Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Butterfly Conservation: Evidence from Community Engagement in the Ebo Forest Reserve, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Aim: This study investigates the role of indigenous knowledge in butterfly conservation within the Ebo Forest Reserve, Littoral Region, Cameroon. Pollinators, particularly butterflies, are critical for ecosystem health, yet they face significant declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, local communities in Iboti and Lognanga were engaged to assess their knowledge, perceptions, and contributions to butterfly conservation. The research was conducted in communities adjacent to the Ebo Forest Reserve, Cameroon, between January and July 2024. The majority of the respondents (59%) were from the Iboti community, while 41% were from the Lognanga community. The survey included questions about ecological significance, perceived threats, and cultural associations related to butterflies. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to evaluate the relationships between demographic factors and attitudes toward butterflies. Results: The study found that while community members possess a general awareness of butterfly presence, specific ecological knowledge, such as dietary preferences, is limited. A majority (68%) frequently observe butterflies, and 83% have noted recent population changes, with most perceiving stability in butterfly numbers. Despite high interest in conservation initiatives (81.9%), significant barriers exist, including limited resources and lack of awareness about conservation efforts. Conclusion: Local ecological knowledge should be integrated into conservation strategies, with emphasize on community-led initiatives to enhance butterfly conservation in the Ebo Forest Reserve. Recommendation: To enhance butterfly conservation efforts in the Ebo Forest Reserve, it is crucial to develop and implement community-led educational programs that focus on indigenous knowledge and ecological practices.

DOENÇAS VIRAIS EM FELINOS SELVAGENS NATIVOS DO BRASIL

The aim of this study was to highlight the viral diseases affecting Brazil's native wild cats through a literature review of articles published between 1994 and 2023. Among the main viruses identified are feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), distemper virus (CDV), adenoviruses and rabies virus, among others. Some of these diseases are detected with significant frequency. Adenoviruses, on the other hand, have only been reported in one case involving wild cats in Brazil and are not a problem today; however, this occurrence is enough to consider them a potential future threat. Since viral agents have different incidences, symptoms and transmission behaviors, they should be studied taking their particularities into account. The degradation of nature by human actions and the interaction of these cats with domestic animals are factors that increase the risk of outbreaks. Understanding the incidence and cause of these diseases is essential for developing management and conservation strategies.

Application of social cognitive theory to determine shaping factors of environmental intention and behaviors of ecotourist in forest areas

BackgroundEcotourism as a responsible travel to natural areas is proposed as a strategy for forest conservation by enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. However, engaging in environmentally friendly behaviors during forest visit is a crucial factor in achieving this conservation. This study aimed to examine the determinants of intention and actual environmental behavior among ecotourists during their visits to forests.MethodsUtilizing social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the data from 409 visitors of recreational forest were analyzed. After confirming the validity and reliability of the data, structural equation modeling was employed for analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that the model could explain 59% of the behavioral intention and 27% of the actual environmentally friendly behaviors of ecotourists during their forest visits. Additionally, social influence and the behaviors of other ecotourists were identified as two significant determinants of individuals’ behavioral intention. Self-efficacy and behavioral intention also emerged as significant factors which shape the actual environmental behaviors of tourists, positively.DiscussionThe findings suggest that social expectations, learning from fellow tourists, and enhancing individuals’ abilities while addressing barriers to exhibiting environmentally friendly behaviors should be prioritized in promotional planning for ecotourism.

Advanced Applications of Nanomaterials in Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Challenges and Future Prospects.

Atherosclerosis-induced coronary artery disease is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality. Clinically, conservative treatment strategies for atherosclerosis still focus on lifestyle interventions and the use of lipid-lowering and anticoagulant medications. Despite achieving some therapeutic effects, these approaches are limited by low bioavailability, long intervention periods, and significant side effects. With the advancement of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have demonstrated extraordinary potential in the biomedical field. Their excellent biocompatibility, surface modifiability, and high targeting capability not only enable efficient diagnosis of plaque progression but also allow precise drug delivery within atherosclerotic plaques, significantly enhancing drug bioavailability and reducing systemic side effects. Here, we systematically review the current research progress of nanomaterials in the field of atherosclerosis to summarize not only the types of nanomaterials but also their applications in both the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Notably, in the context of plaque therapy, we provide a comprehensive overview of current nanomaterial applications based on their targeted therapeutic systems for different cell types within plaques. Additionally, we address the persistent challenge of clinical translation of nanomaterials by summarizing current issues and providing directions for innovation and improvement in nanomaterial design. Overall, we believe that this review systematically summarizes the applications and challenges of biomedical nanomaterials in atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy, thereby offering insights and references for the development of therapeutic materials for atherosclerosis.

Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions on Sealing Techniques for Runoff Harvesting Ponds: A Case Study from Burkina Faso

Water conservation in arid and semi-arid regions faces significant challenges due to low and irregular rainfall, worsened by climate change, which negatively affects rain-fed crop productivity. Various techniques, including supplemental irrigation using runoff harvesting ponds, aim to address these issues but often suffer from water loss due to infiltration, influenced by the pond liner type. This study uses a factorial analysis to assess the farmers’ perceptions of four pond sealing techniques. Using the Waso-2 method, a survey conducted in 2022 among 41 rainwater harvesting pond owners across three regions of Burkina Faso revealed that farmers prioritized impermeability and ease of maintenance over cost and availability. Concrete, scoring 16/20, was the most preferred, chosen by over 75% of farmers for its durability and resistance to weathering, despite its high cost. Geomembrane, with a score of 12/20, was valued for its waterproofing properties but had durability concerns. Clay, although cheap and available, scored 8/20 due to poor waterproofing on unstable ground. Bitumen, the least favored with a score of 6/20, was hindered by scarcity and lack of familiarity. To enhance supplemental irrigation in Burkina Faso and similar regions, waterproof concrete or durable geomembrane liners are recommended. Further research into improving bitumen and clay liners is also suggested. These findings provide key insights into farmers’ preferences, offering guidance for developing effective water conservation strategies to boost agricultural productivity and address food security challenges in the context of climate change.

Applications of Primate Genetics for Conservation and Management

Conservation genetics is the use of genetics to understand and mitigate the threats caused by anthropogenic activities, including habitat loss and fragmentation, wildlife trafficking, and emerging diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of primate conservation genetics in the development of effective conservation strategies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining genetic diversity to enhance adaptive potential and prevent extinction. First, we discuss studies of various primate species that exemplify how genetic data have been instrumental in accurately assessing threat levels, identifying trafficked animals and tracing their geographic origin, and studying how habitat loss affects primate populations. Subsequently, we describe the various molecular tools and analytical approaches employed in these studies. Lastly, we provide a bibliographic review of research in conservation genetics over the last 20 years. We conclude with a brief discussion of the limitations and challenges in this field in developing countries and recommendations for future research.

Phenological trends and associated climate drivers of a tree community in lowland dipterocarp forest, Western Ghats, India.

Understanding phenological responses of tropical forest plant communities is crucial for identifying climate-induced changes in ecosystem dynamics. Monitoring phenology across diverse species in natural habitats provides cost-effective insights for conserving both species and forests. We studied tree phenology in a lowland evergreen dipterocarp forest in the Western Ghats, India. About 719 tree individuals representing 95 species were monitored for their vegetative and reproductive phenology from April 2021 to September 2023. Circular statistics detected seasonality in phenological events and Generalized Linear Mixed Modelling (GLMM) identified influence of climate variables on the phenological responses of the tree community. We also assessed how the activity and intensity of phenophases vary over the study period. Our results showed that leaf flushing and flowering peaked during the dry season, with mass flowering observed in two dominant dipterocarps. Fruit production peaked before the monsoon. We also observed diversity in vegetative and reproductive phenodynamics across species groups (forest strata, sexual system, and seed size). Leaf flushing was positively correlated with maximum relative humidity and negatively correlated with maximum temperature and the number of rainy days. Flowering had negative correlations with maximum relative humidity, rainfall days, and maximum temperature but showed a positive correlation with minimum temperature. Fruiting was positively correlated with maximum temperature and negatively correlated with rainy days. This detailed phenological information provides critical knowledge on resource availability and insights into how climate and seasonal changes affect plant growth cycles thereby aiding reforestation and biodiversity conservation strategies in vulnerable forest areas.

Is reinforcement a viable conservation strategy for the endangered perennial herb, Astragalus applegatei?

Reinforcing imperiled plant populations with transplanted individuals is a conservation tool that is increasingly used to counter the negative effects of land use change and habitat fragmentation. A reinforcement project's success is dependent on the survival of planted individuals and the support of the extant population's growth; thus, demographic comparisons of planted and extant individuals within the same population are critical to quantify success. We assessed long‐term demographic data from planted (9 years) and extant (7 years) individuals of a rare perennial herb, Astragalus applegatei, to quantify the success of a reinforcement project. We compared cumulative survival among extant and planted cohorts and constructed generalized mixed‐effect models to understand how age affected survival, flowering, and plant size of both planted and extant individuals. Overall, 9.7% of planted individuals survived after 9–11 years. Although young planted individuals had higher flowering percentages than extant individuals, our models for survival, flowering, and plant size were similar in planted and extant individuals as they aged. Cumulative survival curves among planted cohorts varied while they were similar among extant cohorts. Furthermore, there was evidence of recruitment by planted individuals, an essential benchmark of successful translocation projects. Combined, these results suggest that reinforcement can be a successful conservation tool for A. applegatei under the right conditions and may be used to inform conservation strategies for other imperiled herbaceous perennials.

Soil Erosion Under Climate and Land Use Changes in China: Incorporating Ecological Policy Constraints

ABSTRACTProjections of soil erosion under climate and land use changes are pivotal for optimizing soil conservation strategies. Ecological policies are thought to influence future land‐use changes and associated soil erosion dynamics. However, these policies are inadequately incorporated into projections, leaving the future trajectory of soil erosion still unclear. China's ecological redline policy (ERP) is among the first national policies to integrate multiple ecosystem services into land use planning, preventing anthropogenic soil erosion on over 25% of the territory. Therefore, focusing on China, three alternative Shared Socioeconomic Pathway and Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (SSP1‐2.6, SSP3‐7.0, and SSP5‐8.5) were coupled with future‐oriented ERP to reflect future soil erosion patterns by the late‐21st century. Projections rely on an integrated multi‐model approach. The conducted analysis suggests that climate change is projected to exacerbate soil erosion by 12.06%–36.90% due to increased precipitation, characterized by high‐intensity events. Land use change is projected to mitigate or even reverse the climate‐induced increase in soil erosion. The combined climate and land use simulations showed that the annual average soil erosion rate will increase by 26.36% under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario, while it will decrease by 8.08% and 14.94% under the SSP1‐2.6 and SSP3‐7.0 scenarios, respectively. The implementation of ERP reduces potential soil erosion by 4.08%–14.89% (equal to 0.31–0.86 Gt year−1 soil loss) in the late‐21st century, particularly in scenarios with intensive conflicts between population and land sources. This study provides a valuable reference for the formulation of national strategies aimed at controlling soil loss accelerated by climate change.

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) population response to anthelminthic treatment in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas, 2014–2016

Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) are an economically significant gamebird that has experienced continued general decline in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. Habitat loss and changing environmental conditions have been cited as major contributors to this decline, with factors such as parasites being considered inconsequential. To better assess the impacts of parasite infections on bobwhite populations in the Rolling Plains, bobwhite abundance was monitored in response to anthelminthic treatment. With the prevalence of Oxyspirura petrowi and Aulonocephalus pennula infections in quail from Mitchell County, Texas confirmed by previous studies, the anthelminthic agent Fenbendazole was introduced as a means of parasite control in 2014–2015. Bobwhite abundance was determined through a series of call counts which provided an index of bobwhite populations and were conducted throughout the course of the study. In 2016, call counts revealed a significant increase of bobwhite in the area subject to Fenbendazole treatment, while untreated areas showed no changes in abundance. Fall populations of bobwhite in the treated zone approached 300% of those in untreated areas, these findings suggest that parasites may have a more significant impact on quail populations in the Rolling Plains than previously suspected. With the importance of bobwhite as a game bird in the Rolling Plains, the potential impacts of parasites must be taken into consideration as a factor contributing to bobwhite declines. Further research into the long-term effects these parasites have on quail populations in the ecoregion may aid landowners in developing affordable and effective conservation strategies.

Towards Sustainable Development of Mineral Resources in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

This study focuses on economic, governmental, social, and environmental factors and their impact on the sustainable development of mineral resources in sub-Saharan Africa. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) and data from 40 countries from 2010 to 2022, the research examines the hypothesized links between these factors and sustainable development. The results reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between economic factors and sustainable development, underlining the crucial role of economic growth in achieving sustainable development goals. Furthermore, effective governance and policy implementation are strongly associated with better sustainable development, underscoring the importance of robust government action. This study also highlights the importance of social factors, demonstrating that increased community involvement and participation contribute positively to sustainable development. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the research reveals a positive relationship between environmental factors and sustainable development, challenging existing ideas and suggesting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between environmental practices and sustainability. This study concludes with concrete recommendations, including prioritizing economic growth, improving governance and policy effectiveness, promoting social inclusion, and reassessing environmental conservation strategies. These findings provide valuable information for policymakers, corporations, and communities in sub-Saharan Africa, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sustainable development in the region.

DASR-Net: Land Cover Classification Methods for Hybrid Multiattention Multispectral High Spectral Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery

The prompt acquisition of precise land cover categorization data is indispensable for the strategic development of contemporary farming practices, especially within the realm of forestry oversight and preservation. Forests are complex ecosystems that require precise monitoring to assess their health, biodiversity, and response to environmental changes. The existing methods for classifying remotely sensed imagery often encounter challenges due to the intricate spacing of feature classes, intraclass diversity, and interclass similarity, which can lead to weak perceptual ability, insufficient feature expression, and a lack of distinction when classifying forested areas at various scales. In this study, we introduce the DASR-Net algorithm, which integrates a dual attention network (DAN) in parallel with the Residual Network (ResNet) to enhance land cover classification, specifically focusing on improving the classification of forested regions. The dual attention mechanism within DASR-Net is designed to address the complexities inherent in forested landscapes by effectively capturing multiscale semantic information. This is achieved through multiscale null attention, which allows for the detailed examination of forest structures across different scales, and channel attention, which assigns weights to each channel to enhance feature expression using an improved BSE-ResNet bilinear approach. The two-channel parallel architecture of DASR-Net is particularly adept at resolving structural differences within forested areas, thereby avoiding information loss and the excessive fusion of features that can occur with traditional methods. This results in a more discriminative classification of remote sensing imagery, which is essential for accurate forest monitoring and management. To assess the efficacy of DASR-Net, we carried out tests with 10m Sentinel-2 multispectral remote sensing images over the Heshan District, which is renowned for its varied forestry. The findings reveal that the DASR-Net algorithm attains an accuracy rate of 96.36%, outperforming classical neural network models and the transformer (ViT) model. This demonstrates the scientific robustness and promise of the DASR-Net model in assisting with automatic object recognition for precise forest classification. Furthermore, we emphasize the relevance of our proposed model to hyperspectral datasets, which are frequently utilized in agricultural and forest classification tasks. DASR-Net’s enhanced feature extraction and classification capabilities are particularly advantageous for hyperspectral data, where the rich spectral information can be effectively harnessed to differentiate between various forest types and conditions. By doing so, DASR-Net contributes to advancing remote sensing applications in forest monitoring, supporting sustainable forestry practices and environmental conservation efforts. The findings of this study have significant practical implications for urban forestry management. The DASR-Net algorithm can enhance the accuracy of forest cover classification, aiding urban planners in better understanding and monitoring the status of urban forests. This, in turn, facilitates the development of effective forest conservation and restoration strategies, promoting the sustainable development of the urban ecological environment.

Temporal Range Dynamics of the Lataste's Viper (Vipera latastei Boscá, 1878) in Doñana (Spain): Insights into Anthropogenically Driven Factors.

Doñana (southern Spain), a region of notable biodiversity richness, is highly threatened by ongoing landscape transformation and climate change. We investigated the local effect of these anthropogenic factors on the temporal range dynamics of Lataste's viper (Vipera latastei), an Iberian endemic Mediterranean reptile that has apparently become rare over the years in Doñana. Using ecological niche-based models, based on climatic and remote sensing variables, we analyzed historical (1959-1999) and contemporary (2000-2022) records of the species to assess range shifts and identify environmental factors that may influence them. Our results show that V. latastei is mostly restricted to the coastal region of Doñana and that one temperature variable is the most important factor explaining this distribution pattern in both periods. Additional climatic and vegetation variables play a role in its historical distribution, but they become less important in contemporary times, suggesting a niche simplification over time. We found 30.5% of reduction in the species suitable area from historical to contemporary conditions, a reduction that would be even greater (83.37%) in the absence of niche shift. These findings underscore the species' heightened vulnerability to ongoing environmental changes and highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies.

Modelling the present and future of Phrynosoma orbiculare habitat and wildfire distribution and their environmental niche overlap in Mexico

Wildfires are natural phenomena that have shaped ecosystems and maintained biodiversity for millions of years. However, the increased frequency and severity of wildfires in recent decades are predominantly attributed to human activities. These anthropogenic factors, including land use change, climate change, and fire suppression, have disrupted the natural fire regime and heightened the risk of large-scale, destructive wildfires. Reptiles, as ectothermic and often slow-moving animals, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fires due to their limited mobility and reliance on specific microhabitats. Understanding the impacts of wildfires on reptile populations is crucial for their effective conservation and management in fire-prone areas. This paper focuses on Phrynosoma orbiculare, a species distributed across the northern and southeastern regions of Mexico, where wildfires are common. The study revealed that key environmental variables driving the distribution of P. orbiculare include altitude, temperature extremes, and forest composition, while fire occurrence is strongly influenced by climatic conditions such as temperature and precipitation. As fires become more frequent and severe, the niche overlap between P. orbiculare and fire-prone regions is expected to expand. These findings highlight the importance of integrating fire management into conservation planning, particularly for protecting fire-sensitive ecosystems like Abies forests. Understanding the complex interaction between fire and species distributions is essential for developing effective conservation strategies that ensure the survival of P. orbiculare and other fire-sensitive species in Mexico’s changing landscapes.

Soil organic matter characteristics of four soil types under different conservation strategies across Hubei Province

AbstractSoil organic matter (SOM) plays key roles in sloping land erosion control. This study explores SOM content across Hubei Province, China, focusing on four soil types under various conservation strategies. Field samples (n = 243) were collected under 27 monitoring sites employing diverse conservation strategies in runoff plots. Results indicated substantial variability in SOM content among soil types, with calcareous soils exhibiting the highest levels (12.63 g kg−1). Conversely, red soils displayed the lowest SOM content (6.32 g kg−1). However, short‐term conservation strategies and their interaction with soil type did not significantly influence SOM. The findings underscore the intricate relationship between soil types and SOM dynamics. This study contributes to the understanding of SOM dynamics in diverse landscapes, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and land managers to apply practices in mitigating erosion and enhancing soil health.

Experimental study evaluating the performance of thermal conductivity prediction models for air–water saturated weathered sandstone heritage

As a critical parameter, thermal conductivity directly determines the heat transfer and temperature variation within rocks, which can lead to mechanical damage and chemical corrosion. Consequently, understanding the thermal conductivity of stone heritage is vital for assessing their deterioration mechanisms and developing effective conservation strategies. This study obtained sandstone samples from the Yungang Grottoes and subjected them to freeze–thaw cycle experiments to generate weathered sandstone samples. Subsequently, the thermal conductivity of these samples was measured under both dry and water-saturated state using the transient plane source method. To analyze the relationship between air–water saturation, porosity, and thermal conductivity, a saturation influence coefficient was introduced. Thereafter, the effectiveness and applicability of 13 commonly used thermal conductivity mixing law prediction models were evaluated based on experimental data. The results suggested that the influence of water saturation on the thermal conductivity of rocks varies with porosity, and water saturation significantly enhances the thermal conductivity of weathered sandstone. Among the 13 common models, the Geometric mean model was found to be more accurate than other models, with superior performance in both dry (MAE, RMSE, MAPE are 0.148, 0.214, 5.59% respectively) and water-saturated (MAE, RMSE, MAPE are 0.244, 0.170, 8.4% respectively) state. The Albert model demonstrates a good fit in the dry state, whereas the Walsh model (with maximum effect), Ribaud model, and Huang model also exhibit good fitting efficacy in the water-saturated state. This study provides a solid foundation for better predicting the thermal conductivity of weathered stone heritage and developing effective preventive conservation strategies.

Interspecific interactions among major carnivores in Panna Tiger Reserve: A multispecies occupancy approach

AbstractLarge carnivores play a crucial role in trophic cascades, affecting the population dynamics of both co‐predators and prey within an ecosystem. Understanding the significance of these carnivores in trophic interactions is essential for developing effective conservation and management strategies. We examined the effects of occupancy dynamics and patterns of species interactions and coexistence within the carnivore guild in the Panna Tiger Reserve in India. We collected camera trap data (two seasons, 2019) in a presence–absence framework and applied multispecies occupancy models to assess the occupancy, co‐occurrence, and interactions among species. We also examined activity overlap to understand the temporal segregation in the carnivore guild. The mean marginal occupancy was highest for leopards in winter (Ψwinter 0.92 ± 0.02, Ψsummer 0.63 ± 0.05) and hyenas in summer (Ψsummer 0.93 ± 0.03, Ψwinter 0.78 ± 0.03) and was lowest for tigers in both seasons (Ψwinter 0.62 ± 0.05, Ψsummer 0.15 ± 0.05). Co‐occurrence probability among carnivores was higher in winter than in summer, and conditional occupancy was consistently higher when other species were present. Different environmental factors influenced marginal occupancy and co‐occurrence patterns across seasons. Strong temporal overlaps were recorded between tiger–leopard (0.87–0.91) and tiger–hyena (0.78–0.79). We detected a significant spatial segregation between tigers and leopards, as they prefer different habitat types in different seasons, along with high temporal overlap. Resource availability strongly governs the association of carnivores with their habitat selection. Hyenas demonstrated higher dependency on tigers than on leopards for resources. These findings indicate that coexistence with apex‐predator species is feasible through strategic adaptation to fulfill resource requisition.

Mapping Human Pressure for Nature Conservation: A Review

The escalating human pressures on natural ecosystems necessitate urgent and effective conservation strategies to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This review explored current techniques for mapping human pressure, with a particular focus on their application in nature conservation, especially within protected areas (PAs). Specifically, we analyzed the impacts of seven major types of human pressures on nature conservation within PAs. Additionally, we discussed four key methods for mapping human pressure, including land use intensity, human footprint, digital human footprint, and other proxies, examining their distinct characteristics and respective advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, our research explored the application of human pressure mapping for nature conservation, assessing its suitability for conservation applications and delineating directions for future work. These insights contributed to better support nature conservation and the management of PAs.

Computer-based monitoring system of retort processes for energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction

Retort sterilization is critical in the food industry. However, retorts are not smart enough to fully monitor and calculate their energy usage to reduce their carbon emissions. In this project, sensors and network equipment were installed in a retort, and a PC-based system was used to process the collected data. To monitor the sterilization status and energy consumption, we added flow sensors and electricity meters and built a visual identification system. Carbon emissions were calculated, and energy conservation and carbon emission reduction strategies were explored. According to the monitoring data, the electricity consumption of the air compressor, boiler, and natural gas combustion accounted for 80 % of the total carbon emissions. If the equipment cannot be changed, the cooling water system can be stopped in noncooling stages to conserve energy. This strategy reduced the energy consumption of the cooling system by 70 % and was the most effective strategy for this project.

Adaptive Seedling Strategies in Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests: A Comparative Study of Six Tree Species.

This study examines seed germination strategies and seedling establishment in six tree species typical of seasonally dry tropical forests. We focused on how interspecific and intraspecific differences in seed size and germination speed influence biomass allocation and seedling growth. Using generalized linear models, we analyzed the effects of these traits on root/shoot ratios and growth rates. Our findings reveal two main strategies: slow germination, high root/shoot ratio, and low growth rate in Erythrina velutina Willd and Terminalia valverdeae A.H. Gentry, associated with enhanced drought tolerance. In contrast, Cynophalla mollis (Kunth) J. Presl and Coccoloba ruiziana Lindau exhibited rapid germination, lower root/shoot ratios, and low to moderate growth rates, favoring competition during early establishment. Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd partially aligned with this second strategy due to its fast growth. Vachellia macracantha (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Seigler & Ebinger presented a unique case, displaying slow germination and a broad range in both root/shoot ratios and growth rates. At the intraspecific level, significant variation in biomass allocation and growth rate was observed, influenced by germination speed and seed weight. We discuss the adaptive significance of seed traits in SDTFs and their role in seedling establishment under varying environmental conditions, providing insights for strategies for conservation and restoration in these ecosystems.