pro-wildlife attitudes, reduce human-lion conflict, and support sustainable conservation outcomes.

The Body Condition Score (BCS) protocol is a non-invasive method for assessing and collecting health data without disturbing the animals being studied. The primary goal of BCS is to categorize the amount of body fat in different body parts into different scores that reflect an individual animal’s nutritional status. This status can fluctuate throughout an animal’s life due to various factors, including food availability, seasonal hormonal changes, age, and reproductive condition. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this approach in analyzing the BCS dynamics of lowland tapirs ( Tapirus terrestris ) living in two Brazilian biomes: the Cerrado and the Pantanal. These biomes are distinguished by their unique vegetation structures, seasonal variations, and levels of exposure to human-induced threats. We specifically tested how the BCS varies across biomes, health conditions, age stages, and seasonal changes by systematically comparing these factors in tapirs between these biomes. Our findings indicate that the BCS is not effective at capturing predicted differences in health and sex among lowland tapirs within biomes. However, it is a practical method for examining differences among tapirs in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. In the Pantanal region, tapirs showed no significant differences in BCS due to variations in wet and dry conditions, but the results suggest that female tapirs generally have a lower BCS than males. We discuss how the BCS approach can be a tool for monitoring wildlife health and the importance of interpreting its results with caution, particularly for projects that lack resources for a comprehensive health investigation. Moving forward, integrating various methods—such as clinical visual inspections, genetic analyses, and habitat assessments—alongside traditional BCS evaluations could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the health and conservation needs of tapirs and other vertebrate species.

Background and Research Aims: Tropical montane forests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, yet they are also highly threatened by land-use change and historical degradation. Understanding their floristic composition and structure, its species turnover, and spatial patterns of diversity is essential for anticipating the effects of ongoing environmental change and for informing effective conservation strategies. Methods: We studied floristic patterns across eight 0.25-ha permanent plots located within a protected area in an Andean Colombian montane forest called the Cuchilla Jardín–Támesis Integrative Management District, by describing and comparing diversity patterns, species turnover among sites, and forest structure through aboveground biomass estimations. Results: The studied protected area hosts a highly spatially structured forest system, where species distributions are highly localized, conspecific individuals are clumped, and the replacement of closely related taxa drives species turnover. Each local site contributes a distinct piece of the broader regional species pool. Conclusion: This region is exceptionally rich in taxonomic diversity but relatively low in phylogenetic uniqueness, suggesting high levels of spatial replacement. Preserving the largest possible fraction of this landscape is essential for maintaining its full biological and evolutionary heritage. Implications for Conservation: We advocate strengthening conservation efforts in this region to maintain current forest cover and prevent further fragmentation by restoring degraded areas and expanding protected areas under effective socio-ecological conservation strategies. Long-term monitoring through permanent plots, as implemented in this study, will be critical for detecting changes over time and guiding adaptive conservation strategies in this biodiverse and spatially complex landscape.

Background and Background Aim: Magnolia calophylloides Figlar & Noot. is a narrowly endemic Indonesian species, currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Originally described from Mount Kerinci in 1914, it was last recorded in the wild in 1972. This study aimed to update knowledge on its distribution, population size and structure, habitat preferences, threats, and conservation status. Methods: Field surveys were conducted at historical sites on Mount Kerinci and Mount Tujuh, and a previously unsurveyed area, Ladeh Panjang, in Jambi Province. We assessed population metrics, habitat characteristics, and threats, and updated the species’ taxonomic description based on live observations. Species distribution modeling was used to predict potential habitat suitability. Results: A total of 389 individuals were recorded across the three sites, with 316 (81%) mature. Flowering and fruiting individuals enabled the first photographic documentation of fresh flowers and revision of its morphological description. The primary threats observed were logging and forest conversion to agriculture. Based on population size, extent of occurrence (97.79 km 2 ), and area of occupancy (32 km 2 ), we recommend reclassifying M. calophylloides as Endangered under IUCN criteria B1ab+B2ab(i,ii,iii,v); C2a(i). Conclusions: M. calophylloides is confirmed as a montane forest specialist with a highly restricted elevational range (1,861–2,322 m) and very limited distribution in Sumatra. Its small population and continued habitat loss highlight the species’ vulnerability. Implications for Conservation: Targeted conservation is urgently needed. Priorities include habitat protection, enforcement against illegal logging, community-based forest management, and surveys in nearby suitable areas such as Mount Masurai. The species’ unique traits and evolutionary significance also make it a strong candidate for further research and a flagship for montane forest conservation in Sumatra.

Background and Research Aims: Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals globally, driven by highly lucrative commercial demand for their scales and meat, with China remaining a primary consumer despite trade bans. This study aims to analyze the market dynamics of illegal pangolin trade in China to inform effective conservation strategies. Methods: We examined 603 court cases from 2011 to 2022, sourced from the China Judgments Online website, involving 24,924 kg of pangolin scales and 9,400 pangolins. Data were collected through keyword searches and manual review of relevant webpage content on the China Judgments Online platform. Data analysis focused on smuggling routes, domestic trade patterns, and correlations with provincial GPP, population size, and police enforcement. Results: Seized pangolin shipments predominantly originated from Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Nigeria, with the latter serving as the largest-scale exporter. Domestically, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi were key sources of trafficked pangolins, while Hebei and Guangdong supplied the most scales. Guangdong exhibited the highest demand, with the greatest number of smuggled pangolins and scale weight. Individual counts and scale weight negatively correlated with provincial GPP but positively with population size. Police enforcement positively correlated with case frequency and individual counts. Conclusion: The illegal pangolin trade in China is driven by high demand in southern provinces, particularly Guangdong, with significant international sourcing from Southeast Asia and Africa. Socioeconomic factors like population size and lower GPP influence trade intensity, while enforcement impacts case detection. Implications for Conservation: Targeted interventions in high-demand provinces like Guangdong and enhanced border controls at key smuggling routes (e.g., Vietnam, Nigeria) are critical. Strengthening police enforcement and addressing socioeconomic drivers in populous, lower-GPP regions can reduce trade. These insights support global pangolin conservation by guiding policy and enforcement strategies.

Background: The global biodiversity crisis has severely affected amphibians, a key group for ecosystem health, yet social perceptions that shape human–amphibian interactions remain poorly documented in the Colombian Caribbean. We investigated how gender, age, and education influence local knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and willingness to support conservation for 13 amphibian species in tropical dry forest landscapes located between Tayrona National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We also assessed how perceived morphological traits (body size, skin color, skin type, and leg function) relate to perceptions, recognition of ecosystem services (e.g., “good for the forest” and medicinal uses), and conservation support. Methods: We conducted 200 semi-structured photo-elicitation surveys in rural communities . PERMANOVA tested differences in responses among age, gender and education groups. Distance-based linear models with AICc model selection identified which perceived morphological traits best explained variation in perceptions, attitudes, ecosystem-service recognition, and conservation support. Results: Skin color and leg function were the most influential traits for perceived ecological function, medicinal associations, attitudes, and conservation support. Rhinella horribilis, Dendrobates truncatus, and Boana platanera were the most recognized species, whereas Elachistocleis panamensis had the lowest recognition. Disgust and fear predominated, yet most respondents reported non-harmful reactions (64% would leave the animal undisturbed; 1% reported intent to kill). Support for protecting the 13 species was high (85.5%), although willingness to participate in monitoring was comparatively low, indicating an attitude–action gap. Conservation attitudes varied by gender and were more positive among respondents with higher education. Conclusions: Overall knowledge of amphibians was limited, likely reflecting infrequent or negative encounters and persistent cultural fears. Althought the community recognizes the need for protection, barriers such as fear and limited environmental education remain. D. truncatus and E. panamensis could serve as flagship species for future conservation efforts. Implications for Conservation: The findings highlight the need for inclusive environmental education programs, community-based monitoring, and collaborative networks involving schools, authorities, and local communities, with attention to gender- and education- linked differences in perceptions and engagement to improve local conservation efforts.

Background and Research Aims: Birdwatching is an important nature-based activity with growing relevance for conservation. Despite its potential, a clear understanding of the specific socio-environmental factors driving birdwatching activity in biodiversity-rich tropical countries like Brazil remains underexplored. This study examined which municipal-level factors influence birdwatching activity across Brazil. Methods: We analyzed data from WikiAves, a Brazilian citizen science platform, to assess birdwatching activity across all 5,565 municipalities. We tested associations between birdwatching records and several variables, including population size and density, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), tourism infrastructure, species richness, accessibility, and coverage of protected areas. Generalized linear models were used to quantify these relationships. Results: Birdwatching activity was positively related to more populous and economically developed municipalities but negatively affected by high population density. Tourism infrastructure and species richness were also significant predictors. Surprisingly, protected areas had a minor influence. Overall, birdwatching remained concentrated in a limited number of municipalities that combined wealth, lower density, high biodiversity, and tourism appeal. Conclusion: Birdwatching in Brazil remains geographically restricted. Understanding the drivers of this activity is crucial for guiding sustainable tourism policies and conservation planning. Implications for Conservation: Our findings highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies. Promoting birdwatching in municipalities combining wealth, lower density, biodiversity, and tourism appeal, while considering its localized concentration, can enhance biodiversity conservation and generate local benefits.

Background and Research Aims: Invasive alien plants pose significant ecological and social threats to native ecosystems and biodiversity. However, there is a growing recognition of potential opportunities to mitigate their negative impacts and generate revenue for conservation efforts. This study uses the Nyanga National Park in Zimbabwe as a case to explore leveraging invasive alien plants to generate revenue for conservation work. Methods: We collected data from 2015 to 2023 to analyze the contribution of timber from invasive alien plants to overall revenue in the context of conservation efforts. Results: The results indicate that timber from invasive alien plants is crucial to overall revenue, with a mean annual contribution of USD 150,000. The mean revenue share was found to be 33.2%, with a maximum of 50.1% during the assessed period. Implications for Conservation: This approach has the potential to generate significant revenue for conservation, turning an ecological issue into an opportunity. Given the financial constraints that protected areas often face, it could provide a quick way to raise funds and co-finance conservation efforts. However, this practice may also compromise environmental goals. We recommend specific action areas for practitioners to consider to minimize the negative impacts of invasive alien woody species. It is essential to acknowledge the real-world situations in areas affected by these species and to consider innovative adaptation strategies. Our report highlights the practice of harvesting invasive alien plants in a protected area that received little financial support for conservation operations, offering practical insights from real-world experiences.

Background and Research Aims: The Araucaria Pine Forest (APF) is the most threatened Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomy, with 4% of its original area remaining. In Paraná, Brazil, it faces the worst conservation status. Primates play key ecological roles in this ecosystem, yet their distribution in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (MRC) remains poorly documented, and studies shows a historical bias toward brown howler monkeys ( Alouatta guariba ). This study provides an updated, spatially explicit overview of free-ranging native and exotic primates in the MRC, focusing on APF remnants. Methods: We compiled primate occurrence records from 2000 to 2025 using scientific literature, museum collections, environmental and health databases, citizen science platforms, and personal observations. Coordinates were verified via Google Earth, and spatial analyses were done in QGIS. A 1,000-meter grid and Kernel Density Estimation identified distribution patterns and hotspots. Results: We recorded 604 primate occurrences across five species. Three natives: brown howler monkeys, southern black-horned capuchin monkeys ( Sapajus cucullatus ), and southern muriquis ( Brachyteles arachnoides ). Two exotics: black-tufted marmosets ( Callithrix penicillata ) and common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus ). Three key patterns were revealed: exotic marmosets were concentrated in Curitiba’s northern urban area; brown howler monkeys dominated southern Curitiba and the southern MRC; and capuchin monkeys clustered near the Serra do Mar . Records grew steadily: few before 2010, moderate during the 2010s, and a sharp rise after 2014 with SISS-Geo and iNaturalist’s popularity. Conclusion: Primate distribution in the MRC shows spatial segregation between native and exotic species. Brown howler monkeys remain relatively common despite yellow fever outbreaks, while capuchin monkeys and muriquis appear rare or absent from smaller APF fragments. Implications for Conservation: Urgent actions include protecting and restoring APF remnants, controlling exotic marmosets, and targeted surveys for rare natives. Continuous monitoring integrating citizen science and health databases is crucial for conservation in this urban-forest mosaic.

The Camellia nitidissima C.W. Chi, a globally endangered species, is classified as a first-class protected plant in China. Given the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of species on a larger scale, it is crucial to understand the responses of C. nitidissima to this phenomenon for resource protection and sustainable utilization. Based on the existing records of C. nitidissima and multi-source remote sensing data, the optimal MaxEnt model was used to predict the potential habitat of C. nitidissima in both current and future periods. The results indicate that November average maximum temperature(Tx11) is the dominant factor. Under current climate conditions, the potential habitat of C. nitidissima is primarily located in the humid and hot coastal areas of southern China. Under future climate scenarios, the distribution range of C. nitidissima will initially increase, then decrease and finally increase again in correlation with radiation intensity. Comprehensive analysis reveals that under the background of global climate change, there remain significant challenges for the survival and reproduction of C. nitidissima in China. Appropriate protection and utilization measures can be implemented based on its migration trends to ensure the continuity of C. nitidissima habitats.