Conservation Practices Research Articles

Accelerating and standardising IUCN Red List assessments with sRedList

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species underpins much decision-making in conservation and plays a key role in monitoring the status and trends of biodiversity. However, the shortage of funds and assessor capacity slows the uptake of novel data and techniques, hampering its currency, applicability, consistency and long-term viability. To help address this, we developed sRedList, a user-friendly online platform that assists Red List assessors through a step-by-step process to estimate key parameters in a standardised and reproducible fashion. Through the platform, assessors can swiftly generate outputs including species' range maps, lists of countries of occurrence, lower and upper bounds of area of occupancy, habitat preferences, trends in area of habitat, and levels of fragmentation. sRedList is compliant with the IUCN Red List guidelines and outputs are interoperable with the Species Information Service (SIS; the IUCN Red List database) in support of global, regional and national assessments and reassessments. sRedList can also help assessors prioritise species for reassessment. sRedList was released in October 2023, with a complete documentation package (including text documentation, ‘cheatsheets’, and 15 video tutorials), and will soon be highlighted in the official Red List online training course. sRedList will help to bridge the gap between extinction risk research and Red List assessment practice, increase the taxonomic coverage and consistency of assessments, and ensure the IUCN Red List is up-to-date to best support conservation policy and practice across the world.

Bond market access and corporate financing decisions: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment

This study investigates how bond market access affects corporate financing decisions. Employing a difference-in-differences approach based on a reform in China and a sample of listed firms from 2010 to 2020, we find significant increases in bond issuance and bond financing for firms with high ex-ante equity costs. The effect is stronger for firms not audited by Big 4 auditors, having more negative news coverage, and exhibiting less conservative accounting practices. While increasing bond financing, firms decrease bank loans and leave debt ratios unchanged. Our findings indicate that firms hop among financing sources based on market accessibility and capital costs.

A scalable and normalized reef status index for assessing fish trophic structure reveals conservation gaps

The trophic structure of ecosystems, reflecting biomass distribution across different levels, is paramount for understanding energy dynamics and community assemblages in marine environments. Typically, ecosystems devoid of external energy influx exhibit a bottom-heavy trophic pyramid, yet higher biomass systems often display a top heavy or concave distribution. Such structures are susceptible to alterations due to species turnover, trophic cascades, and anthropogenic impacts, particularly the phenomenon of ’Fishing down’ the food web. Recognizing the trophic structure as a simplified yet potent indicator, we identify the necessity for a standardized, expedient method to assess reef health—a criterion fulfilled by our Normalized Reef Status Index (NRSI). The NRSI offers a novel metric for scientists and conservation practitioners to augment traditional reef health assessments. Utilizing the NRSI, we assessed the ecological status of 346 reefs across the Mexican Pacific. Our results demonstrated that only reefs within Fully Protected areas conform to the concave trophic structure indicative of low human interference. In stark contrast, unprotected reefs exhibited a depleted trophic architecture, often devoid of apex predators. This depletion not only threatens coastal livelihoods and food security but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems critical to sustaining global ecological functions. Through the NRSI, we provide a robust, scalable tool for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts, underscoring the urgent need to address human-induced trophic disruptions.

Beyond Phu-Tai Matmii Handwoven Silk Fabric: Weaving Pattern Design, Ancestral Wisdom, and Originality

Handwoven silk patterns are vital to transferring ancestral assets, which plays a crucial role in preserving ethnic silk heritage in northeast Thailand. However, traditional weaving patterns are not preserved following the handwoven silk pattern, transferring ancestral wisdom, thus originality becomes a seriously endangered conservation practice. This research aims to explore how weaving pattern design, ancestral wisdom, and originality of Phu-Tai Matmii handwoven silk fabric is maintained in Kalasin province. An ethnonarrative research was conducted using a purposive sampling technique of 20 Phu-Tai Matmii handwoven silk groups in Somdet district, Kalasin province, northeast Thailand. Face-to-face in-depth interview transcripts of data were performed using an interpretive thematic analysis (themes, familiarization, coding, quotations, and writing up). The first theme is reweaving pattern designs, with subthemes of sketching pattern, color dyeing, yarn spinning, and combine pattern techniques. The second theme is ancestral wisdom, including the subthemes of pattern imitation, trials, practice, weaving, and finished silk products. The third theme is original identity along with subthemes of pattern perception, pattern communication, pattern values, pattern culture, and pattern identity.

Capacity and capability of remote sensing to inform invasive plant species management in the Pacific Islands region.

The Pacific Islands region is home to several of the world's biodiversity hotspots, yet its unique flora and fauna are under threat because of biological invasions. These invasions are likely to proliferate as human activity increases and large-scale natural disturbances unfold, exacerbated by climate change. Remote sensing data and techniques provide a feasible method to map and monitor invasive plant species and inform invasive plant species management across the Pacific Islands region. We used case studies taken from literature retrieved from Google Scholar, 3 regional agencies' digital libraries, and 2 online catalogs on invasive plant species management to examine the uptake and challenges faced in the implementation of remote sensing technology in the Pacific region. We synthesized remote sensing techniques and outlined their potential to detect and map invasive plant species based on species phenology, structural characteristics, and image texture algorithms. The application of remote sensing methods to detect invasive plant species was heavily reliant on species ecology, extent of invasion, and available geospatial and remotely sensed image data. However, current mechanisms that support invasive plant species management, including policy frameworks and geospatial data infrastructure, operated in isolation, leading to duplication of efforts and creating unsustainable solutions for the region. For remote sensing to support invasive plant species management in the region, key stakeholders including conservation managers, researchers, and practitioners; funding agencies; and regional organizations must invest, where possible, in the broader geospatial and environmental sector, integrate, and streamline policies and improve capacity and technology access.

Did we achieve what we aimed for? Assessing the outcomes of a human–carnivore conflict mitigation and coexistence project in Europe

Monitoring and evaluation practices, demanded by nature conservation project donors, often focus on practical outputs, leaving the assessment of intended short and medium‐term outcomes and long‐term impacts challenging. This study employs a merger of the conflict intervention triangle model (CITM) and its three dimensions relationship, substance, and process, together with the logical framework approach (LFA) within the context of a human–wildlife conflict and coexistence (HWCC) project (LIFE EuroLargeCarnivores) in order to assess project correlated outcomes on stakeholder level over time.Two stakeholder surveys were conducted across 14 project partner countries, capturing baseline perceptions in 2018 and assessing changes in 2021. To assess the actual influence of the project with its focus on conflict mitigation, we applied an ex post counterfactual analysis. Results indicate positive developments in all dimensions of the CITM. The influence of the project is demonstrated by statistically significant differences in response behavior between participants and non‐participants of project interventions. The overall outcome regarding beliefs in satisfactory future management of increasing large carnivore populations, is more intricate. Significant differences are observed among three selected main stakeholder categories over the project's timeframe. While nature conservationists maintain high confidence levels, confidence of hunters and livestock raisers declined. However, results for participants of project interventions depict a significantly lower decline in confidence compared to non‐participants. Based on our findings, we provide insights how to efficiently evaluate outcomes of HWCC projects, offering recommendations for wildlife conservation practitioners. We conclude that HWCC projects are important also and especially in times of unfavorable frame conditions. Rigorous evaluation methods are essential to ensure efficient use of resources in order to maximize the outcomes of HWCC projects. The study highlights the need for long‐term evaluation to assess broader impacts at country, regional, and sector levels.

What drives European farmers' attitude towards water management - a systematic literature approach

Considering challenges related to climate change, projected population growth, and increasing food demand, the long-term use of water in agriculture is becoming a pressing concern. Therefore, effective water resource management by farmers is crucial and warrants extensive scientific investigation. Consequently, the primary objective of this article was to identify pertinent studies addressing farmers' approaches, attitudes, and actions concerning water management and the adoption of water innovations. The review was conducted using the PRISMA method, serving as the foundation for subsequent quantitative and qualitative analyses. The findings suggest that water management in agriculture is gaining significance due to increasing exposure to the risk of limited water availability and complement to adapt to changing climate conditions. Previous research has predominantly focused on selected southern regions of Europe. Farmers' attitudes toward water management are primarily influenced by socio-economic and institutional factors. Education emerged as a crucial determinant in encouraging farmers to use water conservation practices.

From ‘Objects’ to ‘Sustainable Development’: The Evolution of Architectural Heritage Conservation in Theory and Practice

From ‘Objects’ to ‘Sustainable Development’: The Evolution of Architectural Heritage Conservation in Theory and Practice

Sustainable cotton farming trends: Leveraging natural resource survey insights for U.S. cotton production

Cotton cultivation in the United States is relevant globally, with the nation ranking among the top producers and exporters. This study examines conservation practice adoption trends and technological advancements in U.S. cotton production, focusing on sustainability and productivity. Efforts to improve cotton farming practices have reduced its environmental impacts, including decreased soil loss, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Precision agriculture technologies have been instrumental in enhancing efficiency and reducing input costs, albeit with varying degrees of success. To gain deeper insights into cotton grower challenges and needs, a Natural Resource Survey was conducted in 2023 with 753 respondents. As a follow-up to the 2008 and 2015 surveys, the insights from this survey provide valuable data on grower practices and priorities, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on cotton production. The findings underscore the importance of conservation agriculture and ongoing research to address grower concerns while improving production efficiency. Particularly noteworthy are the outcomes indicating an increase in cover crop adoption and a decrease in tillage practices, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics shaping the U.S. cotton industry and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for continual improvement in U.S. cotton cultivation.

Community-based Ecotourism in Protected Areas towards Inclusive Development-An Evidence of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of India

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) is one of the tourism segments used to protect the natural environment by the host communities in many countries; however, empirical studies involving active involvement, understanding, and level of satisfaction of the community and tourists in various ecotourism projects are still scarce in the context of developing countries. Thus, this study empirically examines the potential of community-based ecotourism in and around the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWS) from the perspectives of the community and tourists in Odisha, India. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire prepared based on an expert view. In this study, both descriptive and exploratory research designs were considered the most appropriate. A total of 470 respondents participated in this study. Cronbach’s α was used to ensure reliability and validity of the instrument used for the survey. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0. Collected data were tested for outliers using stem and leaf chart analysis, and all data were normally distributed for further analysis. Finally, a clear picture of the study was drawn based on the analysis and interpretation. The ANOVA (F-test) results demonstrated that community-based ecotourism was quite significant for inclusive development and conservation practices, as supported by all five statistically significant explanatory factors. The one-way ANOVA test for Hypothesis 1 found that community-based eco-tourism can be leveraged as a unique selling point (USP) to boost tourism in Odisha. Furthermore, one-way ANOVA was used to test the second hypothesis, which demonstrated that community-based ecotourism raises awareness within the local population about the importance of protecting Odisha's tourism resources. Similarly, the t-test results demonstrated that tourists and communities do not differ significantly in terms of satisfaction with event settings, art and craft, performance, infrastructure, guide services, and information. The findings of the study revealed that CBET was a major tool for promoting Odisha Tourism and creating awareness among the local community for the conservation of protected areas to embrace sustainability. Practical implications have been suggested for policy improvement in Odisha Tourism.

From Tradition to Action: The Potential of Community Empowerment Through Local Wisdom for Sustainable Environmental Protection Practices

Local wisdom is the values, norms, and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation in a community group. This research aims to explore the potential for community empowerment through local wisdom values in the context of protection environmental practices in the community of Lawang Agung Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with case study analysis techniques. Data collection was carried out by conducting systematic observations and in-depth interviews with participants and supported by documentary data to strengthen the results of research analysis. The informants in this study totalled 8 people consisting of 2 community leaders, 2 traditional leaders, and 4 people who play an active role in various cultural activities in the research locus area and have participated in cultural and environmental communities for more than 5 years. All research data were collected and reduced within the research boundaries so that the research results could be presented in accordance with the research objectives. The research analysis will be interpreted to develop a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study. The research results show several things including: (1) Lawang Agung Village has a long history of practicing local wisdom and using natural resources wisely. (2) The spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and community cohesiveness is starting to fade due to the impact of individualism and modernization, shifting collective priorities to achieve personal gain. (3) The potential for empowerment for environmental conservation practices can be optimized with the stages of identifying empowerment potential, planning and organizing, implementing, and disseminating results/experiences. (4) Integration of spiritual values is also an important step in strengthening the transformation of local wisdom values into concrete actions in sustainable environmental conservation practices. The implication of the findings of this research is the exploration of various potentials of local wisdom values to strengthen environmentally wise behavior by integrating them in people's daily lives. This research also contributes to the strengthening of the theory and practice of environmental empowerment that prioritizes the local wisdom of the community.

Visitors’ Environmental Conservation Behaviour in the Mountain Tourism Destinations in Pakistan

This study investigates the environmental conservation behavior of visitors in mountain tourism destinations across Pakistan, with theoretical support drawn from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Norm Activation Model (NAM), and the Visitor Impact Management (VIM) Framework. With the growing popularity of mountain tourism, concerns regarding its environmental impact have become increasingly pertinent. Understanding the behavior of visitors towards conservation practices is essential for sustainable tourism management. Utilizing a mixed methodology, together with reviews and interviews, this research aims to explore the attitudes, motivations, and actions of tourists towards environmental conservation in Pakistan's mountainous regions. By analyzing data collected from both domestic and international tourists, this study seeks to identify key factors influencing visitors' conservation behavior, such as awareness levels, socio-cultural backgrounds, and perceptions of responsibility. Furthermore, it examines the ability of current conservation initiatives and the potential for enhancing environmental education and awareness among tourists. The findings of this research will add to the expansion of strategies and policies aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices in Pakistan's mountain destinations, ensuring the preservation of natural resources and the long-term possibility of the travel industry.

Growth Characteristics, Yield Attributes and Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management and Moisture Conservation Practice

Growth Characteristics, Yield Attributes and Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management and Moisture Conservation Practice

Digital transformation anxiety: absorptive capacity, dynamic capability, and digital innovation performance

PurposeThis study proposes the novel construct of digital transformation anxiety and investigates its effect, which is mediated by absorptive capacity and dynamic capability, on digital innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a questionnaire survey among Taiwanese manufacturing and service companies to verify the research framework. A total of 130 valid responses were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and bootstrapping to test direct and mediation effects, respectively.FindingsDigital transformation anxiety negatively affects absorptive capacity and dynamic capability, whereas absorptive capacity and dynamic capability positively affect digital innovation performance. Dynamic capability more strongly mediates the association between digital transformation anxiety and digital innovation performance than absorptive capacity. Additionally, digital transformation anxiety does not negatively affect digital innovation performance. Finally, manufacturing companies had significantly higher levels of digital transformation anxiety than service companies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study proposes the novel construct of digital transformation anxiety to address a gap in the literature. Digital transformation anxiety leads companies to adopt unnecessarily conservative practices, preventing them from flexibly responding to technological advances. This insight highlights the negative effect of such anxiety on absorptive capacity and dynamic capability, extending the application of path dependency theory to companies. The findings underscore the value of enhancing dynamic capability and reallocating resources to foster digital innovation. The study identified and explored the concept of digital transformation anxiety and extended the perspective of dynamic capability to include digital transformation and digital innovation.Practical implicationsThe current findings indicate that digital transformation anxiety does not substantially affect digital innovation performance in Taiwanese companies. Consequently, Taiwanese companies should focus on developing their absorptive capacity and dynamic capability to enhance digital innovation.Originality/valueThe study proposes the novel construct of digital transformation anxiety and explores its effect on business units. It presents a pioneering framework derived from path dependence theory and the perspective of dynamic capability.

Blood product transfusion practices in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Blood product transfusion is a common practice in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). The advantages and disadvantages of conservative or liberal transfusion practices in this fragile population are unknown. Study aims to characterize the transfusion practices in infants with HIE and investigate the association with outcome. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single level IV NICU, evaluating transfusion thresholds, as well as the association between hematological abnormalities or blood product transfusions and outcomes in infants admitted with HIE. By univariate analysis, FFP transfusion was associated with increased in-hospital death. However, multivariate analysis adjusting for HIE severity demonstrated no association between hematological abnormality or blood product transfusion and death, nor with neurodevelopmental impairment. No association was found between hematological blood product transfusion and death or neurodevelopmental impairment in a retrospective single NICU study of infants with HIE.

Developing new tools to de‐risk wildlife occupancy on private lands

AbstractPrivate lands support much of the biodiversity in North America, but supporting wildlife can be costly for landowners. Innovative tools are needed to reduce the risks that wildlife pose to private landowners while conserving biodiversity. Here, we present a range of innovative tools that have effectively been used to “de‐risk” wildlife occupancy of private lands in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Lessons learned from these risk reduction strategies inform conservation more broadly by highlighting the importance of economic and risk‐management considerations to wildlife conservation on private lands. Incorporating de‐risking tools into the wildlife conservation toolbox can help conservation practitioners more strategically allocate resources to benefit wildlife and the private lands that help support them.

Historical Hazard Assessment of Climate and Land Use–Land Cover Effects on Soil Erosion Using Remote Sensing: Case Study of Oman

Human activities, climate change, and land-use alterations accelerated soil erosion in recent decades and imposed significant threats to soil fertility and stability worldwide. Understanding and quantifying the spatiotemporal variation of soil erosion risks is crucial for adopting the best management practices for surface soils conservation. Here, we present a novel high-resolution (30 m) soil erosion framework based on the G2 erosion model by integrating satellite and reanalysis datasets and Machine Learning (ML) models to assess soil erosion risks and hazards spatiotemporally. The proposed method reflects the impacts of climate change in 1 h time resolutions and land use in 30 m scales on soil erosion risks for almost 4 decades (between 1985 and 2017). The soil erosion hazardous maps were generated/evaluated using Extreme Value Analysis (EVA), utilizing long-term annual soil erosion estimations/projections to aid policymakers in developing management strategies to protect lands against extreme erosion. The proposed framework is evaluated in the Sultanate of Oman, which lacks soil erosion estimation/assessment studies due to data scarcity. Results indicate that soil erosion has increasing perilous trends in high altitudes of the Sultanate of Oman that may cause substantial risks to soil health and stability.

Transforming crocodile traceability: Deep metric learning for identifying Siamese crocodiles

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

Determinant of importance-performance and willingness to participate in Komodo adaptive conservation programs

This study delves into the evaluation of the Komodo dragons Adaptive Conservation Program (KACP) at Komodo National Park in Indonesia through Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). It aims to understand how the programs components align with community priorities and assess its effectiveness. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research analyzes community perceptions of KACP’s critical elements, spanning eco-tourism initiatives to environmental protection strategies. The community is categorized into local advocates, eco-tourism enthusiasts, and eco-community harmonizers, identifying how each group perceives and interacts with various facets of KACP. The findings reveal significant differences in perceptions of importance and performance among these groups, providing insights into areas of strength and those needing improvement. Additionally, the study includes an analysis of demographic influences on these perceptions through Logit and Probit models, aiming to understand the impacts across different community segments. The results highlight the necessity for an adaptive and responsive design in conservation efforts, considering community expectations and ecological impacts. Despite offering comprehensive insights, the study acknowledges limitations in the demographic scope and suggests future research directions, such as longitudinal studies and an expanded analysis of variables. These findings offer critical guidance for policymakers and conservation practitioners to enhance conservation programs’ effectiveness and community alignment, emphasizing the need to adapt to the challenges and changes introduced by KACP.

Pertanian Terpadu dan Dukungan Lembaga Lokal dalam Upaya Konservasi DAS Hulu Desa Beruk Jatiyoso Karanganyar

<p><em>The sustainable management of natural resources is crucial for maintaining ecosystem sustainability and ensuring long-term fulfillment of basic needs. Farmers in Beruk Village, residing in the upstream area of the Watershed (DAS), are able to meet their basic needs through farming on steep landslide-prone land, which should ideally be designated as conservation areas. The research aims to examine integrated farming practices, assess local institutional support in conservation activities, and identify the sustainability of conservation-based farming efforts. The study employs a qualitative method, conducted in Beruk Village, Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. Fifteen informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data analysis utilized the interactive inductive analysis approach by Miles and Huberman. The research findings indicate that farmers in Beruk Village practice integrated farming systems that combine food, feed, and fertilizer concepts. Local institutional support from Beruk Village includes active participation of members in various conservation activities. The study concludes that farmers in Beruk Village implement integrated farming systems combining food, feed, and fertilizer concepts, but not all farmers apply conservation principles in their farming practices. The study recommends enhancing education and intensive training for farmers on the benefits and techniques of implementing conservation practices. This could be achieved through collaboration with educational institutions, local governments, and non-governmental organizations.</em></p>