Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Genetic variation of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany

AbstractTaxus baccata L. is a highly valuable species with wide distribution but scattered and locally rare occurrence. Human intervention, including forest management practices and fragmentation, can significantly impact the species’ genetic diversity, structure, and dynamics. In this study, we investigated these factors within T. baccata populations in the Bavarian Forest National Park (NP) in Germany and their implications for conservation. We used 13 EST-SSRs to assess the genetic diversity and structure of the population. Our analysis revealed a scarcity of small-diameter trees, indicating limited natural regeneration over time. However, conservation efforts, like selectively removing competitor species and using protective fencing, have improved growth conditions and promoted seedling emergence. The NP’s natural zone has no active management, which is confined to the development and management zones. Genetic diversity assessments revealed high genetic diversity (He: 0.612 and 0.614 for seedlings and adults, respectively) compared to other studies in Taxus baccata, dispelling concerns of significant inbreeding and showcasing a stable genetic structure. However, significant spatial clustering of related individuals (family structures) in both cohorts and low effective population size in the progeny hints at restricted gene flow, necessitating conservation efforts prioritizing safeguarding and promoting natural regeneration in development and management zones. Limited natural regeneration and the recent decrease in effective population size in the NP populations indicate habitat fragmentation and human interventions. Effective population size estimates emphasize the need for diverse conservation strategies. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting natural regeneration and enhancing gene flow by actively promoting European yew, e.g., by shelterwood cutting, to ensure the long-term viability of T. baccata in the region outside the NP.

The Economic Value of Biodiversity Preservation

AbstractWe study the decision to preserve diverse species when the value of biodiversity is uncertain, or even affected by ambiguity. Optimal decisions are derived both from the perspective of the producer/investor and the policy regulator (ecosystem planner). We find that while calculated risk creates a scope for biodiversity preservation, the presence of ambiguity aversion reduces it, thus accelerating the extinction of species with lower value. Our results suggest that effective conservation strategies would involve a reduction of ambiguity aversion by creating a stable and transparent policy environment. Furthermore, they may involve a two tier strategy, with one tier addressing output targets and the other conservation targets.

Beyond Preservation: Heritage as an Educational Practice Process at 141 Neil Road, Singapore

Over the past two decades, the concept of heritage has been significantly broadened, with an increasing number of scholars viewing it not as a set of static objects with fixed meanings but as a social process consciously endowed with commemorative functions through human creation. This research illustrates and empirically supports this perspective through a case study. Initially, the paper reviews the development of the heritage concept through the literature review and elaborates on the idea of “heritage as process”. Subsequently, it examines Singapore’s enriching exploration and successful implementation of heritage conservation, particularly since 2000, when the local government shifted from preserving historical buildings to a comprehensive conservation strategy that embraces a sense of place, identity, and memory and encourages a bottom-up participatory approach. Finally, this paper takes the transformation of the century-old townhouse at 141 Neil Road in Singapore as its focus. After being renovated into an urban architectural heritage conservation laboratory, the house has gradually become a place of heritage on Neil Road by training professionals’ construction skills, transforming its function, introducing technological explorations, and enhancing public interaction. This process has developed the abilities of heritage conservation professionals in desktop research, reuse design, and practical construction skills while simultaneously promoting community participation and heightening awareness of heritage conservation among local residents. Through daily practices, this historical townhouse gradually became a place of heritage on Neil Road, exemplifying the research theme that “heritage is a comprehensive and dynamic practice encompassing social, cultural, and technological dimensions”. From being preserved for renovation in 2020 to being approved as a “Heritage Show House” by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2023, the case of 141 Neil Road offers a new perspective in the heritage conservation field that “heritage is always in the process of becoming, rather than a constant given”.

Pollutants and weathering compounds on medieval bricks of historic buildings from Brasov (Transylvania, Romania)

Urban pollution significantly influences historic building preservation via chemical, physical, and biological processes. To plan heritage structure restoration, we must study fired brick mineralogy and its correlation with firing temperature. We must also examine how atmospheric pollutants have affected surface composition over time. This study analyzes medieval bricks from seven medieval buildings in Brașov, Romania. We used physicochemical methods (XRD, SEM-EDS, and FTIR-ATR) to identify brick minerals, estimate firing temperatures, and investigate weathering compounds due to pollutants. Samples show quartz, clay minerals (muscovite, illite, palygorskite/smectite anh., kaolinite anh.), feldspars (microcline, orthoclase, albite, andesine), and carbonates (calcite) (for the bricks estimated to be fired at ∼800 °C); sanidine, gelhenite (for the bricks estimated to be fired at ∼950 °C); anorthite, wollastonite, diopside, spinel, mullite (for the bricks estimated to be fired at ∼1100 °C). Weathering varies by mineralogy, firing temperature, location, and pollutants, including efflorescence (CaCO3), black crust (gypsum, calcite), and organic/bio-organic compounds. Mitigation strategies based on physicochemical studies aim to protect cultural heritage from pollution's adverse effects for future generations. This study is vital globally for preserving cultural heritage, offering insights into mitigating the impact of pollution on historic buildings. It aids in developing universal conservation strategies, ensuring our shared past's longevity and aesthetic value.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss among Noise-Exposed U.S. Workers within the Utilities Sector, 2010-2019.

This study's objective was to estimate hearing loss prevalence for noise-exposed U.S. Utilities workers. In this cross-sectional study of a retrospective cohort, audiograms were examined for 1.3 million workers (13,595 within Utilities) from 2010-2019. Hearing loss prevalence, and adjusted risk as compared with a reference industry, were estimated. The hearing loss prevalence for noise-exposed Utilities workers (25%) was higher than for noise-exposed workers in all industries combined (20%). Some sub-sectors surpassed the prevalence for all industries combined and/or had adjusted risks significantly higher than the reference industry. The highest prevalence sub-sectors were Hydroelectric Power Generation (37%) and Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply (29%). While often overlooked, noise-exposed workers in this sector have among the highest prevalences of hearing loss, and significantly higher risks. Increased attention and better hearing conservation strategies are needed.

The role of local communities in the conservation of cultural heritage sites: A case study of Vietnam

This study examines the significant impact of local community engagement on conserving cultural heritage sites, focusing on active participation, cultural preservation, decision-making, and oversight. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for analysis, it evaluates how community involvement aids in the maintenance and protection of tangible and intangible heritage aspects. Findings reveal substantial improvements in conservation outcomes due to active community participation, highlighting the critical role of local communities in preserving heritage integrity and cultural values. This emphasizes the necessity of grassroots involvement for lasting cultural legacy preservation. Furthermore, the study stresses the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge and traditions into conservation strategies to ensure culturally relevant and sustainable outcomes. Although based in Vietnam, the implications of this research are global, advocating for inclusive, community-centric conservation practices that emphasize environmental sustainability and cultural significance. This approach signifies a transformative shift towards heritage conservation models that align with local community ethos, offering valuable insights and recommendations for a more integrative and culturally attuned preservation strategy.

Spatial distribution, activity patterns, and influence of roads on mammals in the Qinling Mountains of China

Abstract Species distribution and activity patterns vary across regions, and these patterns reveal key information about the biology of a given species. However, such data in Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve located in the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China, are inadequate due to limited monitoring studies. From September 2017 to December 2019, 57 infrared cameras were installed to monitor species distribution relative to distance from National Highway 210, and spatial and temporal activity patterns in Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve (elevation range 1,100 to 2,802 m). Sixteen species of mammals were recorded in our survey. The 4 most frequently detected species were Reeves’s Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Pere David’s Rock Squirrel (Sciurotamias davidianus), and Golden Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi). Daily patterns of these species indicated that Reeves’s muntjacs and golden takins were more active at dawn and dusk, whereas wild boars and Pere David’s rock squirrels were more active during the day. The relative abundance index of these mammals varied seasonally. Wild boars and Pere David’s rock squirrels showed no obvious preference in elevation distribution, Reeves’s muntjacs preferred low-elevation habitats (1,300 to 1,600 m), and golden takins mainly inhabited high-elevation areas (1,900 to 2,100 m). Golden takins showed obvious avoidance of roads, with avoidance distance from the road of >300 m. In contrast, Reeves’s muntjacs were remarkably abundant within 200 m of the road. For both wild boars and Pere David’s rock squirrels, there was no significant difference in RAI among 5 highway ranges. These findings help describe the distribution and activity patterns of these species in Qinling, to monitor their population dynamics, and to develop tailored conservation strategies for the 4 species and sympatric wildlife.

Analysing the contribution of intermittent rivers to beta diversity can improve freshwater conservation in Mediterranean rivers

In Mediterranean climate regions, intermittent rivers (IRs) harbor highly dynamic communities with species and trait composition changing over time and space. Simultaneously considering multiple biodiversity facets and a spatiotemporal perspective is, therefore, key to developing effective conservation strategies for these ecosystems. We studied the spatiotemporal dynamics of aquatic macroinvertebrates in rivers of the western Mediterranean Basin by analysing (1) the taxonomic and functional richness and the local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD; measured considering taxonomic and functional facets) of perennial rivers and IRs over five sampling times, and (2) their relation with flow intermittence, local environmental uniqueness, and the number of anthropogenic impacts. Both analyses were also conducted for the subset of data including only IRs to compare values between their flowing and disconnected pool phases. According to our results, taxonomic and functional richness tended to be higher in perennial rivers than in IRs, while taxonomic and functional LCBD tended to be higher in IRs than in perennial rivers. When comparing IR sites over time, higher values of taxonomic and functional LCBD corresponded mostly to their disconnected pool phase. Flow intermittence, the number of anthropogenic impacts and the environmental uniqueness were significant predictors of taxonomic and functional richness, but only flow intermittence was an important predictor of taxonomic LCBD. For the IR-only data subset, disconnected pool permanence was the main predictor explaining spatiotemporal patterns. Our results highlight the importance of IRs to biodiversity conservation of Mediterranean climate rivers, especially during the disconnected pool phase, suggesting that these ecosystems cannot be ignored in conservation planning strategies.

Towards a Comprehensive DNA Barcode Library of Stenochironomus Kieffer, 1919 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from China

The adoption of DNA-based assessments for biodiversity monitoring has been on the rise. However, the effectiveness of DNA-based taxonomic assignments heavily relies on the availability and reliability of DNA barcode libraries. There is growing demand for a comprehensive understanding of aquatic biodiversity and the critical role of Chironomidae, specifically Stenochironomus in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, our objective is to develop a reference barcode library for Stenochironomus in China. From 2016 to 2021, we collected Stenochironomus specimens in diverse Chinese landscapes using malaise traps, light traps, and sweep nets. These specimens were carefully preserved for DNA extraction and barcode sequencing. Our analysis unveiled 36 unique operational taxonomic units from 180 COI barcode sequences through a Neighbor-Joining tree and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery program, highlighting a significant diversity within the Stenochironomus species. The findings emphasize the constraints of conventional morphological identification methods, especially for species with ambiguous morphologies. It also underscores the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in revealing hidden species diversity, known as cryptic species. Consequently, this study advocates for an integrated taxonomic approach, combining morphological and molecular data, to refine species identification and conservation strategies.

WEB VISUALIZATION AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF TREE SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AT UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN ACADEMIC OVAL

Abstract. Understanding the distribution of tree species is crucial for ecological comprehension and effective conservation strategies. This research presents a web-based platform aimed at visually representing the trees found at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus. Open-source geospatial tools such as OpenStreetMap, KoboToolbox, Pl@ntNet, JOSM, uMap, and QGIS were employed for data visualization, collection, analysis, validation, and spatial pattern assessment. Through these tools, a total of 11 tree species were identified, with acacia emerging as the dominant species, especially concentrated along the academic oval. The application of Kernel Density Estimation (HeatMap) in QGIS revealed these spatial distribution patterns. The findings contribute to the effective management, conservation, and restoration of the campus' green spaces, shedding light on the significance of trees in urban ecosystems. The online interactive map developed serves as a valuable tool for improving management and conservation strategies. Importantly, the study assesses the effectiveness of open-source tools, showcasing their versatility and comparable capabilities to proprietary alternatives in geospatial applications.

Comparative analysis of space layouts and facade systems for office retrofit design in hot climate

ABSTRACT Worldwide, office buildings account for almost one-third of global energy consumption. Therefore, the energy retrofit design of office buildings could reduce total energy consumption. Considering the benefits of advanced facade systems, retrofit facade design is an effective strategy for energy conservation while improving daylight performance, occupant well-being, and productivity. This paper compares the daylight and energy performance of single and double-skin facade systems used in a typical office building in a hot climate with different space layouts. The main objective is to optimize the daylight and energy performance of various facade systems in combination with a wide range of design variables. Simulations were conducted in DesignBuilder software using a multi-objective optimization approach. Eleven design variables and 103 simulations were considered with the objective of enhancing daylight performance while reducing cooling and lighting loads. Based on the results, single-skin facade configurations could enhance daylight performance significantly compared to double-skin facades, while double-skin facades performed better by reducing the risk of glare and annual energy consumption. Using single and double-skin facade systems could reduce annual total energy consumption by 50% and 60% compared to the existing building.

Integrating environmental conservation and public health strategies to combat zoonotic disease emergence: a call to action from the Amazon rainforest.

Integrating environmental conservation and public health strategies to combat zoonotic disease emergence: a call to action from the Amazon rainforest.

Age-Related Conservation in Plant–Soil Feedback Accompanied by Ectomycorrhizal Domination in Temperate Forests in Northeast China

This study investigates the effects of forest aging on ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community and foraging behavior and their interactions with plant–soil attributes. We explored EcM fungal communities and hyphal exploration types via rDNA sequencing and investigated their associations with plant–soil traits by comparing younger (~120 years) and older (~250 years) temperate forest stands in Northeast China. The results revealed increases in the EcM fungal richness and abundance with forest aging, paralleled by plant–soil feedback shifting from explorative to conservative nutrient use strategies. In the younger stands, Tomentella species were prevalent and showed positive correlations with nutrient availability in both the soil and leaves, alongside rapid increases in woody productivity. However, the older stands were marked by the dominance of the genera Inocybe, Hymenogaster, and Otidea which were significantly and positively correlated with soil nutrient contents and plant structural attributes such as the community-weighted mean height and standing biomass. Notably, the ratios of longer-to-shorter distance EcM fungal exploration types tended to decrease along with forest aging. Our findings underscore the integral role of EcM fungi in the aging processes of temperate forests, highlighting the EcM symbiont-mediated mechanisms adapting to nutrient scarcity and promoting sustainability in plant–soil consortia.

Neurogenic, non-obstructive urinary retention: diagnosis and treatment

Neurogenic, non-obstructive urinary retention has a varied aetiology. The condition can be caused by central-nervous diseases as well as by disorders of the peripheral nervous system. The formation of residual urine may lead to considerable problems that can have a significant impact on a patient's everyday life. A treatment appropriate for the lower urinary tract dysfunction and suited to the patient's situation in life is only possible if a differentiated diagnostic evaluation has been performed. Both conservative and surgical therapeutic strategies are available, while drug treatment approaches are less relevant. Neuromodulative procedures are particularly suitable for causal treatment of the dysfunction. For patients requiring artificial bladder voiding, intermittent self-catheterization is generally preferable to using an indwelling catheter.

Maternal anemia and red blood cell requirements in 72 women undergoing ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure.

The ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) allows to ensure fetal airway while keeping uteroplacental circulation. However, EXIT may become a life-threatening procedure due to the increased risk of uterine atony or placenta abruption with increased peripartum blood losses and increased transfusion rates. We aim to review maternal anemia prevalence and transfusion requirements in women undergoing EXIT procedure. Using data from the Federal German Statistical Office hospitalized women undergoing EXIT procedure between January 1st 2006 and December 31st 2021 were included. The prevalence of anemia, peripartum hemorrhage, comorbidities and administration of red blood cells (RBC) were analyzed. In total, 72 women underwent EXIT procedure with a median age of 31 years (26;33.5). In 43.1% EXIT was conducted at 34-36 weeks of gestational age. "Anemia during pregnancy" was present in 47.2%, "anemia due to acute bleeding" in 25.0% and "iron deficiency anemia" in 15.3%. Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 11.1%. RBCs were transfused in 15.3% of all women. Most women required 1-5 units of RBCs. Despite the rarity of this procedure, anemia management and blood conservation strategies in order to reduce the need for RBC transfusion are highly important in women undergoing EXIT procedure.

Patterns of forest community diversity, regeneration potential and carbon storages along an altitudinal gradient in Eastern Himalaya, India

This study showed changing patterns in the plant species composition, diversity, and carbon storage potential of different forests along altitudinal gradients (i.e. 100 – 1900 m) in Eastern Himalayan India. Different tree, shrub and herb species were sampled along the altitudinal gradients ranging from tropical to temperate forests through Nested Plot design. In each forest, vegetation sampling was made by establishing a permanent plot of 250 m × 250 m as per ISRO-GBP/NCP-VCP protocol. Individuals of trees ≥10 cm girth at breast height (GBH), shrubs and herbs were recorded in 4, 8 and 16 subplots of 31.62 m × 31.62 m, 5 m × 5 m and 1 m × 1 m, respectively. Community attributes such as species richness, density, basal area, diversity indices and biomass and carbon storages were computed for each study site. A total of 5 forest communities (2 each from tropical and subtropical and one from temperate forest) were identified. The woody species diversity was highest in the subtropical forest followed by tropical and temperate forest. Altitude played an important role in the Eastern Himalayan Mountains in the establishment and distribution of forest community. Forest community composition changes with elevation, for instance, the dominant communities like Dipterocarpus retusus–Phoebe goalparensis–Schima wallichii (D-P-S), Gmelina arborea–Schima wallichii-Duabanga grandiflora (G-S-D), Schima wallichii–Duabanga grandiflora–Alstonia scholaris (S-D-A), Alstonia scholaris–Terminalia myriocarpa–Bischofia javanica (A-T-B) and Acer thomsonii–Rhodendron arboreum–Quercus lamellose (A-R-Q) were present at elevational ranges of 100–300 m, 300–700 m, 700–1100 m, 1100–1500 m and 1500–1900 m, respectively. The study showed that about 41–57% of the tree species exhibited good regeneration followed by 23–30% as fair, 6–16% as poor, and 6–21% species did not show regeneration along the altitudinal gradient. The total biomass carbon (Mg C ha−1) varied from 84.74 to 163.56 in tropical, 103.12 – 156.41 in subtropical and 133.05 in temperate forest. In conclusion, community composition, regeneration pattern and biomass carbon storage changes along altitude because of altered biophysical characteristics. However, despite variations in elevation, factors for forest disturbance at different altitudes significantly contributed to the community attributes and overall accumulation of biomass carbon. Hence, the traditional management practices carried out by local communities also play a crucial role in shaping the structure, composition, and carbon dynamics of forest ecosystems. Understanding the impacts of these practices is essential for promoting sustainable forest management by conserving forests and preserving carbon stocks for mitigating climate change in future. This study emphasizes the importance of long-term forest monitoring to promote biodiversity conservation and formulate conservation strategies that support sustainable forest management policies to which ensure continuous provision of ecosystem services in the region.

Vanishing giants: An assessment on the population status of giant clams across Malaysia

The iconic giant clams are known for its multifaceted importance throughout the Indo-Pacific –for functional, ecological, or cultural purposes. In Malaysia, habitat destruction and illegal poaching were main reasons behind the declining populations of giant clams. As previous surveys date back to 1990 s, an update on the status of giant clam populations in Malaysia is overdue. Using the extensive monitoring data from Reef Check Malaysia, we analysed and provided an assessment of population trends of giant clams between 2007 and 2021 in Malaysia. This study showed a decline in giant clam population in the east coast Peninsula and Sabah, while their abundances have always been low in the west coast Peninsula and Sarawak. In the east coast Peninsula, Tridacna maxima and T. crocea were most common (2.7 ± 7.3 and 1.4 ± 7.6 clams per 100 m2, respectively), followed by T. squamosa (0.7 ± 1.4 clams per 100 m2), and Hippopus hippopus (0.3 ± 2.5 clams per 100 m2). The boring species, T. maxima and T. crocea, typically displayed highly aggregated populations, reaching densities of 41.5 and 70 clams per 100 m2, where a reciprocal abundance shift between both species was observed between northern and southern sites of east coast Peninsula. The demography of T. maxima and T. crocea is either positively skewed or normally distributed, indicating abundant recruits that correspond to their higher densities. In contrast, T. squamosa showed a negative skew, suggesting poor recruitment rates. Findings here underscore the need to tailor conservation strategies for respective giant clam species in Malaysia. Proposed initiatives include establishing conservation zones in key areas like Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Redang, and Tioman Islands, which have significant T. maxima and T. crocea recruit populations. Also, targeted restocking efforts are necessary for T. squamosa and H. hippopus to ensure long-term viability of populations.

Plant cultural indicators of forest resources from the Himalayan high mountains: implications for improving agricultural resilience, subsistence, and forest restoration

AimBiocultural legacy practices are intricately tied to forestry resources, ethnic identity, and social cohesiveness. This study aims to determine the plant cultural values of forest resources and identify plant cultural indicators in each ethnic group, which can aid in long-term natural resource management plans in the current debate on socio-environmental and ecological transitions.MethodsSemi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were employed to collect data for a comprehensive and systematic ethnobotanical survey from February 2018 to October 2022.ResultsA total of 330 informants reported 154 plant species from 65 families. Asteraceae was the most prominent botanical family, with herbaceous plant groups outnumbering trees and shrubs. The Gujjar and Pahari groups exhibited the highest level of overlap, followed by significant overlaps between the Gujjar and Kashmiri communities. The close affinity observed between the Gujjar and Pahari groups suggests the horizontal pattern of local plant knowledge between these communities, influenced by their sociocultural interactions and intermarriages. Notably, the Pahari community displayed a rich understanding of medicinal plants and shared unique uses for the reported taxa. This study affirms that both ecological factors and sociocultural influences have played significant roles in shaping local plant knowledge. A total of 31 plant species have been identified as plant cultural markers among all four ethnic groups. We observed a positive correlation between plant cultural values and plant use with the Gujjar and Kashmiri ethnic groups. Artemisia absinthium reported the highest use value of (0.57) with use reports of (189). Adonis aestivalis, Cynoglossum nervosum, Geum elatum, Geranium himalayense, Juncus inflexus, Oxalis acetosella, Polygonatum biflorum, and Salvia hians from the Himalayan region are among the plant taxa whose ethnomedicinal applications are described here for the first time.ConclusionOur data show that local and indigenous forest knowledge and practices could significantly contribute to forest conservation and ecological transition. This may happen if stakeholders generate clear frameworks and biocultural conservation strategies aimed at both dynamically preserve natural habitats and ways of traditional management of local natural resources.

Use of agricultural fields by Natterjack toads: Implications for pesticide exposure

Land sharing conservation strategies might not work if wildlife is exposed to plant protection products. Plant protection products are used to protect crops against harmful organisms yet they can also have unwanted side effects on non-target organisms. Amphibians are one group of non-target organisms for which there is evidence that plant protection products can have negative effects on individuals and populations. Despite much research on amphibian ecotoxicology, not much is known about the exposure of amphibians to plant protection products in agricultural landscapes. Here, we study habitat use and movement behaviour of an endangered amphibian, the Natterjack toad Epidalea calamita, in two study areas in Switzerland. We placed arrays of artificial cover boards in agricultural fields and adjacent non-agricultural habitats and used a photographic mark-recapture approach to track individual toads, both adults and juveniles, during and after the reproductive season in the terrestrial habitat. We used multistate and spatial mark-recapture models to analyse the data. Toads used the agricultural fields during spring and summer and set up their home ranges within the fields but there was a great turnover of individuals. Toad densities were higher in agricultural fields than other habitat types, including a nature reserve suitable for the species. Toads preferred open soils and avoided grassy meadows typical of agricultural set-asides, suggesting that the conservation of the species in agricultural landscapes requires new types of biodiversity promotion areas. The results of the study show that toads use agricultural fields during most of the growing season and are thus likely to be exposed to plant protection products.

Effects of future climate change on rare and endangered species in inner Mongolia, China: Vulnerability, priority conservation areas and sustainable conservation strategies

Effects of future climate change on rare and endangered species in inner Mongolia, China: Vulnerability, priority conservation areas and sustainable conservation strategies