Conservation Challenges Research Articles

More pumas (Puma concolor) does not change perceptions: The mismatched response of ranchers to the presence of a top carnivore

Abstract Human‐wildlife conflicts (HWCs) are one of the most critical conservation challenges worldwide. Large carnivores are frequently at the centre of these conflicts because of the perceived and real threats they pose to livestock and human safety. Determining social perceptions and attitudes towards carnivores plays a vital role in shaping conservation policies that ensure the sustainable coexistence of humans and wildlife. We conducted structured interviews with livestock ranchers in the proposed Torres del Paine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Chilean Patagonia) in 2011 and 2018. We recorded information regarding their perceptions of puma presence, the potential danger pumas pose to livestock, livestock losses, and the need to control puma populations. We predicted puma distributions in both periods using MaxEnt to determine whether predicted puma presence explained ranchers' perceptions of pumas or any change in their perceptions over the course of the study. Puma distribution models predicted that the puma has expanded across the study area and that the likelihood of puma relative abundance within ranches increased over time. Despite this, ranchers did not change their perceptions of puma abundance or the losses they suffer from puma predation. Neither did they feel an increased need to manage the puma population. Furthermore, ranchers reported an increase in the perception that pumas are a threat to livestock in the second study period, but this perception was not linked to the likelihood of puma presence. We found a mismatch between the actual probability of puma presence and ranchers' perceptions, which remained mostly unchanged, suggesting that there are underlying social factors driving their perceptions about puma –livestock conflict regardless of actual puma presence and the losses they experience. Synthesis and applications. Results show that ranchers' perceptions are at odds with actual patterns of puma distribution. However, the increased perceived risks associated with puma's expansion would likely increase reported HWC. Given that the study area is home to what may be the densest puma population reported, and that some ranches benefit from puma‐related tourism, while others bear the costs of increasing pumas in the region, the socioecological situation may be a conservation conundrum about to boil. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Feasibility and challenges of cultural landscape and countryside conservation: A case study of the ngong ping tea factory

In Hong Kong, while many rural areas have remained relatively untouched due to their remote locations, certain regions continue to face pressure for further development. As a result, there is an urgent need to conserve or document the remaining cultural heritage resources in these areas. However, not all landowners support conservation efforts, particularly when the land holds significant economic potential. This study investigates the constraints and challenges encountered in initiating a conservation project at the privately owned Ngong Ping Tea Estate, a site distinguished by its significant cultural landscape in Hong Kong. Most of the buildings at the Tea Estate are not protected under the current built heritage conservation framework, and much of the land falls under the “recreation” zoning category, which is statutorily approved under Hong Kong’s Town Planning Ordinance. This zoning encourages the development of both active and passive recreation, as well as tourism, in line with the surrounding tourist destinations. The development rights associated with the site present an attractive opportunity for the landowner; however, they also pose a substantial challenge to preserving the cultural heritage in situ. By sharing the preliminary conservation efforts undertaken by our team, this study aims to highlight the difficulties faced by researchers and other stakeholders while exploring potential solutions through ongoing engagement and collaboration with relevant parties.

Workplace sustainability: energy-saving behaviors in office environments of Thailand

IntroductionEnergy consumption in office environments significantly impacts global energy usage, particularly due to lighting, air conditioning, and electronic devices. Urbanization and economic growth in Thailand exacerbate energy demands, positioning office environments as essential for energy conservation efforts. Traditional strategies have primarily focused on technological solutions, but these approaches often fail to address the pivotal role of human behavior in shaping energy consumption.MethodsThis study develops a culturally contextualized framework by integrating the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) model, the Norm Activation Model (NAM), and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine key determinants of workplace energy-saving behavior. Data were collected from 105 office workers in Bangkok, Thailand, through an online survey. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), this study validated the framework to analyze the relationships between motivation, opportunity, ability, intention, and behavior within hierarchical workplace structures and collective decision-making settings.ResultsThe results highlight motivation and ability as significant predictors of energy-saving behavior, reinforcing the role of awareness of consequences, personal norms, and perceived control. However, opportunity, intention, and individual comfort exhibit negative relationships with energy-saving behavior, suggesting that structural policies, behavioral intentions, and thermal satisfaction interact in complex ways.ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of contextually adaptive workplace policies that account for behavioral and structural energy conservation challenges. By providing a culturally sensitive framework, this study offers insights for policymakers and organizational leaders to develop effective and sustainable energy-saving strategies that integrate behavioral considerations alongside technological interventions.

Priceless or worthless: conserving Psorodonotus ebneri, one of the World’s 100 most threatened species

BackgroundThe Noah’s Ark metaphor provides a compelling framework for understanding the conservation challenges faced by glacial endemics in high mountain refugia across the West Palearctic. The iconic bush-cricket Psorodonotus ebneri, endemic to Beydağları Mountains in southwest Anatolia, serves as a potential model species for investigating residual taxa within Anatolian ‘Noah’s Ark.MethodsExtent of occurrence, area of occupancy, habitat characteristics, population size, threats to existence and genetic diversity of Psorodonotus ebneri were observed/studied for 2 years.ResultsThe species’ area of occupancy is 2.5 km2 within 26 km2 extent of occurrence that is divided into five patches of moist meadows at 1650–1900 m elevation. The population census size was estimated as 960 individuals. The species has been declining in extent of occurrence and due to this has lost considerable genetic diversity during the last 50 years.ConclusionsThe (i) species Psorodonotus ebneri is ‘Critically Endangered’, (ii) its area of occurrence and population size significantly declined over the past half-century and this trend continues, (iii) it has experienced a notable phenological shift, (iv) it has lost considerable genetic diversity, thereby adaptive potential, (v) global warming and associated environmental changes pose the most serious threats to its survival, and (vi) human activities, particularly herd grazing, represent the second major threat; however, proactive actions of the local communities, such as delaying the grazing season, have contributed to its protection. Unfortunately, this scenario appears to be applicable to all glacial relicts on mountains, the Noah’s Ark for glacial relicts.Implications for insect conservationGlobal warming changes habitats, especially those in the highlands of the Northern Mediterranean Basin. Drought due to climate change particularly narrows mountain meadows and threatens insect species restricted to such habitats. Additional approaches are needed to protect species with such habitat preferences. Delaying the grazing season by local people served as such a side protection measure and made a serious contribution to the conservation of Psorodonotus ebneri.

A Subjective and Intuitive Approach to Rapid, Holistic Assessment of Natural Ecosystem Integrity Across a Community-Managed Conservation Area in Southern Tanzania.

Quantitative surveys of wild animal abundance or activity, and assessments of the integrity of the complex natural ecosystems they live in, are typically quite laborious and meaningful analysis of the data obtained may require considerable time and expertise. This study describes the development and evaluation of a practical procedure for semi-quantitative consensus-based synthesis of subjective impressions accumulated by a small team of investigators who visited 32 different locations distributed in or around a community-based Wildlife Management Area in southern Tanzania. The subjective natural ecosystem integrity index (SNEII) scores obtained represent a holistic indicator of all aspects of land use, wildlife and human activities, which correlated strongly with objective indicators of wild animal community or whole natural ecosystem integrity that were estimated directly from quantitative survey data by the same investigators at the same locations. Also, comparative regression analysis indicated that the SNEII was a far more sensitive to variations in observed human activities than any of the objective alternatives, correspondingly yielding far more detailed insights into ongoing conservation challenges. This simple procedure for summarizing the overall, multi-faceted subjective impressions of individuals traversing extensive conservation areas may well be applicable through participatory approaches to routine programmatic monitoring by community-based staff with minimal training, and may therefore be more practically useful to devolved conservation areas like WMAs than conventional objective statistical synthetic indices relying on laborious collection and expert analysis of quantitative survey data.

Harnessing the full potential of drones for fieldwork

Abstract Field-based research in the biological sciences encounters several challenges, including cost, accessibility, safety, and spatial coverage. Drones have emerged as a transformative technology to address these challenges while providing a less intrusive alternative to field surveys. Although drones have mainly been used for high-resolution image collection, their capabilities extend beyond mapping and image production. They can be tailored to track wildlife, measure environmental parameters, and collect physical samples, and their versatility enables researchers to tackle a variety of biodiversity and conservation challenges. In this article, we advocate for drones to be integrated more comprehensively into field-based research, from site reconnaissance to sampling, interventions, and monitoring. We discuss the future innovations needed to harness their full potential, including customized instrumentation, fit-for-purpose software and apps, and better integration with existing online databases. We also support leveraging community scientists and empowering citizens to contribute to scientific endeavors while promoting environmental stewardship via drones.

A Phenological Study of Butea pellita Hook.f. Ex Prain, an Endemic and Critically Endangered Shrub of the Kumaun Himalayas

Background: Butea pellita Hook.f. ex Prain, a critically endangered and endemic shrub of Uttarakhand, India, lacks documented phenological records crucial for its conservation. Aim: This study investigates the phenological patterns of B. pellita to provide insights into its seasonal life cycle and regeneration strategies. Methodology: Field observations over two years (2022 & 2023) in Patwadangar village (29.33°N, 79.43°E) recorded key life cycle events, including vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy. Results: B. pellita exhibited a nine-month growth cycle, with shoot emergence in April, peak flowering in June-July, and seed maturation by November. Pollination was primarily facilitated by bees and butterflies, while natural regeneration relied on rootstock proliferation. Conclusion: The study highlights significant challenges for conservation, including low seed viability and poor germination rates. These findings provide crucial insights for undertaking conservation strategies, and emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to ensure the long-term survival of this species in its natural habitat.

Spatial Distribution Patterns, Environmental Drivers, and Hotspot Dynamics of the European Rabbit on a Mediterranean Island: Implications for Conservation and Management

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presents a significant conservation and management challenge in Greece. While it has been listed in national biodiversity assessments, its population dynamics on the island of Lemnos demonstrate the characteristics of a highly adaptable and rapidly expanding species, exerting substantial ecological and economic impacts. Addressing this issue requires a spatially explicit understanding of its distribution patterns and habitat preferences, particularly given its extensive population growth over the past three decades. To this end, we conducted 40 field surveys across the island, documenting 1534 presence records of the species. We applied Kernel Density Estimation, Getis-Ord Gi *, and Anselin Local Moran’s I to identify the spatial distribution patterns and significant hotspots. A spatial lag model was used to quantify hotspot intensity and clustering dynamics, while abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors were analyzed to assess habitat associations. Our results revealed that rabbit hotspots are predominantly concentrated in fertile lowland agroecosystems, with nearly 60% of high-density areas overlapping conservation zones. Soil and field conditions, grazing-supporting landscapes, and arable and subsidized agricultural areas emerged as significant predictors of O. cuniculus presence. The observed spatial dependencies indicated that while hotspot intensities and clustering dynamics are influenced by the conditions in neighboring areas, habitat characteristics remain fundamental in shaping their distribution, highlighting the broader landscape-scale spatial patterns affecting rabbit populations. These findings underscore the necessity of adopting spatially informed management strategies that mitigate agricultural impacts while accounting for interconnected spatial dynamics, providing a foundation for informed decision-making to manage rabbit populations while balancing conservation and agricultural priorities.

Monitoring the population and distribution of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in the Klias Peninsula, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia: insights from an 18-year study.

Long-term monitoring data on population abundance and distribution are essential for developing and refining conservation strategies, particularly for endangered species like the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), for which data remain limited across much of their range in Borneo. Previous studies conducted in 2004/2005 and 2014 in the Klias Peninsula, western Sabah, northern Borneo, provided important insights into population trends and distribution. Building on this foundation, we reassessed the proboscis monkey population in 2022 after an 8-year interval and investigated changes in land use and land cover during the same period. Our findings indicate a lower overall estimate of population abundance (number of individuals); however, the number of observed groups is comparable to previous studies, suggesting some stability. Distribution patterns have remained relatively stable, with population strongholds in the central part of the Klias Peninsula, underscoring the continued importance of areas like Padas Damit Forest Reserve for proboscis monkey conservation. Our data also reveal concerning trends, including a decline in group sizes (number of individuals per group) within breeding units and the presence of very small populations in fragmented sites such as Bongawan, presenting ongoing conservation challenges. Our land-use and land-cover change findings further revealed that less than half of the available proboscis monkey habitats in this region are fully protected. Vegetation analysis showed that tree species richness positively influences proboscis monkey abundance, emphasizing the critical role of food resource diversity. These findings have important conservation implications for the long-term survival of this endangered primate in the Klias Peninsula region.

Integrating mechanistic models of landscape change and animal behavior to measure functional connectivity

ContextAs land-use change and climate change transform landscapes globally, increases in habitat fragmentation and shifts in habitat composition present challenges for the conservation of wildlife. Behavioral approaches to landscape ecology can explore how animal movement across complex landscapes can drive ecological processes like functional connectivity. By integrating mechanisms that link landscape change to animal behavior, simulation models can project how individuals and populations will respond to novel landscapes.ObjectivesTo understand how dispersal behavior and functional connectivity between populations of American martens respond to changes to the landscape due to land-use and climate. We also seek to demonstrate the explanatory power of integrating mechanistic models of landscape transformation and animal dispersal.MethodsWe present a novel investigation of behavioral responses to land-use and climate change by linking a landscape-level simulation of forest succession (LANDIS-II) with an individual-based model of animal behavior (SEARCH).ResultsClimate change caused an increase in suitable cover types for martens, but forest diversity is likely to decline. Both land-use and climate change impacted dispersal behavior of martens and functional connectivity between populations. These effects were not consistent across simulations, as dispersal behavior and success were affected by the direction of dispersal (i.e., source population) due to asymmetry in landscape configuration and its interaction with climate and land-use change.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates how the integration of behavioral and landscape models can inform conservation in ways that classical modeling cannot and how the use of mechanistic simulation models can produce robust projections about species responses to novel conservation challenges in an uncertain future.

Reconceiving Environmental Justice: A Capabilities Approach to Reconciling Conservation, Culture, and Community Rights in Tanzania

This paper reimagines environmental justice through the lens of the ‘capabilities approach,’ a framework developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, to address the ethical challenges of environmental conservation in Tanzania, particularly in eviction contexts. It argues that environmental justice must prioritize the diverse capabilities of affected communities, allowing for localized responses to climate change and safeguarding cultural identity. Drawing on the ongoing land disputes across Tanzania, particularly in Ngorongoro, this paper emphasizes the necessity of a community-centred approach that carefully balances land rights, cultural preservation, and the well-being of affected communities. It calls for a rethinking of conventional justice frameworks to more accurately address the experiences and needs of marginalized groups, while advocating for the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives into environmental conservation policies and practices.

CO₂ emission dispersion of multiple point sources in the localized regions together with its intensity inversion model

ABSTRACT The rapid and stable monitoring of CO₂ emissions from point sources in localized regions remains a key challenge in energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. To address this challenge, the Gaussian plume model is adopted for the rapid prediction of carbon emission dispersion from multiple point sources, and an inversion model for carbon emission intensities is constructed based on the Simplex search algorithm. By incorporating elevation data, the Gaussian plume model is modified to adapt to undulating mountainous terrain, and the impacts of the Gaussian diffusion model on the CO2 concentration diffusion of multiple point sources are analyzed under the conditions of the observation height, atmospheric stability and terrain correction. When the number of monitoring stations reach 10, the average inversion error ranges from 0.01 to 0.47% under various atmospheric conditions, together with an average inversion uncertainty in a range of [0.09%, 1.22%], indicating that enhancing the number of monitoring stations and selecting more stable atmospheric conditions can significantly improve the inversion accuracy of the carbon emission intensities from multiple point sources. This work provides a theoretical guidance for formulating the energy conservation and emission reduction policies together with monitoring and reducing the anthropogenic carbon emission.

Characteristics of tree hollows used by Nilgiri marten Martes gwatkinsii in the Western Ghats, India

Abstract Tree hollows are a critical resource for many wildlife taxa, thus declining tree hollow availability across forest ecosystems worldwide presents a critical conservation challenge. In this note, the characteristics of trees and tree hollows used by the Nilgiri marten, a threatened small carnivore endemic to the Western Ghats of India were described. Nilgiri martens were observed on 11 occasions using eight species of hollow trees, including two red listed tree species. Hollows were typically located on tree trunks in the forest subcanopy below 10 m. Trees containing hollows had an average height of 27.44 ± 5.23 m (range: 20–38 m) and an average GBH of 3.43 ± 0.49 m (range: 2.80–4.10 m). Although limited in number, these observations suggest that large hollow trees could be important to Nilgiri marten life history, similar to marten species elsewhere. Policies that target retention of such trees in mid-elevation evergreen and shola forests may benefit long-term conservation of martens and other hollow-using wildlife in India.

Responses to extreme drought in wintering waterbirds: a multi-species approach

BackgroundClimate change and anthropogenic activities are accelerating environmental changes, challenging wild animals’ survival. Behavioral plasticity, such as adjusting habitat selection and foraging activity, is a key mechanism for responding to rapid environmental changes in the Anthropocene era. However, this shift may expose animals to new challenges. Moreover, not all behavioral plasticity is adaptive, as evidenced by ecological traps. This study focuses on Poyang Lake, a Ramsar wetland and a critical wintering ground for waterbirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Historically, the migratory patterns of waterbirds were synchronized with the plant life cycle. However, recent hydrological regime changes have diminished suitable habitats and food resources, thereby posing significant conservation challenges for waterbirds.MethodsUtilizing multiyear satellite tracking data, we examined the variations in wintering home range and behaviors of four herbivorous waterbird species between natural and artificial wetlands in Poyang Lake under different hydrological conditions.ResultsOur results reveal significant differences in home range area and movement speed among species and across hydrological years. All species demonstrated a marked increase in their use of artificial wetlands under unfavorable conditions. Specifically, the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) shifted its distribution to artificial wetlands during drought years while favoring natural wetlands under normal conditions, indicating a stress-induced adaptation. In contrast, the Bean Goose (A. fabalis) and Swan Goose (A. cygnoid) displayed greater behavioral plasticity. Notably, the Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) increasingly used artificial wetlands, likely due to human protection, raising concerns about potential ecological traps. Additionally, waterbirds foraging in artificial wetlands generally exhibited higher movement speeds during drought conditions. This behavior suggests maladaptation and a more dispersed distribution.ConclusionsOur study underscored the critical role of artificial wetlands in supporting migratory waterbirds during drought, though elevated movement speeds observed in these habitats suggest potential maladaptation. Species-specific responses raise concerns about ecological traps if these habitats fail to meet key ecological needs. To ensure long-term conservation, efforts should focus on preserving natural wetlands and enhancing the quality of artificial habitats. Future research should prioritize long-term monitoring to guide habitat management and address species-specific needs in the face of climate change and habitat degradation.Graphic abstract

Four Years of Promising Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) in Córdoba, Spain: A Scalable Model for Urban Feline Management.

Urban free-roaming cat populations (or community cats, according to the Spanish legislation) present complex challenges, including public health risks, coexistence conflicts with residents, animal welfare, and threats to biodiversity conservation. In 2020, Córdoba, Spain, initiated one of the most extensive citywide trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, incorporating 225 groups of cats (usually named colonies) into a meticulously structured management framework. Over four years, the program stabilized cat populations, achieving 95% sterilization coverage and effectively limiting population growth despite external challenges, including abandonment, influxes from unmanaged areas, and compensatory effects. Although the overall population showed a modest decline of 2.68%, this outcome reflects not only the recent inclusion of numerous colonies still undergoing stabilization but also the prevention of an estimated 70% population growth without intervention, as projected by our population viability analysis (PVA). Key results highlight the program's cost-effectiveness, with an average annual cost of EUR 0.62 per person. The long-term projections from a population viability analysis (PVA) using demographic modeling suggest a potential 55% population reduction by 2028, contingent on sustained efforts. The program's integration of citizen science, systematic data collection, and adaptive management demonstrates its scalability and replicability as a model for urban and peri-urban feline management globally. Its significance lies not only in its scope and scale but also in demonstrating the ethical and practical feasibility of large-scale TNR initiatives in urban contexts. Córdoba's program, which predates Spain's Animal Welfare Law 7/2023 mandating structured feline colony management plans, demonstrates a pioneering framework for compliance and innovation in urban animal management. These findings underscore the critical role of sustained interventions, community collaboration, and legal frameworks in ensuring long-term success and addressing global challenges in urban animal welfare and biodiversity conservation.

Integrating Conservation and Community Engagement in Free-Roaming Cat Management: A Case Study from a Natura 2000 Protected Area.

La Graciosa, a Natura 2000 site in the Canary Islands, faces substantial conservation challenges, including a large free-roaming cat population that threatens the island's native biodiversity. In July 2024, a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) campaign achieved an 81.4% sterilization rate within urban areas, highlighting TNR's short-term effectiveness in reducing reproductive potential and, consequently, mitigating predation pressures primarily through the prevention of new litters and reduced reproductive activity in cats. The campaign's success relied heavily on the active involvement of the local community, who assisted with identifying, trapping, and monitoring free-roaming cats, thereby facilitating a high sterilization rate. However, administrative restrictions hindered access to peri-urban zones, leaving essential population clusters unsterilized and limiting the campaign's overall scope. Additionally, strong opposition from conservation groups, amplified by extensive media coverage, halted the project prematurely, reducing the effective sterilization rate to 69.3% within three months. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) suggests that achieving high sterilization rates could lead to population reduction over time; however, the inability to access all population segments and to reach the ideal 93-95% sterilization threshold limits TNR's potential as a long-term standalone solution. Our findings underscore the need for adaptive, context-specific management frameworks in ecologically sensitive areas that integrate TNR with complementary measures, consider regulatory barriers, and value community involvement. This case study provides crucial insights for policymakers and conservationists seeking to balance biodiversity conservation with humane management practices in protected areas.

Avifaunal Distribution and Habitat Assessment in the Semi-Arid Region of Eastern Rajasthan

The present study documents the avifaunal diversity of the Tonk district in Rajasthan, basedon intensive surveys conducted during the 2023–24 session. A total of 127 bird speciesbelonging to 55 families were recorded across 13 major water bodies and their surroundingareas. Among these, 94 species were identified as local/resident, 19 species as summer andwinter migratory, and 14 species as resident migratory. Additionally, 28 families comprisedonly a single species, while species distribution varied among other families: 6 families had2 species, 8 families had 3 species, 7 families had 4 species, 2 families had 5 species, and 3families had 6 species. Notably, only one family had a maximum of 7 species. Like manyother regions in India, the study area faces significant conservation challenges.

Preservation of the Literacy of Musical Instruments from the Shang Dynasty of the Central Plains in China

This study investigates the preservation of the literacy of musical instruments from the Shang Dynasty, emphasizing their cultural, ritual, and political significance in the Central Plains of ancient China. Excavated instruments such as xuns, qings, yongs, and bronze bells offer profound insights into the dynasty’s advanced craftsmanship, hierarchical social structure, and the integration of music into religious and political practices. Archaeological sites, including Yinxu, Liulige, Subutun, and Qianzhaodacun, highlight the geographic diversity and cultural exchange inherent in Shang musical traditions. These instruments embody cultural literacy through their ritualistic use, political literacy in their association with social stratification, and technological literacy in their sophisticated design and metallurgical techniques. Their preservation ensures that the knowledge systems and societal values embedded within these instruments remain accessible for future research. The preservation of these artifacts is essential to safeguarding the literacy they carry about Shang society’s values, beliefs, and innovations. By addressing challenges in conservation and ensuring their accessibility for future study, these instruments continue to enrich our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization and its enduring influence.

Using the long-term genetic monitoring network ARMS-MBON to detect marine non-indigenous species along the European coasts

The increasing prevalence of non-indigenous species (NIS) in marine ecosystems poses significant challenges for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Advances in molecular techniques enable early detection and long-term monitoring of such taxa, especially when coupled with spatio-temporally wide sampling by networks such as the European ARMS Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (ARMS-MBON). This initiative performs standardised sampling campaigns using autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) along European coasts and adjacent regions, providing open-access DNA metabarcoding data sets. We tested the potential of genetic observatory networks to detect and monitor marine NIS by analysing all publicly available ARMS-MBON cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing data as of February 2024 using a customised bioinformatic pipeline. Screening against the World Register of Introduced Marine Species (WRiMS) and applying manual curation, we identified 63 marine taxa considered non-indigenous at one or more locations. This included widespread taxa and potential new introductions, such as Eucheilota menoni in the Adriatic Sea. We found no significantly higher number of NIS in samples from locations particularly impacted by maritime traffic compared to other areas. Our results suggest that the genetic observatory network approach is powerful for detecting and monitoring marine NIS, and that manual curation still is an essential step for obtaining reliable results. We recommend key improvements including more spatially intense sampling across diverse environments as well as enhancement of NIS reference checklists and genetic databases to ensure accurate identification of both known and unknown NIS across Europe.

Movement corridors reveal conservation opportunities, challenges, and indigenous roles in the recovery of American Martens (Waabizheshi; Martes americana) in the upper Great Lakes region

Movement corridors reveal conservation opportunities, challenges, and indigenous roles in the recovery of American Martens (Waabizheshi; Martes americana) in the upper Great Lakes region