Conservation Management Strategies Research Articles

Fluid restriction for treatment of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the main pulmonary artery and the proximal descending aorta. After birth, the ductus arteriosus usually closes completely. However, sometimes it remains patent in the neonate, which is called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). If a PDA is clinically symptomatic, it can lead to overcirculation in the lungs, and reduced perfusion to the gut and kidneys. Most clinical practice guidelines suggest fluid restriction as a conservative management strategy for the treatment of symptomatic PDA. Restricting fluid has been shown to reduce the incidence of PDA in older preterm infants. However, aggressive restriction of fluids may affect systemic blood flow in extremely preterm infants. Given the potential adverse effects, it is important to systematically evaluate the evidence on the use of fluid restriction to treat symptomatic PDA to inform clinical decisions. To assess the effects of fluid restriction on morbidity and mortality for symptomatic PDA in preterm infants. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase in October 2023. We also searched Clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP, ANZCTR, and Epistemonikos. We planned to search the reference list of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for studies not identified by the database searches, but did not identify any. We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, cluster-RCTs, and cross-over RCTs. We planned to include neonates who were born preterm (less than 37 weeks' gestational age), or with low birth weight (less than 2500 g), with a symptomatic PDA, diagnosed either clinically or by echocardiographic criteria, in the neonatal period. We planned to include studies that compared therapeutic restriction of parenteral or enteral fluids, or both, with or without diuretics, with control groups that received standard fluid intake, defined as no parenteral or enteral restriction, with or without diuretic use. We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcome was closure of PDA. Other relevant outcomes were all-cause mortality by 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, need for interventional closure of the PDA, need for treatment with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and duration of hospitalization. We planned to use GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome. We did not identify any completed or ongoing RCTs that met our inclusion criteria and explored the effectiveness and safety of fluid restriction to treat symptomatic PDA. No evidence from RCTs is currently available to evaluate the benefits and harms of fluid restriction for the treatment of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. We identified no ongoing studies. Evidence from sufficiently powered RCTs evaluating fluid restriction for treatment of symptomatic PDA in preterm neonates is needed to inform clinical decisions.

Modern surgical treatments for lymphedema.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is malformed, leaking or is damaged by infection or cancer treatment. Enlarged extremities due to extensive fluid retention and adipose tissue deposition, recurrent cellulitis, and the requirement for hard-to-wear compression garments lead to impaired limb function and decreased quality of life. This narrative review aims to elucidate classification, diagnostic tools, and conservative management strategies leading the path to patient selection for microsurgical reconstructive procedures or volume reduction procedures. The surgical approaches include reconstructive procedures such as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymph node transfer and reductive procedures, mainly liposuction and occasionally excisional surgery. Comparing the efficacy of lymphedema surgeries is fully dependent on standardized and reproducible outcome measures. A growing body of knowledge has evolved pointing to the benefits of reconstructive microsurgery of the lymphatic system with or without surgical volume reduction. Tissue engineering and stem cell research leads the way for new approaches. However, several questions remain emphasizing the research needs. Ongoing multicentre trials aiming to elucidate the efficacy and accessibility of surgical treatments for this condition are on their way.

Pasture and diurnal temperature are key predictors of regional Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) distribution.

The Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) is a small carnivore native to central North America that has experienced significant population reductions, and there is a lack of information about the species that could inform conservation. Our study aimed to address knowledge gaps about the distribution and habitat associations of the species in South Dakota using species distribution modeling. We used species location data collected from state natural resource managers, trappers, and members of online social media groups dedicated to hunting and wildlife conservation; environmental predictors; and 6 predictive modeling algorithms (i.e., artificial neural networks, artificial classification tree analysis, generalized boosting models, maximum entropy, multivariate adaptive regression splines, and random forests) to develop climate and landcover ensemble distribution models. The most important climate and landcover predictors were mean temperature diurnal range (i.e., average monthly differences between daily high and low temperatures) and proportion of area classified as pasture. Ensemble model concordance identified approximately 31,300 km2 of potential Plains Spotted Skunk habitat primarily in eastern South Dakota and between the watersheds of the Missouri and James rivers. Our results offer insights that can guide conservation and inform effective management strategies for conserving Plains Spotted Skunk populations in the northern Great Plains. The promotion of low-intensity agricultural practices such as maintaining pastures, farm buildings, fences rows, and the management of woodland encroachment may improve habitat suitability and facilitate the recovery of plains spotted skunks in the region.

Towards optimizing conservation planning: A performance evaluation of modeling techniques for predicting Mediterranean native species distribution

Understanding the intricate relationships between environmental conditions and key variables influencing species distribution is critical for ecology and conservation, especially in the face of escalating environmental challenges intensified by climate change. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are valuable tools for predicting current and future habitat suitability, aiding in conservation planning. This study specifically sought to evaluate the predictive performance of different modeling techniques in determining the geographical distribution of three Mediterranean native species with different ecological flexibility in the western Mediterranean coastal land of Egypt namely Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl., Ononis vaginalis Vahl, and Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. An ensemble model incorporating three modeling algorithms -the generalized linear model, boosted regression trees, and random forests- was juxtaposed against the Maxent non-parametric machine-learning modeling technique. The models integrated diverse variables, encompassing climatic, edaphic, habitat, and topographic factors. The results unveiled a high degree of similarity and agreement between the Maxent and ensemble models, both exhibiting outstanding fits and performance metrics. The ensemble model demonstrated remarkable accuracy across various measures evaluating model performance. However, Maxent showcased a comparatively strong performance, particularly in identifying critical areas for the distribution of the studied Mediterranean species. These findings emphasize the importance of employing a suite of modeling techniques to refine conservation planning and management strategies. At the local scale, the outcomes can guide targeted actions such as habitat restoration and species monitoring programs. Regionally, and globally it can inform policy development and cross-border conservation initiatives that address shared environmental challenges and contribute to frameworks for studies of similar ecosystems worldwide. Such a comprehensive approach ensures more effective safeguarding of Mediterranean native species under changing environmental conditions.

Regional variation in leatherback dive behavior in the northwest Atlantic

Understanding the movement patterns and behaviors of a migratory species across all stages of migration is critical to informing successful conservation management strategies. While the movement patterns of northwestern Atlantic leatherbacks Dermochelys coriacea have been widely studied, there is still a need to understand area-specific behaviors. We collected and analyzed dive data from 52 satellite-tagged leatherbacks that inhabited documented or proposed foraging areas: the northeastern Gulf of Mexico (NEGOM), the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), and southern New England (SNE). We fit generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to these data to determine area-specific dive metrics and their relationship to several environmental variables. The most notable result from the GLMMs revealed area-specific relationships between dive behavior and sea surface temperature (SST). As SST increased, leatherbacks in the NEGOM and MAB were observed to increase their surface duration and decrease dive duration, while the opposite trend was observed off SNE. Additionally, leatherbacks in the NEGOM performed more deep dives to cooler waters with rising SSTs. Our results suggest that leatherbacks in the NEGOM are performing thermoregulatory dive behavior that may reduce time available for feeding, potentially inhibiting foraging success relative to the MAB and SNE. These findings offer a deeper comprehension of leatherback movement ecology in each area, provide critical information needed for population assessments and management, and highlight areas of conservation concern in a warming climate.

Geomorphological management strategies for cyclone-impacted sea turtle nesting habitat along the eastern seaboard of India.

Sea turtles are globally vulnerable due to climate change uncertainties and anthropogenic threats. The present study highlights the impacts of a very severe tropical cyclone (VSCS) on a potential sea turtle rookery and suggests management strategy for protection and conservation of rookery habitat under changing spit geomorphology. The results show that VSCS has short-term impact on rookery and spit geomorphology, while long-term precarious impact over the coastal sedimentology due to debris pollution. Study on geomorphology, sedimentology, and debris pollution indicates that plastic pollution and change in sediment characteristics are the most probable cause for failure of arribada events during post-cyclone year. Further, study identified that reduced estuary mouth and elongation of sand spit are the potential cause for coastal flooding and loss of nesting habitat. Therefore, locational stability of estuary cross-section under varying dimension of inlet channel and width are estimated for better management of uncertainties arises from the extreme events. Results of stability analysis show that observed cross Sect.(207-1728 m2) is often fall within unstable regimes compared to the estimated equilibrium cross-sectional area (790-1085 m2) under natural estuary condition. Considering the severity of long-shore transport and fast migration of sand spit, study further recommends cross-sectional area of magnitude (951-965 m2) is highly essential while inlet channel oscillates between 3500 and 7500m. Similarly, for siltation issues, cross-sectional area (769-969 m2) is highly required for the varying dimension of estuary widths (50-600m). In addition, involvement of local community in cleaning coast following cyclonic storm could be best approach instead of mechanical way to unalter the rookery sedimentology. This comprehensive approach addresses immediate cyclone-induced threats while promoting the long-term sustainability of sea turtle nesting habitats, offering actionable management recommendations for maintaining estuary stability and preserving critical nesting environments in face of increasing coastal disasters.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Forest Ecosystems and Climate Interplay: A Review

This review comprehensively examines the multifunctional role of forest ecosystems in climate regulation and the consequential impacts of climate change on these critical biomes. A systematic approach was employed, utilizing extensive bibliometric analysis and synthesis of recent literature from databases such as Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Key ecological functions of forests, including carbon sequestration, albedo modulation, evapotranspiration, and cloud formation, were scrutinized to elucidate their contributions to the global carbon cycle and local/regional climate dynamics. The analysis highlights significant phenological shifts, species migrations, and increased vulnerabilities to pests, diseases, and fire disturbances as primary indicators of climate-induced ecological changes. Furthermore, the study explores the intricate feedback loops that exacerbate deforestation and alterations in forest structure and function. Predictive models incorporating various climate scenarios are discussed, emphasizing their importance in developing adaptive management strategies for forest conservation. The findings underscore the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement to formulate effective strategies for mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing forest ecosystem resilience. This review advances the field of ecology by providing critical insights into the interplay between forest ecosystems and climate dynamics, offering a foundation for future research and policy development.

Mowing and traditional grazing as a conservation strategy: Fine‐spatial scale impacts on the invasion of false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) in marsh meadows

AbstractThis study examined the effects of conservation management strategies, including traditional grazing, on marsh vegetation invaded by false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) Fine‐scale methods were employed to analyze vegetation in stands subjected to combined treatments (mowing and grazing) as well as in untreated invaded stands. Vegetation composition and diversity were evaluated using four key metrics: compositional diversity (CD), local distinctiveness (LD), association (AS), and realized species combinations (NRC). Results revealed that the combined treatment led to significantly increased CD (5.366 ± 0.394) and LD (6.41 ± 0.668), despite the presence of the invasive species. Conversely, untreated invaded vegetation exhibited lower CD (3.756 ± 0.755) and LD (4.079 ± 0.93). Additionally, AS and NRC values were higher in treated stands, although the differences were not statistically significant. Notably, the characteristic areas of all functions did not differ significantly between treated and untreated stands. These findings suggest that combining management strategies, such as mowing and traditional grazing, effectively limits A. fruticosa invasion and supports marsh ecosystem diversity by promoting the coexistence of native species. Continuous management, particularly grazing, is crucial, as cessation of these practices may lead to rapid reinvasion by the invasive species and a subsequent loss of native biodiversity. Overall, this study highlights the importance of proactive management strategies in combating invasive species and conserving marshland biodiversity.

ESG Risk and Audit Firm Reputation

Purpose: The importance of ESG continues to grow day by day, and ESG risk management has become crucial for corporate sustainability. Understanding ESG risk management is an urgent and crucial issue that cannot be delayed any longer. This study aims to examine the relationship between ESG risk management and audit firms’ reputation. Design/methodology/approach: This study investigates the correlation between the reputational effect of audit firms and ESG risk management, using companies listed on the TWSE and the TPEx in 2023 as the target population. We further develop two research models: first, a regression model (1) to examine whether the brand reputation effects of Big4 and non-Big4 audit firms are associated with corporate ESG risk management scores and set up an Ordered Probit model (2) to investigate how the reputation effect of Big4 and non-Big4 audit firms is related to corporate ESG risk ratings. Finding: The empirical results show that companies audited by the Big 4 audit firms have better ESG risk management performance than those audited by non-Big 4 audit firms, and that companies’ ESG risk management performance varies depending on the specific Big 4 audit firm engaged. Furthermore, the association between ESG risk management performance and the reputation effect of audit firms depends on the firm’s business model and corporate governance structure. The family-owned business model and strong corporate governance environment synergistically enhance the reputation effect of audit firms, thereby contributing to the improvement of ESG risk management performance. Finally, the choice of earnings management strategy affects the relationship between ESG risk management performance and the reputation effect of audit firms. Risk-averse companies that adopt conservative earnings management strategies benefit from the positive impact of the Big 4 audit firm reputation effect on ESG risk management performance. Research limitations/implications: The research limitations of this study stem from the difficulty in accessing ESG information, which constrains the sample size. Originality/value: First, this study provides a comprehensive examination of the ESG risk management performance of listed companies in Taiwan, contributing to a deeper understanding of the current status of ESG strategy development and implementation among Taiwanese companies. Second, by examining corporate ESG risk management, the study explores the impact of audit firms’ reputation on corporate ESG risk management performance. Third, our findings contribute to academic research on ESG issues by incorporating the potential impact of audit firms’ reputation into the analysis.

The impact of urinary and bowel incontinence: psychological and physical effects and interventions

This clinical review explores the multifaceted impact of urinary and bowel incontinence on the physical and psychological wellbeing of individuals, particularly older adults. The psychological effects, which often include anxiety, depression and social isolation, are addressed through interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy and peer support groups, which are crucial for alleviating the emotional burden. The review also examines conservative management strategies, such as pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining and dietary changes, as well as discussing pharmacological treatments and surgical options for more severe cases. A key emphasis is placed on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and incorporating the expertise of continence nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists to comprehensively address patient needs.

Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on the Distribution of Endangered and Endemic Changnienia amoena (Orchidaceae) Using Ensemble Modeling and Gap Analysis in China.

Climate change has significant impacts on the distribution of orchids. The endemic and endangered orchids are more susceptible to climate change than widely distributed orchids. To date, little is known concerning the response of endangered Changnienia amoena, endemic to China, to different climate scenarios. Here, we build an ensemble model comprising random forest model, maximum entropy model, and gradient boosting model in Biomod2 package to project its potential distribution in China, evaluate its current protective effectiveness, and identify its conservation gaps in China by determining the C. amoena population range within the natural protected areas. The outcomes showed that the four key environmental factors influencing its distribution were mean diurnal temperature range, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature seasonality, and precipitation of the warmest quarter. This orchid was currently distributed mainly in southern Anhui, central and western Hubei, western Hunan, southern Shaanxi, and eastern Sichuan province. The total suitable area of C. amoena was 58.33 × 104 km2, only accounting for 6.08% of China's total territory, which is larger than known. However, only 4.48% of the suitable area is located within national nature reserves and 3.33% within provincial nature reserves, respectively. During the last inter glacial and mid-holocene, its suitable areas were larger than the current. Under six future climate scenarios, its suitable areas may decrease averagely by 2.26% relative to the current, with severe habitat fragmentation. Collectively, the centroid of C. amoena is expected to shift towards the southeast in the future. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that climate change has an adverse effect on its potential distribution. We recommend expanding protected areas or establishing new conservation sites for C. amoena in China. Furthermore, our study can help to inform the development of conservation management strategies for other endangered Chinese endemic orchids under climate change.

Nest site selection by an endangered raptor, the Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae), in a hostile anthropogenic landscape

ABSTRACT The Grey Goshawk is an endangered raptor occurring at low densities throughout its Tasmanian range. Nesting ecology and conservation requirements of the species are poorly understood. Thus, knowledge of nest site selection and breeding habitat preferences is needed to inform conservation management strategies. Here, we investigate nest site selection in a modified anthropogenic landscape in south-east Tasmania, Australia based on 75 active nest sites. Our logistic regression models show that nest site selection is influenced by a range of variables at the landscape, nest stand and nest site level, which likely relate to territoriality, food availability and forest structure. We also used environmental and disturbance-related variables to deliver a management-specific model, which indicated distance to track, dwelling and drainage lines were significant predictors of nest site selection. Our results can be used to improve conservation management and planning strategies.

The Impact of Client Bankruptcies on Auditors’ Judgment and Future Audit Engagements

We examine whether and how engagements with bankrupt clients (i.e., bankruptcy experiences) affect auditors’ behavior in future engagements. Using a large sample of Swedish auditors-in-charge (AICs), we find that AICs’ bankruptcy experiences are positively related to the issuance of going-concern opinions to financially distressed clients, audit fees, and clients’ earnings quality. Our evidence implies that such experiences increase AICs’ conservatism and professional skepticism and contribute to higher audit quality. We also show that AICs’ bankruptcy experiences are associated with more conservative client management strategies – the lower (higher) likelihood of accepting (resigning from) financially distressed clients. Furthermore, we find that the impact of bankruptcy experiences on AICs’ decision-making is stronger when those experiences are more salient and recent, as well as when they are followed by a sanction. Overall, our findings indicate that AICs who have experienced client bankruptcies deliver higher audit quality and exhibit a greater level of conservatism in client selection, providing novel evidence on how individual auditors’ auditing styles are shaped by their professional experiences.

Management of iatrogenic ascending aortic dissection after percutaneous intervention of chronic total occlusion.

This study highlights the prevalence and conservative management strategies of iatrogenic ascending aortic dissection after percutaneous intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO). Retrospective analysis on patients who underwent CTO PCI from one medical center from 2020 to 2022 was performed by two operators. Data was obtained from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO database. Out of 318 patients, there were six reported cases of iatrogenic ascending aortic dissection. The causes of dissection included guiding catheter trauma, antegrade injection, two retrograde injection, and two cases of balloon rupture after lithotripsy. IVUS-guided stenting of the coronary back to the origin to seal the entry of the dissection flap occurred in two patients. All patients had a conservative management approach. No patient had to undergo urgent surgery. While the incidence remains rare, complications, including aortic dissection, are more frequent in CTO PCI as compared to non-CTO PCI. IVUS can be used to complete coronary intervention so long as the patient remains clinically and hemodynamically stable. Patients should have formal imaging with either transesophageal echocardiogram or computed tomography angiography. The outcomes of patients who experience iatrogenic aortic dissection during CTO PCI with stable coronary disease seem to be better than in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Evaluating Water Quality through Macroinvertebrate Diversity and Physicochemical Parameters in the Thamirabarani River Basin

<p style="margin-top:13px; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif""><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Aquatic ecosystems in the Thamirabarani River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India, are facing increasingly complex challenges due to climate change, particularly concerning water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. This study delves into the intricate relationship between these variables and their profound implications for freshwater biodiversity. The rising temperatures and declining dissolved oxygen levels pose escalating threats to the health of aquatic organisms and the stability of ecosystems. To tackle this issue, a hybrid methodology that integrates remote sensing and field data is proposed to calculate the Water Quality Index (WQI) and comprehensively assess ecosystem health. Remote sensing data offer valuable spatial insights, while field measurements ensure accuracy, resulting in robust findings. The study uncovers a significant negative correlation between water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, highlighting the adverse effects of warming waters on aquatic habitats. Moreover, habitat fragmentation exacerbates climate stressors, adding further challenges to freshwater biodiversity conservation. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation and adaptive management strategies, including temperature regulation, riparian vegetation enhancement, nutrient pollution management, and habitat connectivity preservation. By implementing these measures, biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems can be minimized, ensuring their resilience in the face of ongoing climate change. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

European eel (Anguilla anguilla) survival modeling based on a 22-year capture-mark-recapture survey of a Mediterranean subpopulation.

Since the 1980s, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has declined by over 90% in recruitment across its European and North African distribution area. This diadromous fish spawns at sea and migrates into continental waters, where it grows for three to more than 30 years, depending on habitat conditions and location. During their growth, different habitat use tactics can locally influence the life-history traits of eels, including their survival rates. Thus, the spatio-temporal dimension of this species is crucial for management. Based on a rare Mediterranean long-term survey of more than 20 years (2001-2022) in an artificial drainage canal connected to a vast brackish lagoon (the Vaccarès lagoon), we aimed to study the dynamics of one subpopulation's life-history traits. We used Bayesian multistate capture-mark-recapture (CMR) models to assess the temporal variability in survival and abundance at both seasonal and inter-annual scales, considering life-stage structure. High survival rates and low detection probabilities were found for the undifferentiated and female yellow stages. In contrast, female silver eels exhibited lower survival rates and higher capture probabilities. Estimating detection probabilities and survival rates enabled accurate assessment of relative abundance across different life stages and time periods. Our findings indicated a substantial decrease in the abundance of undifferentiated and female yellow eels in the early 2000s, whereas the abundance of female silver eels remained consistently low yet stable throughout the study period. Considering the life stage seemed essential to study the dynamics of the eel during its continental growing period. The present results will provide key elements to propose and implement suitable sustainable environmental management strategies for eel conservation.

Assessment of the Application of Water Conservation and Demand Management Strategies—Kakuma Refugee Camp Case Study

Assessment of the Application of Water Conservation and Demand Management Strategies—Kakuma Refugee Camp Case Study

Existing evidence on the effect of urban forest management in carbon solutions and avian conservation: a systematic literature map

BackgroundUrgent solutions are needed in cities to mitigate twin crises of global climate change and biodiversity loss. Urban nature-based solutions (actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems while simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits) are being advocated for as multi-functional tools capable of tackling these societal challenges. Urban forest management is a proposed nature-based solution with potential to address both climate change mitigation and biodiversity loss along with multiple other benefits. However, bodies of evidence measuring multiple outcomes (e.g., biodiversity conservation and nature-based climate solutions) remain siloed which limits conservation and management opportunities. In this article, we present a systematic map of the literature on urban forest management strategies that measure both biodiversity goals (through avian conservation) and climate change mitigation goals (through carbon storage and sequestration).MethodsFollowing a published protocol, we searched for evidence related to urban forest management strategies for (1) avian conservation and (2) carbon solutions within the global temperate region in academic and grey literature. In addition to Scopus, ProQuest and Web of Science Core Collection, we searched 21 specialist websites. We screened English language documents using predefined inclusion criteria on titles and abstracts, and then full texts. All qualifying literature items were coded, and metadata were extracted. No study validity appraisal was conducted. We identified knowledge clusters and gaps related to forest management strategies for both topics.Review findingsOur searches identified 19,073 articles published, of which 5445 were duplicates. The title and abstract screening removed a further 11,019 articles. After full-text screening (1762 and 1406), a total of 277 avian and 169 forest carbon literature items met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final database. We found a large knowledge base for broad-scale avian metrics: abundance, species richness. We similarly found that both avian and carbon solutions most often used broad-scale forest management components: land use type, composition, and forested area and least often considered fragmentation, connectivity, and diversity metrics (abundance, richness). The most understudied avian metrics were foraging, resources, and survival while the most understudied carbon solutions metrics were soil carbon, dead wood and organic matter and infrastructure. Avian literature most often used an experimental design (56% with comparator, 44% no comparator) while forest carbon solutions literature was dominated by observational studies (86%). In both topics, studies most often occurred over short timelines between 0 and 1 and 2–5 years. The body of evidence for both avian and carbon outcomes present a scale-mismatch between the scale of forest management strategy (e.g., land use type) and scale of application (e.g., patch). For example, the majority of studies considered forest strategies at broad scales, like land use type or composition, yet were conducted at a patch or multi-patch scale. Our systematic map also highlights that multi-city and regional urban scales are underrepresented in both carbon solutions and avian conservation and will require additional research efforts. Finally, we highlight gaps in the inclusion of recommendations in both bodies of literature. Roughly 30% of articles in each topic’s database did not include recommendations for practitioners or researchers.ConclusionsOur systematic map provides a database and identifies knowledge gaps and clusters of urban forest management strategies for (1) avian conservation and (2) carbon solutions. Overall, our map will allow researchers to fill existing gaps in literature through new research investigations, meta-analyses or systematic reviews while also pointing policymakers toward strong knowledge bases in addition to understudied or mismatched areas that require more funding.Graphical

Contributions of Urban Woodlands to Bird Diversity and Abundance in The Anatolian Side of Istanbul

Aim of study: The study aimed to assess the impact of urban woodlands on bird species diversity and abundance in the Anatolian side of Istanbul, focusing on species typically absent from urban centers but found within urban environments. The findings are intended to contribute to the development of future conservation and habitat management strategies. Area of study: The study was conducted in five areas in Üsküdar and Beykoz, including an urban center, three urban woodlands (Fethipaşa, Hidiv, and Beykoz Abrahampaşa) and a natural area in Istanbul's northern region. Material and methods: Data on bird species and their abundances were collected and tabulated through 900 point counts from April 2022 to March 2023. The data was analyzed using abundance values, species richness and diversity, identifying distribution and evenness through rank abundance distribution and curves. Similarity analysis was performed using the clustering method and species composition was compared using a Venn diagram. Main results: Seventy-two bird species were identified across the study areas. A decrease in urbanization density enhances bird species richness, diversity and evenness, with the natural area recording the highest values. Urban woodlands harbor species absent from more urbanized locations. Distinctions in species distribution and bird diversity between the areas were revealed. Research highlights: Urban woodlands are crucial areas for wildlife in metropolises, providing significance from both ecological and sociocultural perspectives. Although they may not match natural areas in species diversity, these woodlands significantly contribute to bird diversity within the urban environments. Further research is needed to explore the unique characteristics of each woodland and their contributions to urban ecosystems.

Emaciated enigma: Decline in body conditions of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion

AbstractMonitoring the nutritional health of cetaceans has become increasingly important in a changing environment, where multiple stressors impact animals. Particularly for those species that require consumption of energy‐dense prey, such as the common dolphin. Thus far, no uniform measure for monitoring body condition has been recommended across cetaceans, and species‐specific measures may need to be developed if employed as a population condition indicator under Descriptor 1 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Here, nine morphometric body condition indices were applied to long‐term common dolphin stranding data sets originating from Ireland and the UK. We report a recent decline in the nutritional health of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion comparing animals from 2017 to 2019 to animals from 1990 to 2006, with an increase in cases of animals dying due to starvation. Using ordinal regression trees, ventral blubber thickness (VBT) was identified as the most important index to predict nutritional status, defined at necropsy, followed by the scaled mass index (SMI). Using generalised linear models, both the VBT and SMI indices differentiated individuals that died from chronic and acute causes of death (i.e., bycatch), where animals in chronic conditions had significantly thinner VBT and lower SMI. Both significant temporal and seasonal patterns in VBT were identified, with poorer body conditions observed during the autumn and better body conditions observed during the spring, as well as an overall decline detected in VBT during the study period. While VBT was positively correlated with total body length, SMI showed the opposite trend. The VBT index is recommended for monitoring nutritional health within the species when total body length and season are considered. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes for the observed decline, including shifts in prey availability and/or quality, to inform targeted conservation management strategies.