Conservation Attention Research Articles

A global map of species at risk of extinction due to natural hazards

An often-overlooked question of the biodiversity crisis is how natural hazards contribute to species extinction risk. To address this issue, we explored how four natural hazards, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, overlapped with the distribution ranges of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles that have either narrow distributions or populations with few mature individuals. To assess which species are at risk from these natural hazards, we combined the frequency and magnitude of each natural hazard to estimate their impact. We considered species at risk if they overlapped with regions where any of the four natural hazards historically occurred (n = 3,722). Those species with at least a quarter of their range subjected to a high relative impact were considered at high risk (n = 2,001) of extinction due to natural hazards. In total, 834 reptiles, 617 amphibians, 302 birds, and 248 mammals were at high risk and they were mainly distributed on islands and in the tropics. Hurricanes (n = 983) and earthquakes (n = 868) affected most species, while tsunamis (n = 272), and volcanoes (n = 171) affected considerably fewer. The region with the highest number of species at high risk was the Pacific Ring of Fire, especially due to volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, while hurricane-related high-risk species were concentrated in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and northwestern Pacific Ocean. Our study provides important information regarding the species at risk due to natural hazards and can help guide conservation attention and efforts to safeguard their survival.

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins face extirpation in Shantou waters

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is an inshore species occurring in productive estuarine and coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific. Since the end of the 20th century, coastal region of China has experienced tremendous economic expansion, exposing this dolphin species to a wide range of human activities. Despite frequent voices of concern in the past three decades calling for research and conservation attention, protracted debates were not followed by constructive conservation actions due to the lack of or inconsistent use of demographic data. The current study examined 13-year sighting and photo-identification data collected for a small and little known population of humpback dolphins off the coast of Shantou (ST) in the northern South China Sea. Compared to conspecific populations inhabiting large or medium-sized estuarine systems, the ST dolphins have much larger home range (mean = 181.3 km2, S.D. = 87.7) which, however, has been shrinking recently due to coastal reclamations and expanding aquaculture farming. Although at least two dolphin births were recorded between 2010 and 2022, there was no successful recruitment of a non-calf individual. Meanwhile, the population shrank by 29.4 %, with the most updated population size of only 12 individuals, estimated in 2022. Based on the current demographic trend, we predict that the ST humpback dolphins will be extirpated within one or two decades. Furthermore, as the dolphins are aging and becoming less reproductively viable, there is little chance to reverse the declining trend even without additional stressors. Moreover, we noticed prevailing vertebral column deformities amongst the ST dolphins, possibly a sign of inbreeding depression of a small population. The present study exemplifies a typical case of a small, isolated and locally endangered dolphin population that is approaching local extinction without efficient monitoring program and conservation action. We emphasize that without solution-based research and efficient conservation planning, other humpback dolphin populations in China might soon follow in the steps of ST humpback dolphins.

Human Wildlife Conflicts: The Case of the Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) in the Mbam and Djerem National Park and the Implications for Conservation Attention

In Cameroon, studies on adverse conflicts between humans and wildlife have focused mainly on elephants and great apes. The lack of information on monkey conflicts motivated the present study in the periphery of the Mbam Djerem National Park (MDNP) where human-olive baboon conflicts exist (Papio anubis) due to the extension of agricultural land around the park. This study was carried out in two phases: questionnaire survey administered to the population bordering the protected area to determine the crop consumed by olive baboons in the fields and field visits to measure the total area of the field and the devastated areas using a GPS to assess losses per farmer and to determine the control strategies to fight crop raiding. From July 2021 to August 2022, we administered a questionnaire to 171 people, 74 of whom were farmers around the MDNP to examine the human-olive baboon conflicts. Results obtained indicated that human-olive baboons conflicts exist, we have: crop raiding, hunting of olive baboons, bullying, disturbances caused by olive baboons, and domestic animals predation by baboons. Although ecotourism and leisure were cited as other interactions. The crop raided by olive baboons is the origin of the conflicts with Human. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the crop most frequently raided by olive baboons in the dry season, followed by maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in the rainy season. Despite the use of control strategies such as field patrols, the installation of scarecrows, the use of traps and guns, the guarding of straw huts, and the guarding of dogs. 83% of the respondents lost approximately 25% of their crop annually due to olive baboons, and 5% of the respondents lost 25 to 50% of their crop annually, 4% of the respondents lost approximately 75% of their crop and 8% lost almost nothing. Economic losses were estimated on average at 150.647 ± 21.695 FCFA with a maximum loss of 1.058.000 FCFA [1.765 USD] and a minimum loss of 16.000 FCFA [about 27 USD]. The surface areas damaged annually by olive baboons ranged from 0.2 ha to 2.3 ha. These results showed that the crop raided by olive baboons created a conflict between humans and nature that had a negative impact on the conservation of this monkey and the survival of the local population in this region. To mitigate these conflicts, we suggest sensitizing local population on the use of the gun in the inspection of crop fields and strengthening of day and night field inspection during the crop maturity period.

Global review of anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in wild mammalian carnivores

AbstractAnticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are an effective tool used to suppress rodent populations in urban and agricultural settings to reduce human disease risk and economic loss, but widespread use has resulted in adverse effects on predators globally. Attention has largely been focused on impacts of ARs on raptors, although there is increasing evidence that mammalian carnivores are also impacted. We conducted a literature review to assess the extent to which ARs have been documented in wild mammalian carnivores globally and identify potential overlap with imperiled carnivores. We found a small but growing body of literature documenting exposure to ARs in 8 Carnivora families, with Mustelidae (64% of studies), Canidae (44%) and Felidae (23%) most represented. At least 11 different AR compounds were documented in carnivores, and authors claimed that exposure caused mortality of at least one individual in 33.9% of species studied. ARs were listed as a threat for 2% of Red List carnivores, although we found that 19% of Red List carnivores had ranges that overlap countries that have documented AR exposure in carnivores. Collectively, our review highlights the need to prioritize conservation attention on the potential role of ARs on global carnivore declines. We suggest (1) expanding AR monitoring and research outside of the northern hemisphere, (2) supporting long‐term AR monitoring to understand the spatial and temporal variation of AR use and exposure risk, (3) expanding research across trophic levels and across the urban–wildland gradient and 4) research to further our understanding of the point at which morbidity and mortality occur.

The last of the maculineans: can we save the emblematic Alcon Blue butterfly Phengaris alcon under climate change when its habitat continues to deteriorate?

In the NW-European region of Flanders (northern Belgium), wet heathlands harbour several threatened species among which the emblematic Alcon Blue butterfly Phengaris alcon is rapidly declining. Since 1990, the number of occupied grid cells in Flanders has decreased from 61 to only six in 2023, a decline of 90%. Due to the loss of many populations, the mean distance between populations tripled from 9 km in the period 1950–1990 to 27 km now. Site-wide egg counts in one of the strongholds of the Alcon Blue in Flanders revealed a strong increase after some initial intensive care conservation measures in the 2000s, but since 2013 a steep decline of 99% has been observed. The standardised egg counts in the remaining six Flemish populations (i.e., monitoring within the framework of the Natura2000 reporting) showed a yearly decrease of 18% since 2016. Despite increased conservation attention and targeted management since the end of the 1990s, the current situation of P. alcon in Belgium is more precarious than ever. Causes of this rapid decline are manifold and they are likely to be amplified by extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. More efficient intensive care measures and more intense cooperation across national borders are now quickly required to regionally preserve this habitat specialist with a unique eco-evolutionary profile.Implications for insect conservation By analysing the causes of the decline of the threatened Alcon Blue butterfly in Flanders, we suggest management and policy measures in an attempt to conserve this and other threatened heathland species in a highly anthropogenic region.

Cryptic diversity within two widespread diadromous freshwater fishes (Teleostei: Galaxiidae).

Identification of taxonomically cryptic species is essential for the effective conservation of biodiversity. Freshwater-limited organisms tend to be genetically isolated by drainage boundaries, and thus may be expected to show substantial cryptic phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity. By comparison, populations of diadromous taxa, that migrate between freshwater and marine environments, are expected to show less genetic differentiation. Here we test for cryptic diversity in Australasian populations (both diadromous and non-diadromous) of two widespread Southern Hemisphere fish species, Galaxias brevipinnis and Galaxias maculatus. Both mtDNA and nuclear markers reveal putative cryptic species within these taxa. The substantial diversity detected within G. brevipinnis may be explained by its strong climbing ability which allows it to form isolated inland populations. In island populations, G. brevipinnis similarly show deeper genetic divergence than those of G. maculatus, which may be explained by the greater abundance of G. maculatus larvae in the sea allowing more ongoing dispersal. Our study highlights that even widespread, 'high-dispersal' species can harbour substantial cryptic diversity and therefore warrant increased taxonomic and conservation attention.

Total importance value of medicinal plants in Jaunpur Range, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

The present study was intended to assess the total important value of medicinal plants in 5 villages of Jaunpur Range, Mussoorie Forest Division. Extensive field surveys were conducted at the study site throughout the different seasons of the year from November 2021- December 2022 to collect data. Data were collected using standard questionnaires. A total of 70 plant species were identified from 64 genera and 43 families. Among the 43 families, the maximum number of species were recorded in Rosaceae (8 spp.). The majority of identified species was herbs (36%), followed by trees (31%), shrubs (20%), climbers (7%), grass (4%) and ferns (2%). The ethnobotanical classification showed that most species are used for medicinal purposes (70 spp., 56%), followed by edible purposes (33 spp., 25%), uses such as fuel wood (8 spp., 7%), fodder (8 spp., 6%), timber (3 spp., 2%) and other uses (5 spp., 4%). Field observation revealed that most of the species were common (63 spp., 90%) in the study area, followed by uncommon (7 spp., 10%). In this study, the maximum number of species was found in the TIV 1-10% and the highest recorded TIV was 70%. The analysis of the total importance value (TIV) revealed that Grewia optiva, Diplazium esculentum, Berberis asiatica, Cedrus deodara, Lyonia ovalifolia Myrica esculenta, and Rhododendron arboreum were the plant species higher socioeconomic values, therefore it needs special attention and priority in conservation and management related activities.

To conserve African tropical forests, invest in the protection of its most endangered group of monkeys, red colobus

AbstractForest loss and overhunting are eroding African tropical biodiversity and threatening local human food security, livelihoods, and health. Emblematic of this ecological crisis is Africa's most endangered group of monkeys, the red colobus (genus Piliocolobus). All 17 species, found in forests from Senegal in the west to the Zanzibar archipelago in the east, are threatened with extinction. Red colobus are among the most vulnerable mammals to gun hunting, typically disappearing from heavily hunted forests before most other large‐bodied animals. Despite their conservation status, they are rarely a focus of conservation attention and continue to be understudied. However, red colobus can act as critical barometers of forest health and serve as flagships for catalyzing broader African tropical forest conservation efforts. We offer a plan for conservation of red colobus and their habitats and discuss conservation and policy implications.

Using ecological niche modelling to prioritise areas for conservation of the critically endangered Buffy-Headed marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps).

Endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil, the critically endangered Buffy-Headed marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps) is lacking the required attention for effective conservation. We modelled its ecological niche with the main objectives of (1) defining suitable habitat and (2) prioritising areas for conservation and/or restoration. The current geographical range of Callithrix flaviceps in the Atlantic Forest of Southeast Brazil. We used Ensemble Species Distribution Modelling to define current habitat suitability considering four climate and two landscape variables. To identify areas to prioritise for conservation and/or restoration, we predicted future habitat suitability considering the intermediate (RCP4.5) and extreme (RCP8.5) climate change scenarios for the years 2050 and 2070. Among the variables included to predict current species distribution, tree canopy cover, precipitation seasonality and temperature seasonality were the most important whereas digital elevation model and precipitation during the wettest month were the least important. Callithrix flaviceps was most likely to occur in areas with tree canopy cover >80%, high precipitation seasonality and temperature seasonality between 21 and 23°C. From the future suitability prediction maps, the Caparaó National Park stands out as a likely key area for the preservation of the species. Furthermore, high climatic suitability but low landscape suitability suggests that habitat restoration in 'Serra das Torres' (South of the current distribution area) might be a useful strategy. However, creating ecological corridors on the west side of Caparaó would be necessary to improve connectivity. More surveys within and beyond the current geographical range are required to define more precisely the distribution of the species. Our results support the notion that seasonality is important for Callithrix flaviceps and that as a montane species, it prefers colder environments and higher altitudes. Within both climate change scenarios, Caparaó National Park was predicted to be highly suitable, with a high probability of presence.

We know very little about pollination in the Platanthera Rich (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae).

The Platanthera Rich. (Orchidoideae) comprise a speciose genus of orchids primarily in the northern hemisphere, with up to 200 known species worldwide. Individual species are known to self-pollinate, but many rely on insect pollinators with characteristics such as floral color, timing of floral odor emissions, nectar rewards, and spur length associated with particular pollination syndromes. As with many orchids, some orchid-pollinator associations are likely highly co-evolved, but we also know that some Platanthera spp. are the result of hybridization events, which implies a lack of pollinator fidelity in some cases. Some Platanthera spp. occur in large numbers which, coupled with the numerous Platanthera-pollinator systems, make them accessible as study species and useful for co-evolutionary studies. Due to the likely effects of climate change and ongoing development on Platanthera spp. habitats, these orchids and their associated pollinators should be a focus of conservation attention and management. However, while there is a fairly substantial literature coverage of Platanthera-pollinator occurrence and interactions, there are still wide gaps in our understanding of the species involved in these systems. In this systematic review, we outline what is current knowledge and provide guidance on further research that will increase our understanding of orchid-insect co-evolutionary relationships. Our review covers 157 orchid species and about 233 pollinator species interacting with 30 Platanthera spp. We provide analyses on aspects of these interactions such as flower morphology, known insect partners of Platanthera species, insect-Platanthera specificity, pollination visitor timing (diurnal vs. nocturnal), floral rewards, and insect behavior affecting pollination outcomes (e.g., pollinia placement). A substantial number of Platanthera spp. and at least a few of their known pollinators are of official (IUCN) conservation concern - and many of their pollinators remain unassessed or even currently unknown - which adds to the urgency of further research on these co-evolved relationships.

Amphibian conservation status in Brazil: Spatial patterns, threats, and challenges

Extinction risk assessments are valuable conservation tools, especially for sensitive groups like amphibians, which are facing escalating threats from habitat loss and degradation. In this scenario, Brazil stands out as a pivotal player in amphibian conservation due to its exceptional amphibian diversity. Between 2010 and 2014, 973 amphibian species were assessed in Brazil. More recently, from 2017 to 2018, this number increased to 1096. In this study, we (1) compare the extinction risk status of Brazilian amphibians between the 1st and 2nd assessments; (2) evaluate the reasons for changes in status; (3) identify the main threats and research recommendations; and (4) analyze the spatial patterns of threatened species in relation to protected areas and ecoregions in Brazil. Our findings reveal an increase in the number of threatened species from the first to the second assessment. The categories of Least Concern and Critically Endangered experienced the most significant increases, with 169 and 16 more species, respectively, while the count of Data Deficient species dropped by 71. The primary factor contributing to these changes is the availability of new, more precise information, affecting 134 species, or 85.4% of the cases. Threatened species are predominantly clustered within the Atlantic Forest biome, itself the most endangered biome in Brazil, hosting 46 species, or 78% of the total. Notably, one-third of threatened species in Brazil do not inhabit protected areas and thus require immediate conservation attention. While substantial progress has been made in understanding Brazilian amphibians in recent years, an urgent need persists for fundamental research. This research should encompass taxonomy, natural history, and the evaluation of threat impacts, providing a robust foundation for more effective conservation efforts concerning this group.

Distribution, morphology, and phenology of Piper acutistigmum C. DC. – an endemic species of the Eastern Himalayan region

Piper acutistigmum C. DC. is an endemic species of the Eastern Himalayan region found in northeast India with the adjacent country Myanmar. A study was conducted to examine the distribution, morphology, and phenology of the species, which is an important step towards its conservation. Field surveys were conducted to locate the population, and observations were made on selected plants from three distinct locations. The study revealed that the species is mostly found in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and its bordering areas in Assam. The orthotropic and plagiotropic branches show distinct differences in terms of leaf size and shape, petiole, and internodal length. The average sizes of the leaves were 10 × 6 cm and 21.5 × 12.5 cm; petiole length was 3.7 cm and 2.25 cm and internodal length was 17.5 and 6.5 cm in orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, respectively. Leaf flushing occurs between the March and April months, more or less in synchronization with the emergence of the spike bud. The species starts flowering from April until the end of May. The fruiting spikes are observed from July to December. Sterile vines are most dominant in a population with a few fertile (male and female) individuals. The existing natural population is under threat from various developmental activities in and around their habitat and needs immediate attention for conservation.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by indigenous and local communities of Dugda District, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

BackgroundEthnoveterinary medicinal plants have been used by the people of Dugda District in the primary health care system to treat various livestock ailments for generations, particularly, in underserved rural areas. However, these ethnoveterinary practices and medicinal plants are dwindling without proper documentation, due to undergoing socio-cultural and environmental changes. Hence, this study aimed at inventory and analysis of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and the associated indigenous and local knowledge used in the treatment of livestock health problems in Dugda District.MethodsData were collected from 378 local inhabitants through semi-structured interviews, 18 focus group discussions with 6 to 8 participants in each couple with participant field observations. Informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL) and relative importance value (RI) were used to evaluate the agreement of informants on ethnoveterinary practices, healing potential of medicinal plants and the most multipurpose species. Using standard taxonomic procedures, voucher specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the National Herbarium of Addis Ababa University.ResultsIn total, 64 medicinal plants of ethnoveterinary uses, belonging to 33 families were reported to treat 37 livestock health problems. Anthrax, inappetence and diarrhoea were said to be the most prevalent veterinary health problems treated by traditional medicinal plants. Family Fabaceae was the most widely reported (7 spp.), followed by Apocynaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae (5 spp. each). Herbs were the dominant life forms (21spp.), followed by shrubs (20 spp.). The most commonly sought plant parts were leaves (55.25%), followed by roots (23.44%). The principal method of preparation was pounding remedial parts (46.85%) and mixing with cold water. The main route of administration was via oral application (72.67%), drenching diseased livestock. Withania somnifera and Kedrostis foetidissima were the most cited medicinal plants with 53 and 43 use reports (URs), respectively. ICF showed that respiratory diseases scored the highest value (0.94), while most of the reported medicinal plants were gastrointestinal agents. RI value analysis revealed that Croton macrostachyus had highest diversity of uses, followed by K. foetidissima and W. somnifera. Ethnoveterinary uses of some medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra, Calpurnia aurea, Cyphostemma cyphopetalum and Verbascum sinaiticum as prophylaxis against rabies were a new input for ethnoveterinary database.ConclusionThe study revealed that the people of the Dugda District are endowed with rich ethnoveterinary knowledge and medicinal plants. However, ethnoveterinary knowledge associated with medicinal plant species significantly differ (P < 0.05) between general and key informants, young and matured age groups and informants’ educational level. This infers the impact of mode of ethnoveterinary knowledge transfer, literacy, modern education and globalization on ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plant species. And also most of the medicinal plants are found in wild habitats with nearly no conservation attention. Therefore, it is imperative to implement participatory conservation actions for medicinal plants in collaboration with traditional institutions (Gada system). The disparity of ethnoveterinary knowledge could be also minimized through awareness creation among local communities about the knowledge and its revitalization. Furthermore, medicinal plants, which are widely utilized and multipurpose, should be screened for their phytochemicals, pharmacological and toxicological activities to confirm ethnoveterinary uses and for future development of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

The Alignment of Folklore and Literature Learning in Schools Against Students' Eco-literacy Competencies

This research is about local literature (folklore) and eco-literacy. It was conducted to find information of the alignment between folklore, literature learning in schools, and students' eco-literacy. This research used descriptive-qualitative research design. The data used for this research is in the form of answers from respondents about written questions that have been distributed online. Total respondents were 89 students from 5 schools (junior and senior high schools) in Bengkulu. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, presentation (description), and conclusion. The findings of this study are, first, Junior and Senior High School students in Bengkulu like folklores from their district. Most of these students like legend’s type folklore compared to other type stories. Currently, folklores can still be found in the community, although it is not easy because the spoke person are old and many have died. The content of Bengkulu folklores has values or teachings about nature and ecosystem conservation. Second, local literature is taught in junior and senior high schools in Bengkulu. Students enjoy learning literature, especially local literature. The last, the level of environmental literacy among students is still relatively low. This can be seen by the lack of students' attention for waste and environmental conservation. In this regard, learning literature and folklore in schools is in line with students' eco-literacy competencies. However, this has not been implemented optimally, so it is hoped that local literature (folklore) can give contribution in nature and ecosystem conservations by increasing the eco-literacy of students and society.

Middle Pleistocene climate change influenced northward divergence and cold adaptation in an Asian lady’s slipper orchid, Cypripedium macranthos Sw. (Orchidaceae)

Abstract The Pleistocene was characterized by climate fluctuations with rapid transitions between glacial and interglacial periods. East Asia’s land bridge dynamics and monsoon system during the Middle Pleistocene transition (MPT) further constrained species distributions and dispersals, which promoted local adaptation and species diversification, making East Asia an excellent location to study species biogeography. Cypripedium macranthos Sw., a terrestrial orchid, diverged in the Pleistocene and became widespread in Russia, China, Korea, and Japan. Many populations are now at risk due to illegal harvesting or habitat loss. With comprehensive sampling including 171 individuals among 22 populations across the entire distribution range, together with plastid DNA sequencing, we have explored the origin and impact of palaeoclimate on its spatial genetic structure and historical biogeography. Regression-based analyses commonly used in landscape genetics were also applied to investigate the effects of precipitation, temperature, and wind on gene flow. The results revealed northeastern China as the probable cradle of C. macranthos, with northeastward divergence and range expansion during the MPT, aided by monsoon shifts and wind-driven seed dispersal. Isolation by environment was detected with winter temperature as a driver for north–south divergence controlling for an effect of isolation by distance, revealing cold adaptation of the northern populations or temperature-driven genetic differentiation. We also emphasize the founder speciation of an unique variety on Rebun Island of Japan. The widespread but genetically and ecologically divergent C. macranthos populations highlight the need for more conservation attention on northern populations under global warming.

Review of small cat ecology and status within India

Abstract Small felids play pivotal roles in India's ecosystems, regulating prey populations, facilitating nutrient transfer, and safeguarding critical habitats. Despite their ecological significance, these species receive inadequate conservation attention, contrasting sharply with the focus on larger carnivores. Our review assesses the conservation status of nine native Indian small felids, aiming to consolidate data for improved species conservation and to draw connections with global small carnivore conservation efforts. Over the last 50 years, data scarcity has impeded comprehensive understanding, hindering the assessment of crucial ecological dynamics. We delve into the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of small cats across India, identifying climate, human disturbances, the presence of large carnivores, topography, and vegetation cover as influential determinants. Notably, trade records reveal a decline in small wild felid trade since 1997, suggesting potentially positive outcomes from enhanced law‐enforcement measures. Highlighting the necessity of robust ecological data, particularly pertaining to demographic parameters, prey–predator relationships, and responses to human‐induced habitat alterations, we advocate for integrating these insights into conservation strategies. We stress the urgency of collaborative efforts supported by unwavering political commitment and sustained financial backing to ensure the successful conservation of small felids globally. This review underscores the imperative of filling knowledge gaps, integrating ecological findings into conservation frameworks, and fostering international collaborations to preserve the crucial ecological roles of small felids in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.

Web of Science’da Yer Alan Kuş Gözlemciliği Araştırmalarının Bibliyometrik Profilinin Vosviewer Yazılımı Yardımıyla Belirlenmesi

Numerous empirical studies have explored birdwatching and birding, but well-structured bibliometric research is needed to synthesize and understand the existing knowledge in this area. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of birdwatching and birding research, evaluating 474 papers published on the Web of Science platform between 1976 and 2023. Co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence analyses were employed to assess the interdisciplinary nature of this research field. Key findings include author: birdwatching practices in tourism have experienced significant growth in the past decade; (2) Christoph Randler as the most prominent influential author; (3) the United States leads in document production, while Germany is prominent in citation count; (4) the University of Life Science ranks highest among institutions, but Eberhard Karls University leads in citation count; and (5) keyword trend network assessments indicate that birdwatching and birding are increasingly gaining attention in conservation, citizen Science tourism. In conclusion, birdwatching tourism research demonstrates considerable potential for further development and is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Importance of ecosystem services and ecological security patterns on Hainan Island, China

The identification and restoration of damaged ecosystems are key to achieving ecological conservation and sustainable. Hainan Island is experiencing a serious crisis of biodiversity and habitat degradation. Therefore, its ecological conservation has become a priority and challenge for China. This study aimed to construct a multi-level ecological security pattern (ESP) based on the synergy of multiple ecosystem service functions and identify important ecological elements and ecological restoration areas. Based on the InVEST model, the circuit theory model, and a series of GIS spatial analysis methods, the importance of ecosystem functions (biodiversity maintenance, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation) was evaluated, and ecological sources, ecological corridors, ecological pinch points, and ecological barrier points were identified. The results are as follows: 1) The best habitats in Hainan Island were distributed in the central mountainous area with diverse ecosystems, with an area of 10982.5 km2, accounting for 34.25% of the total suitable habitats. Low-level habitats are mainly distributed on tableland and coastal zones. Human disturbance is the direct cause of landscape patch fragmentation in low-level habitat areas. 2) A total of 65 large ecological sources with a total area of 8238.23 km2 were identified, which were concentrated in the biodiversity and water conservation areas in the central part of the island. 3) Crucial areas in Hainan Island mainly comprised forests and water bodies. Ecological corridors radiated across the entire area in the form of a spider web and connected all important ecological patches, including 138 ecological corridors (73 primary ecological corridors and 65 secondary ecological corridors), 222 ecological pinch points, and 198 ecological barrier points. In addition, the identified areas for restoration are primary areas in urgent need of protection and restoration. In general, the ecological pinch points are natural conservation areas supplemented by anthropogenic restoration, and the ecological barrier points demand equal attention for anthropogenic restoration and nature conservation. The ecosystem protection plan developed in this study will enrich the theoretical achievements of territorial spatial ecological planning in Hainan Island, and provides clear guidance for alleviating the contradiction between land use and economic development in Hainan Island.

Using photo editing to understand the impact of species aesthetics on support for conservation

Abstract Many threatened species suffer from a lack of conservation attention compared to others. Prioritisation of funding, research and conservation efforts seem to be driven by reasons beyond conservation need. This could be due to a ‘beauty bias’, whereby aesthetically pleasing species receive more attention. We examined how editing an image to increase a species' aesthetic appeal may impact donation choices and public attitude towards that species. We posed two research questions; first, ‘do people make different donation choices when they see original images of a species compared to when they see images of the same species that have been edited to match aesthetic preferences?’ Using hypothetical donation experiments, we asked respondents to allocate funds to the conservation of three pictured species, one ‘aesthetically appealing’, one ‘aesthetically unappealing’, and one whose image was either edited to reflect common aesthetic preferences or left unedited. Our findings suggest that images edited to make an animal more visually appealing tend to receive higher hypothetical donation amounts than original images. We also posed a second research question; ‘How do people of varying conservation expertise respond to original versus edited images of wildlife?’ To investigate this, we ran three focus groups with individuals unfamiliar with our test species, those familiar with two or more of our test species, and with conservation professionals, which showed mixed reactions both within and between groups. Focus group participants with less conservation expertise noted that edited images often seemed ‘cuter’ than unedited images, and were more likely to compare them to cartoon characters. Participants with more conservation expertise and species familiarity reported greater empathy towards unedited images, and noted that the edited images prompted an ‘uncanny valley’ response, highlighting the need for further scrutiny in how photo editing might be used in conservation messaging. Our findings support the beauty bias hypothesis and highlight that decisions on conservation support should acknowledge that less aesthetically pleasing species are disadvantaged in public attention and funding. In addition, the findings highlight the role of conservation expertise in impacting viewer reactions, as well as the ethical implications of editing images of wildlife. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Two new species and a new record of stygobitic freshwater snails (Gastropoda, Cochliopidae) from Candela, Coahuila, northern Mexico.

We describe two new species and a new record of stygobitic gastropods from small groundwater-fed springs in Candela, Coahuila, northern Mexico. Phreatomascogos garciasaucedoi n. sp. is described based on shell morphology and is the second species of this formerly monotypic genus. According to the current classification, we have transferred this genus to Cochliopidea. Phreatodrobia candelensis n. sp. is described, and represents the first record of the genus in Mexico extending its known range more than one hundred kilometers to the south. Also found with the new stygosnails was Coahuilix hubbsi Taylor, 1966, which was previously known only as an endemic species from the neighboring Cuatro Cinegas valley. The reported new subterranean snails are restricted in their distributions to two small water sources only a few meters long which flow directly into a touristic zone with swimming pools and other recreation areas. Using NatureServe Ranking, both new species were assigned as critically imperiled. The very limited distribution and negative anthropogenic impacts within the sites should draw special conservation attention for the reported stygobionts.