Conservation Management Plans Research Articles

Diversity and Distribution of Australian Stygobiont and Other Groundwater-Associated Amphipods (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Peracarida)

Numerous and diverse groundwater habitats suitable for sustaining aquatic invertebrate communities exist across Australia. These habitats include enclosed subterranean aquifer systems, fractured rock, alluvial aquifers, perched aquifers, artesian springs, and spring-fed seeps and marshes. Crustaceans are a dominant member of these groundwater-associated invertebrate communities, and amphipods, both stygobiont and associated epigean species, are particularly diverse yet are still relatively poorly known. We review both the diversity and distributions of Australian amphipods associated with groundwater habitats, describing hotspots of diversity, providing notes on the unique Australian habitats, and examining the extraordinary species diversity and endemism of the Australian species. Our review highlights the significance of Australian groundwater ecosystems, their associated biodiversity, and the importance in considering these ecosystems in groundwater conservation management plans.

Aggressive behavior as a predictor of home range size: findings from both range-restricted and widespread Darwin’s finch species

AbstractInformation about an animal’s home range (the geographical area in which it accesses resources for survival and reproduction) is vital broadly for understanding animal behavior and specifically for developing conservation management plans. Although personality traits—consistent individual differences in behavior across time and contexts—may affect an animal’s home range size, we still lack a breadth of empirical studies across systems to fully appreciate this influence. Here, we tested the relationship between behavioral responses and home range size in two Darwin’s finch species on Floreana Island: the critically endangered and range-restricted Medium Tree Finch (Camarhynchus pauper) and the common and widespread Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa). Using a combination of rapid-assessment assays during both short-term captivity and in the field, we measured exploration and aggressiveness in males from both species. We then used radio telemetry to measure each bird’s home range size over a week-long period. We predicted that (1) fast-exploring individuals would have larger home ranges, and (2) more aggressive individuals would have smaller home ranges. We found that Medium Tree Finches had smaller home ranges than Small Ground Finches, that exploratory behavior was positively correlated with home range size only in Small Ground Finches, and that, in both species, individuals’ aggressiveness was negatively correlated with home range size, whereby the more aggressive individuals occupied smaller home ranges. We conclude that behavioral responses that align with major personality traits can predict home range size, which may provide an important tool for the conservation and management of endangered species when, for example, selecting individuals with different personality profiles for reintroduction.

Shedding light on the geographical distribution, population size and inflorescence coloration variety of Royal Irises (Iris section Oncocyclus) family in West Bank, Palestine

Palestine has rich floristic diversity due to its location, diverse biogeographical zones, and various topographical features. The Royal Irises (Iris section Oncocyclus), are a monophyletic group of herbaceous geophytes, consisting of 33 species, endemic to the Middle East. Within the West Bank of Palestine, three Royal Irises are documented. However, their distribution, population size, and status are not studied comprehensively. This study focused on evaluating the occurrence, distribution range, population size, status, number of flowers, inflorescence coloration variety, and habitats of the vulnerable and endemic Iris haynei, the endangered and sub-endemic Iris lortetii, and the vulnerable and sub-endemic Iris atrofusca. I. lortetii was found in 10 sites within Nablus district, with more than 12625 clones and 25088 flowers flowers recorded. I. haynei were documented in 4 sites within Jenin district, three are new to science, where 10729 clones and 9562 flowers were recorded. I. atrofusca was reported in 13 localities in Tubas and Ramallah districts, where 1853 clones and 8460 flowers were recorded, whereas six locatities are new to science. 12, 12, and 7 unique variations in coloration of inflorescences were observed for I. lortetii, I. atrofusca, and I. haynei, respectively. The results indicate that the population size and the distribution range of the three Royal Irises are larger than previously reported, whereas the documented inflorescences’ coloration variations are unique and considerable. This study sheds light on hotspot occurrence sites of endangered and vulnerable species in Palestine, which can assist in laying adequate conservation actions and management plans in the future.

Beyond population size: whole-genome data reveal bottleneck legacies in the peninsular Italian wolf.

Preserving genetic diversity and adaptive potential while avoiding inbreeding depression is crucial for the long-term conservation of natural populations. Despite demographic increases, traces of past bottleneck events at the genomic level should be carefully considered for population management. From this perspective, the peninsular Italian wolf is a paradigmatic case. After being on the brink of extinction in the late 1960s, peninsular Italian wolves rebounded and recolonized most of the peninsula aided by conservation measures, including habitat and legal protection. Notwithstanding their demographic recovery, a comprehensive understanding of the genomic consequences of the historical bottleneck in Italian wolves is still lacking. To fill this gap, we sequenced whole genomes of thirteen individuals sampled in the core historical range of the species in Central Italy to conduct population genomic analyses, including a comparison with wolves from two highly-inbred wolf populations (i.e., Scandinavia and Isle Royale). We found that peninsular Italian wolves, despite their recent recovery, still exhibit relatively low genetic diversity, a small effective population size, signatures of inbreeding, and a non-negligible genetic load. Our findings indicate that the peninsular Italian wolf population is still susceptible to bottleneck legacies, which could lead to local inbreeding depression in case of population reduction or fragmentations. This study emphasizes the importance of considering key genetic parameters to design appropriate long-term conservation management plans.

Uncovering habitat associations and thresholds—insights for managing breeding waterfowl in Eastern Canada

ContextUnderstanding how habitat influences species abundance is crucial in developing ecologically sound wildlife conservation management plans. Exploring habitat associations and ecological thresholds in species’ responses allows for better conservation and management on a landscape-scale.ObjectivesThis work aimed to identify habitat drivers and response thresholds of waterfowl and waterbird species’ densities in eastern Canada to support key landscape-level decisions for habitat conservation and wetland management.MethodsWe developed predictive abundance models for 17 species across eastern Canada from 2001 to 2015 using data from four regional surveys and identified areas where prioritizing enhancement of wetlands would increase the breeding density of five priority waterfowl species.ResultsHabitat associations and spatial abundance patterns varied across species, but most species responded strongly to forest composition, agriculture, and wetland features. Threshold effects occurred and varied among species, yet generally once 14% of a plot was covered in wetlands, positive effects of increased wetland diminished for most species. Our results allow for the targeting of investments in increasing wetland area along portions of eastern Canada that provide the best opportunities to increase breeding densities for priority waterfowl species.ConclusionsUnderstanding species-habitat associations and response thresholds allows for landscape management and planning and prioritization of limited resources. We suggest that management and wetland enhancement efforts for waterfowl in eastern Canada should be guided by predictive models and response thresholds of key habitat attributes to best prioritize actions that will have the biggest positive impact on multiple species.

Mapping the distribution of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) within natural forest in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world and are severely threatened by poaching the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat. In Malaysian Borneo, conservation initiatives for the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) are hindered by a paucity of data on their distribution and population size. Using MaxEnt niche modelling and consolidated species location data, we projected the distribution of Sunda pangolins in Sabah. Additionally, we assessed the accessibility of their forest habitats to humans to understand potential threats. Our model indicated that, as of 2015, approximately half of Sabah’s land area (39,530 km²) is suitable for pangolins, with 43% in protected forests, 38% in production forests, and 19% outside of these areas. Alarmingly, our data suggest that nearly all (91%) of these suitable habitats are relatively easily accessible to poachers. Our findings provide a state-level baseline understanding of Sunda pangolin distribution and assess potential threats in Sabah. These can inform short- and long-term conservation management plans for pangolin to safeguard this critically endangered species.

Quantitative assessment of ecological assets in the world heritage karst sites based on remote sensing: with a special reference to South China Karst

The benefits provided by ecological assets play a crucial role in enhancing human well-being. However, there is a scarcity of viable methods for assessing their status. This study is grounded in Land Use and Land Cover Change (LUCC) and integrates both the quantity and quality aspects of these assets. Utilizing the ecological asset index (EQ and EQi), this study conducts a quantitative assessment of the assets in the Shibing karst and the Libo-Huanjiang karst heritage sites, while also qualitatively analyzing their influencing factors. The findings reveal that: (1) In the Shibing heritage site, forest and impervious surface assets exhibited an upward trend, whereas cropland and grassland experienced a decline; meanwhile, shrub and water body assets remained relatively stable. The total area of assets rated as excellent or good increased by 95.371 km2, resulting in an EQ enhancement of 45.427. (2) Likewise, in the Libo-Huanjiang heritage site, forest and impervious surface assets demonstrated an upward trajectory, while shrub assets declined. Cropland, grassland, and water body assets experienced minimal variation. The total area of assets rated as excellent or good expanded by 168.227 km2, resulting in an EQ enhancement of 80.806. (3) The execution of a series of ecological protection projects and management plans for heritage site conservation primarily accounts for the enhancement of regional assets. Notably, ecological resources, socio-economic conditions, human resources, and conservation management policies serve as pivotal drivers influencing the alterations in heritage site assets.

Broad-scale genetic assessment of Southern Ground-Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) to inform population management

The Southern Ground-hornbill (SGH) (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is considered an umbrella species for biodiversity conservation in savannah biomes since they require large territories and significant protection measures that help to conserve a wide range of biodiversity with similar savanna and grassland requirements. Declines of the species are attributed to low reproductive rates coupled with multiple anthropogenic threats, including secondary poisoning, and persecution. Little is known about connectivity and population structure of SGH populations in Africa, south of the equator. Knowledge of population differentiation is needed to ensure that targeted conservation management plans can be implemented to slow population declines and ensure survival of the species. To inform a long-term conservation strategy, we investigated the broad-scale population structure of Southern Ground-hornbill across their sub-equatorial range. Our study based on 16 microsatellite loci identified moderate variation (average of 5.889 alleles per locus and a mean observed heterozygosity of 0.546) similar to other long-lived avian species. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA sequences analysis identified low diversity (Hd = 0.3313, π = 0.0015). A Bayesian assignment approach, principal component analysis, analysis of molecular variance and phylogenetic analysis identified weak to moderate population structuring across long distances and mitochondrial data showed a shallow phylogeny. Restriction to long-distance dispersal was detected that could not be attributed to isolation by distance, suggesting that other factors, such as their dispersal biology, are shaping the observed genetic differentiation. Although our study does not support the designation of populations as independent conservation units, we advocate that population management should continue to follow the Precautionary Principle (mixing founders from the same range state, rather than allowing mixing of founders from the extremes of the range) until there is scientific certainty. Following further research, if no independent conservation units are detected, then the global captive population can contribute to reintroductions across the range. In the wild, populations at the edge of the species range may need additional management strategies and gene flow should be promoted between neighbouring populations.

Local community dependence on salt licks in North and Central Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)

Local communities worldwide utilise natural salt licks for hunting or extracting salts. In Sarawak, salt licks are not protected by legislation, and limited documentation is available regarding the community dependence on such resources. This study investigates the dependence of indigenous Sarawak communities on natural salt licks. A quantitative questionnaire survey using snowball sampling approach was conducted, targeting 27 individuals from communities residing nearby nine salt licks in northern and central Sarawak. These communities included the Kenyah (18), Iban (four), Berawan (three), Kelabit (one) and others (one). The survey revealed that the saly licks were mainly utilised for hunting (92.6%) or to collect salt (7.4%). A majority of respondents (57.1%) reported catching one to two animals on each hunting trip near a salt lick. Sambar deer (38.5%) was recorded as the most commonly observed animal at these sites, followed by wild boar (24.6%) and muntjacs (15.4%). Other species include macaques (10.8%), langurs (7.7%) and mousedeers (3.1%). The study highlights the importance of salt licks and can be used to formulate the development of conservation strategies and management plans for these sites in Sarawak.

Population distribution and drivers of habitat use for the Burrunan dolphins, Port Phillip Bay, Australia.

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops) populations, also described as the Burrunan dolphins, consist of a resident population of approximately 150 individuals in Port Phillip Bay (PPB), Victoria. Previous reports indicate distribution across a small southern region of PPB; however, little is known about their full distribution patterns across the entire PPB region. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of the Burrunan dolphins across four zones representative of PPB benthic habitats and bathymetry to gain a better understanding of the potential drivers of the population's habitat use. Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia. One hundred and twenty-nine boat-based surveys were undertaken between March 2015 and August 2021, encompassing 181 sightings. Generalised linear models (GLMs) were used to investigate annual, seasonal and zonal variation. We found no variation in sighting frequencies between years. Austral summer and winter had a significantly higher sighting frequency than autumn. We found that Burrunan dolphins utilise the entire bay, further extending the species range, and show a significantly higher number of sightings in the southern zone than in any other zones. Overlaying dolphin sightings with known oceanographic characteristics within PPB, we found bathymetry and benthic habitats were potential drivers for the Burrunan dolphins distribution and habitat use within the bay, with the dolphins significantly favouring the 5-10 and 10-15 m contour depths. These results show a more widespread distribution across the bay than previously documented. We recommend expansion of the current marine protected areas in the north and south of the bay. This study has increased our understanding of the vital habitat for the Burrunan dolphin populations. By providing evidence-based conservation recommendations, we hope to improve and contribute to future research, conservation management plans and effective marine protected areas across PPB for the resident Burrunan dolphin population.

Vocal repertoire of Microhyla nilphamariensis from Delhi and comparison with closely related M. ornata populations from the western coast of India and Sri Lanka.

Advertisement calls in frogs have evolved to be species-specific signals of recognition and are therefore considered an essential component of integrative taxonomic approaches to identify species and delineate their distribution range. The species rich genus Microhyla is a particularly challenging group for species identification, discovery and conservation management due to the small size, conserved morphology and wide distribution of its members, necessitating the need for a thorough description of their vocalization. In this study, we provide quantitative description of the vocal behaviour of Microhyla nilphamariensis, a widely distributed south Asian species, from Delhi, India, based on call recordings of 18 individuals and assessment of 21 call properties. Based on the properties measured acrossed 360 calls, we find that a typical advertisement call of M. nilphamariensis lasts for 393.5± 57.5 ms, has 17 pulses on average and produce pulses at rate of 39 pulses/s. The overall call dominant frequency was found to be 2.8 KHz and the call spectrum consisted of two dominant frequency peaks centered at 1.6 KHz and 3.6 KHz, ranging between 1.5-4.1 KHz. Apart from its typical advertisement call, our study also reveals the presence of three 'rare' call types, previously unreported in this species. We describe variability in call properties and discuss their relation to body size and temperature. We found that overall dominant frequency 1 (spectral property) was found to be correlated with body size, while first pulse period (temporal property) was found to be correlated with temperature. Further, we compare the vocal repertoire of M. nilphamariensis with that of the congener Microhyla ornata from the western coast of India and Sri Lanka and also compare the call properties of these two populations of M. ornata to investigate intra-specific call variation. We find statistically significant differentiation in their acoustic repertoire in both cases. Based on 18 call properties (out of 20), individuals of each locality clearly segregate on PCA factor plane forming separate groups. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) using PCA factors shows 100% classification success with individuals of each locality getting classified to a discrete group. This confirms significant acoustic differentiation between these species as well as between geographically distant conspecifics. The data generated in this study will be useful for comparative bioacoustic analysis of Microhyla species and can be utilized to monitor populations and devise conservation management plan for threatened species in this group.

The interplay between historical land‐use and the distribution of Helichrysum shrubs in an African‐protected grassland

AbstractHuman land use can have lasting impacts on landscape characteristic, yet there remains a lack of information on how former land use affects plant communities in protected African grasslands. In this study, we investigated how land uses prior to the creation of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania, shaped the presence and abundance of the native shrub, Helichrysum species. We evaluated both plant species composition and soil properties across the park by dividing our sample into three different zones of historical land use based on participatory mapping. We divided the park into three former land uses: (1) livestock grazed and cultivated; (2) grazed only and (3) wild grazing with limited human impact. We observed that former grazed cultivated land use had five times higher Helichrysum abundance than former ‘wild’ land use. Soil pH, magnesium and phosphorus levels varied significantly across zones of historical land use but not between sites with and without Helichrysum species. Helichrysum splendidum was more abundant in soils with low soil phosphorus and magnesium concentrations. Our study demonstrates that historic grazing and cropping land uses through changes in soil nutrient properties can explain current Helichrysum species spread in protected areas. As such, conservation management plans would benefit from integrating mapping of former land uses to target interventions for problematic encroaching shrubs.

Mechanical soil disturbance in a pine savanna has multiyear effects on plant species composition

AbstractSoil disturbance threatens native perennial grasslands and savannas worldwide, including pine savannas of the North American Coastal Plain. Disk harrows are used in the region to plow linear features for firebreaks to contain prescribed fires, to manage game and other wildlife, and to reduce wildfire hazard to protect forest resources. However, the long‐term response of vegetation to these disturbances has not been well investigated. Our aim was to compare vegetation changes over time (0–9 years) following repeated disturbance by disking and a single disturbance by disking for firebreaks with undisturbed vegetation within a native pine savanna. We hypothesized that (1) a single disking event has multiyear effects on plant species composition and abundance because of the loss of perennial, dispersal‐limited species, but that partial survival of propagules allows the recovery to be more complete than following repeated disturbance, and (2) post‐disturbance changes are determined by species' life‐history characteristics resulting in a successional trajectory toward the undisturbed community. We established 10 plots within a repeated‐disturbance firebreak and a single‐disturbance firebreak, and in undisturbed vegetation (n = 30). We identified plant species within the plots six times over nine years, categorized plant species by life span, seed bank persistence, and dispersal mechanism, and assessed changes in the plant community using ordination. Changes in species composition in both repeated and single disturbance treatments showed a pattern consistent with succession toward the undisturbed plant community, but vegetation in neither disturbance treatment matched undisturbed treatment conditions within the nine years of study. Repeated‐disturbance plots progressed from a high occurrence of annuals to species with persistent seed banks and wind‐dispersed species. Single‐disturbance plots were more strongly associated with perennials, species lacking a persistent seed bank, and species dispersed by vertebrate consumption, but not to the same degree as undisturbed plots, although differences decreased slightly over time. Our results relating to narrow mechanical soil disturbances in pine savanna vegetation are consistent with studies concluding that similar but larger scale disturbances have long‐term degradational effects on the plant community. Therefore, conservation management plans should consider the possible negative long‐term effects of soil disturbance on native perennial herbaceous plant communities.

Spatiotemporal variations in reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) residency at a remote meso‐scale habitat and its importance in future spatial planning

Abstract The Chagos Archipelago's vast no‐take marine protected area (MPA, 640,000 km2) provides refuge for elasmobranchs facing unsustainable depletion by fisheries. Nonetheless, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a substantial threat, and potential future changes to the use of the MPA could render elasmobranchs increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, putting geographically isolated populations, such as reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) at risk of local extinction. Therefore, the species' long‐term movements and habitat use must be identified to help prioritize current enforcement activity and inform future spatial planning. Passive acoustic telemetry and modelled environmental data were used to investigate variations in 42 tagged M. alfredi utilization of a meso‐scale aggregation hotspot, Egmont Atoll, between 2019 and 2022. Mobula alfredi displayed the highest levels of residency ever reported (77%), with prolonged absences (>2 months) limited to seven individuals. Egmont atoll was used year‐round, with activity peaks during the southeast monsoon (April – November), particularly at sites on the southwest, while sites on the northwest were predominately frequented in the northwest monsoon (December–March). Tags were most likely to be detected when the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) was in a positive phase with a greater mixed layer depth, associated with a depression of chlorophyll α levels in the Indian Ocean. Thus, M. alfredi may be particularly reliant on Egmont Atoll, where they are predominantly observed feeding, when prey resources are limited elsewhere. In a region where the threat of fisheries is of increasing concern, the identification of crucial M. alfredi habitats is essential for conservation management planning. Given the significant role of Egmont Atoll for the local population, regular IUU enforcement patrols are crucial, particularly during the southeast monsoon. Any future changes to the MPA should prioritize preserving and actively enforcing no‐take regulations at Egmont Atoll.

Forest fragmentation causes an isolated population of the golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi Thomas, 1911) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in the Qinling Mountains (China)

Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi is a rare animal uniquely distributed in the Qinling Mountains (China). Human disturbance and habitat fragmentation have directly affected the survival of B. t. bedfordi. It is urgent to clarify the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the B. t. bedfordi population and implement effective conservation measures. In this study, 20 new polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated by Illumina sequencing. The genetic diversity and population structure of 124 B. t. bedfordi individuals from three populations (Niubeliang population, Zhouzhi population, and Foping population) were analysed according to these 20 microsatellite loci. Our results indicated that B. t. bedfordi had a low level of genetic variability and that there was inbreeding in the three populations. The population genetic structure analyses showed that the Niubeliang population had a trend of differentiation from other populations. National roads can affect population dispersal, while ecological corridors can promote population gene exchange. None of the three B. t. bedfordi populations experienced bottleneck effects. For conservation management plans, the Zhouzhi population and Foping population should be considered one management unit, and the Niubeliang population should be considered another management unit. We suggest building an ecological corridor to keep the habitat connected and formulating tourism management measures to reduce the influence of human disturbance on B. t. bedfordi.

As prey and pollinators, insects increase reproduction and allow for outcrossing in the carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula.

Understanding the factors that limit reproductive success is a key component of plant biology. Carnivorous plants rely on insects as both nutrient sources and pollinators, providing a unique system for studying the effects of both resource and pollen limitation on plant reproduction. We conducted a field experiment using wild-growing Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis (Droseraceae) in which we manipulated prey and pollen in a factorial design and measured flower production, number of fruits, and number of seeds. Because understanding reproduction requires knowledge of a plant species' reproductive and pollination biology, we also examined the pollination system, per-visit pollinator effectiveness, and pollen-ovule (P/O) ratio of D. muscipula. Plants that received supplemental prey produced more flowers than control plants. They also had a higher overall fitness estimate (number of flowers × fruit set (total fruits/total flowers) × seeds per fruit), although this benefit was significant only when prey supplementation occurred in the previous growing season. Neither pollen supplementation nor the interaction between pollen and prey supplementation significantly affected overall plant fitness. This study reinforces the reliance of D. muscipula on adequate prey capture for flower, fruit, and seed production and a mobile pollen vector for reproduction, indicating the importance of considering insects as part of an effective conservation management plan for this species.

Methodology Advances in Vertebrate Age Estimation.

Age is a core metric in vertebrate management, and the correct estimation of the age of an individual plays a principal role in comprehending animal behavior, identifying genealogical information, and assessing the potential reproductive capacity of populations. Vertebrates have a vertebral column and a distinct head containing a developed brain; they have played an important role in the study of biological evolution. However, biological age estimations constantly exhibit large deviations due to the diversity of vertebrate taxon species, sample types, and determination methods. To systematically and comprehensively understand age estimation methods in different situations, we classify the degree of damage to vertebrates during sample collection, present the sample types and their applications, list commonly applied methods, present methodological recommendations based on the combination of accuracy and implementability, and, finally, predict future methods for vertebrate age assessments, taking into account the current level of research and requirements. Through comprehensive data gathering and compilation, this work serves as an introduction and summary for those who are eager to catch up on related fields and facilitates the rapid and accurate selection of an evaluation method for researchers engaged in related research. This is essential to promote animal conservation and guide the smooth implementation of conservation management plans.

Il piano di conservazione e gestione per le Scuole Nazionali d’Arte di Cuba. Un contributo al percorso di candidatura alla WHL.


 This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on methods and tools for the preservation and management of architectural heritage, and presents the Conservation Management Plan developed between 2018 and 2020 for the National Schools of Arts of Havana. The authors focus on the GIS based tools created to manage information collected by the different work groups who contributed to the drafting of the Plan. The outcome is an articulated and flexible system which aims to describe the complexity of the schools, as well as to actively involve interested actors in order to share cultural values, operational needs and priorities of intervention. Indeed, the objective of a Conservation Management Plan is to clarify the significance of a place, and define in which ways such significance will be maintained in future transformations. The GIS developed for the National Art Schools enabled to archive, systematize, and analyze data according to the double-scale approach which characterized the entire research (the territorial and the architectural one), thus becoming an essential tool for the implementation of the CMP.

Influence of drought and minimum temperature on tree growth and water use efficiency of Mediterranean species

The world's forests are currently facing the impacts of climate change and associated extreme events, which are adversely affecting natural ecosystems and increasing risks of forest mortality. In the Mediterranean region, where water is already a limiting factor, drought stress is having a severe impact on tree growth. Different species have developed physiological mechanisms to cope with drought, and an increase in water use efficiency has been observed in several drought-tolerant species. This paper analysed the growth trends and the ecophysiological responses of four widespread Mediterranean species (Pinus pinaster Aiton, Pinus pinea L., Pinus halepensis Mill and Quercus ilex L.) to climate variability, in a natural reserve of the Vesuvio National Park (Southern Italy). Dendrochronological analyses were used to measure tree-ring widths and to estimate basal area increments for each species. Stable isotope analyses of δ13C were performed to calculate intrinsic water use efficiency on an annual scale for the four species. Climate-growth relationships suggested that temperatures, in particular annual minimum temperature, had a significant impact on the growth of each species. The species that showed the highest resistance to hot periods and water scarcity was Pinus halepensis, presenting the highest intrinsic water use efficiency values. On the other hand, Quercus ilex was found to be the most susceptible to prolonged drought periods and sensitive to changes in precipitation, resulting in the weakest growth rates during extreme heat and cold periods. Our study demonstrated the importance of better understanding the ecophysiological responses of each species to develop sound conservation and forest management plans.

Understanding fishing and conservation of the Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) in Sinaloa, Mexico, through local ecological knowledge

Abstract The Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) is a teleost fish native to the Pacific Ocean. In Mexico they are protected by national legislation; however, there are no studies regarding their commercial use or population status. From a conservation perspective they are a threatened fish and from a socio‐economic aspect they represent a source of income for many fishing communities. The integration of these two points of view requires, among other things, the recognition that fishers have knowledge and skills that can help implement conservation strategies and management plans for seahorses and their habitats. The objective was to document the knowledge of fishers from Sinaloa about the fishing status and current commercialization of wild populations of H. ingens. For this, semi‐structured interviews and participatory observation were carried out with 112 participants in the two main ports of the state of Sinaloa (Mazatlán and Topolobampo) from July to August 2021. The data obtained were coded and then, through content analysis, systematized results were obtained that allowed a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The species was found to be caught using six different fishing gears (catch per unit effort, CPUE = 0.07–1.24 seahorses per boat per day) and have an important financial value. Most fishers catch seahorses incidentally, but three of them mentioned targeting them directly. Fishers perceive a decrease in catches and in the size of the Pacific seahorse, as well as an increase in prices. The information analysed indicates that seahorse populations in Sinaloa are exploited and have economic value, despite current regulations. This study shows that the exploitation of seahorses in Sinaloa is unsustainable and requires the implemention of collaborative management strategies (e.g. stakeholder management, the establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable harvest practices, community‐based enforcement efforts, educational campaigns, research, and conservation partnerships) that fully take into account the knowledge and practice of local fishers of Sinaloa and Mexico.