Community-based Conservation Initiatives Research Articles

Does Stork Conservation Incorporate Ecofeminist Narratives? Case Study of the Hargila Army in India

ABSTRACT Ecofeminism is theoretically diverse, as drawn from various ecofeminists who understand women-nature relationships differently. The common ground, however, is that they all draw on the concept of gender to understand this close relationship. This paper explores the ecofeminist view behind the mobilization of women for conservation, a subsequent reimagining of age-old stork-related myths and a reinterpretation of symbols of intangible culture, and an attempt at confronting the erstwhile anthropocentric nature of conservation. The qualitative case study focuses on the Hargila Army, a community-based conservation initiative in Dadara, Assam, primarily led by women, aiming to conserve the greater adjutant stork, locally known as Hargila. The rural women’s lived experiences with the stork and its habitat – trees and wetlands – transform the ecological and wildlife issue into a feminist one. There are varied ways embedded in tradition and culture through which they have been carrying out stork conservation. The research is significant for it addresses a research gap on women’s environmentalism in the context of Assam, which has been neglected in literature reviewed for the purpose. It also empirically contributes to the ongoing dialogue on ecofeminism in action.

ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION IN EKITI STATE

This seminar paper examines the role of Community-Based Conservation (CBC) in promoting environmental sustainability and community development in Ekiti State, Nigeria. CBC is a framework that prioritizes local community involvement in managing natural resources, combining environmental conservation with socio-economic development. The study reviews relevant literature to demonstrate how CBC utilizes Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices to tackle significant environmental issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. This paper analyses case studies of successful Community-Based Conservation (CBC) initiatives from regions like Cross River and Ondo States, demonstrating how CBC enhances biodiversity protection and supports livelihoods through sustainable practices, including agroforestry and ecotourism. Social-ecological systems (SES) theory offers a framework that highlights the interdependence of human societies and ecosystems. The theory supports adaptive governance, emphasizing community involvement in decision-making for resource management, thereby enhancing resilience in social and ecological systems. The paper also analyses the involvement of government agencies, NGOs, and local authorities in offering institutional support for community-based conservation (CBC) via policies that acknowledge land tenure and resource rights. The findings indicate that CBC plays a significant role in meeting global conservation objectives, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land), while also providing avenues for poverty alleviation. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance legal frameworks, develop community capacity via education, and promote collaborative governance to tackle issues associated with resource depletion and climate change.

Bibliometric Analysis and Ecological Challenges in the Era of Climate Change for Seagrass Conservation Research in Indonesia

Seagrass ecosystems in Indonesia provide essential ecological services, including carbon sequestration, marine biodiversity support, and coastal protection. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, climate change, and pollution. This study was conducted due to the lack of comprehensive analysis on seagrass conservation research trends in Indonesia, aiming to address this gap and provide insights that can enhance conservation strategies. This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine research trends in seagrass conservation in Indonesia from 2007 to 2024, identifying 118 publications with an annual growth rate of 18.53%. Key research topics include biodiversity conservation, seagrass roles in climate change mitigation, and the management of protected areas. This analysis highlights the need to address research gaps, such as limited studies on community-based conservation approaches and the impact of local policies on seagrass management. The findings indicate a growing awareness of seagrass functions, such as carbon storage and support for fisheries, but highlight ongoing challenges related to limited financial resources and public awareness. By applying bibliometric analysis, this study provides a crucial tool for evidence-based decision-making, enabling more targeted and effective conservation policies. Community perceptions and participation, especially through community-based conservation initiatives, are crucial for the success of seagrass conservation efforts. This study uniquely contributes to the field by offering a clear map of research trends and gaps, guiding future research and policy to more effectively address seagrass conservation challenges in Indonesia. The study emphasizes the need for adaptive management strategies and collaboration among stakeholders to overcome the challenges of seagrass conservation in Indonesia.

Impact of Hydropower on River Biodiversity and Strategies for Recovery

Hydropower significantly contributes to global renewable energy but also poses serious challenges to river biodiversity. This paper examines the ecological impacts of hydropower, such as changes in hydrological regimes, habitat fragmentation, migration barriers, and water quality degradation. It also explores various recovery strategies, including environmental flow management, habitat restoration, fish passage facilities, and community-based conservation initiatives. Case studies like the Elwha River restoration and the Aswan High Dam illustrate lessons learned and the necessity of integrating scientific, policy, and community efforts to sustain river ecosystems alongside hydropower development. This research underscores the balance needed between renewable energy benefits and ecological preservation.

Role of Advocacy Efforts in Conservation of Pangolins Species in Kenya

Pangolins, the unique and enigmatic scaly mammals, are facing an existential crisis due to rampant poaching and habitat loss, particularly in Kenya, where four species reside. This study assessed the role of advocacy efforts in conservation of pangolins species in Kenya. Advocacy efforts play a crucial role in the conservation of pangolin species in Kenya by raising awareness, influencing policy changes, and mobilizing resources for conservation initiatives. Pangolins face severe threats due to illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and lack of strong legal protections. Effective advocacy can address these challenges through various means. Firstly, advocacy efforts contribute significantly to raising awareness about the plight of pangolins among the public, policymakers, and key stakeholders. By highlighting the ecological importance of pangolins and the threats they face, advocates can generate public support and empathy, leading to increased conservation action. This awareness can also foster behavioral change, such as reducing demand for pangolin products, which is critical in combating illegal trade. Advocacy also plays a pivotal role in influencing policy changes and strengthening legal frameworks for pangolin conservation. Advocates work with policymakers to enact and enforce laws that protect pangolins from poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction. This includes advocating for stricter penalties for wildlife crimes and advocating for the inclusion of pangolins in international conservation agreements. Furthermore, advocacy efforts help mobilize resources for pangolin conservation projects. By engaging with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international donors, advocates can secure funding and support for research, enforcement efforts, and community-based conservation initiatives. This financial backing is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies on the ground. Community engagement is another critical aspect of pangolin conservation advocacy. Advocates work with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods that reduce dependency on pangolin-related activities, such as bush meat hunting or illegal trade. Empowering communities through education and alternative income-generating projects not only helps protect pangolins but also fosters long-term conservation efforts. In Kenya, advocacy efforts are also focused on addressing broader conservation challenges, such as habitat loss and fragmentation. By advocating for the protection of critical pangolin habitats, such as forests and savannahs, advocates contribute to the overall biodiversity conservation landscape. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of species conservation and ecosystem health. Advocacy efforts also contribute to international collaboration and knowledge-sharing on pangolin conservation. By participating in global forums, conferences, and campaigns, advocates can leverage international support and expertise to amplify conservation efforts and promote best practices

Spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover change around Volcanoes National Park and their implications for biodiversity conservation

ABSTRACT This study comprehensively analyses spatiotemporal land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics within a 10-km buffer zone surrounding Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda, from 2000 to 2019, integrating biophysical and socio-economic drivers. It aims to quantify LULC change extent, rate, and type around VNP and inside the park; identify socio-economic, demographic, and policy drivers of LULC change; and evaluate the impact of LULC changes on VNP’s biodiversity via habitat fragmentation, connectivity, and species diversity. Employing remote sensing, spatial modelling, and field data, we reveal profound transformations within the park’s periphery. Forests and woodlots have significantly declined, replaced by agriculture, grasslands, and built-up areas, particularly in the 5.1–10 km belt (92.29% forest loss). While reforestation efforts exist, they are outpaced by deforestation, creating a stark deforestation-to-reforestation ratio of 12:1 in the 5.1 10 km belt and 6:1 in the 0–5 km belt. This alarming trend threatens VNP’s biodiversity as resource dependent communities continue to extract firewood, construction materials, and beanpoles from the park. To mitigate these impacts, we propose integrated strategies encompassing strengthened law enforcement, sustainable land management practices, community-based conservation initiatives, and alternative livelihood development.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies and their Impact on Ecosystem Health in Mozambique

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecosystem health in Mozambique. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Biodiversity conservation strategies in Mozambique have enhanced ecosystem health, promoting species richness and habitat preservation. Through protected area management and community-based initiatives, threatened species and ecosystems have shown signs of recovery. Sustainable land management and habitat restoration projects have bolstered ecosystem resilience. However, challenges like habitat fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade persist, demanding ongoing research and integrated conservation approaches for sustained biodiversity and ecosystem health. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resilience theory, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) & political ecology may be used to anchor future studies on biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecosystem health in Mozambique. Implement community-based conservation initiatives that empower local communities to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is mainstreamed into national development policies and strategies in Mozambique

Participation Strategies and Ethical Considerations in NGO Led Community-Based Conservation Initiatives

AbstractThis study examines the participation strategies of an environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) in community-based conservation (CBC) initiatives in the developing country context of Pakistan. We use local Pakistani concepts and terms to interpret and narrate our study. Drawing on the micro-mobilization literature, our analysis embeds a situated analysis of the ‘biradari’ (kinship) structures that pervade Pakistani social and cultural milieu. We shed light on the importance of various gatekeepers in providing access and ongoing support for CBC initiatives, suggesting NGOs must navigate complex cultural and social structures to manage participation in developing country contexts. Here our findings point to the importance of local knowledge not just in articulating community needs but also in articulating participation strategies. Furthermore, even though ‘elite’ structures have the potential to jeopardize equitable participation and project long-term sustainability, our analysis suggests interacting and gaining ‘bharosa’ (trust) of communities’ via these structures is critical to participation. While previous research has called into doubt the efficacy of CBC in advancing conservation, we suggest that frequent and culturally atoned engagement is a must for environmental NGOs working in socially entrenched developing nations. Our research brings to light the complex ethical terrain navigated by environmental NGOs in CBC projects, illuminating the inherent potential for both empowering and subjugating outcomes.

Volunteer commitment and longevity in community-based conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Committed volunteers are the driving force of successful community-based conservation initiatives. However, many groups struggle with recruitment and retention of volunteers. This research adds to the limited knowledge on what motivates community-based conservation volunteers to become committed to a conservation initiative, by carrying out a case study on community-based conservation volunteers in the Manawatū region of New Zealand. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews with key members of community-conservation groups were carried out along with a survey distributed to all local community-based conservation groups. This research showed that the key long-term motivation factors are ‘to care for the environment’, ‘to help the local community’, ‘to be outside, or amongst nature’ and to have ‘a connection to nature’. There was minimal change between long-term and initial motivation factors, with only three motivation factors increasing in importance; ‘to socialise with others’, ‘for stress relief or escape’ and ‘to help the local community', and one decreasing in importance; ‘to learn new skills and knowledge’. In order to enhance commitment of volunteers there is a need to take motivation factors into account within project design and management, allow time for socialisation, and provide ongoing training, education and recognition.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local people in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, which combines richness in plant resources and cultures of human plant use. The people of Habru District of North Wollo Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) have a long history of use of plant resources for various purposes including in traditional herbal remedy preparation and use. However, the district has not been adequately studied for its ethnobotanical resources and the associated knowledge. This study focused on human medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Habru District. The objective of the study was to document and analyze the plant species used by the local communities to treat human ailments along with the associated traditional knowledge and practices.MethodologyThe study was carried out in Habru District from June 2021 to December 2022. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions (one at the district level and 12 at the kebele/subdistrict level) and market surveys. A total of 388 informants (250 males and 138 females) were selected from all 13 kebeles within Habru District using systematic random sampling, and 42 key informants were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were applied for data analysis.ResultsThe results provide insights into the medicinal plant diversity within Habru District, where 134 plant species in 110 genera and 54 families were documented, including 2 endemics, highlighting the district’s significance in biodiversity conservation and healthcare delivery. Disease prevalence analysis showed that gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments (ICF = 0.85), febrile diseases (ICF = 0.84), and culture-related conditions exhibit high informant consensus factors. Remedy preparation involves various plant parts, predominantly leaves (47.3%), followed by roots (22.1%), fruits (7.0%), and seeds (5.8%). Freshly harvested plant parts were frequently used (58.2%), while 24.7% involved both dried and fresh parts. Oral application (47.3%) and topical use (31.8%) are the major routes of remedy administration. The marketability of medicinal plants was evident, with 16.4% of the species reported as marketable, including Terminalia brownii Fresen. Myrtus communis L., Ruta chalepensis L., Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., Allium sativum L. and Capsicum annuum L. Multipurpose plants such as Solanum somalense Franchet. (91.3% FL), Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. (88.9% FL), and Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (85.7% FL) exhibited notable healing potentials.ConclusionThe current study underscores the intricate relationship between the local community and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and health care and acknowledging the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and ecosystem health. The results contribute to the development of sustainable conservation strategies, healthcare practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge, and highlight the interdependence of human societies and their natural environments. Community-based conservation initiatives with active participation of local communities are desirable for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species and their habitats. Raising public awareness about the sustainable harvesting and utilization of marketed medicinal plants (e.g., Terminalia brownii Fresen.) that are under threat is also important to ensure their availability for future generations and contribution to socioeconomic development.

Review of Community-Based Conservation Initiatives for Protecting a Primary Atlantic Forest Remnant: A Case Study

Effective forest conservation should go hand in hand with collaboration of the surrounding local communities. Bringing advancement and relief to marginalized communities is pivotal for conservation initiatives, with the objective of cultivating a sustainable ecosystem while protecting indigenous biodiversity. The linchpin for developing successful partnerships begins with fostering a shared understanding of the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. This awareness can be nurtured by interactive education and tangible outcomes that illuminate the profound long-term benefits of conscientious environmental stewardship. Therefore, an emphasis on community-driven conservation and environmental education becomes imperative, serving as a conduit for disseminating crucial information, fostering practical knowledge, and nurturing the attitudes and skills essential in the quest for environmental protection and sustainable development. Education, in this context, operates as a reciprocal process, demanding that educators glean insights from the local populace to effectively tailor strategies that elevate and empower them toward sustainable advancement. This dynamic interaction is where capacity development (CD) becomes indispensable. This paper delves into the unfolding of a series of conservation endeavors, initially driven by Anita Studer’s commitment to preserving a fragment of the primary Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. Evolving into a four-decade educational journey, the actions taken showcase enduring ripple effects across 14 states in Brazil, presenting a comprehensive survey of applied techniques in this unique context. The resources required to achieve collective conservation goals witness a continual upswing, a trend expounded in this paper. Hence, we have chronicled the history, methodology, and projects that transpired in response to the ever-evolving community needs. We will also look at the results and discuss the advancement that ensues following the CBD targets and goals presented at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference.

Unveiling poaching patterns and threat sources for informed conservation in southeast Angola

Poaching poses a significant threat to wildlife and ecosystems in southeast Angola, yet comprehensive studies to inform effective conservation strategies have been lacking. This novel study systematically assesses the spatial distribution and influencing factors of poaching activities in the region. Utilizing data from extensive patrolling efforts and predictive modeling, the hotspots and risk zones for wire-snares, gin traps, elephant poaching, and poaching camps are delineated. Our findings reveal distinctive socio-political and geo-ecological patterns governing each type of illegal activity. Wire-snares and gin traps display clear socio-political correlates, with proximity to towns and villages influencing their prevalence. These findings advocate for strategic placement of patrol stations and underscore the need for expanded law enforcement efforts to mitigate these threats. Conversely, elephant poaching for ivory exhibits transboundary influences, with heightened risk zones along international borders. This highlights the urgency of collaborative, transboundary management strategies to counteract external drivers of elephant poaching. Geo-ecologically, closed habitats dominated by woody vegetation, such as shrublands and closed woodlands, are favored for wire-snares and gin traps, likely due to reduced detection risk. Riparian habitats emerge as high-risk areas for elephant poaching and fishing camps, highlighting their importance for targeted conservation interventions. The fine-scale spatial analysis guides resource allocation and law enforcement strategies, while the identification of distinct threat sources informs proactive measures. To curb local demand-driven poaching, community-based conservation and alternative livelihood initiatives are recommended.

Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) as a Corporate Social Responsibility Program in Serangan Village

One of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Sanggaran Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, community-based turtle conservation is a response to phenomena that occur in its operational Ring I area. It is also sometimes referred to as the Turtle Conservation and Education Center. A community-based conservation initiative was established on Serangan Island in response to the illegal and endangering use of sea turtles. The goal of this study is to learn how the TCEC program is being implemented on Serangan Island in an effort to protect sea turtles. The qualitative data-gathering procedures used in this research method include documentation, literature reviews, and interviews. The research results showed that TCEC is believed to be capable of preserving the turtle population on Serangan Island through efforts to save turtles and relocate nests, perform surgical procedures on turtles, rehabilitate turtles, release hatchlings, and educate and socialize turtles for visitors. The conservation program at TCEC has both direct and indirect effects on society, the economy, and the environment. In addition to advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive and comprehensive job opportunities, and decent work for the residents of Serangan Traditional Village, the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) additionally contributes to goal 15 of the Land Ecosystem by preserving three species of endangered turtles and enhancing their numbers.

Breaking Dawn: Factors influencing mammalian habitat usage in western Assam following socio-political instability

The impacts of conflict on nature are devastatingly adverse but differ widely in different socio-economic-political regimes. Armed conflict often facilitates illegal plunder and unsustainable use of natural resources. We studied the response of mammals in Ripu (605.27 sq.km, westernmost part of Manas Tiger Reserve) Reserved Forest (RF) in Assam, India that suffers prolonged anthropogenic pressures due to armed conflict instigated by social unrest. We used standard single-season occupancy models using sign survey to assess factors affecting the space use of mammals. Our study revealed that Ripu RF has a high proportion of area occupied by prey species of large carnivores. Asian elephant, barking deer, and wild pig occupied most of the habitat, whereas gaur, sambar and spotted deer restricted themselves to selected patches. The probability of a site being occupied by the majority of ungulates declines with an increase in anthropogenic activities, including distance to human settlement (measure of prolonged disturbance) and an increase in the proportion of secondary degraded forest. Common leopard was found to be positively associated with prey occupancy and increase in semievergreen and moist-mixed deciduous forest. Our ground efforts to strengthen community patrolling and operational execution of various alternative livelihoods has helped to improve the economic condition of patrolling staff. Strategic implementation of law enforcement could support dispersal of tigers from Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (Bhutan), potentially linked to the larger tiger and elephant landscape far west (Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal) in the Terai region of India. Various community-based conservation initiatives and strategies with sustained support from various agencies, including national, international, and local bodies, is required to restore this critical habitat.

Innovative solutions for the conservation of natural ecosystems

The article discusses the importance of involving local people in conservation activities. Traditional knowledge and practices can play an important role in the sustainable management of natural resources. By involving local people in decision-making and incentivizing them to conserve nature, a sense of ownership and responsibility for protecting ecosystems can be created. This approach has been particularly successful in community-based conservation initiatives, where local people are actively involved in monitoring and managing protected areas. Another innovative solution is the concept of ecological corridors. These are strips of land that connect fragmented habitats, allowing for the movement of species and the exchange of genetic material. By creating these corridors, conservationists can help prevent isolation of populations and increase their resilience to environmental changes. As the world grapples with the urgent need to protect and restore natural ecosystems, innovative solutions are emerging to address this global challenge. By adopting innovative approaches, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future in which natural ecosystems thrive and continue to provide essential services for future generations.

Human-elephant coexistence through aligning conservation with societal aspirations

Nature’s contributions to people diminish when people are alienated from nature. We developed a framework to help support more sustainable people-nature interactions in the context of the conservation of African elephants ( Loxodonta africana and L . cyclotis ). Elephants are iconic, and ecologically, culturally, and socio-economically important, but are also competing and in conflict with people who still benefit little from elephant conservation. We demonstrate how this framework can be used to address challenges over elephant conservation and management, and help achieve human-elephant coexistence, by (i) balancing integrity of nature with social cohesion and human wellbeing, and (ii) moderating the use of nature through widely accepted values, aspirations, and rights. The framework provides mechanisms for policymakers and managers to improve existing community-based conservation initiatives, promotes equitable policies for elephant conservation, and can be applied to the conservation of other iconic species that pose management challenges.

Arapaima co-management through the lens of the Protected Areas Assets Framework

An extensive network of Protected Areas (PA) has been established across the Brazilian Amazon, but this PA system still suffers from a shortage of funding resources and environmental managers. New conservation strategies that successfully align social aspirations with biodiversity conservation are therefore imperative. Although approaches exist that demonstrate the value of biodiversity conservation for society and the local/national economy, these do not always manage to capture intrinsic values or local perspectives on natural resource conservation, and this can generate limitations in the use of these approaches as conservation tools. Here, we assessed the case of arapaima (Arapaima spp.) co-management, a well-consolidated community-based conservation initiative, through the lens of the Protected Areas Asset Framework (PAAF) to investigate the material and immaterial value of PA assets. Arapaima was clearly recognized as a key biophysical natural asset by local communities, with a significant role in terms of food, cultural, economic and conservation importance, in addition to its status as an iconic and emblematic species. This study reinforces the potential of the PAAF to identify the diverse range of values associated with PAs. Our results also encourage wider support to strengthen collaborative sustainable natural resource management programmes such as arapaima co-management, which is achieving remarkable social and ecological outcomes in rural Amazonia.

A Community-Based Conservation Initiative for Wolves in the Ladakh Trans-Himalaya, India

We describe a pilot community-based conservation initiative for wolves Canis lupus that involves (i) voluntary deactivation of traditional trapping pits called Shandong, (ii) commitment to wildlife conservation by the local community, and (iii) collaborative construction and consecration of a Stupa (Buddhist shrine) in the vicinity of the Shandong as a symbol of conservation and repentance for past hunting. People and wolves have a complex relationship, in part shaped by predation on livestock, which can have severe impacts on livelihoods in pastoral societies. Consequently, wolf conservation often evokes strong and polarizing reactions. To control wolf populations, livestock herders across the Trans- Himalayan and Tibetan regions use different types of traps. Shandong is a relatively large, widely used traditional trapping pit with inverted funnel-shaped stone walls, usually built near villages or herder camps. Typically, a live domestic animal is placed in the pit to attract the wolves. Once the wolves jump into the pit, the funnel shaped walls prevent them from escaping, and trapped wolves are usually stoned to death. In an extensive survey covering over 25,000 sq. km, we enumerated 94 Shandong in 58 of the 64 surveyed villages in Ladakh between June 2019 and March 2020. Thirty of these had been used to kill wolves within the past 10 years, while 7 had been destroyed. Shandong that were not in use were of poorer condition. Since 2017, we have worked with community members, local monks, and the region’s religious leaders to support the neutralization of the Shandong while preserving their structure, and assisted the communities to build Stupas and to consecrate them. Our pilot efforts with three communities appear to generate pride locally, and hold promise for promoting wolf conservation in Ladakh and in large parts of Trans-Himalayan and Tibetan regions that share similar cultural settings.

Distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Mammalia: Manidae) in the mid-hills of Nepal

The Chinese Pangolin is a ‘Critically Endangered’ species, which is estimated to have declined by over 90% in the last 21 years due to increased anthropogenic activities on the species and its habitat. Only a few pieces of research on the Chinese Pangolin have been done throughout Nepal; there is little information among the mammal species of Nepal, especially on distribution and habitat preference. This study was set to assess the distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin in Panauti municipality, central Nepal. We identified the most preferred habitat of the Chinese Pangolin using different covariates. Its preferred habitat was found ranging 1,450–1,600 m of elevation within a moderate slope of 5–25° steepness, forested areas in west-facing slopes. The maximum number of burrows of the species were found to be distributed in open canopy (0–50 % coverage). The increase anthropogenic activities in the agricultural land and deforestation in forested land has negatively impacted the occurrence of the Chinese Pangolin. We recommend that the community-based conservation initiatives like community forestry programs should be robustly implemented in the study area for better conservation of species and habitat in the coming years.

Classed conservation: Socio-economic drivers of participation in marine resource management

Conservation organizations often adopt the normative value of “whole community” participation, predicated on the idea that broad community involvement across categories of identity and social stratification will lead to more successful project outcomes. Analysis of intra-community social stratifications in relation to participation in conservation is important to the pursuit of environmental justice as well as improved efficacy of a given conservation intervention. While a large body of literature broadly examines intra and inter-community dynamics in relation to community-based conservation, few have specifically quantified how wealth influences one’s participation in community-based conservation initiatives, especially in the marine realm. To address these questions, we interviewed people living near marine conservation initiatives in Madagascar. Using a principle component analysis, we created an asset-based wealth index and showed that both knowledge of and participation in marine conservation was positively correlated with wealth. Specifically, three of the four participation categories were statistically correlated with wealth, including involvement in any element of the conservation project, involvement in decision-making, and in enforcement. However, wealth was not significantly correlated with participation in monitoring. Ultimately our research highlights the importance of understanding underlying drivers of participation in community-based conservation. If the poorest in a community are underrepresented in local participation, the conservation initiative will not only be unjust, but will also likely be less effective.