Biodiversity Conservation Research Articles

Field notes from a sandbox: Learning wild patience with wild bees

AbstractThis creative non‐fiction essay discusses challenges of insect identification and wild bee collection. It engages themes of early childhood education, love of nature, and the links between patience and passion for discovery. It argues in defense of perseverance and slow knowledge acquisition, reminding readers of the importance of such qualities for biodiversity conservation, even amidst the age of instant gratification tools that make naturalism accessible to the layman.

The Importance of Regenerating Forests for Biodiversity Conservation: Insights From Bird Communities

Biodiversity is crucial for ecological research and ecosystem function, but human activities have led to widespread habitat loss and threats to biodiversity. Recent studies challenge the belief that only primary forests preserve biodiversity, as 20-year-old secondary forests can exhibit comparable levels. We emphasize the significance of studying regenerating and human-altered forests. Our research explores the impact of such forests on avian communities, focusing on different habitat and forest types. Using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling and Analysis of Similarities, we analyze bird community composition across various habitats. The Parker index and Analysis of Variance evaluate bird sensitivity to habitat changes. Results indicate significant differences in bird communities and sensitivity based on forest and habitat types. The study provides insights into forest integrity, contributing to improved conservation practices in regenerating and human-altered forests. Limitations include assumptions due to limited fragmented plots, suggesting avenues for future research to enhance forest regeneration efforts.

The role of forestry sciences in combating climate change and advancing sustainable development goals

IntroductionAs ecological disasters loom, forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to systematically examine the contribution of forestry science research to the SDGs through a multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting its role in advancing global sustainability efforts.MethodsUtilizing the PRISMA protocol, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 39,841 publications since 2015, focusing on the intersection of forestry sciences with the SDGs. Network and keyword co-occurrence analyses were performed to identify thematic clusters and interdisciplinary linkages among SDGs.ResultsOur findings indicate a significant focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the forestry sector’s contributions to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services. The analyses revealed thematic clusters centered around ecological sustainability, sustainable energy, and social development, demonstrating the diverse ways in which forestry research supports the SDGs.DiscussionThis study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of forestry sciences and identifies key areas of contribution while pointing to potential research gaps. Future research should explore advanced technologies such as AI-driven analytics and remote sensing, socioeconomic impacts of forest-based livelihoods, and innovative reforestation techniques. Strengthening urban forestry, enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation, and improving governance are recommended to ensure continued contributions of forestry sciences to global sustainability and the SDGs.

Sacred sites provide urban green spaces that maintain bird diversity in the megacity of Tokyo, Japan

Green spaces in cities are thought to play an important role in maintaining urban biodiversity. However, it is difficult to create large new areas of green space in big cities. Therefore, existing green spaces need to be conserved and properly managed to conserve urban biodiversity. In big Japanese cities, sacred sites such as shrines, temples, and historic parks are some of the common types of green space. In addition to their role as religious spaces, they may also play an important role in urban biodiversity conservation because of their function as long-term reserves of natural vegetation. In this study, we examined the function of shrines, temples, and historic parks in Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, in maintaining bird diversity by comparing them with urban parks. In addition, a vegetation survey was conducted to identify environmental factors that affect bird diversity, and differences in the bird species observed in each type of green space are discussed. The heterogeneity of bird species composition between study sites was higher among shrines and temples than among urban parks.Forest bird abundance was higher during the breeding season and bird species richness was higher in winter at shrines and temples and historic parks than in urban parks. Bird diversity was positively affected by the abundance of shrubs and evergreen trees. We found that sacred sites were more important than urban parks for maintaining bird diversity. The results also suggested that differences in vegetation structure are a cause of this pattern, and small green spaces in the grounds of sacred sites are managed in a way that is more suitable for maintaining bird diversity.However, shrines and temples, despite their strong historical and cultural value, are threatened by recent urbanization. It is necessary to maintain and properly manage these green spaces as part of urban ecosystems.

Community identification and carbon storage monitoring of Heritiera littoralis with UAV hyperspectral imaging

The Heritiera littoralis, an important rare semi-mangrove species found in coastal protective forests, plays a crucial role in carbon storage and cycling within mangrove wetland ecosystems. Despite its importance, previous studies have overlooked remote monitoring of its carbon storage. Taking the world’s oldest and largest natural community of H. littoralis in Shenzhen, China, as the study area, this research pioneers the use of UAV hyperspectral imaging to identify the H. littoralis community and estimate its above-ground, below-ground, and total carbon storage. The impacts of five geo-environmental factors (elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation communities, and inland distance from the coastline) on the spatial variability of carbon storage using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) methods were also investigated. The results demonstrate that the first derivative bands within the red edge and near-infrared regions, the anthocyanin reflectance index 2 (ARI2) and newly-developed three-band VIs, were sensitive features for community identification and carbon storage estimation within the H. littoralis community. Among the four machine learning models (eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Logistic Regression (LR)), the best identification accuracy for the H. littoralis community was achieved by XGBoost. Among the four machine learning models (XGBoost, RF, SVM and kernel ridge regression (KRR)), RF model achieved the best performance in estimating above-ground (R2 = 0.749, RMSE=1.723 kg/m2, EV (explained variance) = 0.704), below-ground (R2 = 0.636, RMSE=0.6 kg/m2, EV=0.606) and total carbon storage (R2 = 0.613, RMSE=2.592 kg/m2, EV=0.597). SHAP and MGWR analysis showed that elevation and inland distance from the coastline were key factors influencing the spatial variability of carbon storage. In conclusion, this study showcases significant advantages in community identification and carbon storage monitoring of rare mangrove communities, providing valuable insights for biodiversity conservation efforts and management within the H. littoralis ecosystem.

Geoparticipation as a tool for mapping calamities mosquito hotspots: A case study from Litovelské Pomoraví, Czechia

The coexistence of humans and nature has been a recurring theme throughout history, gaining particular importance in the context of climate change and the sustainability of our planet for future generations. However, the delicate balance between humans and nature is often disrupted, as exemplified by the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area in Czechia, where close interaction between humans and mosquitoes is a persistent issue. In this area, when environmental conditions are favorable for mosquito outbreaks, the local population living near the floodplain forests experiences significant discomfort for extended periods. The risk of mosquito overpopulation has intensified in recent years, largely attributed to climate change. Rising water temperatures in breeding habitats accelerate the developmental cycles of certain mosquito species, shortening the time required for maturation. This study aims to utilize modern geoinformation techniques to assess mosquito activity within the Litovelské Pomoraví region and evaluate the perceived impact on human populations. The methodological approach integrates the development of a representative population distribution layer and participatory mapping. These efforts culminate in the identification of active mosquito zones and the quantification of the at-risk population. While long-term data indicate that the situation is not deteriorating significantly, the study confirms that elevated mosquito activity continues to disrupt the daily lives of residents and visitors. Notably, summer mosquito outbreaks exert a broader impact than spring outbreaks, affecting both a larger geographic area and a greater proportion of the population.The study’s primary output, the spatial delineation of active mosquito zones and the identification of continuously populated areas at risk, holds significant value for the integrated management of the region. These findings can help mitigate the annual occurrence of mosquito outbreaks, improve the health of the floodplain forest ecosystem, and promote biodiversity conservation.

The species diversity and phylogenetic structure patterns of desert plant communities in the Turpan-Hami region, Xinjiang

Desert plant communities play a crucial role in enhancing desert ecosystem productivity and stability but are highly susceptible to environmental changes owing to their limited resilience and resistance to disturbances, making it essential to understand the factors influencing their diversity patterns and community structure, particularly under the threat of climate change and intensifying droughts. This study focused on the Turpan-Hami desert region, a typical desert ecosystem in which diversity patterns and community structures remain unclear. We established 101 sampling sites ranging from elevations of -134 to 2056m and recorded community information, including species composition, height, coverage, and density, using the sample plot method. The diversity patterns were analyzed using regression analysis, and the phylogenetic structure was assessed. Additionally, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Mantel tests, and General Linear Models were used to identify the key factors affecting community structure. Our results demonstrated that the species richness and phylogenetic diversity of plant communities exhibited a monotonic increase with elevation, and the phylogenetic structure exhibited low clustering and high dispersion along the elevational gradient. The annual mean temperature emerged as the most significant factor influencing diversity patterns, with soil nutrients, such as total potassium and available phosphorus, also affecting the spatial distribution of diversity. Notably, no significant correlations were found between community phylogenetic structure and abiotic factors, highlighting the complex interactions that drive diversity in the Turpan-Hami region. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms shaping desert plant community diversity and is essential for biodiversity conservation efforts in fragile desert ecosystems amid climate change.

Reciprocal regulation between rural settlement expansion and human-elephant conflict in China's wild elephant range

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and its socioeconomic impacts are a pressing global issue. Accurately quantifying HWCs and their interaction with residential development is crucial for rural revitalization and biodiversity conservation efforts. This study investigates the interplay between rural residential expansion (RRE) with human-elephant conflict (HEC) in southern Yunnan Province using high-accuracy yearly land use/land cover data and Asian elephant accident data. A piecewise regression along with several metrics, including expansion intensity and rate of rural residential land, and residential density, were employed to analyze the spatial-temporal change characteristics of RRE. Then, a geographical detector and a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model were used to reveal the driving mechanisms of RRE, with particular emphasis on the spatial relations between RRE and HECs. The results indicate that HECs had a significant negative impact on RRE, exhibiting higher expansion intensity and rate of rural residential land in non-HEC areas than in HEC areas. High spatiotemporal consistency between accelerated RRE and intensified HECs occurred from 2010 onwards, which aligns with the year when the trend of settlement area expansion changed. RRE activities and ensuing land use conversions led to increased occurrences of HECs, which negatively affected the RRE. Compared to HECs, topography and locational factors exhibited a secondary effect on RRE activities. The findings underscore reciprocal feedback mechanisms between RRE and HECs and the elevated risk of adverse interactions between humans and elephants within the range of China's wild elephants, providing theoretical support for coordinating conservation initiatives for Asian elephants with rural revitalization in the border areas of Southwest China.

Communicating about soil biodiversity: insights from science editorials and future recommendations

Given the urgency of the global soil degradation crisis, soil scientists must communicate the importance of soil as being part of nature and the critical need for conserving soil biodiversity. Drawing on a thematic analysis of editorials related to soil conservation and management, we analyzed common themes, key messages, and frames that authors used to advocate for change. Soil biodiversity was referred to in 8 of the 11 editorials, but it was less emphasized and discussed in less detail than messages centered around food production, water resources, and climate change. Editorials structured arguments around economic development, scientific and technical uncertainty, and morality and ethics. We believe future editorials should apply other persuasive frames including social progress, public accountability, and working-towards-compromise when advocating for soil biodiversity conservation. Soil ecologists can improve communications about soil biodiversity by (1) identifying an audience and selecting relevant key messages, (2) strategically applying a persuasive frame, and (3) amplifying diverse voices with a consistent message. We provide a guide for developing essays that encourages soil ecologists to shape discourse, advance policy priorities, and enable non-soil ecologists to communicate about soil biodiversity conservation.

Increased bird sound diversity in vineyards enhances visitors' tour experience

Abstract Biodiversity is rapidly declining, reducing the quantity and quality of human interactions with nature and constraining its contribution to human health and well‐being. Natural sounds are a key component of our experience of nature, but biodiversity losses are reflected in soundscapes, which are becoming less diverse and quieter. We characterised the soundscapes across 21 English vineyards using acoustic indices and related them to bird species richness and abundance. We found that higher bird species richness, but not abundance, led to more diverse and louder soundscapes, as reflected in higher values of Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI), Bioacoustic Index (BIO) and Normalised Difference Soundscape Index (NDSI), and lower values of Acoustic Entropy Index (H). Secondly, at three of the study vineyards that run vineyard tours, we measured visitors' experience of the tour in terms of sound enjoyment, soundscape connectedness and tour satisfaction and related these to ambient and experimentally enhanced soundscapes, where we used playback recordings of five additional birdsongs to increase the soundscapes' complexity and volume. Under ambient conditions, respondents' (n = 107) experience was significantly higher at sites with soundscapes that had higher ACI and BIO values, and lower H, Acoustic Diversity Index (ADI) and NDSI values, indicating a positive effect of more diverse and louder soundscapes. Natural sounds formed an important part of the tour experience at these sites, making visitors feel more present and connected to nature. Under experimental soundscape enhancement, respondents (n = 79) reported hearing significantly more bird species during the tour, and they reported significantly higher scores for sound enjoyment, soundscape connectedness and tour satisfaction than under ambient conditions. This effect was stronger in visitors who engaged more in pro‐environmental behaviours, such as purchasing organic foods. Our study demonstrates (i) the direct contribution of aural modes to our experience of nature and (ii) that the delivery of biodiversity conservation measures aimed at supporting bird diversity could simultaneously enhance the experience and well‐being benefits of spending time in nature. Natural soundscapes should therefore be recognised and valued as natural capital, and their protection should be incorporated into conservation planning and policy. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Examining Woody Plant Diversity Across Indigenous Agroforestry Practices in the Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Growing woody plants on farmland not only promotes biodiversity conservation but also supports the livelihood of local communities by offering essential ecosystem services. The present study aimed to assess the woody species diversity within indigenous agroforestry practices in Kellem Wollega Zone, western Ethiopia. From Kellem Wollega, three districts: Dale Sadi, Gawo Qebe,and Sadi Canqa were purposively selected. A total of 135 plots were surveyed, with 45 plots per district across various land use classes, documenting species diversity, evenness, richness, frequency, and important value index. Fifty six (56) woody species from 29 families were counted. Fabaceae family was identified as the most dominant, comprising 7 species (12.5%), followed by Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae families, each with 4 species (7.17%). About 71.43% of species identified species were categorized as trees, while 28.57% were classified as shrubs. This finding confirmed that the indigenous home garden agroforestry exhibited the greatest diversity of woody species, while woodlots exhibited the lowest diversity. Furthermore, the results indicate significant variations in species diversity across different land use categories (p<0.001). These results underscore the contribution of indigenous agroforestry practices in enhancing biodiversity and supporting a number of woody species within their ecosystem.

The impacts of fire vary among vertical strata: Responses of ant communities to long-term experimental burning.

Fire is a powerful tool for conservation management at a landscape scale, but a rigorous evidence base is often lacking for understanding its impacts on biodiversity in different biomes. Fire-induced changes to habitat openness have been identified as an underlying driver of responses of faunal communities, including for ants. However, most studies of the impacts of fire on ant communities consider only epigeic (foraging on the soil surface) species, which may not reflect the responses of species inhabiting other vertical strata. Here, we examine how the responses of ant communities vary among vertical strata in a highly fire-prone biome. We use a long-term field experiment to quantify the effects of fire on the abundance, richness, and composition of ant assemblages of four vertical strata (subterranean, leaf litter, epigeic, and arboreal) in an Australian tropical savanna. We first document the extent to which each stratum harbors distinct assemblages. We then assess how the assemblage of each stratum responds to three fire-related predictors: fire frequency, fire activity, and vegetation cover. Each stratum harbored a distinct ant assemblage and showed different responses to fire. Leaf litter and epigeic ants were most sensitive to fire because it directly affects their microhabitats, but they showed contrasting negative and positive responses, respectively. Subterranean ants were the least sensitive because of the insulating effects of soil. Our results show that co-occurring species of the same taxonomic group differ in the strength and direction of their response to fire depending on the stratum they inhabit. As such, effective fire management for biodiversity conservation should consider species in all vertical strata.

Impact of urban greening on population health in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionThe rate of urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased remarkably, with the urban population expected to double by 2050. This rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change pose serious public...

Tree Species Diversity and Carbon Stock of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Forests of Mizoram, Northeast India

The present study was conducted in tropical and sub-tropical forests of Mizoram, Northeast India. A total of 49 species belonging to 40 genera and 26 families were recorded in the tropical forest (TF). Whereas, in the subtropical forest (STF), 47 species belonging to 42 genera and 28 families were recorded. As per Importance Value Index (IVI), the most dominant species in TF were : Castanopsis tribuloides (47.67), Schima wallichii (40.71), Aporosa octandra (20.96) and Wendlandia budleioides (17.79). Whereas, the species such as Ilex godajam (41.42), Saprosma ternatum (32.74) and Diospyros racemosa (31.34) were the most dominant species in STF. The total tree density and basal area were 1610 individuals ha-1 and 25.016 m2 ha-1 in TF and 1380 individuals ha-1 and 24.20 m2 ha-1 respectively in STF. The diversity indices such as Shannon’s diversity index (H′), Simpson’s dominance index (CD), Margalef richness index (d), and Pielou’s evenness index (J) ranged from 2.93-3.16, 0.91-0.94, 7.82-8.15, 0.76-0.81 in both the forests. The total tree biomass was 178 Mg ha-1 in TF and 144 Mg ha-1 in STF. Similarly, the total carbon stock in TF was 85 Mg C ha-1 and 68 Mg C ha-1 in STF. Such information on these forests can serve as a valuable tool for improving our capacity to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts and management of tropical forests for their sustainable use in the future.

Quantifying the Ecological Performance of Migratory Bird Conservation: Evidence from Poyang Lake Wetlands in China.

Protected areas are essential for the conservation of biodiversity. However, the rapid expansion of urbanization and the intensification of human activities have significantly disrupted environmental integrity, leading to a continuous deterioration in both the quantity and quality of large ecological patches. This has further diminished the connectivity among ecological patches, leading to significant consequences for regional biodiversity conservation. Taking Poyang Lake as a case study, which serves as a crucial wintering habitat for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasia flyway, this research employs ArcMap technology. It considers various factors including land use type, slope, and elevation to evaluate habitat quality and degradation through the application of the InVEST model. Additionally, the study utilizes the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model alongside circuit theory to delineate ecological corridors within the area and to establish a comprehensive ecological network system. The research results in this paper are as follows. (i) During the period from 2000 to 2020, there was an overall decline in habitat quality within the study area, indicating a clear trend of habitat degradation. However, it is worth noting that there was an increase in habitat quality in certain local areas within the protected area. (ii) The ecological resistance values in the core area of the migratory bird reserve in Poyang Lake are generally low. However, the ecological resistance values of the habitats have shown a consistent increase from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in the density of ecological corridors during this time period. (iii) Over the period from 2000 to 2020, both the number and connectivity of ecological corridors decreased and their integrity and functionality degraded. Consequently, this weakened role of the ecological network has had implications for maintaining regional biodiversity and ecosystem service functions. The findings indicate two conclusions. (i) Ecological connectivity is essential for the conservation of migratory bird habitats. Strengthening control measures aimed at expanding ecological corridors can effectively safeguard flagship and umbrella species, thereby promoting biodiversity conservation. (ii) The establishment of ecological corridors can help reconcile conflicts between conservation efforts and development objectives. This reconciliation carries significant theoretical implications for fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds in Poyang Lake's migratory bird sanctuary.

Divergent Importance and Geographic Patterns in Threats to Birds and Mammals in China

ABSTRACTAimWildlife populations are continuing to decrease worldwide. Understanding the ranking and distribution of drivers of species declines is crucial to enable targeted actions to counteract major threats. However, few studies have assessed the relative importance and geographic distribution of threats to biodiversity in China, even for high‐profile groups such as birds and mammals. Therefore, this study aims to rank and map the distribution of threat to birds and mammals in China, which could provide novel insight into biodiversity conservation in China.LocationChina.MethodsA database of different threats for 147 threatened bird species and 176 threatened terrestrial mammal species was obtained from China's Red List of Biodiversity published in 2021. We collated information on the distribution and threat categories for birds and mammals in China, aiming to classify, rank and map threats. We used Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index to examine the correlations of threats occurring simultaneously, and compared the distribution of habitat of threatened birds and mammals. In addition, we conducted threat ranking analyses of threatened birds and mammals between different orders and traits (body mass and clutch/litter sizes).ResultsThe results showed that the most common threats to birds were habitat loss, hunting, human disturbance, agriculture, pollution and logging, while the most common threats to mammals were hunting, agriculture, logging, habitat loss, human disturbance and livestock farming or ranching. These threats showed different geographic patterns, and some threats frequently co‐occur as threat syndromes. Forests were the primary habitat for most threatened species, and orders formed by larger species with small clutch or litter sizes were more likely to be threatened.Main ConclusionsWe highlight the most common threats and key areas for conservation. Furthermore, focusing on clusters of co‐occurring threats may be the most effective way to aid recovery of threatened species, and targeted actions are needed to counter ongoing population declines in many groups. These actions should not be limited to the protection of regions where species are at risk of multiple significant threats, but should also include the maintenance and restoration of native forests and strategic planning of afforestation through planted forests.

Protected and Unprotected Areas as Refuges for Bird Conservation in Southeastern Coahuila, Mexico

Information gaps about the distribution of species hamper the evaluation of conservation status and decisions on biodiversity conservation, affecting areas with high species richness and endemism to a greater extent. In this context, carrying out biological inventories in protected and unprotected areas is an important tool to fill these gaps by providing data on the composition, richness, and abundance of species in each locality. The southeastern region of Coahuila (northeast Mexico) is a region where biodiversity research is required, as anthropogenic activities pose a serious threat to the avian diversity of this region. The present study aimed to compare the capacity of protected and unprotected areas to support the richness, abundance, and composition of bird species, as well as providing a list of bird species from eight areas located in this region. The point count method was conducted at the sites, and one-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of area type on species richness and abundance. Based on our field observations, literature review, and digital databases, the avifauna of these eight areas includes 388 species in 63 families. Of these, 5 species are endemic to Mexico, 6 species are of global conservation concern, and 35 species are of regional conservation concern. The species richness found in this study supports the importance of protected and unprotected areas in southeastern Coahuila. The results of our study highlight the need for further assessment to conserve the avian community, especially considering the increasing threats of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as additional studies that will allow for better characterization of the avifauna of the region. This will help to ensure the conservation of the birds currently threatened by strong anthropic pressure due to the conversion of semiarid ecosystems to agricultural and livestock areas as well as increasing urbanization.

Land Use Optimization from the Perspective of Multiple Stakeholder Groups: A Case Study in Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province, China

With China’s rapid economic development in recent years, enhancing the sense of well-being among citizens has become a critical objective. However, the interests of various stakeholder groups are often overlooked in decision-making surrounding land use. In this study, Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province serves as a case study for land use scenario simulations. The equivalent factor method is combined with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to investigate the relationship between ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) and the equity index of multiple stakeholder groups in various land use scenarios. We also explore whether an optimal combination of land use types exists. The results indicate that (1) The current ecosystem service value in Yongsheng County is primarily driven by climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, with a relatively high functional value index but a comparatively low equity index; (2) Different stakeholder groups mainly prioritize food production and ecosystem services impacting food production, such as water resource provision and climate regulation; (3) A land use allocation pattern of 20% farmland, 4% water bodies, 21% mixed forest, 20% coniferous forest, and 35% grassland appears to provide the optimal EMF index while simultaneously achieving the optimal equity index across stakeholder groups. This research may offer valuable insights for optimizing land use planning while taking into account the well-being of diverse stakeholder groups. It also may have practical implications for the formulation of innovative land use management strategies.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration of wetlands in suburban areas: challenges and prospects

Context Wetland loss threatens global biodiversity. Peri-urban wetlands face acute pressures from urban expansion. Aims Investigate biodiversity and land-cover changes in two wetlands undergoing suburbanisation near Hangzhou, China. Methods Seasonal field surveys of birds, fish and amphibians, coupled with remote-sensing analysis of land-cover changes from 2009 to 2020. Key results Suburban wetlands exhibited unique degradation patterns, including reduced species diversity, simplified community structures and proliferation of invasive species, with 91 bird species being recorded, dominated by common residents, 25 still-water fish species with few carnivores and migratory species, and 5 ubiquitous amphibian species detected. Species richness was lower than in nearby conserved wetlands. From 2009 to 2020, 6–7% of the wetlands were lost to urban expansion and converted to artificial vegetation or infrastructure. Conclusions Ecological degradation is driven by rapid urbanisation, with habitats being fragmented by roads and converted to artificial land covers. Water pollution from insufficient treatment and abandoned aquaculture further impairs habitats. Implications Innovative integrated-management framework was proposed for wetlands biodiversity restoration in suburban area. Key strategies include (1) modernising traditional circular economies to sustain wise use, (2) wildlife-friendly infrastructure design, (3) targeted invasive species control, and (4) adaptive co-management informed by ongoing monitoring. This socio-ecological systems approach aims to harmonise biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage and sustainable development in threatened suburban wetlands.

Panafricanism, cultural resilience, and biodiversity conservation: A historical perspective in the face of climate change

Pan-Africanism, a socio-political and cultural movement aimed at unifying African nations and people, has played a critical role in shaping the continent's response to global challenges, including climate change. This study explores how Pan-Africanism, cultural resilience, and biodiversity conservation intersect with the urgent issue of climate change. Pan-Africanism, which promotes unity and identity across Africa, is connected to the current need to address environmental problems. Cultural resilience, supported by traditional knowledge, plays a key role in managing resources sustainably and adapting to climate change. By combining these ideas, we can create opportunities for teamwork, sustainable farming, eco-tourism, and climate education. However, this approach also faces challenges, such as varying cultural contexts, limited resources, and balancing development with conservation. Recognizing these challenges and strategically using our strengths can help us use cultural heritage to improve climate resilience and protect biodiversity. This approach aligns with Pan-Africanism's goal of collective progress, providing a guide for societies as they navigate the complexities of climate change while preserving their cultural heritage.