Conservation Practices Research Articles

Environmental (and random?) sex determination in endangered and invasive Phelsuma geckos.

Sex is a fundamental characteristic of an individual. It is therefore puzzling why in some systems sex is precisely determined by a genotype, while in others it is influenced by the environment or even subtle, not to say random, factors. Some stochasticity in sex determination would be expected if environmental conditions did not have a large sex-specific effect on fitness. Although data are only available for a small fraction of species, geckos show exceptional variability in sex determination. We tested the effects of three incubation temperatures on sex ratio and adult body size in the invasive gecko Phelsuma laticauda and the vulnerable gecko Phelsuma nigristriata. We document temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in both species. Only females hatched at a low temperature (24 °C), whereas male production peaked at an intermediate temperature (29 °C) and declined, at least in P. laticauda, again at the highest temperature (31 °C). Interestingly, full siblings hatched from eggs glued together during the incubation at temperatures producing both sexes are often of the opposite sex. We found no significant effect of incubation temperature on adult body length. Documentation of TSD in the day geckos has implications for conservation practice in environmental management of endangered species or eradication of invasive species. However, it appears that a very subtle (random?) factor may also be involved in their sex determination. In line with this, we found no significant effect of incubation temperature on adult body length, suggesting that, at least in this trait, there is no strong selection against producing females at "male" temperatures.

Effect of payment for forest ecosystem services on forest conservation practices in Vietnam

Payment for forest ecosystem services (PFES) policy is a prevalent strategy designed to establish a marketplace where users compensate providers for forest ecosystem services. This research endeavours to scrutinise the impact of PFES on households’ perceptions of forest values and their behaviour towards forest conservation, in conjunction with their socio-economic circumstances and their communal involvement in forest management. By incorporating the social-ecological system framework and the theory of human behaviours in environmental conservation, this study employs a structural equations model to analyse the factors influencing individuals’ perceptions and behaviours towards forest conservation. The findings indicate that the payment of PFES significantly increases forest protection behaviour at the household level and has achieved partial success in activating community mechanisms to guide human behaviour towards forest conservation. Furthermore, it has effectively leveraged the role of state-led social organisations to alter local individuals’ perceptions and behaviours towards forest protection.

Rescuing local knowledge with regards to soil management and fertility in the Amazon Region of Ecuador

Sustainable soil management methods that consider farmers' needs and soil conservation, require the integration of scientific knowledge and farming practices. Therefore, this study has asked a. How do farmers perceive fertility indicators in relation to their management in agriculture? b. What strategies do small farmers implement to maintain soil health on their farmland? c. Are there correlations between scientific findings and farmers' perceptions of soil management indicators and practices in the Ecuadorian Amazon? A total of 287 surveys were applied with 35 questions that covered the general data of the respondent, visible indicators of soil fertility, soil management and conservation practices, as well as knowledge acquisition. The soil scientific data were obtained from the map made by the MAG and FAO (2018) of the locations where the surveys were conducted. The results show that farmers have an in-depth knowledge with respect to soil fertility, identifying several visible indicators, including some plants that indicate productive soils, while utilizing various practices that degrade the soil and others that contribute to soil conservation at the local level. Although the indicators used by the farmers were mainly based on observation, in many respects they coincided with scientific assessments of fertile or infertile soils. These farmers, with their vast practical experience and knowledge accumulated over generations, developed a deep understanding of the telltale signs of soil fertility. There is not always concordance between the two forms of knowledge, however, the synergy between traditional and scientific knowledge illustrates the importance of integrating different forms of knowledge for effective and sustainable land management.

How Does Irrigation with Wastewater Affect the Physical Soil Properties and the Root Growth of Sugarcane under Subsurface Drip?

Studies on the development of the root system can provide important information about responses to different management strategies, such as the use of lower quality water, also evaluating the interaction between plants and the physical properties of the soil. This study tested the hypothesis that irrigation with treated sewage effluent (TSE) supplies the water needs of sugarcane plants, increasing root growth and improving the physical properties of the soil. We evaluated the effects of subsurface dripping with TSE or surface reservoir water (SRW) on the root development of first ratoon cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and the physical properties of dystrophic red latosol. Irrigation treatments were applied at 20 and 40 cm and soil properties were evaluated at soil depth layers of 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–80 cm. We verified that under irrigation with TSE and SRW, shallower soil layers present better porosity, soil aggregation, and aggregate stability conditions, parameters that improve the root system development and plant growth. On the other hand, deeper soil layers have lower macroporosity and higher total clay volume, indicating the possibility of compaction and greater limitations for sugarcane root growth. These results are important for understanding soil quality and provide significant information for agricultural management and for the implementation of sustainable soil conservation practices. This study shows the efficiency of TSE as an alternative water source for sugarcane crops.

Illuminating patterns of firefly abundance using citizen science data and machine learning models

As insect populations decline in many regions, conservation biologists are increasingly tasked with identifying factors that threaten insect species and developing effective strategies for their conservation. One insect group of global conservation concern are fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Although quantitative data on firefly populations are lacking for most species, anecdotal reports suggest that some firefly populations have declined in recent decades. Researchers have hypothesized that North American firefly populations are most threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution, but the importance of these factors in shaping firefly populations has not been rigorously examined at broad spatial scales. Using data from >24,000 surveys (spanning 2008–16) from the citizen science program Firefly Watch, we trained machine learning models to evaluate the relative importance of a variety of factors on bioluminescent firefly populations: pesticides, artificial lights at night, land cover, soil/topography, short-term weather, and long-term climate. Our analyses revealed that firefly abundance was driven by complex interactions among soil conditions (e.g., percent sand composition), climate/weather (e.g., growing degree days), and land cover characteristics (e.g., percent agriculture and impervious cover). Given the significant impact that climactic and weather conditions have on firefly abundance, there is a strong likelihood that firefly populations will be influenced by climate change, with some regions becoming higher quality and supporting larger firefly populations, and others potentially losing populations altogether. Collectively, our results support hypotheses related to factors threatening firefly populations, especially habitat loss, and suggest that climate change may pose a greater threat than appreciated in previous assessments. Thus, future conservation of North American firefly populations will depend upon 1) consistent and continued monitoring of populations via programs like Firefly Watch, 2) efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and 3) insect-friendly conservation practices.

Conserving Evolutionary Potential: Combining Landscape Genomics with Established Methods to Inform Plant Conservation.

Biodiversity conservation requires conserving evolutionary potential-the capacity for wild populations to adapt. Understanding genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics is critical for informing conservation decisions that enhance adaptability and persistence under environmental change. We review how emerging landscape genomic methods provide plant conservation programs with insights into evolutionary dynamics, including local adaptation and its environmental drivers. Landscape genomic approaches that explore relationships between genomic variation and environments complement rather than replace established population genomic and common garden approaches for assessing adaptive phenotypic variation, population structure, gene flow, and demography. Collectively, these approaches inform conservation actions, including genetic rescue, maladaptation prediction, and assisted gene flow. The greatest on-the-ground impacts from such studies will be realized when conservation practitioners are actively engaged in research and monitoring. Understanding the evolutionary dynamics shaping the genetic diversity of wild plant populations will inform plant conservation decisions that enhance the adaptability and persistence of species in an uncertain future.

Indigenous Education System and Environmental Conservation Initiatives for Sustainable Development: Experiences from Nyamwezi in Uyui District, Tanzania

For centuries, African communities in their localities have co-existed with their natural environment in a harmonious manner leading to sustainability of both, the humans and the natural resources base. This co-existence is enabled by what is referred to as the indigenous environmental knowledge system. Indigenous knowledge has always been transferred from one generation to the next through norms, stories and cultural practices. This paper explores Indigenous Education systems and their implications to the conservation practices of the environment in Uyui district in Tabora region. The paper dwells on both primary and secondary data to provide insights on how Indigenous Education Systems embedded with traditional, initiation and local religious affiliation, have been used since time immemorial as one of the indirect initiatives of preserving, protecting and managing natural catchment forests. Random, Snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used to get a total of 120 respondents for this study. The study revealed that local communities in Uyui district have their system of knowledge affiliated with traditions, rituals and taboos which have been used to protect environmental and natural resources since the pre-colonial era up to the post-colonial epoch in Tanzania. The majority of respondents argue that the indigenous knowledge system was practical in protecting the natural resources in the local areas as it was embedded in the taboos, traditional rituals and religious beliefs. Failure or abandonment of the indigenous traditions has led to mismanagement of forest resources and other natural resources. The paper recommends both local and central government incorporate Indigenous knowledge and experiences in their endeavors of protecting and preserving the Environment in Uyui district in Tabora region for sake of sustainable development in Tanzania.

Minimizing the Cost of Overstocking: Towards a Thinning Regime for Community - Managed Pine Plantations in the Central Hills of Nepal

The authors assess the impact of stocking levels on the growth of Pinus Roxburghii and Pinus Patula which were planted in the two central hill districts of Nepal over the past two decades, and are generally overstocked due to conservative thinning practices. An analysis of more than 150 tress at different stocking levels showed that overstocking has reduced volume growth, and if thinning is delayed, this will be equivalent to a loss of over USD 200 per hectare per anum. To maximize income from such plantations, thinning regimes for the two species are also suggested.

Correlation of Visible Reflectance Spectrometry and Portable Raman Data for Red Pigment Identification

The accurate identification of pigments is of principal relevance in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration practices. In this preliminary study, a first attempt to set up a procedure for accurate red pigment identification, based on the assessment of the correlations existing between visible reflectance spectrometry (vis-RS) and Raman data, is presented. The proposed approach involved the realization of a library consisting of data acquired on a set of 35 pure red historical pigments supplied by ©Kremer Pigmente. In particular, vis-RS data, collected through a Konica Minolta CM-2600d spectrophotometer, were registered, together with the position of the Extrema Points (E.P.s) encompassing both the maximum and minimum points of the first derivative of the % spectral reflectance factor (SRF%) curves. Portable Raman spectroscopy measurements were collected by a B&W Tek Inc. portable Raman spectrometer equipped with a 785 nm laser. For each tested pigment, the positions and relative intensities of the characteristic Raman peaks were considered. The library was then tested for the characterization of the red/reddish painted areas of the medieval wall painting located within The Norman Castle of Aci Castello (Catania, Italy), and was shown to be essential for the unambiguous identification of the pigment used. It is worth noting that this study represents the first novel attempt to establish a reliable and efficient methodology for pigment identification, offering promising prospects in reducing uncertainties and ambiguities arising from the application of a single stand-alone approach.

Preserving Roots: A Commitement to Cultural and Heritage Landscape Conservation

Lal Bagh Palace in Indore, India, stands as an architectural marvel and a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. This research paper delves into the multifaceted endeavor of conserving Lal Bagh Palace as a cultural and heritage landscape. Through archival research, site documentation, stakeholder consultations, and community engagement, the study explores the historical significance, architectural features, and socio-cultural context of Lal Bagh Palace. It examines the challenges facing its conservation, including urban development pressures, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable tourism management. The research also evaluates conservation initiatives undertaken to preserve the palace's integrity and authenticity while enhancing its accessibility and relevance to diverse audiences. By synthesizing insights from cultural and heritage conservation, landscape management, and community involvement, the paper proposes holistic strategies for sustaining Lal Bagh Palace as a vibrant cultural asset. This study contributes to the broader discourse on cultural and heritage landscape conservation by offering practical lessons and recommendations applicable to similar historic sites. Keywords: Cultural heritage preservation, Landscape conservation, Cultural roots, Heritage landscapes, Preservation strategies, Community involvement, Conservation practices, Cultural identity, Historical significance, Sustainable development, Cultural landscapes, Traditional knowledge, Indigenous heritage, Conservation policies, Interdisciplinary approach, Cultural stewardship, Ethnographic research, Cultural sustainability, Landscape management, Preservation challenges.

Long-Term Cropping Management Practices Affect the Biochemical Properties of an Alabama Ultisol

Interest in improving the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems has focused on identifying management practices that promote soil health. No tillage, cover cropping, and amending soils with broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) litter are commonly adopted conservation practices that have been shown to improve soil fertility and crop yield. However, the overall influence of these conservation practices on soil health in the southeastern US are not well understood. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of tillage, broiler litter (BL) applications, and cropping systems on soil biochemical properties. Soils were collected from field research plots under long-term management (>than 25 years of tillage, 15 years of broiler litter application, and 15 years of cropping system). Soil microbial biomass, C, N, and P, amidohydrolases, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated as indicators of soil health. Adopting tillage and BL into the agricultural management system modified the biochemical parameters of the soils evaluated. Most of these modifications occurred in the 0–5 cm depth. Higher microbial biomass carbon (MBC; 85%) and nitrogen (MBN; 10%) and enzyme activities of asparaginase (65%) and glutaminase (70%) were observed in the 0–5 cm depth under no tillage (NT) compared to conventional tillage (CT), indicating greater biological activities were established in these soil ecosystems. Broiler litter applications increased microbial biomass N and activities of asparaginase and glutaminase in both soil depths. In addition, microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) was increased following BL application in the 0–5 cm depth. The results suggest that long-term management of NT and BL additions can improve the health of eroded southeastern US soils by altering the soil biochemical parameters.

Understanding how forest ecosystem services are affected by conservation practices and differences in elevation: A study in the Arasbaran biosphere reserve, Iran

Studies addressing how different forest management methods affect the ecosystem services provided by forests in different geographical areas are essential. The objective of this study was to investigate how regulating and supporting services are affected by conservation management and differences in elevation. This was achieved by comparing several ecosystem indicators between the protected and unprotected areas.The forests under study were divided into two elevation ranges (1000–1500 and 1500–2000 m above sea level), and 66 sample plots (area 300 m2) were established in each area. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the trees were recorded, and soil and litter samples were obtained in all sample plots. Increment cores were also obtained from the main tree species in the area. In addition, regulating services (regulation of CO2, water and soil) and supporting services (nutrient cycling in soil, and above-ground net primary production) were also evaluated. All of the indicators studied in the regulating services section, except annual carbon sequestration by the trees and the soil loss, in the protected were more than in the unprotected area. No significant differences between the two regions were observed regarding annual carbon sequestration and soil regulation indicators. Regarding the supporting services indicators, total nitrogen, assimilable potassium and average trunk volume of the trees were higher in the protected than in the unprotected area; the opposite was true for the total phosphorus index. The results suggest positive effects of conservation management on regulating and supporting services in the protected area of the Arasbaran forests.The findings of the study indicate that conservation management practices have a positive impact on both regulating and supporting services within the protected area of the Arasbaran forests. This suggests that the implementation of conservation measures in this region has resulted in beneficial outcomes for the ecosystem services provided by the forests. The results highlight the importance of protecting and managing forest areas to enhance their ability to regulate CO2, water, and soil, as well as support nutrient cycling and above-ground net primary production.These outcomes highlight the crucial role of conservation efforts in maintaining and enhancing the overall health and functioning of the Arasbaran forests. It indicates that protective management is essential for promoting key ecosystem services. The study also underscores the importance of considering factors such as altitude and habitat conditions when formulating forest management strategies or plans.

Too much diversity—Multiple definitions of geodiversity hinder its potential in biodiversity research

AbstractGeodiversity—the diversity of abiotic features and processes of the Earth's surface and subsurface—is an increasingly used concept in ecological research. A growing body of scientific literature has provided evidence of positive links between geodiversity and biodiversity. These studies highlight the potential of geodiversity to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and to complement current biodiversity conservation practices and strategies. However, definitions of geodiversity in ecological research vary widely. This can hinder the progress of geodiversity–biodiversity research and make it difficult to synthesize findings across studies. We therefore call for greater awareness of how geodiversity is currently defined and for more consistent use of the term ‘geodiversity’ in biodiversity research.

Identifying Important Areas for the Release of Five Endemic Species in a Mountainous Landscape: Inference from Spatial Modeling Techniques

Efforts to release animals resulting from evacuation and rehabilitation into their natural habitats are important practices in wildlife conservation. Before releasing the animals, it is important to assess the habitat suitability of the areas to support the existence of the animals in the long run. Yet, there is limited study of habitat suitability assessment on national parks as release locations for wild animals. This study aimed to assess the suitable habitat of five charismatic animal species, i.e., Panthera pardus melas, Hylobates moloch, Prinonailurus bengalensis, Nycticebus javanicus, and Nisaetus bartelsi, in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park using Maxent, and to determine potential locations for releasing animal’s species. Models for the P. p. melas show 47,619 ha and 21,391 ha, respectively, suitable as habitat and potential release location, for H. moloch, each is 57,537 ha and 33,471 ha, for P. bengalensis, each is 25,460 ha and 17.189 ha, for N. javanicus, each is 29,848 ha and 15,578 ha, and for N. bartelsi, each is 44,426 ha and 25,660 ha. Our study shows that a suitable habitat can be critical in choosing a wildlife release site. Further consideration of conflict mitigation and practicalities is required to achieve the long-term existence of released species.

Assessment of soil erosion and prioritization of conservation and restoration measures using RUSLE and Geospatial techniques: the case of upper Bilate watershed

Soil erosion is still a vector of environmental and economic concern affecting most parts of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan African countries. Nevertheless, recent human activities in the hills, coupled with poor conservation measures and practices, could have amplified the rate at which soil is lost in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. This study focuses on quantifying and prioritizing micro-watersheds that require conservation actions by piloting spatial modeling of soil loss in the upper Bilate watershed. Sentinel image, soil, DEM, rainfall, and support practice data were used. A Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) using GIS and satellite images was applied. The estimated average annual soil loss rate was demonstrated to be 24.1 t ha−1yr−1 and varied between 0.05 and 498.24 t ha−1yr−1. About 51.2% of the total revealed has a high soil truncation trait, of which 40% of the cropland has exceeded the soil loss tolerances of Ethiopia and tropical regions. The most affected micro-watersheds are MWS 16, 8, 6, and 3, which contributed 39.4% of the average annual loss rate, indicating the hotspots of soil loss problems in the region. This will have far-reaching off-site impacts on food security, soil productivity, human lives, infrastructures, and ecosystem service provisions.

Establishing ecological thresholds and targets for groundwater management

AbstractGroundwater is critical for many ecosystems, yet groundwater requirements for dependent ecosystems are rarely accounted for during water and conservation planning. Here we compile 38 years of Landsat-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to evaluate groundwater-dependent vegetation responses to changes in depth to groundwater (DTG) across California. To maximize applicability, we standardized raw NDVI and DTG values using Z scores to identify groundwater thresholds, groundwater targets and map potential drought refugia across a diversity of biomes and local conditions. Groundwater thresholds were analysed for vegetation impacts where ZNDVI dropped below −1. ZDTG thresholds and targets were then evaluated with respect to groundwater-dependent vegetation in different condition classes and rooting depths. ZNDVI scores were applied statewide to identify potential drought refugia supported by groundwater. Our approach provides a simple and robust methodology for water and conservation practitioners to support ecosystem water needs so biodiversity and sustainable water-management goals can be achieved.

In the Garden of Anthropos

The term ‘planetary garden’ was coined by Gilles Clement to refer to the privileged site of the planetary mixing of species that is managed by humans. In the face of the ongoing environmental collapse, we envision the garden as a new locus for symbiotic attachment and original exchange between human and non-human ecologies. Drawing on the garden metaphor, we discuss the conceptual and ecological impacts of human stewardship of the environment. Recognising ecosystems as changing fields of social and technical interactions, we evaluate how conservation strategies shift in tandem with these changes. We explore the influence of emerging technologies on human understanding of natural ecosystems and on societal approaches to conservation. Envisioning the future, we are mapping out the need for human-centric technologies to foster new forms of agency between humans and their environments. While any technological promise does not come without ethical and technical challenges, we advocate for ecological intelligence (EI), a spatialised human-AI collaboration scheme, as a critical condition for reimagining and upscaling conservation practices in the Anthropocene.

The effect of planting grass filter strips on fishes in agricultural headwater streams

Abstract Grass filter strips (i.e., herbaceous riparian buffers) are a widely used conservation practice in the United States to mitigate the impacts of agriculture on streams and rivers. Yet, only a limited amount of information is available on the effects of grass filter strips on stream fishes and instream habitat conditions and long‐term assessments are rare. The objective of this research was to document the long‐term effects of planting grass filter strips adjacent to channelized agricultural headwater streams on fish community structure and instream habitat. Fishes, instream habitat and riparian characteristics were sampled from three channelized agricultural headwater streams without grass filter strips, three channelized agricultural headwater streams with grass filter strips and two unchannelized streams having forested riparian habitats in central Ohio from spring of 2006 to autumn of 2015. Fish species richness, abundance, darter species richness, per cent darters, sunfish species richness, minnow species richness and per cent headwater fishes did not differ among riparian habitat types. Darter species richness and per cent darters differed annually. Mean water depth, velocity, wetted width, instream habitat diversity, dominant grain size and per cent instream wood did not differ among riparian habitat types. Mean water depth, water velocity, wetted width and instream habitat diversity exhibited annual differences. Additionally, mean riparian width, woody vegetation density and per cent canopy cover were greater in forested streams than the unplanted and grass filter strip streams. Riparian characteristics did not differ annually. The lack of fish community responses 10–13 years after planting grass filter strips is probably due to the lack of corresponding changes in hydrological characteristics, substrate and instream wood amounts. These results suggest that grass filter strips should not be implemented alone but in conjunction with conservation practices that will improve physical habitat quality and water quality.

A cryptic syngameon within Betula shrubs revealed: Implications for conservation in changing subarctic environments.

Arctic and subarctic ecosystems are rapidly transforming due to global warming, emphasizing the need to understand the genetic diversity and adaptive strategies of northern plant species for effective conservation. This study focuses on Betula glandulosa, a native North American tundra shrub known as dwarf birch, which demonstrates an apparent capacity to adapt to changing climate conditions. To address the taxonomic challenges associated with shrub birches and logistical complexities of sampling in the northernmost areas where species' ranges overlap, we adopted a multicriteria approach. Incorporating molecular data, ploidy level assessment and leaf morphology, we aimed to distinguish B. glandulosa individuals from other shrub birch species sampled. Our results revealed three distinct species and their hybrids within the 537 collected samples, suggesting the existence of a shrub birch syngameon, a reproductive network of interconnected species. Additionally, we identified two discrete genetic clusters within the core species, B. glandulosa, that likely correspond to two different glacial lineages. A comparison between the nuclear and chloroplast SNP data emphasizes a long history of gene exchange between different birch species and genetic clusters. Furthermore, our results highlight the significance of incorporating interfertile congeneric species in conservation strategies and underscores the need for a holistic approach to conservation in the context of climate change, considering the complex dynamics of species interactions. While further research will be needed to describe this shrub birches syngameon and its constituents, this study is a first step in recognizing its existence and disseminating awareness among ecologists and conservation practitioners. This biological phenomenon, which offers evolutionary flexibility and resilience beyond what its constituent species can achieve individually, may have significant ecological implications.

A framework for understanding the contributions of local residents to protected area law enforcement

Abstract Terrestrial and marine protected areas have long been championed as an approach to biodiversity conservation. For protected areas to be effective, equitable and inclusive, the involvement of local residents in their management and governance is considered important. Globally, there are many approaches to involving local residents in protected area law enforcement. However, opportunities for comparing different approaches have been limited by the lack of a clear common framework for analysis. To support a more holistic understanding, we present a framework for analysing the contributions of local residents to protected area law enforcement. Informed by a review of the literature and discussions with conservation practitioners, the framework comprises five key dimensions: (1) the different points in the enforcement system at which local residents are involved, (2) the nature of local participation in decision-making, (3) the type of external support provided to local residents, (4) the different motivating forces for participation, and (5) the extent to which local participation is formalized. We apply the framework to three real-world case studies to demonstrate its use in analysing and comparing the characteristics of different approaches. We suggest this framework could be used to examine variation in local participation within the enforcement system, inform evaluation and frame constructive discussions between relevant stakeholders. With the global coverage of protected areas likely to increase, the framework provides a foundation for better understanding the contributions of local residents to protected area law enforcement.