Biodiversity Conservation Programs Research Articles

Motivating Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation: A Case of Forest Dwellers in Nameri National Park of Assam-India

This paper highlights the implementation of Forest Rights Act to conserving protected areas in the country; Forest Rights Act (2006) has been passed by the parliament of India with dual aims of protecting the right of forest dwellers and at the same time this Act tries to acquire the involvement of forest dwellers to protect forest/protected areas. The main objective of the paper is to determine the factors which influence motivation to spend efforts in terms of work hour for biodiversity conservation in Nameri National Park. A total of 78 numbers of households were interviewed from two forest villages (i.e. Torajan and Dharikati) and two encroached villages (i.e. Rihajuli and Chopaloga) located in the south buffer of Nameri National Park in Assam during March and June of 2021. Respondents in forests village are more willing to spend effort than that of encroacher’s village to conservation. Sex, age, literacy of the respondents and size of land holdings were found to be significantly related to spending time for biodiversity conservation programme. In this paper attempt has been made to emphasize the nature of motivation of the communities towards biodiversity conservation issues.

Maternal Phylogenetic Relationships and Genetic Variation among Rare, Phenotypically Similar Donkey Breeds.

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop of endangered and critically endangered breeds has been studied to identify maternal lineages, characterize genetic inheritance, reconstruct phylogenetic relations among breeds, and develop biodiversity conservation and breeding programs. The aim of the study was to determine the variability remaining and the phylogenetic relationship of Martina Franca (MF, with total population of 160 females and 36 males), Ragusano (RG, 344 females and 30 males), Pantesco (PT, 47 females and 15 males), and Catalonian (CT) donkeys by collecting genetic data from maternal lineages. Genetic material was collected from saliva, and a 350 bp fragment of D-loop mtDNA was amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned and evaluated using standard bioinformatics software. A total of 56 haplotypes including 33 polymorphic sites were found in 77 samples (27 MF, 22 RG, 8 PT, 19 CT, 1 crossbred). The breed nucleotide diversity value (π) for all the breeds was 0.128 (MF: 0.162, RG: 0.132, PT: 0.025, CT: 0.038). Principal components analysis grouped most of the haplogroups into two different clusters, I (including all haplotypes from PT and CT, together with haplotypes from MF and RG) and II (including haplotypes from MF and RG only). In conclusion, we found that the primeval haplotypes, haplogroup variability, and a large number of maternal lineages were preserved in MF and RG; thus, these breeds play putative pivotal roles in the phyletic relationships of donkey breeds. Maternal inheritance is indispensable genetic information required to evaluate inheritance, variability, and breeding programs.

Coffee: ethnobotany, tourism and biodiversity conservation in East Java

Recent growth of third wave coffee movement provides opportunities for small holders coffee farmer and biodiversity conservation programs. The link of coffee consumption and biodiversity comes from several aspects, ranging from sustainable coffee farming to the development of rural tourism in coffee sites production. This paper will explore the ethnobotanical aspect of coffee, in which it is rarely described but crucial in the development of coffee in thirds wave coffee era. Secondly, this paper discuss the models of coffee involvement in tourism sectors. Thirdly, this paper describes the contribution of coffee cultivation under agroforestry approach to support biodiversity conservation. This paper shows that coffee rich in term of ethnobotanical aspects, ranging from cultivation to consumption. These aspects are crucial for the future development of coffee produced by smallholders farmers, especially for tourism development in thirds wave coffee era. Recent growth of café and coffee lovers become the crucial point to develop coffee farm tourism. This form of traveling is especially important to educate people about sustainable agricultural farming system, especially in coffee production. Coffee cultivations through agroforestry system represent the sustainable coffee culture cultivation. Coffee agroforestry systems provides opportunities as habitat for numerous small mammal, birds and insects. Coffee agroforestry therefore crucial to support biodiversity conservation. This paper present argument that linking ethnobotany, tourism and biodiversity conservation are the key to the future of sustainable coffee cultivation in East Java. This is especially important to support environmental conservation and smallholder farmers prosperity

Natural Seed Limitation and Effectiveness of Forest Plantations to Restore Semiarid Abandoned Metal Mining Areas in SE Spain

The natural regeneration of forests in mining areas is typically hampered by edaphic stress. Semiarid conditions add a climatic stress that challenges the restoration of these harsh ecosystems. This is the case of Tetraclinisarticulata (Vahl) Masters mixed forests in the Western Mediterranean region colonizing mining structures abandoned three decades ago. We studied the factors controlling the natural establishment of nine shrub and tree species key in these forests in eight metal mine tailings in SE Spain. In addition, we assessed the success of reintroducing 1480 individuals of the nine species 15 months after planting in one of the tailings. Specifically, we analyzed the effect of (i) species identity in terms of sapling survival, growth, nutritional status and metal bioaccumulation, and (ii) adding organic amendments into the planting holes on the same parameters. Our results indicated that natural colonization is a recent process, with seedling cohorts that vary up to two orders of magnitude among species and a practical absence of adult plants in most species excepting T. articulata. We identified seed limitation as a key factor controlling seedling density, which was significantly explained by the distance from the border of the tailing to the closest adult out of the tailing. Soil metal concentration did not have any explanatory power on the density of naturally-established seedlings, whereas soil fertility was relevant only for Rhamnus lycioides L. Overall survival of planted individuals was over 80%, survival and growth remarkably differing among species. Organic amendments had neutral or negative effects on plant survival, but significantly increased the growth of survivors despite their modest effects on leaf nutrient contents. Most species showed high metal bioaccumulation, which was exacerbated by organic amendments. We discuss how biodiversity conservation programs can benefit from the affordable and successful plantation of stress-tolerant local species, but come at the expense of potential metal transfer through trophic webs.

Exploring Tourists’ Knowledge, Perceptions and Willingness to Pay on Biodiversity Conservation: Insights from Kinabalu Park, Borneo

The richness of biodiversity and ecotourism development in Malaysia has contributed to economic growth and human well-being. In this context, Kinabalu Park, Borneo, offers the uniqueness of biodiversity as the main attraction to local and foreign tourists. However, the economic value of biodiversity is difficult to quantify due to the non-existent market for these resources. This study explored the tourists’ knowledge and perception regarding the biodiversity issues and estimated the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Kinabalu Park’s biodiversity conservation using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). A total of 250 questionnaires with five bid prices were distributed to local (RM3, RM6, RM9, RM12, and RM15) and international tourists (RM15, RM30, RM45, RM60, and RM75). This study reported that more than half of the respondents are willing to pay for the conservation of biodiversity. Most local and international tourists are willing to pay RM5 and RM84.05 per person, respectively. The Principle Component Analysis (PCA) in Factor Analysis showed that the “environmental” factor had the highest eigenvalue compared to the “social” factor. This finding shows that tourism has a very significant environmental attitude and preferences towards the conservation of biodiversity. The financial planning management can help the stakeholders in biodiversity conservation programs at Kinabalu Park for better governance in the future.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Anthocyanin-Rich Carrots: A Comparison between the Black Carrot and the Apulian Landrace "Polignano" Carrot.

The carrot is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the world. Black or purple carrots contain acylated anthocyanins which are of special interest to the food industry for their stability and nutraceutical characteristics. Anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables have gained popularity in the last ten years, due to the health benefits they provide. In this paper, the characterizations of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of different anthocyanin-containing carrots (a black carrot—BC, and a local purple carrot, the “Polignano” carrot—PC), compared to the commercial orange carrot (OC) (lacking of anthocyanins), are reported. The anthocyanin profiles of the polyphenolic extracts of BC and PC were similar, but differences were observed at quantitative levels. The total anthocyanin content in BC was more than twice that in PC (13.84 ± 0.61 vs. 5.64 ± 0.48 mg K Eq. g−1 DW). Phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid) were also present at high level in anthocyanin-rich carrots compared to OC. High polyphenol content accounted also for a high reducing capacity (evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, FCR), and antioxidant capacity (evaluated by TEAC and ORAC assays) which were the highest for BC (FCR value: 16.6 ± 1.1 mg GAE. g−1 DW; TEAC: 76.6 ± 10.6 µmol TE. g−1 DW; ORAC: 159.9 ± 3.3 µmol TE. g−1 DW). All carrot genotypes (mostly OC) were rich in carotenoids (BC 0.14 ± 0.024; PC 0.33 ± 0.038; OC 1.29 ± 0.09 mg. g−1 DW), with predominance of α and β-carotene, in OC, and lutein in BC. PC showed the highest malic acid and sugar (glucose plus fructose) content. In conclusion, while BC is remarkable for nutraceutical features, the local genotype (“Polignano” carrot) is worth considering in genetic biodiversity conservation programme.

Species and functional diversity of macrofungi from protected areas in mountain forest ecosystems of Southern Luzon, Philippines

Fungi and their functions are among the least studied component of the ecosystem such that not more than 10% were named based on global conservative species estimate. In the Philippines, the species described do not reflect on documentation and conservation efforts amidst threat of forest degradation and climate change. This study investigated the current macrofungal diversity in parts of three important protected mountain forest ecosystems in Southern Tagalog Region in the Philippines: Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR), Mount Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL), and Quezon Protected Landscape (QPL). Macrofungal sporocarps were collected and documented from selected sites and preserved as voucher specimens. Samples were characterized using morphological, anatomical, and chemical properties then validated field identification from mycological herbarium and consulted experts. Sixteen species representing 11 families with Shannon diversity index of 2.79 were observed from MMFR. Collections from MBSCPL were 35 species under 19 families with Shannon diversity index of 3.14. QPL recorded 21 species from 12 families with Shannon diversity index of 3.04. The diversity of macrofungi from protected areas showed unique species composition based on non-metric multidimensional scaling with high dissimilarity based on Bray–Curtis Index, suggesting possible differences in carbon sink on forest floor. Functional diversity of recorded taxa described a balanced proportion of saprophytic and mycorrhizal fungi with few parasitic fungi having economic and cultural values. Variations in macrofungal species and functions could reflect on the status of protected areas in terms of productivity and sustainability, requiring extensive sampling and monitoring to cover macrofungi in biodiversity assessment and conservation programs in this region of the country.

Natural regeneration potential of red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) in 20-years-old man-made hilly dipterocarp forest

Shorea leprosula Miq is one of major tropical timber within the dipterocarp family and known as red meranti in global trade. The species has been subjected to intensive timber extraction due to their high economic value and natural abundance in primary tropical forest. Timber supply of this species has been known to only from natural forests and none have been reported from commercial plantation. Thus, population decline, habitat contraction and local extinction become the major issues related to the species. This research was conducted to determine the natural regeneration potential of S. leprosula in 20-years-old man-made hilly dipterocarp forest. The research was located at Gunung Dahu Research Forest (GDRF), a 250 Ha-mixed dipterocarp forest established since 1997 in Bogor-West Java as landscape restoration together with native biodiversity conservation program. Five S. leprosula plots were chosen consisting from different spacing distance of 2 m x 2 m, 3 m x 3 m, and 4 m x 4 m. Result showed that each plot has been experiencing different total number of fruiting times, ranging from 1-3 times, with total numbers of natural juvenile reached 652 stocks. Among them, seedling were the most stocks available at GDRF, with the most dominant occupied at height class of 11 cm – 33 cm and 34 cm – 55 cm. Natural stocks were absent from 2 observed plots due to high human alteration at those area. Canopy openness, altitude and human intervention/disturbance are among the factors that affecting the regeneration potential at GDRF.

The role of coastal biodiversity conservation on sustainability and environmental awareness in mangrove ecosystem of southern Malang, Indonesia

Abstract. Abidin Z, Setiawan B, Muhaimin AW, Shinta A. 2021. The role of coastal biodiversity conservation on sustainability and environmental awareness in mangrove ecosystem of southern Malang, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 648-658. Southern coast of Malang, East Java, Indonesia has several mangrove ecosystems used for ecotourism, such as Clungup Mangrove Conservation Tiga Warna (CMC Tiga Warna). This area has consistently implemented ecotourism principles. Previously, it was assumed to be vulnerable from the damage due to differences in environmental awareness of ecotourists and local communities. This study aims to (i) describe the strategy of coastal biodiversity conservation to enhance environmental awareness and its sustainability; (ii) analyze the role of conservation on sustainability and environmental awareness, with sustainability as a mediating variable between conservation and environmental awareness. Data analysis was conducted with descriptive and Warp Partial Least Square (WarpPLS). The results indicate that empirical facts of conservation, sustainability, and environmental awareness in CMC Tiga Warna are relevant to the result of statistical analysis. Conservation is believed to form the environmental awareness of ecotourists and local communities and to maintain the sustainability of ecotourism destinations. In addition, the sustainability of ecotourism destinations serves as an effective mediator between conservation and environmental awareness, along with the modeling of environmental awareness enhancement in conservation-based coastal ecotourism. The proposed model explains that sustainability and environmental awareness variances are 23% and 25%, respectively. In summary, Destination Marketing and Management Organization of CMC Tiga Warna ecotourism is believed to improve environmental awareness of ecotourist and local communities by strengthening coastal biodiversity conservation programs in ecotourism areas and in maintaining sustainability.

Ecological uniqueness of species assemblages and their determinants in forest communities

AbstractAimBeta diversity can be partitioned into the contributions of individual sampling units to overall beta diversity, which are comparative indicators of the ecological uniqueness of species assemblages in the sampling units. Yet, what determines ecological uniqueness has rarely been examined. Here, we investigated the determinants of ecological uniqueness in species assemblages in forest communities.LocationChina.MethodsWe used tree census data, combined with spatially explicit environmental variables collected from forest dynamics plots across tropical, subtropical and temperate forests in China. We computed beta diversity as the total variation of the community data, and a site‐based approach was used to determine whether ecological uniqueness is related to local environmental conditions and/or community characteristics.ResultsEcological uniqueness was explained by both local environment and community characteristics, but their relative importance varied across the four forest types. We provide direct evidence that the relationship between ecological uniqueness and species richness (EUSRR) is related to the percentage of rare species in the community. Local environmental factors affecting ecological uniqueness and beta diversity were inconsistent, indicating that focusing simultaneously on beta diversity and ecological uniqueness with regard to local environmental conditions is likely to be the appropriate approach to study forest community assembly.Main conclusionsAlthough the EUSRR was negative in some cases, indicating high species richness, this does not necessarily imply high ecological uniqueness. Thus, for biological conservation, species‐rich sites and unique low‐richness sites should be valued more. The higher degree of ecological uniqueness indicates unique species compositions, which provides insight into finding such quadrats and taking measures for protection, restoration or management. We propose that focusing simultaneously on the beta diversity, species richness and ecological uniqueness of individual quadrats is likely to be a valuable approach for biodiversity conservation programmes.

Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei delimitation by Automated Barcode Gap Discovery and neighbor-joining analyses: A review

Identification and differentiation of morphologically similar species have been a significant challenge to taxonomists due to a higher degree of similarity in their physical appearances leading to make the taxonomic investigation more complex. Such a problem is more common in invertebrate soil animals such as earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei) since their identification requires observation of morphological characters that are very difficult and complex to visualize, especially in the case of sibling or subspecies. In this review, we assessed the utility of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as a molecular marker for identification and differentiation among these species. We achieved this by analyzing their phylogeny using the neighbor-joining method and Automated Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) by retrieving 84 COI sequences from NCBI. As a result, we found that the identification and differentiation success of Eisenia fetida was 96.42%, whereas, for Eisenia andrei, it was 100%. Besides, ABGD analysis suggested that the species failed to give a distinct barcode gap, and the partition pattern may be due to probable misidentification leading to generate discordance among results of ABGD and NJ tree. Finally, we suggest that the multiloci approach of the mitochondrial genome can be used to solve this taxonomic ambiguity making the molecular identification system more reliable and comprehensive fulfilling need of growing biodiversity conservation programs on a global scale.

High-throughput sequencing of 5S-IGS in oaks: Exploring intragenomic variation and algorithms to recognize target species in pure and mixed samples.

Measuring biological diversity is a crucial but difficult undertaking, as exemplified in oaks where complex patterns of morphological, ecological, biogeographical and genetic differentiation collide with traditional taxonomy, which measures biodiversity in number of species (or higher taxa). In this pilot study, we generated high-throughput sequencing amplicon data of the intergenic spacer of the 5S nuclear ribosomal DNA cistron (5S-IGS) in oaks, using six mock samples that differ in geographical origin, species composition and pool complexity. The potential of the marker for automated genotaxonomy applications was assessed using a reference data set of 1,770 5S-IGS cloned sequences, covering the entire taxonomic breadth and distribution range of western Eurasian Quercus, and applying similarity (blast) and evolutionary approaches (maximum-likelihood trees and Evolutionary Placement Algorithm). Both methods performed equally well, allowing correct identification of species in sections Ilex and Cerris in the pure and mixed samples, and main lineages shared by species of sect. Quercus. Application of different cut-off thresholds revealed that medium- to high-abundance (>10 or 25) sequences suffice for a net species identification of samples containing one or a few individuals. Lower thresholds identify phylogenetic correspondence with all target species in highly mixed samples (analogous to environmental bulk samples) and include rare variants pointing towards reticulation, incomplete lineage sorting, pseudogenic 5S units and in situ (natural) contamination. Our pipeline is highly promising for future assessments of intraspecific and interpopulation diversity, and of the genetic resources of natural ecosystems, which are fundamental to empower fast and solid biodiversity conservation programmes worldwide.

Relationships between substrate and the mobilization of reserve with temperature during seed germination of Ormosia coarctata Jack.

Abstract: Seed germination studies provide essential information for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration programs. This work aimed to investigate the relationship between the substrates and the mobilization of reserves during germination of Ormosia coarctata seeds under different temperatures. Samples were collected every 48 h for up to 240 h for quantification of lipids, soluble sugars, starch, and soluble proteins. The optimum temperature range for germination was 25 to 35 °C. The highest germination percentages were obtained using sand or paper roll. Carbohydrate, lipid, and protein contents decreased during germination, regardless of temperature.

Assessment of Biodiversity Conservation Program in Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal

Assessment of Biodiversity Conservation Program in Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal

Biodiversity as the fundamental of plant population viability

Aim. The article is aimed at conducting the retrospective analysis and information generalization on environmental and social problems of the conservation of the planetary biota diversity, in particular regarding the viability of plant populations as its basic component. Methods. The historical aspects of biodiversity and the evolution of perception by the world community had been studied within the framework of a retrospective discourse analysis of experimental and theoretical research conducted in different countries by scholars from different scientific schools. We used hypothetical and deductive methods, considering that only living systems are characterized by interrelated and largely interdependent processes of individual and historical development. Results. Key events and processes affecting global environmental change and the effectiveness of international and national biodiversity conservation programs, in particular concerning plant populations, had been revealed. The following issues had been discussed: display regularities of adaptive and significant features in natural populations; estimation of phenotypic plasticity levels caused by the realization of the genotype in the phenotype depending on the homo- or heterozygous state of the gene(s) and many exo- and endogenous effects; the importance of double fertilization and the reciprocal effects of hybrid individuals adaptability, in particular in realizing the potential of cytoplasmic heredity of male generative cells; the effects of adaptation syndrome as a basis for the effectiveness of evolution and stress interdependence and adaptation to them; the role of biotic diversity components as a basis for the viability of plant populations, parameters of reproductive potential, shifting the sex ratio in natural populations of flowering plants. Conclusions. The anthropization of the environment, accompanied by progressive globalization, significantly changes the natural ecological status and dramatically affects its vegetation. Therefore, the following special measures can provide the richness of planetary flora as a core of human existence values: measures aimed at maintaining variable populations of native species in all their diversity, the preservation of the most valuable autochthonous nucleus, scientifically justified involvement of heterochthonous replenishment and minimization of contradictions between ecological integrity and economically diverse activity.

‘Endangered living fossils’ (ELFs): Long-term survivors through periods of dramatic climate change

Geography and climate have been the main drivers of evolution in recent geological epochs. While new lineages of species have been formed in the last millions of years (speciation) and others have vanished as a result of historical climate changes (extinction), some ancient lineages appear to have persisted to the present day without net diversification. In this paper, evolution of ancient lineages is addressed by combining phylogenetic and conservation approaches to test the concept of ‘endangered living fossil’ (ELF). Using endangered, monospecific genera as starting point, we propose three criteria to identify ELFs (in order): (1) scarcity and narrow distribution of populations, i.e. the species (and thus the genus) is categorised as either ‘endangered’ or ‘critically endangered’ using IUCN criteria; (2) evolutionary distinctiveness, i.e. phylogenetic singularity of a single-species lineage as a result of a null net diversification rate; (iii) ancient divergence, i.e. split from the closest extant relatives predating the dramatic climate changes of particular geological epochs (specifically changes since the Miocene-Pliocene boundary). The vascular flora of the Iberian Peninsula offers a suitable study system to reliably test the ELF concept. Indeed, time-calibrated phylogenies revealed that five of the six critically endangered, monospecific genera endemic to the Iberian Peninsula are ELFs. These five genera appear to have diverged from their closest relatives in the Oligocene (Gyrocaryum), Miocene (Avellara, Castrilanthemum, Gadoria) and around the Miocene-Pliocene boundary (Naufraga). This result entails long-term survival (with no net diversification) through at least three dramatic climate changes: the Messinian Salinity Crisis (late Miocene), the establishment of the mediterranean climate (Pliocene), and the glacial-interglacial cycles (Pleistocene). Using results from the literature, we found examples of ELFs for the mediterranean floras of California (Dodecahema), Chile (Avellanita, Gomortega, Legrandia) and other Mediterranean areas of Europe (Petagnaea, Phitosia). ELFs are unique and threatened lineages representing an exceptional evolutionary heritage, and therefore they should be prioritised in biodiversity research and conservation programs.

Alpha and beta diversity across coastal marine social-ecological systems: Implications for conservation

Abstract Cumulative anthropogenic activities in coastal regions are a major threat to their marine biodiversity. The consideration of coastal marine areas as social-ecological systems (CMSESs) can be useful for marine biodiversity conservation. This integrative approach incorporates social information that can link anthropogenic activities to marine biodiversity, providing opportunities for improving conservation policies tailored to the specific reality of the CMSESs. Here, we assessed the beta and alpha diversity of the shallow littoral fish communities present in the Andalusian CMSESs and explored how they relate to socioeconomic and marine environmental variables. We used underwater visual surveys to estimate the fish abundance data needed to calculate the alpha and beta diversity of the fish species. We quantified the species and functional beta diversity using abundance-based data. We also quantified species richness index as indicators of species alpha diversity, and functional evenness as indicators of functional alpha diversity. We found that the association of marine environmental and socioeconomic variables with biodiversity varied with CMSES. Empirical inclusion of biodiversity in social-ecological systems research of marine and coastal areas can provide insights on human-nature dynamics. This can contribute to design more effective marine biodiversity conservation programs that consider both the socioeconomic and marine environmental characteristics of each CMSES.

A New Approach to Farm Biodiversity Assessment

A reduction in biodiversity due to farming operations has been broadly reported. As a solution, policy makers in the European Union have introduced several programs in recent years to enhance biodiversity on farms but these have met with only limited success. One of the main reasons for this lack of success is that the experience, knowledge and attitudes of farmers are not taken into account when biodiversity conservation programs are formulated. Farmers’ opinions must be taken into consideration in the creation of future programs, which should also include an assessment by the farmers of the value of the nature of their farms. In this study, farmers were asked to express their opinion on the attractiveness of their farm in relation to pollinators, game, birds, amphibians, reptiles, rodents and non-crop (wild) plants. Data were then analysed using a novel method in which each farm was assigned to one of four categories. High nature-value farms contained more natural features in the landscape, such as individual trees or ponds. Socio-economic factors, such as gender, also influenced the farm assessments; female farmers were more critical compared to their male counterparts. The establishment of field margins or watercourse by the farmers significantly increased the possibility that the farm would be classified as attractive.

The attitude of Horand’s villagers toward wildlife and determinants of human-wolf conflict, East Azerbaijan, Iran

The study aimed to investigate the attitudes of the villagers of Horand County, East-Azerbaijan about wildlife species with the focus on eight species and to determine the main causes of their conflict with the gray wolf. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire during the spring and summer 2016. In 37 randomly selected villages, households were categorized as farmer-shepherd, shepherd, or farmer. In each village, 10% of the households belonging to each of the three groups were randomly selected and an interview was conducted with senior households.The results exhibited that three carnivorous species i.e. bear, hyaena and gray wolf were classified as problematic species along with boar, but the people were negative in their views toward hyaena and jackal than gray wolf and bear. The intensity of human-wolf conflict was positively influenced by an increase in respondents’ number of income sources, as well as by livestock disease-related losses. However, respondents’ increased awareness of wildlife was correlated with the decreased intensity of the human-wolf conflict. These results suggest that biodiversity conservation programs should prioritize attention to shepherd-farmers in managing the human-wolf conflict in Horand County.

Plant Biodiversity Knowledge Varies by Gender in Sustainable Amazonian Agricultural Systems Called Chacras

Chacras, which are Amazonian agricultural systems, are examples of traditional agricultural management that are sustainable. They are also characteristic of the identities of different ethnographic groups in tropical America. However, information regarding the botanical characterization of chacras is scant. In tropical rural communities, there is a gender bias hypothesis that makes women potential reservoirs of traditional chacras plant knowledge. We present an experimental study in order to demonstrate if this knowledge difference really exists and to plan accordingly. We performed workshops in an isolated Kichwa community from Amazonian Ecuador. We calculated the cultural signififcance index (CSI) for 97 local flora plants. Our results revealed statistically significant differences. They were coherent with the Kichwa worldview and the structure of their society. We concluded that gender perspective must be taken into account in biodiversity conservation programs, such as, for example, those to implement the resilient agricultural practices of tropical contexts promoted by The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SGD2).