Conservation Biology Research Articles

Remote Sensing Evaluation and Monitoring of Spatial and Temporal Changes in Ecological Environmental Quality in Coal Mining-Intensive Cities

In coal-dependent urban economies, the dichotomy between resource exploitation and ecological conservation presents a pronounced challenge. Traditional remote sensing ecological assessments often overlook the interplay between mining activities and urban environmental dynamics. To address this gap, researchers developed an innovative Resource-Based City Ecological Index (RCEI), anchored in a Pressure–State–Response (PSR) framework and synthesized from six discrete ecological indicators. Utilizing geodetic remote sensing data, the RCEI facilitated a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of Jincheng City’s ecological quality from 1990 to 2022. The findings corroborated the RCEI’s efficacy in providing a nuanced portrayal of the ecological state within mining regions. (1) Jincheng City’s ecological quality predominantly sustained a mudhopper-tier status, exhibiting an overarching trend of amelioration throughout the study period. (2) Disparities in ecological landscape quality were pronounced at the county level, with Moran’s Index exceeding 0.9, signifying a clustered ecological quality pattern. High–high (H–H) zones were prevalent in areas of elevated altitude and dense vegetation, whereas low–low (L–L) zones were prevalent in urban and mining sectors. (3) Further, a buffer zone analysis of two coal mines, differing in their mining chronology, geographical positioning, and operational status, elucidated the ecological impact exerted over a 32-year trajectory. These insights furnish a robust scientific and technical foundation for resource-centric cities to fortify ecological safeguarding and to advance sustainable development stratagems.

Longevity records for bird species from the central Monte desert, Argentina

ABSTRACT Longevity is a key life-history parameter of bird species, highly relevant for the development of evolutionary biology, the study of ecological patterns and conservation planning. However, there is a marked paucity of data for Neotropical birds, mainly because estimating longevity requires long-term studies that are very scarce in temperate South America. We report data on the longevity of 25 bird species obtained in an 8-year long-term capture–recapture programme carried out in the Monte desert in Argentina and evaluate the influence of diet and migratory status on this life-history trait. The maximum value recorded was 105 months for Microspingus torquatus and the minimum was 13 months for Synallaxis albescens. Resident birds had higher average longevity than migratory birds, while species consuming mainly plant material had higher longevity values than those consuming mainly animal foods. Our results are similar to the few published records from temperate South America, although more data are needed to assess the impact of diet and migratory behaviour on longevity of Neotropical species.

Significant implications of diversity and stability for ecosystem sustainability necessitate differentiated management strategies: A case study of the urban agglomeration around Hangzhou Bay, China

Ecosystems are crucial for providing essential services, supporting ecological conservation, and promoting sustainable development on both regional and global scales. However, robust methodologies and comprehensive frameworks for assessing ecosystem sustainability are still lacking. This study presents an integrated framework that incorporates both diversity and stability in evaluating ecosystem sustainability. Our methodology involves a multi-step process: first, we select and integrate landscape metrics to quantify ecosystem diversity; second, we establish an ecological network and apply a robustness model to assess ecosystem stability; finally, we delineate zones of ecosystem sustainability based on the combined assessments of diversity and stability. Our findings reveal that (1) from 1995 to 2020, ecosystem diversity significantly increased within the urban agglomeration around Hangzhou Bay (UAHB), with notable regional patterns, particularly in Huzhou, Jiaxing, and Ningbo. (2) The structure and connectivity of the ecological network have markedly improved, with network robustness in 2020 surpassing that of 1995, indicating enhanced ecosystem stability. (3) Five distinct ecological zones were identified—high sustainability protected areas, ecosystem stability improving areas, low sustainability fragile areas, ecosystem diversity improving areas, and moderate sustainability transition areas—each accompanied by specific management strategies. This research offers theoretical insights and practical guidance for ecological protection and restoration, advancing sustainable ecosystem development.

The Role of Climate Change and Human Intervention in Shaping Vegetation Patterns in the Fen River Basin of China: Implications of the Grain for Green Program

The Fen River Basin (FRB), an ecologically fragile region in China, exemplifies the intricate interplay between vegetation dynamics and both climatic and human-driven factors. This study leverages a 40-year (1982–2022) dataset, utilizing the kernel-based normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI) alongside key climatic variables—rainfall (PRE), temperature (TMP), and solar radiation (SRAD)—to investigate vegetation variations and their drivers in the FRB, particularly in relation to the Grain for Green Program (GGP). Our analysis highlights significant greening across the FRB, with the kNDVI slope increasing by 0.0028 yr−1 and green-covered areas expanding by 92.8% over the study period. The GGP facilitated the greening process, resulting in a notable increase in the kNDVI slope from 0.0005 yr−1 to 0.0052 yr−1 and a marked expansion in the area of significant greening from 24.6% to 95.8%. Regional climate shifts, characterized by increased warming, heightened humidity, and a slight rise in SRAD, have further driven vegetation growth, contributing 75%, 58.7%, and 23.6% to vegetation dynamics, respectively. Notably, the GGP has amplified vegetation’s sensitivity to climatic variables, with areas significantly impacted by multiple climate factors expanding from 4.8% to 37.5%. Specially, PRE is the primary climatic influence, impacting 71.3% of the pertinent regions, followed by TMP (60.1%) and SRAD (30%). The integrated effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors, accounting for 47.8% and 52.2% of kNDVI variations, respectively, collectively influence 96% of the region’s vegetation dynamics. These findings underscore the critical role of climate change and human interventions in shaping vegetation patterns and provide a robust foundation for refining ecological conservation strategies, particularly in the context of global warming and land-use policies.

Ecosystem service value and ecological compensation in Qilian Mountain National Park: Implications for ecological conservation strategies

Qilian Mountain National Park (QMNP) is a critical ecological barrier and water conservation area in northwestern China. Its diverse ecosystems provide significant ecosystem services, yet the valuation of these services and their dynamic responses to land use/cover (LULC) changes and ecological protection measures require detailed investigation. This study employs an improved equivalent factor method, tailored to the specific ecosystem types and LULC patterns of QMNP, to evaluate the ecosystem service value (ESV) across different LULC types. Using an elasticity analysis model, the sensitivity of ESV to LULC changes from 1990 to 2022 was quantitatively assessed. The results indicate that the ESV of QMNP increased from 46.13 billion RMB to 50.97 billion RMB between 1990 and 2022, mostly due to the growth of grassland and forest areas. The primary route for increasing the region’s ESV is the conversion of desert to grassland, and this should be a major area of emphasis for next ecological conservation initiatives. Regulating services form the core of the ESV in QMNP, with climate and hydrological regulation contributing significantly to the overall ESV. Maintaining the stability of forest, wetland, and water body areas is crucial for sustaining the total ESV of QMNP. Through the application of carbon emission coefficients and ESV methods, the average range for long-term ecological compensation standards in QMNP is expected to be between 3.78 billion RMB and 28.28 billion RMB annually. Additionally, we explore the impacts of ongoing ecological protection mechanisms on enhancing ESV. There is a pressing need to formulate integrated policy frameworks that balance ecological conservation with sustainable economic development. The study also highlights the necessity of strengthening the protection and foundational research of grasslands and water bodies to enhance the ESV of QMNP. These insights serve as a foundation for potential planning and management strategies in QMNP, aiming to maintain and enhance its ecosystem functions and services, thereby contributing to broader regional and global ecological stability.

Applying 3D Models of Giant Salamanders to Explore Form-Function Relationships in Early Digit-Bearing Tetrapods.

Extant salamanders are used as modern analogs of early digit-bearing tetrapods due to general similarities in morphology and ecology, but the study species have been primarily terrestrial and relatively smaller when the earliest digit-bearing tetrapods were aquatic and an order of magnitude larger. Thus, we created a 3D computational model of underwater walking in extant Japanese giant salamanders (Andrias japonicus) using 3D photogrammetry and open-access graphics software (Blender) to broaden the range of testable hypotheses about the incipient stages of terrestrial locomotion. Our 3D model and software protocol represent the initial stages of an open-access pipeline that could serve as a "one-stop-shop" for studying locomotor function, from creating 3D models to analyzing the mechanics of locomotor gaits. While other pipelines generally require multiple software programs to accomplish the different steps in creating and analyzing computational models of locomotion, our protocol is built entirely within Blender and fully customizable with its Python scripting so users can devote more time to creating and analyzing models instead of navigating the learning curves of several software programs. The main value of our approach is that key kinematic variables (e.g. speed, stride length, and elbow flexion) can be easily altered on the 3D model, allowing scientists to test hypotheses about locomotor function and conduct manipulative experiments (e.g. lengthening bones) that are difficult to perform in vivo. The accurate 3D meshes (and animations) generated through photogrammetry also provide exciting opportunities to expand the abundance and diversity of 3D digital animals available for researchers, educators, artists, conservation biologists, etc. to maximize societal impacts.

Biodiversity of a temperate karst landscape-ice cave collapse doline supports high α-diversity of the soil mesofauna.

Caves represent a specific environment with a special microclimate and fauna adapted to it. However, we have still a restricted knowledge on soil fauna communities in an environments with a marked microclimate gradient at the interface between cave and surface habitats. In the present study, we investigated the community patterns of dominant soil microarthropod group, oribatid mites, and their relationship to environmental factors across the microclimate gradient along a transect with seven study sites from cold and wet cave entrance zone to warm and drier deciduous forest. The cold and wet sites showed low oribatid abundances and a high spatial clustering of individuals in comparison to the warm sites. The oribatid mites showed significantly higher abundance and species richness at warm forest sites. Indicator species analysis indicated specific cold-tolerant species that dominated at cold sites of the gradient, but which were absent at the warmest sites. Variance analysis clarified that community composition at sites were significantly driven by environmental factors: temperature, soil moisture, pH and C/N ratio. The study underlines the importance of ice cave entrances as sources of high α-diversity of soil mesofauna and thus the conservation priority of these valuable habitats.

Predicting the potential geographical distribution of Zingiber striolatum Diels (Zingiberaceae), a medicine food homology plant in China.

Zingiber striolatum Diels is a unique medicine food homology plant native to China. In recent years, due to severe habitat destruction, studying the impact of climate change on the distribution of wild resources is of great significance for the ecological conservation and artificial cultivation of Z. striolatum. This study collected 141 valid species distribution records, and 37 environmental variables, and projected two future climate scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585) for two periods (2050s and 2090s). By employing Pearson analysis, Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt), and Geographic Information System (ArcGIS), we predicted the potential suitable habitats for Z. striolatum under present and future climates, as well as identified the dominant environmental variables influencing its distribution. The results indicated that the MaxEnt model performed well (AUC > 0.9) with high accuracy and reliability. The dominant environmental factors included Precipitation of driest quarter (39.0 ~ 473.8mm), Precipitation of wettest quarter (593.2 ~ 1269.4mm), Temperature annual range (9.8 ~ 28.6℃), and Mean diurnal range (6.5 ~ 9.6℃). The highly suitable areas for Z. striolatum were mainly distributed in western and southern Yunnan, northern and western Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and central Hainan. Under future climate change, the centroid of the total suitable area for Z. striolatum is projected to shift towards the southwest (Yungui Plateau) at higher elevations.

Plant Translocations in France: Identifying Gaps between Knowledge, Practice and Perception by Conservation Actors.

In the current context of global changes, threatened flora is declining and homogenising at the expense of rare and protected species. Among conservation biology and ecological restoration techniques, plant translocation is one of the recommendations increasingly used. However, translocation remains risky and is recommended as a last resort to conserve protected flora in land use planning. Furthermore, it raises ethical questions partly linked to genetic processes. In this context, we studied how plant translocations are perceived by conservation actors in France, including their genetic aspects. The analysis of translocation perception complements that of feedback on concrete translocation operations and allows us to provide a qualitative assessment of current practices. We have adopted an interdisciplinary approach to survey different types of actors in nature conservation, involved or not in at least one stage of translocation operations (preparation, implementation and monitoring). Three main types of translocation perception divide our sample quite strongly (50% favourable/ 45% unfavourable/ 5% undecided). Surprisingly, their professional activity or the level of involvement in such an operation have no influence on their opinion on translocation, nor on the proposals of alternative measures. Only 15% of the actors involved in translocations used genetic data at least once. To conclude, it would be necessary to promote the sharing of feedback from past experiences. This would allow an up-to-date list of species unacceptable for translocation. Comparing the results of different protocols and implementation conditions for the same species or group should improve overall translocation success rates.

Ten Principles from Evolutionary Ecology for the Effective Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians

Ten Principles from Evolutionary Ecology for the Effective Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians

A multifaceted approach to expanding conservation efforts in the Pan-Himalayan landscape

The Pan-Himalayan biogeographic domain is a significant region for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. This region has both tropical and extratropical flora and holds ecological, cultural, and socio-economic importance. However, knowledge about the spatial distribution and threats to threatened plant species in the study area is still poorly known. In this study we evaluate the phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism of threatened flora in the region, and also examine the effect of rapid land cover transformation and landscape fragmentation between 2000 and 2020 on the preservation of distinct evolutionary lineages. Phylogenetic metrics provide a better understanding of ecological, historical, and evolutionary factors that shape plant communities in highly biodiverse regions. Our result show that current protected areas are insufficient for preserving Pan-Himalayan biodiversity, and also reveal a significant gap in conservation efforts within these areas. We highlight conservation priorities areas in the western Himalayan belt encompassing 2.43 million km2 and covering 26.73% of the total area. However, a large conservation gap encompassed 22.67% (2.06 million km2) hotspots of total study area, whereas non-hotspot priorities covered 67.62% (0.77 million km2) of the total protected area, revealing a mismatch between biodiversity hotspots and protected areas. In addition, biodiversity priority areas have been threatened by rapid land cover transformation and landscape fragmentation between 2000 and 2020. There were 6.93% increase in cropland area and 172.64% increase in impervious surface, while an increase in landscape fragmentation and a decrease in landscape cohesion in different hotspots within protected areas. The biodiversity hotspot regions emphasize the need to conserve unique evolutionary lineages and high species occurrence areas with targeted conservation strategies. Mountainous, but cross-border international cooperation is highly recommended for effective preservation strategies. Our study has implications for advancing biodiversity preservation and sustainable ecosystem management not only in the Pan-Himalayan but also in similar regions, as well as for achieving the 2030 protection goal.

In Vitro Embryo Production: Overview

Reproductive biotechnologies, also known as assisted reproductive technologies (ART), have undergone significant development over time, reaching a remarkable level of evolution in the 20th century. Currently, several biotechnologies stand out, among which Artificial Insemination (AI), widely spread globally, Embryo Production (EP) both in vivo and in vitro for embryo transfer, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), sexing, among other innovations. In Vitro Production (IVP) of embryos has emerged as the biotechnology that has experienced the greatest development and evolution in recent decades, covering various fields such as research in assisted human reproduction, obtaining transgenic animals for biomedicine, preservation of endangered species and conservation of animals of high genetic value. This research aims to analyze the relevance of IVP, as well as the fundamental elements that make up this complex process. IVP of embryos involves several stages, from oocyte procurement, oocyte selection and in vitro maturation, sperm preparation, in vitro fertilization, to the culture of the resulting zygotes to blastocysts. These blastocysts, once transferable to recipients, culminate in the birth of a new being. However, this process has both advantages and disadvantages, which motivates continuous innovation in the field.

Valuation of Tourists' Willingness to Pay for Ecological Conservation towards a Sustainable Financial Mechanism for National Parks: An Empirical Case of Cuc Phuong National Park, Red River Delta, Vietnam

Abstract National parks play an important role in preserving the ecological values of nature, while also bringing economic benefits to the community. However, current national parks in developing countries are facing the challenge of lacking financial resources for conservation goals. This study estimates tourists' willingness to pay for ecological conservation in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam as well as factors affecting willingness to pay. Using a binary random assessment model and a research sample of 650 randomly selected tourists in Cuc Phuong, the study shows that tourists' willingness to pay for conservation is about 47,070 VND in the parametric model and 42,123 VND in the non-parametric model. Factors that influence the probability of accepting payment include income, education level, conservation attitude, awareness of ecological values and travel distance. From there, the study discusses and proposes implications that contribute to mobilizing finance for conservation from the community and financial mechanisms for conservation in national parks in Vietnam and developing countries in Asia.

Identification of Genetic Diversity of Taro White Cattle Using Microsatellite DNA Markers

Taro white cattle have a small population found in Taro Village, Tegalalang, and Gianyar, Bali, which must be protected as one of the most valuable biological resources for the Hindu community in Bali. White cattle require conservation efforts, with morphometric characterization and genetics providing the first phases of an animal conservation program. The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic diversity of Taro white cattle based on allele frequency, heterozygosity, and fixation index (FIT) using different microsatellite DNA loci so that it can be used as a study and reference in determining policies for the conservation of Taro white cattle in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. This cross-sectional observational study utilized ETH 185, INRA 035, and INRA 037 microsatellite DNA markers. Polymerase chain reaction amplified a total of 22 Taro white cattle blood samples with an average of 4.33 alleles; the average observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.288 and 0.637, respectively, with an average fixation index value of 0.55. In conclusion, there is a significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with the likelihood of inbreeding, as indicated by the Hardy-Weinberg balance. The microsatellite loci used in this study can be further used to evaluate the genetic diversity of Taro white cattle.

A chromosome phased diploid genome assembly of African hunting dog (Lycaon pictus).

The African hunting dog (Lycaon pictus, 2n=78) once ranged over most sub-Saharan ecosystems except its deserts and rainforests. However as a result of (still ongoing) population declines, today they remain only as small fragmented populations. Furthermore, the future of the species remains unclear, due to both anthropogenic pressure as well as interactions with domestic dogs, thus their preservation is a conservation priority. On the tree of life, the hunting dog is basal to Canis and Cuon and forms a crown group with them, making it a useful species for comparative genomic studies. Here, we present a diploid chromosome level assembly of an African hunting dog. Assembled according to VGP guidelines from a combination of PacBio HiFi reads and HiC data, it is phased at the level of individual chromosomes. The maternal (pseudo)haplotype (mat) of our assembly has a length of 2.38 Gbp, and 99.36 % of the sequence is encompassed by 39 chromosomal scaffolds. The rest is included in only 36 unplaced short scaffolds. At the contig level, mat consists of only 166 contigs with an N50 of 39 Mbp. BUSCO analysis showed 95.4 % completeness based on Сarnivora conservative genes (carnivora_odb10). When compared to other available genomes from subtribe Canina, the quality of the assembly is excellent, typically between the 1st and 3rd depending on the parameter used, and a significant improvement on previously published genomes for the species. We hope this assembly will play an important role in future conservation efforts and comparative studies of canid genomes.

CfSGR1 and CfSGR2 from Cryptomeria fortunei exhibit contrasting responses to hormones and abiotic stress in transgenic Arabidopsis

Stay-green (SGR) genes are pivotal regulatory genes in the context of plant chlorophyll metabolism, but few studies on SGR homologues in Cryptomeria fortunei have been previously reported. We cloned two CfSGR genes and overexpressed them in Arabidopsis to explore their functions. Full-length CfSGR1 and CfSGR2 are 1265 and 1197 bp, encompassing open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 274 and 276 amino acids, respectively. SGRs exhibited high conservation in higher plants, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that SGRs from monocots and gymnosperms cluster in a clade. The proteins localized to chloroplasts and showed no transcriptional activity in yeast cells. The CfSGR gene expressions were induced by abiotic stresses and hormones. Under conditions of darkness, abscisic acid (ABA), salt, drought, or freezing stress, CfSGR2-transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited a delay in leaf yellowing compared to the WT, which was attributed to increased chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic capacity. These transgenic plants exhibited improved resistance to stress via upregulated expression of resistance-related genes, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage rate. In contrast, CfSGR1-transgenic plants may accelerate leaf yellowing and exhibit reduced stress resistance. Our findings highlight potential divergence in the functions of CfSGR genes concerning plant growth and development and responses to abiotic stresses or hormones, providing a scientific foundation for future breeding of stress-resistant C. fortunei cultivars.

Scrophularia anatolica (Scrophulariaceae): A new species from eastern Anatolia (Turkey)

Scrophularia anatolica sp. nov. (Scrophulariaceae) is described from Eastern Anatolia (Bingöl‒Turkey). The new species is related to S. erzincanica and S. lucida, but it differs from S. erzincanica by scarious bracts and bracteole margins, broad calyx lobes with scarious and dentate margins, and from S. lucida by life duration, plant length, staminode shape, calyx lobes ovate to orbicular, dentate scarious margin and stamens long exerted from corolla. Ecological data and conservation status of the new species are also presented. A distribution map of the new taxon and related species is provided.

Standards‐based evaluation inform ecological restoration outcomes for a major mining activity in a global biodiversity hotspot

The International Principles and Standars for the Ecological Restoration and Recovery of Mine Sites were used to assess the restoration quality of one of the world's largest mines, located in the world's most biodiverse temperate forest. Quantitative analysis of longitudinal data spanning 35 years scored restoration quality at 2‐stars against a 5‐star forest ecosystem restoration target, with little indication of improvements from adaptive management. Two‐thirds of indicator plants were significantly under‐represented in early‐stage restoration and declined with age. Most plant species were effectively absent, including key structural species. Invasive plants and native legumes were persistently overabundant. Time required for the maturation of tree species will prevent the production of fundamental ecosystem features for well over a century (e.g. hollows and fallen logs), inhibiting functional fauna return (reptiles, bats, and conservation priority cockatoos in particular). The significantly different outcome compared with previous assessments is due to the age of restoration assessed and previous assumptions that early‐stage success indicate that restoration is on the correct, prolonged trajectory toward full ecological restoration. However, previous assessment methods did not consider many key metrics of the standards, nor accurately predict future restoration trajectory. In particluar, initial plant species richness (the only measure of biodiversity in the company's restoration completion criteria) did not reflect future restoration quality. These substandard restoration outcomes may result from removing the deep, multi‐layered bauxitic substrate on which the ecosystem evolved and establishing restoration on shallow topsoil over a more homogenized, impervious substrate. This study demonstrates the value of a robust, adaptable multi‐factor framework and methodology to evaluate restoration outcomes.

Biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration dominated vegetation dynamics during the 1980s-2010s in Yunnan, China

Changes in both vegetation type and productivity can affect the structure, functioning, and services of terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding vegetation dynamics and their drivers is critical for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Although land cover datasets, climate-vegetation models, and remote sensing vegetation indices have been frequently used to reflect vegetation dynamics, they generally lack biological information about vegetation, such as species compositions, community structures, and succession status. Yunnan, recognized as the most biodiverse province in China, has undergone considerable vegetation changes over recent decades. However, the roles of climate change and human activities remain unclear. This study integrated detailed vegetation maps, climate factors, and vegetation indices obtained in the 1980s (1986–1995) and 2010s (2006–2015) to comprehensively evaluate the coverage transformations and productivity changes of vegetation types in Yunnan and unravel the drivers of decadal vegetation changes. The results indicated that: 1) A greening trend was observed across all vegetation types, particularly in coniferous and temperate forests. 2) The decadal vegetation changes were dominated by: the restoration of savanna and shrubland, cropland expansion, and artificial afforestation, accounting for 23.7 %, 22.9 %, and 19.1 % of all observed changes, respectively. 3) Conservation and restoration efforts dominated vegetation greening in Yunnan (55 %), followed by artificial afforestation (23 %), and agricultural expansion (16 %). By comparing vegetation maps of separated stages, the inclusion of vegetation class information provided critical knowledge for a better understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms behind vegetation greening and range shifting. Our study highlighted the significant role of ecological conservation and restoration policies and practices in influencing the spatiotemporal dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning at a regional scale, within merely a few decades.

Seasonal variation of home range size and habitat selection of elephants in the Kabompo landscape of Zambia

BackgroundMovements of large herbivores and habitat utilization provide critical information for ecological monitoring and conservation. However, such geospatial information rarely exists, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to provide insight on seasonal variation of home range size and habitat utilization by African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Zambia’s Kabompo Landscape.MethodsTwo male sub-adult elephants (estimated age 10–15 years) were collared and monitored between March 2018 and December 2021 using the Geographic Position System (GPS) tracking devices. We used Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), which uses the outermost points, to arrive at the largest home range of a study subject and the Kernel Density Estimator (KDE), which captures the intensity use of various parts of the home range. Distance from the river, elevation, slope, land cover type, fire intensity and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were assessed against habitat selection by elephants using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsThe findings showed that the movements of the elephants were largely confined within the West Lunga National Park. The wet season had the largest home range (1720.8 km2) dominated by grassland, while the cold dry season had the smallest area of 931.8 km2. Elevation and land cover types had significant (p-value < 0.05) influence on home range across all the seasons. Other factors also had positive and negative impacts on the home range selection depending on the season.ConclusionsThe insights from this study can be exemplary relevant to conservation planning through monitoring seasonal movement of elephants.