Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Catheter ablation compared to medical therapy for ventricular tachycardia in sarcoidosis: nationwide outcomes and hospital readmissions

BackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be a useful treatment strategy, however, few studies have compared CA to medical therapy (MT) in the sarcoidosis population. ObjectiveTo assess in-hospital outcomes and unplanned readmissions following CA for VT compared to MT in patients with sarcoidosis. MethodsData was obtained from the Nationwide Readmissions Database between 2010 and 2019 to identify patients with sarcoidosis admitted for VT either undergoing CA or MT during elective and non-elective admission. Primary endpoints were a composite endpoint of inpatient mortality, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest and 30-day hospital readmissions. Procedural complications at index admission and causes of readmission were also identified. ResultsAmong 1581 patients, 1217 with sarcoidosis and VT underwent MT compared to 168 with CA during non-elective admission. 63 patients admitted electively underwent CA compared with 129 managed medically. There was no difference in the composite outcome for patients undergoing catheter ablation or medical therapy during both non-elective (9.0 % vs 12.0 %, p = 0.312) and elective admission (3.2 % vs. 7.8 %, p = 0.343). The most common cause of readmission were ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in both groups, however, those undergoing elective CA were less likely to be readmitted for VA compared to non-elective CA. The most common complication in the CA group was cardiac tamponade (4.8 %). ConclusionVT ablation is associated with similar rates of 30-day readmission compared to MT and does not confer increased risk of harm with respect to inpatient mortality, cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Further research is warranted to determine if a subgroup of sarcoidosis patients admitted with VT are better served with an initial conservative management strategy followed by VT ablation.

Prediction of residential building occupancy using Machine learning with integrated sensor and survey Data: Insights from a living lab in Morocco

Building occupancy information is essential for effective energy management in buildings through the adoption of energy conservation and occupant-centric control strategies. These strategies endeavor to contribute to optimizing energy consumption while ensuring occupant comfort. This study focuses on advanced occupancy modeling techniques to enhance energy efficiency in residential buildings, utilizing various data-driven techniques. Various Machine Learning models, such as Random Forest, Bayesian Network, Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, K-Nearest Neighbors, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and Regularized Greedy Forest, have been evaluated for predicting and classifying building occupancy. Employing a living lab approach within a residential setting, the research evaluates model performance using two ground truth datasets: IoT sensor and survey data. Experimental tests use Accuracy and F1_score as evaluation criteria, demonstrating accuracy rates ranging from 70% to 95.96%. The results highlight the performance of these models in predicting residential occupancy, offering valuable insight into two approaches to occupancy modeling. The Random Forest model performs exceptionally well in capturing occupancy trends, while the Bayesian Network model, combined with expert knowledge, provides detailed predictions of occupancy types and zones. The research also addresses challenges related to data collection, including privacy concerns. It presents effective occupancy modeling strategies for residential energy management.

Diets of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) inhabiting limestone forests: The effects of habitat fragmentation and implication for conservation.

Information about wildlife diets is crucial for comprehending how species adapt to varying environments in fragmented habitats and for developing effective conservation strategies. White-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are exclusively found in fragmented limestone forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on langurs' diets, we collected published dietary data and relevant environmental factors spanning from 1996 to 2021 at two regions with different degrees of fragmentation (Banli > Bapen), from 10 studies (three of Banli and seven of Bapen). The results demonstrated that the diets of white-headed langurs were significantly influenced by environmental factors, including habitat fragmentation, annual rainfall, and mean annual temperature. Food item diversity index was significantly and positively affected by the fragmentation index, the higher fragmentation the langurs suffered, the more diverse food items they consumed. Besides, fruit consumption was negatively influenced by annual rainfall and the consumption of other items was influenced by mean annual temperature. Notably, although there are no significant differences in the feeding proportions of food items or food item diversity indices were observed between the Banli and Bapen groups, the Banli groups extensively consumed ground-supported kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), a plant rarely recorded in the dietary preferences of the Bapen groups, implying that the large plants likely lacking in the fragmented limestone forests. Our findings provide evidence of the major impact of habitat fragmentation on the dietary composition of white-headed langurs, highlighting the need of considering the possibility that the habitats of the white-headed langurs have all undergone extreme fragmentation, inferring the conservation efforts should prioritize protecting native vegetation and reducing human disturbance.

Diets of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) inhabiting limestone forests: The effects of habitat fragmentation and implication for conservation.

Information about wildlife diets is crucial for comprehending how species adapt to varying environments in fragmented habitats and for developing effective conservation strategies. White-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are exclusively found in fragmented limestone forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on langurs' diets, we collected published dietary data and relevant environmental factors spanning from 1996 to 2021 at two regions with different degrees of fragmentation (Banli > Bapen), from 10 studies (three of Banli and seven of Bapen). The results demonstrated that the diets of white-headed langurs were significantly influenced by environmental factors, including habitat fragmentation, annual rainfall, and mean annual temperature. Food item diversity index was significantly and positively affected by the fragmentation index, the higher fragmentation the langurs suffered, the more diverse food items they consumed. Besides, fruit consumption was negatively influenced by annual rainfall and the consumption of other items was influenced by mean annual temperature. Notably, although there are no significant differences in the feeding proportions of food items or food item diversity indices were observed between the Banli and Bapen groups, the Banli groups extensively consumed ground-supported kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), a plant rarely recorded in the dietary preferences of the Bapen groups, implying that the large plants likely lacking in the fragmented limestone forests. Our findings provide evidence of the major impact of habitat fragmentation on the dietary composition of white-headed langurs, highlighting the need of considering the possibility that the habitats of the white-headed langurs have all undergone extreme fragmentation, inferring the conservation efforts should prioritize protecting native vegetation and reducing human disturbance.

Evaluating the economic and climate adaptation benefits of land conservation strategies in urban coastal regions of the U.S. and China

Land conservation has been recognized as a multifunctional adaptive strategy to tackle climate change as it includes the ability to mitigate risk and enhance biodiversity. However, limited empirical studies focus on the climatic adaptive functions of land conservation. Employing various geospatial and statistical techniques, including remote sensing, logistic regression, and landscape metrics, we investigate the effects of land conservation’s spatial characteristics. These characteristics affect the functional efficacy of climate adaptation in urban coastal regions, influencing regional economic vitality in the United States and China. Empirical results indicate that regional economic vitality is positively affected by parks and grassland, patch growth patterns, higher urban density, and closer proximities to coastlines and major roads. In contrast, the core growth form of land conservation has a negative economic effect. Among the estimated variables, we find that the patch growth form of land conservation and closer proximity to higher urban density have the largest positive effects on economic vitality across the study sites. Our findings contribute to both land conservation policy and the climate change literature by uncovering the spatially explicit effects of land conservation related to climate change adaptation.

Long-term monitoring of a flagship bird species in agroecosystems enhances stakeholder engagement in biodiversity conservation

Conservation efforts are needed in the face of the rapid decline in farmland birds over the past decades. While existing conservation strategies have shown limited success, there is a growing recognition of the role of farmers as primary stakeholders in agroecosystems conservation. We applied the "Human Dimension" approach, which emphasizes the importance of human perspectives on wildlife conservation, to assess whether a long-term monitoring project of barn swallows Hirundo rustica, ongoing since 1999, has heightened farmers’ awareness regarding biodiversity protection. Indeed, while monitoring serves to track population trends and understand the factors influencing species dynamics, it also provides opportunities for interaction between researchers and farmers. Through in-person administration of the questionnaire, we investigated the impact of the barn swallow monitoring project on farmers’ environmental consciousness in terms of their perceptions of the environment, knowledge about priority habitats for biodiversity, and preferences for environmental awareness strategies. Subsequently, we investigated whether environmental consciousness and the participation in the barn swallow monitoring project translated into their inclination to implement costless actions for barn swallow conservation. Our findings suggest that the barn swallow monitoring project may not have enhanced farmers’ environmental consciousness. However, a higher environmental consciousness and engagement in the barn swallow monitoring project were associated to a greater willingness to undertake actions in support of barn swallows. This study highlights the potential of long-term projects in fostering the conservation of charismatic species through establishing a mutual trust between farmers and researchers over years of monitoring, with cascading benefits for the barn swallows.

UAV Mapping for Flood Routing in Steep and Densely Vegetated Areas: Insights from the Contok River Basin, Garang Watershed, Indonesia

This research utilizes photogrammetry to assess flood routing dynamics in the Contok river basin, a sub-watershed with a challenging landscape characterized by steep slopes, dense vegetation, and meandering patterns. The objectives are to assess Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mapping accuracy, evaluate the river's capacity for design flood volumes, quantify the impact of land cover changes on surface runoff, and provide insights for early warning systems and watershed conservation strategies. The study area, encompassing the Contok River Basin, a sub-watershed of the Garang Watershed, covers 7,413 km² and includes a stream length of 5,274 meters in Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia. This research employed image processing of aerial photographs and satellite imagery. Aerial photos captured using UAV data were utilized to derive elevation data and cross-sectional profiles of the Contok River, essential for understanding channel morphology and hydraulic characteristics. Concurrently, satellite imagery was used for land cover analysis, identifying vegetation and built-up areas that influence surface runoff dynamics. Hydrological analysis was performed to quantify discharge magnitudes, simulated against river cross-sections to evaluate flood behavior under varying scenarios. Our proposed UAV mapping provides adequate accuracy for small and local areas. Furthermore, it remains reliable for flood routing analysis. We discovered that the capacity of the Contok River channel in the downstream area allows it to convey design flood discharges up to a 50-year return period, contrary to the upstream area, it overflows. Notably, the shift from vegetated to built-up and agricultural areas significantly contributes to the 10.6% increase in surface runoff. This research highlights the role of UAV-based photogrammetry in assessing and mitigating flood hazards amidst evolving land cover patterns. It also enhances the understanding of flood dynamics and thus provides insights that will serve as a reference for flood early warning systems, flood management practices, and watershed conservation.

Uncovering urban water consumption patterns through time series clustering and entropy analysis

Sustainable urban water management is crucial for meeting the growing demands of urban populations. This study presents a novel approach that combines time series clustering, seasonal analysis, and entropy analysis to uncover residential water consumption patterns and their drivers. Using a three-year dataset from the SmartH2o project, encompassing 374 households, we identify nine distinct water consumption patterns through time series clustering, leveraging Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) as the optimal similarity measure. Multiple linear regression reveals key household characteristics influencing water usage behaviors, such as the number of bathrooms and appliance efficiency ratings. Seasonal analysis uncovers temporal dynamics, highlighting shifts towards lower consumption during summer months and increased variability in transitional seasons. Entropy analysis quantifies the diversity and complexity of water consumption at both cluster and household levels, informing targeted interventions. This comprehensive, granular approach enables the development of personalized water conservation strategies and policies, empowering water utilities to optimize resource management and contribute to sustainable urban water practices.

Conservation efforts mitigate effects of human disturbance on ghost crab (Ocypode macrocera) abundance and behavior on a sandy beach in Kuakata, Bangladesh

Protected areas play a crucial role in promoting and conserving species by providing a sanctuary for wildlife and natural habitats. In coastal regions, safeguarding measures become even more significant due to the unique challenges posed by anthropogenic activities. This study focuses on the impact of human activities on beach-dwelling biota, specifically the ghost crab (Ocypode macrocera), and highlights the importance of establishing protected areas to safeguard biodiversity and counteract negative impacts on coastal ecosystems. The study was conducted in Kuakata, the coastal region in Bangladesh, known for its ghost crab population. By comparing protected with non-protected beaches, the study examines the effects of protection status on ghost crab abundance and burrow characteristics. Field observations and data collection reveal that protected beaches harbor a greater abundance of ghost crabs compared to non-protected beaches. However, while protection status significantly improves crab abundance, it does not necessarily increase the mean burrow opening size. Interestingly, protected areas show a higher number of small burrow sizes, indicating that protected beaches not only act as feeding grounds but also serve as breeding and nursery grounds for ghost crabs. These findings illustrate the multifaceted role protected areas play in supporting the entire life cycle of ghost crabs, and underscore the importance of preserving these habitats for the species' long-term survival. It highlights the importance of effective management and conservation measures to preserve the health and integrity of coastal ecosystems. By establishing and managing protected areas appropriately, we can ensure the continued existence and viability of these invaluable habitats. Specific human activities that harm coastal biodiversity can be identified to develop targeted conservation strategies. Through this study, such strategies can be developed which may include measures like restricting beach access during breeding season or implementing sustainable tourism practices to lessen the impact.

Human-wildlife conflict and community perceptions towards wildlife conservation in and around a biodiverse National Park, northern Ethiopia

Crop raiding and livestock predation significantly influence the perception of the local community regarding wildlife conservation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the scope, characteristics and origin of human-wildlife conflict, as well as the local community’s attitudes towards wildlife conservation within the vicinity of Kafta-Sheraro National Park, northern Ethiopia. The study was conducted in 2020 between April and October. A multi-stage sampling design was adopted to select 260 households to examine respondents' opinions on the extent and underlying cause of human-wildlife conflict, communities' perception towards wildlife conservation, the damage that wild animal species cause and traditional human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures applied. Our results showed that the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), leopard (Panthera pardus) and African elephant (Loxodonta africana) were the top three species involved in conflicts as reported by the respondents. Both livestock depredation and crop raiding were the most serious human-wildlife conflict types in and around Kafta-Sheraro National Park. About 48 % of the respondents confirmed that illegal subsistence farming expansion and prohibited grazing were the main causes of human-wildlife conflict. The results of the multiple linear regression model indicated that education and the distance of villages to the park boundary are significant predictors of local community perceptions towards wildlife conservation. In the study area, the perception of the local community is greatly influenced by the benefit received from the park. To alleviate human-wildlife conflicts in and around Kafta-Sheraro National Park, residents used a combination of lethal and non-lethal mitigation measures. Therefore, environmental conservation education and managing the human-wildlife conflict are needed to improve the local community’s perception towards wildlife conservation and to design wildlife conservation strategies in Kafta-Sheraro National Park.

Environmental and genetic drivers of physiological and functional traits in a key canopy species

The resilience of forests worldwide is challenged by climate change. Large-scale tree mortality and dieback events have been documented across continents in recent decades. The adaptive capacity of forests is important for predicting forest resistance and resilience to future climates yet remains largely unknown. We grew 12 populations of a widespread foundation tree species (Corymbia calophylla), originating from different temperature and rainfall regimes, in two common garden trials in Western Australia that had similar temperature but contrasting rainfall conditions. We quantified intraspecific trait variation at these two sites to estimate genetically determined trait variation with climate origin (genetic adaptation) and trait variation associated with environment (phenotypic plasticity). We aimed to determine the 1) contribution of genetic and environmental factors on growth, functional, and physiological trait variation; 2) coordination of leaf traits within the context of the leaf economic spectrum (LES) in variable rainfall conditions; and 3) role of local or regional climate adaptation influencing tree growth and water use efficiency. Growth and physiological traits were differentially expressed across populations and sites, highlighting the importance of genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. Leaf traits reflected a more water conservative strategy with higher water use efficiency, high foliar nitrogen content, and low specific leaf area, as predicted by the LES, in trees at the dry site measured in autumn after the warm summer. Local adaptation was detected in growth and leaf water use efficiency traits at the regional climate, not the local population, scale. Plants from the cool region had greater performance than those from the warm region in most plant traits. Home-site rainfall was not a good predictor of trait expression. The capacity of C. calophylla to respond to low water availability through genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity may enable it to maintain optimal performance in drier conditions associated with climate change.

Taxonomic revision of two species in the genus Ptychorhynchus Simpson, 1900 (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Gonideinae), with description of a new species.

Accurate identification and precise classification of freshwater mussel species that are among the most threatened freshwater taxa in the world, play a crucial role in informing conservation and management efforts for these organisms. However, due to the variability in shell morphology, relying solely on shell characteristics for species taxonomy poses significant challenges, thereby impeding effective conservation planning and management. The freshwater mussel genus Ptychorhynchus Simpson, 1900 is one such group in need of study. We integrate molecular phylogeny, shell morphology and soft-body anatomy to examine the classification of Ptychorhynchus denserugata (Haas, 1910) and Ptychorhynchus resupinatus (von Martens, 1902). The COI barcoding data support the clustering of P. denserugata and Nodularia douglasiae within a single clade, and P. denserugata shares the diagnostic feature of the genus Nodularia , i.e. knobs or bumps on the inner mantle surface in the excurrent aperture. Therefore, by integrating molecular data and anatomical characteristics, we confirm that the nominal species P. denserugata syn. nov. is a new synonym for N. douglasiae . The multi-locus (COI + ND1 + 16S rRNA + 18S rRNA + 28S rRNA ) phylogeny and mitochondrial phylogenomics support the transfer of P. resupinatus from Ptychorhynchus to the newly elevated genus Cosmopseudodon stat. rev., as Cosmopseudodon resupinatus stat. rev. that is still considered the designated type species. We also describe a new species based on integrative taxonomy, i.e. Cosmopseudodon wenshanensis sp. nov. The comprehensive understanding of the taxonomy and diversity of the revised Cosmopseudodon species, and shell heteromorphism of N. douglasiae (=P. denserugata syn. nov.), will serve as a crucial foundation for further scientific assessment and conservation strategies pertaining to these taxa. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E48968B1-DF0F-42AD-8F31-B8C95F23CE57.

Genome-wide detection of runs of homozygosity and heterozygosity in Tunchang pigs

Tunchang pigs, mainly distributed throughout Hainan Province of China, are well-known for their superior meat quality, crude feed tolerance, and adaptability to high temperatures and humidity. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) can provide valuable information about the inbreeding coefficient in individuals and selection signals that may reveal candidate genes associated with key functional traits. Runs of heterozygosity (ROHet) are commonly associated with balance selection, which can help us understand the adaptive evolutionary history of domestic animals. In this study, we investigated ROHs and ROHets in 88 Tunchang pigs. We also compared the estimates of inbreeding coefficients in individuals calculated based on four methods. In summary, we detected a total of 16 ROH islands in our study, and 100 genes were found within ROH regions. These genes were correlated with economically important traits such as reproduction (e.g., SERPIND1, HIRA), meat quality (e.g., PI4KA, TBX1), immunity (e.g., ESS2, RANBP1), adaption to heat stress (TXNRD2 and DGCR8), and crude food tolerance (TRPM6). Moreover, we discovered 18 ROHet islands harbouring genes associated with reproduction (e.g., ARHGEF12, BMPR2), immune system (e.g., BRD4, DNMT3B). These findings may help us design effective breeding and conservation strategies for this unique breed.

A dramatic northward range expansion of a Red Sea soft coral in the Mediterranean Sea

AbstractHistorically isolated from tropical influences, the Mediterranean Sea underwent drastic changes, including the Lessepsian migration facilitated by the opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we report on the discovery of a thriving and lush population of an Indo‐Pacific soft coral in the transforming Mediterranean Sea. This species was identified as Dendronephthya hemprichi (Klunzinger, 1877) through morphological and genetic assessments. The unexpected appearance of a dense population of this tropical coral off the Israeli Mediterranean coast signifies a northward range expansion of approximately 350 km from the northern Red Sea. Considering the potential for this soft coral to alter benthic community structure and create new marine animal forests, the population's sudden and massive colonization of artificial structures raises intriguing questions about its possible long‐term ecological implications in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study emphasizes the urgency of continuous monitoring and research to understand the ecological consequences of this unprecedented abrupt tropical incursion of hundreds of colonies and its potential implications for the region's biodiversity. Moreover, the findings contribute to the broader discourse on the tropicalization of temperate and subtropical regions, highlighting the need to adapt conservation strategies that embrace and understand novel configurations of ecosystems in the face of ongoing local and global changes.

Genetic Insights into the Historical Attribution of Variety Names of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Northern Italy

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is subject to the progressive disappearance of its traditional chestnut groves. In the northern part of Italy, where distribution of the sweet chestnut is fragmented, many local varieties continue to be identified mostly by oral tradition. We characterised by SSRs eleven historically recognised varieties of sweet chestnut in the area surrounding Lake Como, with the goal of giving a genetic basis to the traditional classification. We performed classical analysis about differentiation and used Bayesian approaches to detect population structure and to reconstruct demography. The results revealed that historical and genetic classifications are loosely linked when chestnut fruits are just “castagne”, that is, normal fruits, but increasingly overlap where “marroni” (the most prized fruits) are concerned. Bayesian classification allowed us to identify a homogeneous gene cluster not recognised in the traditional assessment of the varieties and to reconstruct possible routes used for the propagation of sweet chestnut. We also reconstructed ancestral relationships between the different gene pools involved and dated ancestral lineages whose results fit with palynological data. We suggest that conservation strategies based on a genetic evaluation of the resource should also rely on traditional cultural heritage, which could reveal new sources of germplasm.

UAV Mapping for Flood Routing in Steep and Densely Vegetated Areas: Insights from the Contok River Basin, Garang Watershed, Indonesia

This research utilizes photogrammetry to assess flood routing dynamics in the Contok river basin, a sub-watershed with a challenging landscape characterized by steep slopes, dense vegetation, and meandering patterns. The objectives are to assess Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mapping accuracy, evaluate the river's capacity for design flood volumes, quantify the impact of land cover changes on surface runoff, and provide insights for early warning systems and watershed conservation strategies. The study area, encompassing the Contok River Basin, a sub-watershed of the Garang Watershed, covers 7,413 km² and includes a stream length of 5,274 meters in Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia. This research employed image processing of aerial photographs and satellite imagery. Aerial photos captured using UAV data were utilized to derive elevation data and cross-sectional profiles of the Contok River, essential for understanding channel morphology and hydraulic characteristics. Concurrently, satellite imagery was used for land cover analysis, identifying vegetation and built-up areas that influence surface runoff dynamics. Hydrological analysis was performed to quantify discharge magnitudes, simulated against river cross-sections to evaluate flood behavior under varying scenarios. Our proposed UAV mapping provides adequate accuracy for small and local areas. Furthermore, it remains reliable for flood routing analysis. We discovered that the capacity of the Contok River channel in the downstream area allows it to convey design flood discharges up to a 50-year return period, contrary to the upstream area, it overflows. Notably, the shift from vegetated to built-up and agricultural areas significantly contributes to the 10.6% increase in surface runoff. This research highlights the role of UAV-based photogrammetry in assessing and mitigating flood hazards amidst evolving land cover patterns. It also enhances the understanding of flood dynamics and thus provides insights that will serve as a reference for flood early warning systems, flood management practices, and watershed conservation.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Thymallus sp. in China based on morphological and molecular markers

Thymallus sp. is a native fish species distributed in the Irtysh River Basin in China. Unfortunately, environmental damage and overfishing have led to a significant decline in Arctic grayling resources, pushing them towards endangerment. However, there is a lack of comprehensive genetic information regarding the wild populations of Thymallus sp., which poses challenges for the development of effective conservation strategies for their genetic resources. In response, this study collected 180 samples from six major tributaries within the Irtysh River Basin. It conducted a thorough investigation of Thymallus sp.'s morphological and genetic variations using morphometric measurements and microsatellite markers. The results showed that the morphological differences among the six populations were relatively minor, and none of the morphological traits reached the subspecies level or higher. Genetic analysis showed that all six populations of Thymallus sp. possessed high genetic diversity, with genetic variations among populations accounting for only 6.30 % of the total variation, suggesting that the current status of the germplasm resources was relatively good. However, due to overfishing, which had led to a decline in the number of effective breeding groups, some inbreeding has occurred within populations. Moreover, the construction of dams has hindered gene exchange, leading to a certain tendency towards genetic differentiation within the populations. This was evidenced by the clustering of Burqin and Haba into one genetic group, while Kuirt, Kayit, Kalaerzis, and Crane were classified into another genetic group. This study offers an important reference for the management and conservation of Thymallus sp. populations in the Irtysh River Basin.

Multi-period optimization of water planning for a sustainable agriculture: carbon footprint and water footprint assessment

Abstract The State of Qatar has undergone significant changes impacting water resources in recent years, with rapid population growth being a significant factor. The government has implemented several policies and initiatives to manage water resources effectively, including introducing a water conservation strategy investing in desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities. However, the expansion of the agricultural sector has driven up demand for water resources, placing additional pressure on limited supplies. Effective decision-making processes are crucial to sustainable water resource management, particularly in water-scarce countries, and multi-period optimization is an important tool for such decision-making. This study presents a five-year period for multi-period optimization of water planning in the agricultural sector to consider short-term and medium-term dynamics. The aim is to minimize the carbon footprint associated with agricultural water allocation, and assess water pollution using the Water Quality Index grey water footprint indicator. The water budget considered includes desalinated water, brackish groundwater, and treated sewage effluent, while the agricultural sector comprises dairy, egg and poultry, red meat production, outdoor farming, and indoor farming. Considering the water conservation importance in the State of Qatar, the three levels of water stress that were considered are 0%, 25% and a base scenario carbon footprint-based water stress. The latter is calculated such that the improved scenario’s carbon footprint is lower than that of the base scenario while keeping a safe annual water stress. Results show that it possible to reduce the water stress from an unsafe average to as little as 13.7%. Similarly, the water pollution estimated using the grey water footprint method is significantly lower compared to the base scenario.

Rarity and life-history strategies shape inbreeding and outbreeding effects on early plant fitness

Local abundance and regional distribution are two aspects of a species’ rarity. They are suggested to differentially alter genetic processes in plants: Locally rare species are hypothesized to suffer less from inbreeding and outbreeding than locally common species, thanks to genetic purging through long inbreeding histories and weaker local adaptations, respectively. Regionally rare species are hypothesized to be more susceptible to outbreeding, but less to inbreeding, compared to regionally common ones, due to small and declining range size. While this has major implications for plant conservation practices, we lack evidences and general understanding on how breeding effects on a plant’s early life fitness are related to its local and regional rarity. To investigate effects of inbreeding and outbreeding on plants’ early fitness, we performed self-, within- and between-population pollinations in eight pairs of closely related species differing in regional and local rarity. To avoid biases due to context dependency, we took species competitive ability, habitat resource-richness and resource-allocation strategy into account in the analyses. We then tested how inbreeding and outbreeding affected five fruit-, seed- and seedling-related traits. Inbreeding did not generally have more negative effects on early fitness of regionally rare and non-competitive species than on regionally common and competitive ones. Outbreeding was generally beneficial to early fitness of plant species across the gradients of regional rarity, competitive ability and habitat resource-richness. Our results show that outbreeding may be beneficial to the early fitness of plant species, including rare and non-competitive ones and may be considered for conservation strategies.

Ten‐a‐day: Bumblebee pollen loads reveal high consistency in foraging breadth among species, sites and seasons

Abstract Pollen and nectar are crucial resources for bees but vary greatly among plant species in their quantity, nutritional quality and timing of availability. This makes it challenging to identify an appropriate range of plants to meet the nutritional needs of bees throughout the year, though this information is important in the design of pollinator conservation schemes. Using DNA metabarcoding of pollen loads, we record the floral resource use of UK farmland bumblebees at different stages of their colony lifecycle, and compare this with null models of ‘expected’ resource use based on landscape‐scale resource availability (pollen and nectar), to identify foraging priorities and preferences. We use this approach to ask three main questions: (i) what is the foraging breadth of individual bumblebees?; (ii) do bumblebees utilise a greater or lesser diversity of plant species than expected if they foraged in proportion to resource availability?; (iii) which plant species do bumblebees preferentially utilise? Individual bumblebees foraged from a highly consistent number of different plant taxa (mean: 10 ± 0.37 SE per bee), regardless of their species, sampling site or time of year. This high consistency in foraging breadth, despite large changes in the quantity, identity and diversity of resource availability, implies a strong behavioural tendency towards a fixed range of foraging resources. This effect was most striking in April when foraging diversity was maintained despite very low landscape‐level resource diversity. Bumblebees used some plant taxa significantly more than predicted from their landscape‐level floral abundance, nectar or pollen supply, implying certain desirable characteristics beyond the mere quantity of resource. These included Allium spp. and Vicia spp. in April; Trifolium repens and Lotus corniculatus in July and Cardueae spp. (thistles) and Taraxacum officinale in September. Practical implication: Our results strongly indicate that resource quantity is not the only factor driving bumblebee foraging patterns and that resource diversity and quality are also important factors. Thus, in addition to providing large quantities of floral resources, we recommend that pollinator conservation schemes also focus on providing a sufficient diversity of preferred floral resources, enabling pollinators to self‐select a diverse and nutritious diet.