Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

Geotourism Based on Geoheritage as a Basis for the Sustainable Development of the Golija Nature Park, Southwest Serbia

Golija Mountain, located in the southwestern part of Serbia, has been under protection as the Golija Nature Park since 2001. It is protected to preserve its forest ecosystems, diverse landscapes of exceptional beauty, and cultural heritage. Due to its natural and cultural values, the Golija Nature Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the name “Golija-Studenica” in the same year. In addition to its ecosystem values, due to the complex geological and geomorphological past, there are a significant number of geodiversity objects on the mountains in the park. Research on these geodiversity objects has been the focus of the park’s administration in recent years. This protected natural area faces several challenges, with the sustainable development of tourism being one of the most significant. The construction of a large ski center is planned, which has already triggered the spontaneous development of unregulated weekend settlements near the mountain’s highest peaks. Geotourism provides an alternative to this development. Geosites, as the most representative landscapes and landforms, serve as key attractions for geotourists. The main goal of this work was to find appropriate geoactivities related to geosites that will enhance the geotourism offer, all with the aim of achieving the sustainable development of the Golija Nature Park.

Recollection of Bupleurum plantaginifolium (Apiaceae)—a threatened endemic species from the Nilgiris of the Western Ghats, India

Bupleurum plantaginifolium, an endemic and threatened species of southern Western Ghats was recollected from its type locality of Elk hills of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu. A detailed description, photographs, distribution map and taxonomic notes are provided along with a taxonomic key to the species of genus Bupleurum distributed in the Western Ghats.

Feasibility of artificial reefs as coastal protection measures at the Danube Delta coast, Romania

Introduction: The Danube Delta coast is part of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, thus being aimed to preserve its typical natural habitats. Over the last decades, human interventions along the Danube River, as well as coastal navigation and harbour protection works on the Romanian coast, have determined the reduction of sediment supply along the Danube Delta coast, which is nowadays affected by erosion on its widest part. Sustainable management plans for the Danube Delta coast include the use of working-with-nature solutions. In this work, the effectiveness of artificial reefs along the Danube Delta coast has been assessed, from the hydrodynamic point of view.Methods: The results of a previous wave climate study and a wave model have been used for this purpose. Simulations have been performed for different setup of artificial reefs, with different heights, and for extreme storms with various return periods, to test their effectiveness in reducing wave height and energy. Sea level rise has also been taken into account.Results: Our results show that artificial reefs are significantly effective in reducing the wave heights along the Danube Delta coast.Discussion: However, further detailed analysis concerning the impact of such a coastal protection solution is still needed, especially on the shoreline evolution and the local hydrodynamics.

Living Shoreline: Preliminary Observations on Nature-Based Solution for Toe-Line Protection of Estuarine Embankments and Mangrove Regeneration

Here, we discuss the results of an experiment in toe-line protection of estuarine embankments from frequent slope failure using silt traps. We test the feasibility of terracotta rings to trap silt and promote natural mangrove regeneration in barren patches in front of embankments around human settlements in the Indian Sundarban region, designated as the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. The initial results of the first sixteen months of observations, between May 2023 and August 2024, are encouraging. Sediment accumulation in the silt traps across sites ranges between 4 and 42 cm. Periodic granulometric analyses of sediments indicate that while the middle estuarine sites accumulate more clay/silt, the lower estuarine sites accumulate more sand. During the late and post-monsoon seasons, all sites except one, on the eastern coast of the lower estuarine island, exhibit natural mangrove regeneration, the main species being Porteresia coarctata, Sueda maritima and Avicennia marina. Additionally, oysters Saccostrea cuculata and occasionally Crassostrea cuttakensis are found attached to the terracotta silt traps. The results highlight the potential of the nature-based Living Shoreline strategy to support mangrove regeneration and toe-line protection cost-effectively. The study also successfully opens up new possibilities for sustainable elevation management in the sinking and shrinking mangrove region of the Sundarbans, a significant development in the face of climate change and accelerated sea level rise.

Biosphere Reserves as catalysts for sustainability transformations: five strategies to support place-based innovation

Biosphere Reserves as catalysts for sustainability transformations: five strategies to support place-based innovation

Awaiting discovery: How biases in faunistic surveys hinder conservation in mountain protected areas-A case study from Romania's oldest national park.

It is virtually impossible to compile a complete list of species and map their distributions in any protected area; nevertheless, a near complete inventory is vital for an adequate management plan. We use Retezat National Park (Romania) as a case study to assess the bias in faunistic inventories over the past 70 years. Retezat National Park is one of the most studied in Eastern Europe since it shelters some of the last patches of virgin old-growth forest in Europe. We reviewed the scientific literature published since the early 1900s dealing with faunistic surveys and retrieved the occurrence records available on GBIF for the study area. We identified a total of 4374 animal species belonging to 2113 genera, 494 families, 99 orders, 23 classes, and nine phyla. The number of publications started to accumulate after 1979, when the park became a Biosphere Reserve, reached a peak in the early 2000 and severely decreased during the last decade, highlighting a decline in the researchers' interest in faunistic surveys and, possibly, a delay between data collection and their publication. GBIF-mediated data made a small contribution, most records (60%) being collected in 2019. The bias analyses included only the distribution records available in the scientific literature, since they were already validated through peer-review. The number of publications and background of experts involved influenced the taxonomic coverage and inventory completeness. We found a strong spatial bias in terms of inventory coverage, with diversity hotspots located near roads and research facilities. Our study provides a roadmap for cost-effective future faunistic studies by prioritizing conservation efforts towards the most understudied areas and taxa within the park.

Quantification of plastic pollution in Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve: Risk assessment and management strategies

Quantification of plastic pollution in Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve: Risk assessment and management strategies

Biparental Care in a Southeast Asian Passerine, the Scarlet-Backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum).

We opportunistically observed a nest pair of scarlet-backed flowerpeckers (Dicaeum cruentatum) for 5 days during the fledging period in late February 2020 within the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. We observed both parents feeding the fledgling, with either parent returning within 3-20 min of leaving to forage. Over 5 days, both parents fed the fledgling green mistletoe fruits (Dendrophthoe pentandra [L.] Miq., family Loranthaceae). Between feeding periods, the fledgling remained mostly stationary on its perch. Our observations are similar to those reported for other species in the flowerpecker family (Dicaeidae), suggesting that biparental care is relatively common across the flowerpecker family, though there remains a paucity of direct observations and reporting. By making direct observations and subsequent discussions, we can better understand the ecology and natural history of Dicaeidae species, ultimately aiding in their conservation.

Effects of Forest Harvesting Operations on Hydrology: Experiences From the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve

ABSTRACTThe use of timber harvesting and skidding machines significantly alters a catchment's hydrological processes due to soil compaction effects. Although it is obvious that the use of heavy forest machines increases surface runoff and water yield, quantifying these effects remains challenging. This research aimed at exploring how physically based hydrological models are suited for investigating the effects of soil compaction on hydrologic responses at the catchment scale. We employed a process‐based SWAT+ hydrological model to assess the impact of temporary (e.g., skid trails) and more permanent timber harvest infrastructure on the hydrologic response of the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve in Germany. We specifically analysed the role of soil compaction in hydrological processes by simulating water fluxes under three scenarios: uncompacted soil (baseline), compacted soil during harvest and skidding operations (Scenario‐1) and due to permanently constructed infrastructures (Scenario‐2). Results demonstrated substantial alterations in water fluxes under Scenarios‐1 and ‐2 compared to the baseline, with annual average surface runoff increasing by 74% and 125%, respectively, and lateral flow decreasing by 14% and 26%. These changes varied notably between steep and low slope areas. Steep slope regions exhibited significantly larger increases in surface runoff, while low slope areas experienced greater reductions in lateral flow and percolation. This differentiation underlines the combined influence of management scenarios and slope, highlighting the critical need for forest harvesting strategies that account for spatial variability and the types of machinery employed.

Plankton Dataset During Austral Spring and Summer in the Valdés Biosphere Reserve, Patagonia, Argentina

The present dataset served to evaluate the plankton community composition and abundance in Nuevo Gulf (42°42′ S, 64°30′ W), a World Heritage Site in Argentinian Patagonia and part of the Valdés Biosphere Reserve. It reports zooplankton abundance (>300 µm) and phytoplankton concentration (10–200 μm) during the spring and summer seasons from 2019 to 2021. Special attention was given to the taxonomic classification of zooplankton, leading to the first identification of jellyfish species within the Gulf and the detection of an unreported copepod for the area (Drepanopus forcipatus). Samples were collected at two depths—a surface and a deeper layer—to assess vertical distribution patterns of plankton communities and explore potential environmental drivers influencing their variability. This dataset provides a valuable baseline for future studies analyzing temporal variations in the Gulf’s plankton communities. Moreover, it encourages the local scientific community to contribute data and promote open access to marine biodiversity records in the region.

Communities of ectoparasites associated with cricetid rodents in Pereyra Iraola Biosphere Reserve, Argentina, with an analysis of Rickettsia infection

Cricetid rodents are associated with ectoparasites, which are components of biodiversity. They may also cause diseases and act as potential vectors of microorganisms. The Pereyra Iraola Park (PPI) is situated in the area of greatest biodiversity of Buenos Aires Province. Our goal was to characterize the communities of ectoparasites associated with cricetids from the Ecological Santa Elena Farm, situated at the PPI, and to analyze the presence of Rickettsia spp. in these arthropods. Samplings were conducted during 2017-2018. A subsample of ectoparasites was prepared and identified with the optical microscope, and others were subjected to molecular analysis using the PCR technique in search of Rickettsia spp. A total of 106 cri-cetids were trapped, and 865 ectoparasites were collected. Mesostigmata mites presented the highest rich-ness and diversity of species, abundance and prevalence; fleas presented higher values than ticks. These results agree with researches from nearby localities. Only the fleas Polygenis (P.) atopus (Jordan & Roth-schild) and Polygenis (P.) a. axius (Jordan & Rothschild) were positive for Rickettsia, with sequences cor-responding to Rickettsia felis, while mites and ticks were negative. The results obtained contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of the PPI and to the zoonotic importance of its fauna.

Using zooplankton for water quality assessment in water bodies inside the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, Ho Chi Minh City

Using zooplankton for water quality assessment in water bodies inside the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, Ho Chi Minh City

Description of a New Species of Lichtwardtia Enderlein, 1912 with a New Record of Dolichopus Latreille, 1797 from India Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)

One new species Lichtwardtia bengalensis Chowdhury, Kar, Naskar & Banerjee sp. nov. of the subfamily Dolichopodinae Latreille, 1809 is described from India and Dolichopus howjingleei Olejníèek, 2002 is newly reported from Darjeeling, West Bengal and Dihang-Dibang Biosphere reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species is distinctly distinguishable from other Lichtwardtia Enderlein, 1912 with respect to their wing and male genital structures. Dolichopus howjingleei is re-described on the basis of Indian specimens. In addition, the DNA analyses of the species

Forest (tree) species composition, diversity and utilization pattern of Sheka biosphere reserve: Shato forest, southwest Ethiopia

The impractical limits of the management plan make the biosphere reserve controversial despite its essential role in biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess the plant species composition, diversity, and utilization pattern of Shato forest of the Sheka Biosphere Reserve. A systematic sampling technique was used to collect tree vegetation data from 45 quadrats with 400 m2 each, with sub-quadrats for saplings and seedlings. A purposive sampling technique was used to select sites and collect representative samples to evaluate anthropogenic impacts on the Shato Forest. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was used to calculate species richness and evenness A total of 57 species of vascular plants belonging to 35 genera and 30 families were identified. Asparagaceae was found dominant in the study area with 281(31.9%) individual plants, followed by Rutaceae 131(14.9%) and Sapotaceae 71(8.07%). Three plant communities were identified in the study area. The overall Shannon–Wiener diversity (H’) and evenness (E) of tree species in the study area were 2.72 and 0.76 respectively. The total density of seedling, sapling, and mature trees was 441.7, 90.6, and 488.9 individuals per ha, respectively. Anthropogenic disturbances have recently had an impact on the ecology and status of plant (tree) biodiversity and conservation interventions needed to mitigate the tragedy of declining forest biodiversity the Shato forest.

National fisheries restricted areas: an alternative tool for the sustainable management of Black Sea vulnerable and economically important fish populations

Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs), as area-based fisheries management tools, can be effective in providing protection for fisheries and biodiversity, in addition to traditional Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and are already in effect in waters above 1,000 m of the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. Whereas in the North-Western part of the Black Sea all fishing activities are concentrated in the shallow area (at depths of maximum 90 m), where species and habitats of conservation interest are present, this restriction is completely irrelevant. In this context, given that a FRA can also be established nationally (nFRA), the main objective of this research was pre-identifying suitable area(s) at the Romanian coast and providing the scientific substantiation for such an endeavor. In addition to being a traditional fishing ground for small-scale local fishermen, the study perimeter, which includes the Northern Romanian coast (part of the Marine Zone of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve), was chosen for various reasons. First, because of the uniqueness of the habitats found here, it serves as a vital forage area for fish species that are valuable both from a conservation and economic standpoint. Additionally, during the past ten years, beam trawl fishing for the gastropod Rapana venosa (Valenciennes, 1846) has affected the area, potentially causing harm to benthic habitats. A variety of data sources were integrated as part of the research strategy, including the composition and spatial distribution of macrozoobenthos, an inventory of the local fish fauna conducted through scientific fishing (both for commercial fish and species of conservation interest), fish stomach content analysis (by dissection or gastric lavage), and records of fishing effort and catch. The identified Sf. Gheorghe - Sahalin nFRA, covering 272.76 km2 between the 40 m and 50 isobaths, proved to be appropriate according to both ecological and fisheries criteria, and, after public consultation, was established by law, thus becoming the first national Fisheries Restricted Area in the Black Sea, to the benefit of both nature conservation, by spillover effects to adjacent areas, and the livelihood of local coastal communities.

Association analysis of <Castanopsis tungurrut> and the neighboring vegetation community in Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia

Castanopsis tungurrut (Blume) A.DC. (Fagaceae) is an endangered species, specifically found in the tropical forests of Java and Sumatra. There is currently a lack of specific information regarding its interactions with other species across different life stages and natural habitats, particularly in relation to altitudine gradients. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between Castanopsis tungurrut and the adjacent vegetation during different stages of its life cycle. The study also analyses the impact of this association on vegetation dynamics and propose effective strategies for C. tungurrut conservation strategy. The study established 41 plots across four distinct sites within the Cibodas Biosphere Reserve located in Gede Pangrango National Park. Identification of trees, poles, saplings, and wildings was carried out using the nested sampling method. A comprehensive list of 153 tree, 104 pole, 135 sapling, and 111 wilding species was documented and paired with C. tungurrut for association test, and a positive association was observed with the tree species Casearia coriacea and the wilding species Symplocos costata (Jaccard indices for these pairings were 0.34 and 0.33, respectively). In addition, a negative association was found for trees of C. tungurrut with Castanopsis javanica and Macropanax dispermus; Jaccard indices for pairings were 0.17 and 0.18, respectively. It was noted that C. tungurrut exhibited lower competitive ability and selectivity in less favorable habitats, and its facilitative effect on the surrounding vegetation was limited. The prevalence of negative association with neighbouring vegetation within the natural forest of Cibodas Biosphere Reserve indicates that C. tungurrut is isolated and facing threats such as environmental stress and competition. This condition contributes to the forest’s overall diversity and promotes the sustainability of the reserve by enhancing ecosystem stability.

Governance‐related conservation conflicts in a new UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve

AbstractThe UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme promotes culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable ways to improve human livelihoods. The programme's success depends on alignment between local communities and conservation authorities. In this study, we examine different sources of conservation conflict in Tšehlanyane National Park, the protected area at the core of the newly designated Matšeng Biosphere Reserve (established in 2021), the first in the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho. Herdsmen, whose livestock used to graze the high‐altitude grasslands, now face livestock confiscation and are retaliating with vandalism, arson, and poaching. Using the Nominal Group Technique, a structured group‐based method to build consensus, we show that despite locals being broadly receptive to conservation, conflicts arise from governance shortcomings. Local communities acknowledged their role in the conflict through overgrazing, wildfires, encroachment, vandalism, and harvesting while raising issues from park authorities around equitable benefit‐sharing, exclusion from conservation initiatives, livestock‐ and crop‐losses caused by wildlife, and restricted human movement. These results suggest that the success of this biosphere reserve hinges on a willingness to grapple with complex issues of politics and governance while recognizing the diversity of different resource users.

Environmental Factors Influencing the Establishment of the Invasive Australian Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in a Biosphere Reserve on the Central Mexican Plateau

Environmental Factors Influencing the Establishment of the Invasive Australian Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in a Biosphere Reserve on the Central Mexican Plateau

Taxonomic Diversity and Abundance of Soil Macrofauna in Temperate Forests Under Different Types of Forest Management: A Case Study in European Russia

Soil fauna perform a plethora of vital ecological functions and are often used as indicators of ecosystem disturbances. Investigating their taxa, functional diversity, and abundance is essential to assess ecosystem resilience, detect environmental stress, and guide conservation efforts. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic richness, diversity, and total and functional group abundance of soil macrofauna, as well as the environmental parameters of five model forests with different types of forest management (referred to as the “forest type”) within a temperate region of European Russia. These model forest types were subject to various types of forest management and were located in and around the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Tver Oblast, Russia): zonal forest (hereinafter referred to as the “zonal forest” treatment), forest disturbed by recreation (“recreational forest”), spruce forest monoculture (“monoculture”), secondary birch forest (“secondary forest”), and clear-cut site (“clear-cut”). We found that there was a significant difference in the total and average taxonomic richness of the macrofauna between the studied model forests, but no difference in mean abundance. The greatest difference was observed between the recreational (26 taxa, 11.2 ± 1.3 per site), monocultural (12 taxa, 4.8 ± 1.9 per site), and zonal (13 taxa, 4.5 ± 1.3 per site) forest types, while the macrofauna taxonomic composition was similar between the monocultural and control forests and significantly differed from that in the recreational and secondary forests and clear-cuts. Mobile taxa, mainly predators, were prevalent in the clear-cuts, while saprophages and phytophages dominated in the zonal forests and monocultures. The most important environmental factors influencing the macrofauna communities were the depth, mass, and composition of the litter, which depended on the presence of spruce (Picea abies), but not on soil parameters, the projective vegetation cover, or the abundance of microorganisms. Our study showed that anthropogenic disturbance in natural forests may not significantly alter the total abundance of the macrofauna, but it can impact the taxonomic composition and diversity of soil invertebrates. Therefore, greater attention should be given to analyzing functional and taxonomic diversity rather than relying solely on abundance data. Our findings highlight the importance of studying both the roles and diversity of soil species, not just their abundance, to better understand and protect natural ecosystems in the face of human impact.

Assessing the effects of landscape attributes in medium and large terrestrial mammal richness inside a tropical rainforest biosphere reserve.

The landscape's structure significantly impacts how communities assemble due to the environment filtering and the limitation of dispersal processes. Human activities can enhance or alter these factors, resulting in changing environments and isolated animal populations. In studying this, we used 39 camera trap stations during 102 continuous days in preserved and disturbed areas to assess medium and large terrestrial mammals in the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico (REBISO). We identified various groups of mammals and the factors influencing their presence and distribution through VIF, Clustering, RDA, NDMS, ANOSIM multivariate, and niche decomposition (OMI) analyses. The redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the most significant variables were altitude, distance to main roads and settlements, and forest cover. The optimal multivariate indicator (OMI) analysis accounted for 88.75% of the variability in niche structure. It revealed that Puma concolor exhibited the highest level of specialization (marginality = 2.96), while Nasua narica displayed the most generalist behavior (marginality = 0.26). Natural elements and human impact played a crucial role in the species' distribution, resulting in patterns in two distinct conditions: one characterized by preserved natural environments and the other affected by significant human impact. Notably, 63% of the species were common in both regions. For instance, Cuniculus paca positively correlated with distance to main roads and altitude, whereas Leopardus pardalis negatively responded to proximity to settlements. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity to preserve terrestrial mammal species.