Conservation Of Endangered Species Research Articles

Rusa deer microbiota: the importance of preliminary data analysis for meaningful diversity comparisons.

The microbiome is an important consideration for the conservation of endangered species. Studies provided evidence of the effect of behavior and habitat change on the microbiota of wild animals and reported various inferences. It indicates the complexity of factors influencing microbiota diversity, including incomplete sampling procedures. Data abnormality may arise due to the procedures warranting preliminary analysis, such as rarefaction, before downstream analysis. This present study demonstrated the effect of data rarefaction and aggregation on the comparison of wild rusa deer's gut microbial diversity. Eighty-five feces samples were collected from 11 deer populations inhabiting three national parks in Java and Bali islands. Using the Illumina Nova-Seq platform, fragments of 16s rRNA gene were sequenced, and raw data of 51,389 reads corresponding to 2 domains, 22 phyla, 45 classes, 83 orders, 182 families, and 460 genera of bacteria were obtained. Data rarefaction was applied at two different library sizes (minimum and fixed) and aggregation (11 populations into 3 research sites) to investigate its effect on the microbial diversity comparison. There are significant differences in alpha diversity between populations, but not research sites, at all library sizes of rarefaction. A similar finding is also found in beta diversity. Moreover, data rarefaction and aggregation result in different values of the diversity metrics. This present study shows that statistical analysis remains a substantial concern in microbiome studies applied to conservation biology. It suggests reporting a more detailed data normalization in microbiome studies as an inherent control of suboptimal sampling, particularly when involving feces.

Morphological characteristics, genetic diversity, and ethnobotanical uses of Citrus hongheensis (Rutaceae), an endangered species

The species Citrus hongheensis is an endangered species and the most primitive Citrus species with the most developed winged leaves. It is endemic to south Yunnan Province, southwest China, and only distributed in a very narrow area along the south bank of the Honghe river (the Yuanjiang river). By combining ISSR and morphological data from 11 populations, it shows that the species has rich genetic diversity among and within populations although the population is declining gradually. According to field and market surveys, the local Hani people have traditionally used C. hongheensis for a long time, such as the dried young fruits of the species as Chinese traditional medicine, leaves as food spice, as well as other organs. By collecting all existing knowledge of traditional and present uses, as well as further potential uses, we demonstrate that the species has good development prospects. Based on rich diversity, ethnobotanical uses, and a positive cultural environment, it was decided to choose four populations (YJNNDM, LCDX, HHDYJ, and YJYJYJ) of C. hongheensis for in situ conservation and artificial sexual reproduction. This will allow to develop new uses of the species, while providing indications for the conservation of other endangered species.

New threats in the recovery of large carnivores inhabiting human-modified landscapes: the case of the Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos)

Understanding mortality causes is important for the conservation of endangered species, especially in small and isolated populations inhabiting anthropized landscapes where both natural and human-caused mortality may hinder the conservation of these species. We investigated the mortality causes of 53 free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) found dead between 1998 and 2023 in the Cantabrian Mountains (northwestern Spain), a highly human-modified region where bears are currently recovering after being critically threatened in the last century. We detected natural traumatic injuries in 52.63% and infectious diseases in 39.47% of the 38 bears for which the mortality causes were registered, with 21.05% of these cases presenting signs of both infectious diseases and traumas. More specifically, almost 30% of the bears died during or after intraspecific fights, including sexually selected infanticide (10.53%). In addition, primary infectious diseases such as infectious canine hepatitis, distemper, clostridiosis and colibacillosis caused the death of 15.79% of the bears. The number of direct human-caused deaths (i.e., shooting, poisoning, snare) decreased over the study period. This study also reveals three new mortality causes triggered by pathogens, two of which—Clostridium novyi and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli—not previously described in ursids, and the other one, canine distemper virus, never reported in brown bears as cause of death. New management strategies for the conservation of Cantabrian bears, which are urgently needed due to the rapid expansion of the population, should consider the mortality causes described in this study and must promote further research to elucidate how the high prevalence of infectious diseases may threaten the current recovery of the population.

Predicting the potential distribution of 12 threatened medicinal plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with a maximum entropy model.

Climate change is a vital driver of biodiversity patterns and species distributions, understanding how organisms respond to climate change will shed light on the conservation of endangered species. In this study, the MaxEnt model was used to predict the potential suitable area of 12 threatened medicinal plants in the QTP (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau) under the current and future (2050s, 2070s) three climate scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5). The results showed that the climatically suitable habitats for the threatened medicinal plants were primarily found in the eastern, southeast, southern, and some parts of the central regions on the QTP. Moreover, 25% of the threatened medicinal plants would have reduced suitable habitat areas within the next 30-50 years in the different future global warming scenarios. Among these medicinal plants, RT (Rheum tanguticum) would miss the most habitat (98.97%), while the RAN (Rhododendron anthopogonoides) would miss the least habitat (10.15%). Nevertheless, 33.3% of the threatened medicinal plants showed an increase in their future habitat area because of their physiological characteristics which are more adaptable to a wide range of climates. The climatic suitable habitat for 50% of the threatened medicinal plants would migrate to higher altitudes or higher latitudes regions. This study provides a data foundation for the conservation of biodiversity and wild medicinal plants on the QTP.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Free-Ranging Bantengs (Bos javanicus) and Domestic Cattle at a Wildlife and Livestock Interface in Thailand

Impact of human activities on conservation of endangered species is significant due to the creation of wildlife-livestock interfaces (WLI), which increases the likelihood of disease transmissions. Protected wildlife populations may suffer from diseases caused by gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, potentially impacting conservation efforts. A population of ~100 wild bantengs inhabits the Lam-Pao non-hunting area, which is adjacent to human communities, animal farms and the Pao River, making this WLI suitable for a study of prevalence of GI parasites in the bantengs and domestic cattle. This research examined the prevalence and diversity of GI parasites and explored the associations between the parasitic species identified in the 2 animal groups. Formalin ethyl - acetate concentration technique (FECT) identified overall prevalence of 26.2, 17.4, 53.3 % for both animal groups, bantengs and domestic cattle respectively. The following prevalence of parasitic eggs were identified in the bantengs (N = 46) and the domestic cattle (N = 15) respectively: 1) 8.7 and 46 % of strongyle-type; 2) 4.3 and 6.7 % of Moniezia spp.; 3) 2.2 and 0 % of Fasciola spp.; 4) 6.5 and 6.7 % of Rumen flukes; 5) 0 and 13.3 % of Toxocara spp.; 6) 0 and 6.7 % of Capillaria spp.; 7) 0 and 6.7 % of Strongyloides spp.; and 8) 0 and 6.7 % of Trichuris spp. The combination of coproculture and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) was used to identified common strongyle-type species. We determined Oesophagostomum radiatum in 2 cattle (13.3 %) and 3 (6.5 %) banteng samples, Cooperia onchophora in 1 (6.7 %) cattle sample and Ostertagia ostertagi in 1 (6.7 %) cattle sample. The results present in this study would enable management to proactively strategize and prepare for parasitic diseases that can endanger such a population. HIGHLIGHTS FECT indicated that strongyle-type eggs were the most observed in bantengs and domestic cattle. Overall prevalence of 26.2, 17.4 and 53.3 % for bantengs, domestic cattle and both groups combined were reported, which were relatively low. The prevalence of strongyle-type and Toxocara eggs differed statistically between the 2 groups, potentially due to farming, leading to re-infections and high prevalence in domestic animals. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Satellite-based phenology analysis of the Hyrcanian forest in the Alborz mountains and Caspian Sea shores, Iran

ABSTRACT The Caspian Sea and the Hyrcanian forest rely on each other to maintain balanced hydrological and climatological conditions and preserve the local wildlife and natural resources. Climate variation impacts this balance and the ecological status of the forest. In this study, thermal and phenological seasonality in three Hyrcanian protected areas is evaluated over a period of 33 years (1987–2019). The results suggest extensions of 3–18 days per decade in growing seasons. This could be mitigated by applying policies such as the expansion of protected areas, stringent endangered species conservation, updated silviculture practices, social awareness and cross-sectoral management.

Avian iPSC Derivation to Recover Threatened Wild Species: A Comprehensive Review in Light of Well-Established Protocols.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were first generated by Yamanaka in 2006, revolutionizing research by overcoming limitations imposed by the use of embryonic stem cells. In terms of the conservation of endangered species, iPSC technology presents itself as a viable alternative for the manipulation of target genetics without compromising specimens. Although iPSCs have been successfully generated for various species, their application in nonmammalian species, particularly avian species, requires further in-depth investigation to cover the diversity of wild species at risk and their different protocol requirements. This study aims to provide an overview of the workflow for iPSC induction, comparing well-established protocols in humans and mice with the limited information available for avian species. Here, we discuss the somatic cell sources to be reprogrammed, genetic factors, delivery methods, enhancers, a brief history of achievements in avian iPSC derivation, the main approaches for iPSC characterization, and the future perspectives and challenges for the field. By examining the current protocols and state-of-the-art techniques employed in iPSC generation, we seek to contribute to the development of efficient and species-specific iPSC methodologies for at-risk avian species. The advancement of iPSC technology holds great promise for achieving in vitro germline competency and, consequently, addressing reproductive challenges in endangered species, providing valuable tools for basic research, bird genetic preservation and rescue, and the establishment of cryobanks for future conservation efforts.

Tarnished Gold: The Endangered Species Act at 50

The ESA is arguably the most powerful and stringent federal environmental law on the books. Yet for all of the Act’s force and ambition, it is unclear how much the law has done much to achieve its central purpose: the conservation of endangered species. The law has been slow to recover listed species and has fostered conflict over land use and scientific determinations that frustrate cooperative conservation efforts. The Article aims to take stock of the ESA’s success and failures during its first fifty years, particularly with regard the conservation of species habitat on private land. While the Act authorizes powerful regulatory tools for species conservation, there are serious questions as to whether such tools are the most effective means of conserving species and the habitats on which they rely. Given that most species rely upon private land for their survival, the Act’s ability to foster private land conservation is will affect the law’s overall success.

Health parameters for wild Carnaby's cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) nestlings in Western Australia: results of a long-term study

ABSTRACT The collection of baseline health data is an essential component of an endangered species conservation program. As for many wildlife species, there are minimal health data available for wild populations of the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris). In this study, 426 wild Carnaby’s cockatoo nestlings were sampled from nine breeding sites throughout the range of the species over an 11-year period. In addition to a physical examination, samples were collected to test for hematologic and biochemical parameters, psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), avian polyomavirus (APV), psittacine adenovirus, psittacine herpesvirus, Chlamydia, disease serology and endoparasites. Environmental sampling was performed to screen for BFDV and APV in nest hollows. Descriptive health data are presented for nestlings of this species, with BFDV, APV and Chlamydia infections reported. Reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical parameters are presented in three age groups, and factors affecting blood analytes and body condition index are discussed. This longitudinal dataset provides insights into health parameters for Carnaby’s cockatoo nestlings and a reference for future monitoring of breeding populations.

Охрана и использование генофонда флоры бассейна реки Аргун

Introduction. The Russian Federation has adopted a Strategy for the conservation of rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi for the period until 2030 (Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 17, 2014 No. 212), developed in accordance with the principles and norms of international law, the Fundamentals of State Policy in the field of environmental development of the Russian Federation for the period until 2030 and other regulatory legal acts. The goal of the Strategy is to ensure on a long-term basis the conservation and restoration of rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi in the interests of sustainable development of the Russian Federation. Purpose of the study: to analyze the species of flora of the Argun River basin and develop recommendations for expanding the list of plants to be protected. Materials and methods of research. Rare and protected species and floristic complexes with different habitats within the Argun River basin were selected as the object of study. The material for the study was obtained during expeditionary trips for observations and herbarium collections in the period 2018-2022. in various parts of this territory. Results and its discussion. As a result of our research in the Argun River basin, we identified 132 species (or 8.5% of the total flora) that are subject to protection. Almost half are species of categories I and II, i.e. local endemics and subendemics, constituting 47.0% of all protected taxa. This is the most important part of the gene pool, of which species of the first category require special attention - local endemics - carriers of a unique gene pool that are subject to priority protection. Conclusion. The presence of narrowly local endemics in the flora also emphasizes its originality. It is advisable to include the entire Itum-Kalinsky floristic region in the territory of the Sovetsky biological reserve. Thus, many “Red Book” species, most of which are found only in this area, will be taken under real protection. These are Astracantha denudata, Berberis vulgaris, Сeltis glabrata, Cerasus incana, Cladochaeta candidissima Clenmatis integrifolia, Colutea orientalis, Cotynus coggygria, Crambe grandiflora, Dianthus daghestanicus, Ephedra procera, Fumana procumbens, Galanthus caucasicus, Gentiana grossheimii, Hippophae rhamnoides, Iris pumila, Gladiolus tenuis , Juniperus oblonga, Mandenovia komarovii, Medicago daghestanica, Notholaena maranthae, Omphalodes rupestris, Scabiosa rotata, Stipa caucasica, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, Xanthobrychys majorovii. Resume. The article provides information about protected and recommended plant species in the Argun River basin. It has been established that almost half of the species include species of categories I and II, i.e. local endemics and subendemics, constituting 47.0% of all protected taxa. It has been determined that for all species it is necessary to comply with the requirements of maintaining the Red Book. It was revealed that for the first time for the Argun River basin, an inventory of the flora was carried out and its comprehensive analysis was carried out. Plant species in need of protection have been identified and prospects for the economic use of flora have been determined. Phytosozological data can be used in maintaining the regional Red Book and as a project for amending it. Information of a utilitarian nature can be used in the economic sphere of the population, and the scientific component can be used in the educational process of regional universities as disciplines with botanical content.

The Negative Investment List Policy in Indonesia: A Review of Free Trade and the Conservation of Endangered Fish Species

This study examines and analyzes the problems arising from the interaction between Indonesian investment measures and compliance with the international trade regime. This study uses a normative legal research method. The collected legal material is then qualitatively analyzed to describe the problem and answer the study objectives. The results show that Indonesia has successfully justified the alignment of its Negative Investment List policy regarding endangered fish species, listed in Appendix I of CITES juncto Article XX of the GATT 1994. On another note, the Dispute Settlement Body may issue rulings with differing considerations. Nonetheless, the WTO Agreement and CITES are provisions established to provide adequate negotiation space for all their members. Thus, CITES and WTO member states should refrain from raising disputes over Indonesia’s investment measures if it restricts their economic interests and market access within Indonesia. Therefore, it is recommended that the WTO and CITES members recognize and appreciate the Negative Investment List policy in maintaining a balance between investment development and the protection of endangered fish species. Furthermore, stakeholders are urged to delve deeper into the principles and objectives of the WTO and CITES Agreements. Additionally, the members of the relevant organizations must collaborate in a spirit of solidarity and environmental awareness, prioritizing dialogue, consultation, and negotiation over dispute legal action that could complicate the situation. In this context, multilateral dialogue can serve as an effective platform for mediating diverse interests and seeking sustainable solutions that benefit the economy and the conservation of endangered fish species.

The importance of urban areas in supporting vulnerable and endangered mammals

AbstractThe fragmentation of habitats associated with urbanisation poses a significant threat to already vulnerable and endangered mammal species. While the county of Dorset has been identified as one of the UK’s biodiversity hotspots, it is characterised by large-scale urbanisation and intensive agriculture. Focusing on the largest urban area of Dorset—the conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole—this study aims to investigate the importance of urban areas in supporting vulnerable and endangered mammals by comparing it to four other major land cover categories in the county: arable & horticulture, grassland, woodland, and heathland. The study utilises data collected by the county’s environmental records department through mainly volunteer-contributed ad-hoc sighting data of 10 872 georeferenced mammal records collected between 2000 and 2018. Our findings reveal that, despite having significantly different mammal communities to all other land covers, urban land cover was shown to host four out of five of the vulnerable and endangered species recorded in this study. These included the European rabbit (vulnerable on the IUCN red list), hazel dormouse (vulnerable on the UK red list), West European hedgehog (vulnerable on the UK red list) and European water vole (endangered on the UK red list). Our findings highlight the significance of urban areas as important habitats for mammal biodiversity, presenting an opportunity for the conservation of specific vulnerable and endangered species. Despite limitations in ad-hoc sighting data, our analysis indicates an overrepresentation of certain 'charismatic' species, like foxes and hedgehogs, in urban samples, likely due to their high intrinsic value to the population. While the recognition of urban habitats for 'red list' species is growing, it is also important to acknowledge the relative importance of charismatic species to urban human communities in conservation and management strategies.

An Appropriate Genetic Approach to Endangered Podolian Grey Cattle in the Context of Preserving Biodiversity and Sustainable Conservation of Genetic Resources

In the context of the general phenomenon of diminishing genetic diversity, especially in cattle, the conservation of endangered species plays a primary role. The disappearance of some animal populations can irreparably affect the biodiversity of genetic resources. Among the most ancient European cattle are breeds that belong to the Podolian group, the history of which is still not well established. The common origin of these breeds is the wild ox (Bos taurus primigenius), which has been declared extinct since the 17th century. The purpose of this paper is to highlight and compare the latest studies on the origin, evolution, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic relationships of Podolian cattle, with special emphasis on the endangered Romanian Grey Steppe. The importance of studying these cattle derives from the special biological properties by which they have distinguished themselves over time (adaptability and resistance to diseases, severe climate and habitat conditions, hardiness, and longevity). The bibliographic references reviewed in this study confirm that these breeds are carriers of valuable genes that must be preserved for improvement of other cattle and protection of biodiversity. The information presented represents a valuable tool for efforts to conserve endangered cattle.

Modelling Predator–Prey Interactions: A Trade-Off between Seasonality and Wind Speed

Predator–prey interactions do not solely depend on biotic factors: rather, they depend on many other abiotic factors also. One such abiotic factor is wind speed, which can crucially change the predation efficiency of the predator population. In this article, the impact of wind speed along with seasonality on various parameters has been investigated. Here, we present two continuous-time models with specialist and generalist type predators incorporating the effect of wind and the seasonality on the model parameters. It has been observed that wind speed plays a significant role in controlling the system dynamics for both systems. It makes the systems stable for both of the seasonally unperturbed systems. However, it controls the chaotic dynamics that occur in case of no wind for the seasonally perturbed system with the predator as a specialist. On the other hand, for the seasonally perturbed system with a generalist predator, it controls period-four oscillations (which occur considering no wind speed) to simple limit-cycle oscillations. Furthermore, the wind parameter has a huge impact on the survival of predator species. The survival of predator species may be achieved by ensuring a suitable range of wind speeds in the ecosystem. Therefore, we observe that seasonality introduces chaos, but wind reduces it. These results may be very useful for adopting necessary management for the conservation of endangered species that are massively affected by wind speed in an ecosystem.

The estimated carbon stored in Underutilized Fruit Trees (UFTs) collection of Cibodas and Cibinong Botanic Gardens

Trees are the largest carbon stores in tropical forests, where each species has different biomass and carbon sequestration. Information on biodiversity potential is essential for the conservation of endangered species, especially underutilized species, such as Underutilized Fruit Trees (UFTs). These UFTs were collected from various regions in Indonesia, representing trees that generally grow in lowland to mountain forest ecosystems, then these trees were replanted in Cibodas Botanic Gardens and Cibinong Botanic Gardens as living collection. This research aims to determine the role of UFT in ecosystem function as carbon storage. Sampling carried out using a purposive sampling method to determine the UFT species. The allometric equations is used to determine biomass, while to determine carbon content the UFT species analysis using C/N analyzer. The research result show that the highest potential for carbon storage and absorption is found in Castanopsis argentea, while Eugenia uniflora wood has the highest carbon content, namely 45.86%. Syzygium pycnanthum wood has the lowest carbon content (35.76%). Considering the highest potential of UFT as a carbon stock, information about other species of UFTs is important for determining carbon in modelling carbon trading, since this species is widely cultivated on agroforestry land.

Cloning for the Twenty-First Century and Its Place in Endangered Species Conservation.

Cloning as it relates to the animal kingdom generally refers to the production of genetically identical individuals. Because cloning is increasingly the subject of renewed attention as a tool for rescuing endangered or extinct species, it seems timely to dissect the role of the numerous reproductive techniques encompassed by this term in animal species conservation. Although cloning is typically associated with somatic cell nuclear transfer, the recent advent of additional techniques that allow genome replication without genetic recombination demands that the use of induced pluripotent stem cells to generate gametes or embryos, as well as older methods such as embryo splitting, all be included in this discussion. Additionally, the phenomenon of natural cloning (e.g., a subset of fish, birds, invertebrates, and reptilian species that reproduce via parthenogenesis) must also be pointed out. Beyond the biology of these techniques are practical considerations and the ethics of using cloning and associated procedures in endangered or extinct species. All of these must be examined in concert to determine whether cloning has a place in species conservation. Therefore, we synthesize progress in cloning and associated techniques and dissect the practical and ethical aspects of these methods as they pertain to endangered species conservation.

IoT-Based Object-Detection System to Safeguard Endangered Animals and Bolster Agricultural Farm Security

Significant threats to ecological equilibrium and sustainable agriculture are posed by the extinction of animal species and the subsequent effects on farms. Farmers face difficult decisions, such as installing electric fences to protect their farms, although these measures can harm animals essential for maintaining ecological equilibrium. To tackle these essential issues, our research introduces an innovative solution in the form of an object-detection system. In this research, we designed and implemented a system that leverages the ESP32-CAM platform in conjunction with the YOLOv8 object-detection model. Our proposed system aims to identify endangered species and harmful animals within farming environments, providing real-time alerts to farmers and endangered wildlife by integrating a cloud-based alert system. To train the YOLOv8 model effectively, we meticulously compiled diverse image datasets featuring these animals in agricultural settings, subsequently annotating them. After that, we tuned the hyperparameter of the YOLOv8 model to enhance the performance of the model. The results from our optimized YOLOv8 model are auspicious. It achieves a remarkable mean average precision (mAP) of 92.44% and an impressive sensitivity rate of 96.65% on an unseen test dataset, firmly establishing its efficacy. After achieving an optimal result, we employed the model in our IoT system and when the system detects the presence of these animals, it immediately activates an audible buzzer. Additionally, a cloud-based system was utilized to notify neighboring farmers effectively and alert animals to potential danger. This research’s significance lies in its potential to drive the conservation of endangered species while simultaneously mitigating the agricultural damage inflicted by these animals.

Investigating how relational values influence landowner participation in an endangered species conservation program

Research investigating landowner engagement in endangered species conservation (ESC) frequently cites value conflicts between landowners and ESC institutions, such as Voluntary Incentive Programs (VIPs), as driving landowner disinterest in VIPs. Existing ESC policy design mechanisms are incapable of resolving deficient engagement as they incorporate landowner values into decision-making without consideration of the meanings landowners attach to relationships with their land (i.e. Relational Values [RVs]). To identify RVs motivating ESC and points of alignment between landowner values and VIPs, we conducted 24 interviews with landowners about a VIP in East-central Texas. Results revealed that the program aligned with stewardship and management values but interfered with RVs of autonomy and social responsibility. Moreover, VIPs failed to provide incentives to compensate such losses. Bridging the rift between hegemonically designed VIPs and the values motivating ESC requires grassroots efforts to identify and incorporate landowner values into incentive structures that enhance and enable RVs motivating ESC.

Determining Minnesota bee species' distributions and phenologies with the help of participatory science.

The Minnesota Bee Atlas project contributed new information about bee distributions, phenologies, and community structure by mobilizing participatory science volunteers to document bees statewide. Volunteers submitted iNaturalist (©2016 California Academy of Sciences) photograph observations, monitored nest-traps for tunnel-nesting bees, and conducted roadside observational bumble bee surveys. By pairing research scientists and participatory science volunteers, we overcame geographic and temporal challenges to document the presence, phenologies, and abundances of species. Minnesota Bee Atlas project observations included new state records for Megachile inimica, Megachile frugalis, Megachile sculpturalis, Osmia georgica, Stelis permaculata, and Bombus nevadensis, nesting phenology for 17 species, a new documentation of bivoltinism for Megachile relativa in Minnesota, and over 500 observations of the endangered species Bombus affinis. We also expanded known ranges for 16 bee species compared with specimens available from the University of Minnesota (UMN) Insect Collection. Surveys with standardized effort across the state found ecological province associations for six tunnel-nesting species and lower bumble bee abundance in the Prairie Parkland ecological province than the Laurentian Mixed Forest or Eastern Broadleaf Forest ecological provinces, indicating potential benefit of a focus on bumble bee habitat management in the Prairie Parkland. Landcover analysis found associations for four tunnel-nesting species, as well as a possible association of B. affinis with developed areas. These data can inform management decisions affecting pollinator conservation and recovery of endangered species. By engaging over 2,500 project volunteers and other iNaturalist users, we also promoted conservation action for pollinators through our educational programs and interactions.

Integrating community insights into leopard and tiger conservation: Lessons from the Indian sub-Himalayan forest

The coexistence of humans and wildlife often leads to conflicts that could create negative attitudes toward predators like tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus), resulting in retaliatory killings or a lack of support for conservation efforts. However, human-wildlife cohabitation is critical for the long-term conservation of several endangered species. Effective conservation in this setting demands an understanding of local perspectives toward wildlife. This study surveyed forest villagers in India’s Buxa Tiger Reserve regarding their opinions on leopard and tiger conservation. Attitudes of 345 households across 10 forest villages were analyzed using a five-point Likert scale and a Generalized Ordered Logistic model, revealing predominant positive inclinations toward conservation, particularly for leopards. Positive views on leopard conservation were common among men, non-tribal communities, larger households, and Buxa East Division residents. Besides, positive attitudes toward tiger conservation were prevalent among men, villagers belonging to the Hindu religion, larger households, higher annual incomes, and the residents of Buxa East Division. The study proposes gender-specific approaches, alternative livelihoods, awareness campaigns, and spatial planning to bolster the conservation of leopards and tigers. The findings of this study hold global significance in promoting co-habitation strategies, fostering a landscape where both humans and apex predators can coexist harmoniously while enabling local residents to take an increased responsibility for biodiversity conservation.