Conservation Initiatives Research Articles

Emergence of Forest Environmental Kuznets Curve in Africa: Some New Evidences

ABSTRACT: The African continent, renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant biodiversity, grapples with a critical environmental challenge – deforestation. The swift depletion of forests, serving as the primary habitat for 80% of the world’s terrestrial animals and plants, poses a severe threat in Africa. Human activities, including logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, have jeopardized numerous ecosystems, exacerbating the overarching global climate crisis. Beyond serving as mere collections of trees, forests are intricate ecosystems supporting a staggering diversity of flora and fauna. The repercussions of forest loss in Africa are profound, resulting in a significant decline in biodiversity. Numerous species, some exclusive to these ecosystems and found nowhere else on the planet, now teeter on the brink of extinction. The predicament of deforestation in Africa is intimately intertwined with the broader global challenge of climate change. Urgency is paramount in addressing this crisis, as the loss of forests impacts not only local ecosystems but also exacerbates the overarching climate emergency. Reforestation emerges as a pivotal solution, offering an opportunity to reverse the damage inflicted on these vital ecosystems. This study examines whether forest natural resources can explain the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in African countries. The empirical strategy is based on the second-generation cointegration approach, cross-sectional dependency autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator. The findings show a potential long-run relationship between the forest rent and the environment. Further analysis highlights the importance of effective management of natural forest resources for improving environmental quality in Africa. We recommend that policymakers prioritize the restoration of ecosystems that have suffered carbon depletion due to human activities. Restoration efforts should strategically aim to enhance carbon sequestration capacity and rebuild biodiversity. Additionally, the establishment of robust monitoring and reporting systems is imperative to track current carbon emissions from forests. This entails regular assessments of forest carbon stocks, land-use changes, and the effectiveness of ongoing conservation and restoration initiatives.

HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE VALUES IN NESTLING RED KITES (MILVUS MILVUS) IN SHORT-TERM HUMAN CARE IN ENGLAND.

Between the years 2022 and 2023, 62 red kite (Milvus milvus) nestlings were translocated from England to Spain to bolster declining populations in mainland Europe as part of a wider conservation initiative. Health examinations were undertaken by veterinarians ahead of translocation, including examination of hematology and biochemistry parameters from blood samples. This study aimed to establish reference values for these parameters in nestling red kites for use in future translocations or for other clinical purposes. All individuals included in the analysis were clinically healthy at the time of sampling. Biochemical reference intervals were comparable to published values for other Accipitridae, although differences in hematology were noted: PCV was generally lower; and WBC counts higher than (up to triple) those reported for related species of a similar age. It is hypothesized that these differences reflect species variations or the effects of the stress of recent capture on the immune system of the red kites. A Leucocytozoon species was identified on blood smears of six of the red kites. The reference intervals presented in this study are representative of free-living red kite nestlings in England that have recently been captured for conservation translocation purposes.

Biogeography, Conservation Status, and Traditional Uses of Zingiberaceae in Saraburi Province, Thailand, with Kaempferia chaveerachiae sp. nov.

This research investigates the Zingiberaceae family in Saraburi Province, Thailand, aiming to understand its biodiversity, distribution, ecology, conservation status, and traditional uses. Through systematic exploration, 103 species are identified, including a novel species, Kaempferia chaveerachiae Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma. Additionally, 23 species are newly reported for distribution in Saraburi Province. Methodologically, a district-wise analysis and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis were employed to discern species prevalence and geographical patterns. Findings reveal varied species distribution aligned with diverse ecological conditions, informing targeted conservation strategies. Fourteen endemic species and the District Endemism Index emphasize localized conservation significance. Assessment of conservation status highlights critical and vulnerable species, prompting focused conservation initiatives. Phenological analysis underscores adaptability through flowering peaks tied to environmental cues. Ethnobotanical insights highlight the multifunctionality of Zingiberaceae, emphasizing its cultural significance and traditional applications. This study offers valuable insights into Zingiberaceae diversity, advocating for tailored conservation strategies and sustainable practices in Saraburi Province to safeguard its unique flora, habitats, and indigenous knowledge.

Smallholder farmers’ knowledge and perceptions towards elephants and the restraining poliwire fences in Mambova wildlife corridor, southern Zambia

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a major challenge for communities living within large transboundary corridors, affecting livelihoods and personal safety. Elephant-restraining solar-electric poliwire fences were implemented as HEC mitigation from 2017 to 2022 for 17 mixed-produce multi-farmer gardens in Mambova farming community in southern Zambia. To assess the knowledge and perceptions of farmers towards elephants and the newly established solar-electric poliwire fences, we conducted 60 semi-structured interviews (22 females, 38 males) with farmers from both fenced and unfenced gardens. The study found that community perceptions varied, and elephants and hippos caused significant crop damage to unfenced vegetable gardens, particularly during the dry season (95–96.3% of incidents occurring between July and November). Farmers reported elephants mainly damaged their gardens at night (21:00–03:00 h.), affecting crops like maize (Zea mays) and rape plants (Brassica napus). Most respondents (96.7%) found the solar-electric poliwire fence more effective in preventing crop damage than traditional mitigation measures, such as drumming and guarding. While some farmers were uncomfortable with elephants in their area (50%), others valued their presence for tourism and education (47%). A holistic approach, combining education, awareness campaigns, and conservation initiatives, is needed to manage HEC effectively. Understanding farmer perspectives and local knowledge about elephant behaviour and migration is vital for sustainable coexistence of humans with elephants.

Habitat Loss in the IUCN Extent: Climate Change-Induced Threat on the Red Goral (Naemorhedus baileyi) in the Temperate Mountains of South Asia.

Climate change has severely impacted many species, causing rapid declines or extinctions within their essential ecological niches. This deterioration is expected to worsen, particularly in remote high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, which are home to diverse flora and fauna, including many mountainous ungulates. Unfortunately, many of these species lack adaptive strategies to cope with novel climatic conditions. The Red Goral (Naemorhedus baileyi) is a cliff-dwelling species classified as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN due to its small population and restricted range extent. This species has the most restricted range of all goral species, residing in the temperate mountains of northeastern India, northern Myanmar, and China. Given its restricted range and small population, this species is highly threatened by climate change and habitat disruptions, making habitat mapping and modeling crucial for effective conservation. This study employs an ensemble approach (BRT, GLM, MARS, and MaxEnt) in species distribution modeling to assess the distribution, habitat suitability, and connectivity of this species, addressing critical gaps in its understanding. The findings reveal deeply concerning trends, as the model identified only 21,363 km2 (13.01%) of the total IUCN extent as suitable habitat under current conditions. This limited extent is alarming, as it leaves the species with very little refuge to thrive. Furthermore, this situation is compounded by the fact that only around 22.29% of this identified suitable habitat falls within protected areas (PAs), further constraining the species' ability to survive in a protected landscape. The future projections paint even degraded scenarios, with a predicted decline of over 34% and excessive fragmentation in suitable habitat extent. In addition, the present study identifies precipitation seasonality and elevation as the primary contributing predictors to the distribution of this species. Furthermore, the study identifies nine designated transboundary PAs within the IUCN extent of the Red Goral and the connectivity among them to highlight the crucial role in supporting the species' survival over time. Moreover, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (DWLS) and Hkakaborazi National Park are revealed as the PAs with the largest extent of suitable habitat in the present scenario. Furthermore, the highest mean connectivity was found between DWLS and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (0.0583), while the lowest connectivity was observed between Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdapha National Park (0.0172). The study also suggests strategic management planning that is a vital foundation for future research and conservation initiatives, aiming to ensure the long-term survival of the species in its natural habitat.

Assembled Wood-Polyester Fabric-Hydrogel Janus Evaporator for Sustainable Seawater Desalination.

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is a novel and efficient desalination process that helps alleviate the global shortage of freshwater resources. We developed a Janus evaporator assembled from cotton hydrogel, hydrophilic polyester fabric (PF), and Hydrophobic Wood (PW). By doping graphene oxide and TiO2 as light-absorbing materials within the hydrogel, we achieved a high absorptivity of over 90% across the entire solar spectrum. The hydrophilically modified PF, combined with the PW substrate, provided robust water transport and reduced thermal losses. Subsequent optical path simulations using TracePro74 software verified that the sawtooth light-trapping design of the wood substrate increased multiple light reflections and absorption (compared to a flat structure), enhancing light absorption capabilities. The sawtooth interface also enlarged the evaporation area, further boosting evaporation performance. The cleverly designed evaporator exhibited an evaporation rate of 1.722 kg m-2 h-1 and an efficiency of 83.1% under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, after applying polydimethylsiloxane to the single surface of the photothermal hydrogel for low surface energy treatment, the resulting Janus structure demonstrated asymmetric wettability that prevented salt ions from accumulating on the irradiated interface. After 8 h of continuous evaporation in saline water (10 wt %), only slight salt crystallization occurred at the edges. The evaporator maintained long-term stability during a 15 day cyclic test, and the produced freshwater fully met the relevant drinking water standards. The components of the evaporator are characterized by simple fabrication, low cost, and eco-friendliness, offering significant application potential in the global context of energy conservation and emission reduction initiatives.

Large-scale genome sequencing of giant pandas improves the understanding of population structure and future conservation initiatives

The extinction risk of the giant panda has been demoted from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, but its habitat is more fragmented than ever before, resulting in 33 isolated giant panda populations according to the fourth national survey released by the Chinese government. Further comprehensive investigations of the genetic background and in-depth assessments of the conservation status of wild populations are still necessary and urgently needed. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 612 giant pandas with an average depth of ~26× and generated a high-resolution map of genomic variation with more than 20 million variants covering wild individuals from six mountain ranges and captive representatives in China. We identified distinct genetic clusters within the Minshan population by performing a fine-grained genetic structure. The estimation of inbreeding and genetic load associated with historical population dynamics suggested that future conservation efforts should pay special attention to the Qinling and Liangshan populations. Releasing captive individuals with a genetic background similar to the recipient population appears to be an advantageous genetic rescue strategy for recovering the wild giant panda populations, as this approach introduces fewer deleterious mutations into the wild population than mating with differentiated lineages. These findings emphasize the superiority of large-scale population genomics to provide precise guidelines for future conservation of the giant panda.

Mangrove Ecotourism along the Coasts of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Systematic Review

Mangrove ecotourism is gaining immense popularity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as a neoliberal conservation tool, and it has contributed significantly to the growth of the tourism sector in the region over the past two decades. However, there is no comprehensive review on the full extent of mangrove ecotourism activities and the contribution to mangrove conservation/restoration and economic growth in the region. A systematic literature review approach was used to examine the evolution of mangrove ecotourism in the GCC countries from 2010 to 2023. A total of 55 articles were retrieved from the Google and Google Scholar search engines, and the Scopus and Web of Science databases were incorporated. We synthesized the results and provided perspectives on the following: (1) the geographical and temporal distribution of studies in relation to mangrove extent, (2) key sites, attractions, and values for mangrove ecotourism activities, (3) the positive and negative impacts of mangrove ecotourism, and (4) existing mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives for the growth of mangrove ecotourism in the GCC countries. The findings underscore the significance of mangrove ecotourism in supporting economic development, protecting coastal ecosystems, and sustaining local livelihoods in the GCC countries. However, this study highlights the crucial need for sustainable coastal environmental management through integrated land use planning and zoning to address the negative impacts of anthropogenic pressures on mangrove ecosystems and ecotourism attractions. The use of remote sensing tools is invaluable in the monitoring of mangrove ecosystems and associated ecotourism impacts for informing evidence-based conservation and restoration management approaches. Thus, harnessing mangrove ecotourism opportunities can help the GCC countries with balancing economic growth, coastal environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

A Rapid Method to Confine and Safely Handle Bees in the Field.

Improving understanding of the basic biology and ecology of many insect pollinators, particularly specialist or rare taxa, is a priority for many researchers. As such, there is often a need to temporarily confine field-collected organisms in a non-injurious manner in order to gain information or support additional studies. This protocol represents a thoroughly tested, quick, and inexpensive field method for safely handling bees of conservation concern that can easily be tailored toward specific project needs, including organism identification, pollen removal, marking, and/or collection of non-lethal tissue samples for genetic analysis. This methodology can serve as an additional option in the researcher's toolbox to use when certain scenarios arise. It is anticipated that this methodology can be adapted for use with other insect species as well as used by individuals of varying experience and skill levels. It can be of great value to researchers studying specialist bees or conducting host-specific studies. The data collection made possible by this protocol will be invaluable to help researchers address critical data gaps for many pollinator species, plant-pollinator network structures, and pollinator conservation and management initiatives.

A Whole-Genome Scan Revealed Genomic Features and Selection Footprints of Mengshan Cattle.

(1) Background: Mengshan cattle from the Yimeng mountainous region in China stand out as a unique genetic resource, known for their adaptive traits and environmental resilience. However, these cattle are currently endangered and comprehensive genomic characterization remains largely unexplored. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the genomic features and selection signals in Mengshan cattle. (2) Methods: Utilizing whole-genome resequencing data from 122 cattle, including 37 newly sequenced Mengshan cattle, we investigated population structure, genetic diversity, and selection signals. (3) Results: Our analyses revealed that current Mengshan cattle primarily exhibit European taurine cattle ancestry, with distinct genetic characteristics indicative of adaptive traits. We identified candidate genes associated with immune response, growth traits, meat quality, and neurodevelopment, shedding light on the genomic features underlying the unique attributes of Mengshan cattle. Enrichment analysis highlighted pathways related to insulin secretion, calcium signaling, and dopamine synapse, further elucidating the genetic basis of their phenotypic traits. (4) Conclusions: Our results provide valuable insights for further research and conservation efforts aimed at preserving this endangered genetic resource. This study enhances the understanding of population genetics and underscores the importance of genomic research in informing genetic resources and conservation initiatives for indigenous cattle breeds.

Optimized In vitro Propagation, Acclimatization and Reintroduction of Endemic Rhododendron inaequale Hutch. from Northeast India

Rhododendron inaequale Hutch., an endemic plant with high economic potential and susceptibility, requires urgent conservation measures. This study aimed to develop an optimized in vitro propagation protocol for this species. In vitro seed germination was conducted using Anderson medium, Woody Plant Medium (WPM), and MS Medium. WPM supplemented with 8 mg L⁻¹ 2iP [N6-(2-Isopentenyl) adenine] yielded the highest multiple shoot induction (3.55 ± 0.14 shoots, 0.77 ± 0.03 cm shoot length). For rooting, WPM with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ IBA [Indole-3-butyric acid] produced the maximum number of roots (3.40 ± 0.43) with a mean root length of 1.84 ± 0.12 cm. Successfully acclimatized plants were reintroduced into natural habitats in various locations in Meghalaya and Nagaland. Additionally, 200 micropropagated plants were distributed for further conservation initiatives. This study provides a crucial protocol for the conservation and reintroduction of R. inaequale, aiding in the preservation of this vulnerable species.

Friend or foe? Engaging public can save the critically endangered common hamster (Cricetus cricetus)

AbstractThe common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) occupies a controversial position among mammals inhabiting agricultural areas, as it is possibly the only critically endangered species that is legally targeted by lethal control methods, making it a conflict‐generating pest. We surveyed various stakeholders, agrarian consultants, wildlife rangers, and residents for the first time in Hungary, with two interrelated questionnaires to obtain accurate information about hamster populations, and to learn about the participants knowledge of, and attitude toward hamsters in order to provide fundamental information for planning and strengthening social embeddedness. Additionally, we prepared the current distribution map of the hamster. Based on the relatively wide distribution and locally high abundance of the species, Hungary has a key role in hamster conservation. We identified several factors, which can contribute to successful species protection. The results indicated that more than 60% of the respondent's liked hamsters. In contrast, only a few residents considered hamsters in their settlement to be beneficial. Our results suggest that the hamster's reputation is disproportionately negative due to vaguely known perceptions of harm as compared with actual reported damage. This imbalance could be rectified through enhanced communication efforts. Improving the species' reputation is integral to effective species conservation initiatives. Current pest control practices (poisons and snap traps) kill the hamsters, even though 82% of the residents would prefer to keep the hamsters alive, conforming to conservation efforts. The results also indicated that the hamster could be a flagship species in Hungary. Knowledge of the protected status of the hamster predicted a positive attitude toward the species and related to nature conservation consciousness. We conclude that requirements of residents should be included in the species action plan along with the experts' knowledge, as this could contribute to successful, long‐term conservation of the hamster.

Predicting the Population Size and Potential Habitat Distribution of Moschus berezovskii in Chongqing Based on the MaxEnt Model

The forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is a national Class I protected wild animal in China, and the IUCN Red list classifies it as globally endangered. It has significant value in traditional Chinese medicine and spices. However, wild M. berezovskii has faced a severe population decline due to human hunting, habitat loss, and fragmentation. Thus, studying its population size and distribution pattern is of great importance to develop effective conservation measures. Here, we determined the optimal MaxEnt model and used stratified sampling and the fecal pile counting method to predict the population size and potential habitat distribution of wild M. berezovskii in Chongqing using 133 species distribution points and 28 environmental variables. The results were as follows: (1) When the optimal model parameters were RM = 3.5 and FC = LQHPT, it had high model prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.909 ± 0.010, TSS = 0.663). (2) Under various climatic, topographic, vegetation, and anthropogenic disturbance scenarios, M. berezovskii was primarily distributed in northern, eastern, southwestern regions of Chongqing, covering an area of approximately 5562.80 km2. (3) The key environmental factors affecting the potential habitat distribution of M. berezovskii were elevation (36.5%), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, 16.6%), slope (11.8%), and land-use type (7.6%), whereas climate and anthropogenic disturbance factors had relatively little influence. (4) A population estimation for M. berezovskii identified approximately 928 ± 109 individuals in Chongqing. We recommend prioritizing the preservation of high-altitude habitats and native vegetation to mitigate human interference and minimize road damage. In summary, our results can enhance the understanding of M. berezovskii distribution and provide a basis for effective conservation and management initiatives.

Combining reproductive endocrinology and ROC analysis to identify changes with sex, age, and pregnancy status in botos Inia geoffrensis

Reproductive hormone profiles were described against physical characteristics during growth and development in male and female botos (Amazon River dolphins Inia geoffrensis) and during pregnancy. We determined hormone concentrations in 226 wild botos located in Mamirauá Reserve, Amazonas State, Brazil, as a part of the long-term population monitoring program known as Projeto Boto. Additionally, we applied receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis to compare diagnostic probabilities of using ultrasound, hormones, or combinations of these to detect pregnancy. Based on single-point analysis of serum testosterone (T), males with <2.5 ng ml-1 T and a mean 163 cm total body length were classified as immature, 2.5 to <4.9 ng ml-1 T and 183 cm as pubescent, and >5 ng ml-1 T and 227 cm as adult botos. For females, only progesterone (P4), T, relaxin (Rlx), and the combination of P4 × T2 were significantly different between non-pregnant and pregnant females, but androstenedione (A4) and the P4:T ratio were not. ROC analysis indicated that ultrasound and P4 × T2 were considered excellent as pregnancy diagnostic tests, and P4, T, and Rlx were classified as good predictors. Results indicated that negative and positive predictive probabilities from each diagnostic test could be used to accurately predict a pregnancy and calf loss rate of 13% for this population. Application of these methods for evaluating wild population reproductive success from a single serum sample can now be used for health evaluations of wild populations of boto and provide timely information for the development or evaluation of any conservation initiatives.

Transforming crocodile traceability: Deep metric learning for identifying Siamese crocodiles

This study introduces a novel method for identifying individual Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis), which is a crucial requirement for conservation and sustainable industry practices. Although deep metric learning (DML) has improved identification model robustness and reduced dependency on large datasets, comprehensive field studies and long-term deployments are lacking. To address this, DML combined with convolutional neural network (CNN) was applied for enhancing accuracy using a limited and imbalanced number of images per class and distinguishing dissimilar scale patterns of the head and ventral regions. Individual crocodiles were identified using the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers based on the extracted features. Data were collected from 30 individuals on a crocodile farm using photographs taken over two consecutive years. Two identification types, Type 1, based on a model trained on images collected over two years; and Type 2, based on a model trained exclusively on images from the first year, were implemented. Type 1 identification, which used a CNN combined with the KNN and SVM classifiers, exhibited an accuracy exceeding 99.75 and 92.93% for the ventral and head regions, respectively. Type 2 identification exhibited a reduced accuracy because of a comparatively smaller amount of learning information; the proposed CNN achieved 83.99% accuracy for ventral identification and 67.14 and 65.61% for head identification with KNN and SVM, respectively. This study underscores the efficacy of DML and CNN for handling small, imbalanced datasets in identifying individual crocodiles, and has significant implications for traceability and conservation initiatives in the crocodile industry.

Participatory wildlife films for primate conservation education in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract Audiovisual media has become an integral part of conservation education strategies, with the potential not only to communicate information but also to impact on its viewers perceptions and attitudes towards a particular subject. Despite this potential, few studies have evaluated either the use of film for primate conservation initiatives or the wider impact of participatory film production. Our study evaluates the impact of a participatory documentary film about historic human-primate coexistence in the Los Tuxtlas region, Veracruz, Mexico, to improve people’s knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards the local primate species, Alouatta palliata and Ateles geoffroyi. Our study took place in six rural localities, in four of which a participatory film-making process was undertaken, involving production workshops and public screenings; two localities were intentionally left out as control groups. People’s knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards primates were assessed through randomized sampling using a questionnaire prior (n = 419) and following (n = 223) the presentation of the documentary. Results indicate a minimal but positive shift in participant’s attitudes and perceptions, with statistically significant increases in primate knowledge scores. While the participatory approach offers promise, further exploration and refinement are essential for effective conservation education. The study highlights the need for diverse and locally based perspectives in developing conservation education materials and programs to foster meaningful engagement and drive primate conservation efforts forward.

Detection of 10 commonly used pharmaceuticals in reef-building stony corals from shallow (5–12 m) and deep (30–40 m) sites in the Red Sea

Although pharmaceutically-active compounds (PhACs) are increasingly being found to be present in marine environments, their presence in coral reefs, already under threat from various stressors, has remains unexplored. This study focused on PhAC presence in two stony-coral genera, collected from different depths and sites in the Red Sea. The findings reveal the presence of ten different PhACs, with elevated concentrations detected in corals from shallow sites and in areas with heavy human activity. Notably, all samples contained at least one PhAC, with the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole being the most prevalent compound, detected in 93% of the samples, at concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 2080 ng/g dry weight (dw) tissue, with an average concentration of 106 ng/g dw. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation initiatives aimed at protecting coral-reef ecosystems from the escalating threat of anthropogenic contamination, including such potential risks as the development of antibiotic resistance in marine organisms and the disruption of critical spawning synchrony among coral populations.

ORCHID DIVERSITY (Orchidaceae) IN TWO URBAN SITES IN THE STATE OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Knowledge of urban orchids and their phorophytes is essential for conservation and education initiatives in these areas. The objective of this study was to assess the diversity of epiphytic orchids and identify their phorophytes at Postgraduate College Campus Córdoba (CPCC) and Paso Coyol Ecological Park (PEPC) in order to better understand the differences in their composition. The hypothesis was that the diversity of naturally established orchids would be higher in the less urbanized area, while the phorophytes would be mostly introduced trees. Orchids growing on phorophytes of the garden area (12 000 m²) of both sites were quantified from November 2019 to December 2021. The origin (endemic, native, or exotic) of the orchids and their phorophytes were determined. Simpson and Shannon-Weaver diversity indices were applied, and Whittaker curves were developed. A total of 13 419 orchid individuals were recorded, divided into 31 species, with 26 species reported in the CPCC and 17 in the PEPC. The Simpson and Shannon-Weaver indices showed that the diversity of epiphytic orchids was higher in the CPCC (1-D = 0.78) than in the PEPC (1-D = 0.41). In contrast, species dominance was lower in the CPCC (H = 2.6) than in the PEPC (H = 1.16). Whittaker curves showed that Catasetum integerrimum was the most abundant species in the CPPC and Platystele stenostachya in the PEPC. The CPCC had a greater level of diversity. Fifteen species of phorophytes were recorded in the CPCC and 10 in the PEPC, with a predominance of exotic species, while introduced species accounted for 70 % of the phorophytes found.

Occupants’ willingness to reduce in-room energy consumption − a discrete choice experiment (DCE) approach with occupants in a student apartment

This study pioneers a comprehensive methodology to quantify occupants’ willingness to reduce energy consumption behaviors, specifically focusing on student occupants within a student apartment under an all-inclusive payment rental scheme. Employing a dual-component approach, the study combines self-indicated energy consumption behavior attributes with the financial rebate occupants are willing to accept, shedding light on the intricate factors influencing their decisions regarding energy consumption. The Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) serves as a novel tool to identify and measure the financial value, conceptualized as Willingness-to-Accept (WTA), for specific energy-saving behaviors, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the economic valuation placed on sustainable practices. A pre-survey and a DCE-based survey were conducted within the student apartment, the former one comprehending general energy consumption behaviour patterns and rebate preferences, and the latter examining the impact of financial incentives on behavioral changes, providing a comprehensive and longitudinal perspective. The findings highlight the paramount influence of factors such as “air conditioning setpoint” on occupants’ decisions followed by “lighting time” and “shower time”, emphasizing the delicate balance between occupant comfort, financial considerations, and environmental consciousness. Despite limitations related to the specificity of the study context and potential discrepancies between hypothetical and real-world behavior, this research offers practical implications for designing effective energy-saving interventions tailored to the unique characteristics of student occupants. Policymakers and stakeholders can leverage these insights to inform incentive structures, energy conservation initiatives, or pricing strategies that align with consumer preferences, ultimately encouraging sustainable energy practices in residential settings.

Fotouni Forward: A Tropical Forest Community Restoration and Conservation Initiative

The Fotouni Forward Project operates within Fotouni, a kingdom situated in the Haut-Nkam Division, in the West Region of Cameroon. The number of Raffia palm groves in the kingdom has experienced a significant decline over the past 15 years. The various factors contributing to the reduction of the groves include agricultural practices (80%), insufficient regeneration efforts (30%), suboptimal farming techniques (26.67%), occurrences of bushfires (11.67%), and the prevalence of diseases (13.33%). The long-term goal of the FotouniForward Project is to regenerate the kingdom’s declining resources (including but not limited to Raffia palm groves), promote the kingdom’s biodiversity and empower communities to do this work themselves. Specifically, the project envisions a Fotouni kingdom where (a) the unique cultural and ecological heritage is preserved and protected for future generations, while promoting sustainable development and community well-being; and where (b) the natural environment is protected and restored, and wildlife and people coexist in harmony.