Important Conservation Research Articles

Patterns and drivers of abundance and diversity of reptiles and amphibians in the protected area of Mount Chelmos

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to investigate patterns of abundance and diversity among reptiles and amphibians within the protected area of Mount Chelmos, located in Peloponnese, Greece. Our aim was to examine the drivers influencing abundance (for lizards, snakes, chelonians, anurans, urodels) and diversity (for reptiles and amphibians) within the finely-scaled study area and identify biodiversity hotspots. Land cover significantly impacted the abundance and diversity of all studied groups. Elevation had a significant impact on the abundance of snakes, chelonians, and anurans, as well as on reptile and amphibian diversity. Climate influenced all groups except chelonians. Slope significantly impacted anuran abundance and amphibian diversity. Aspect primarily influenced the abundance of lizards, anurans, and urodels, as well as reptile diversity. We have also identified abundance and diversity hotspots, emphasizing the importance of conservation and management efforts. In reptiles, abundance hotspots were predicted in the west, east, and south of the mountainous massif, whereas amphibian abundance hotspots were mapped to the west and east-southeast of the massif. Regarding diversity, the patterns were similar for both reptiles and amphibians, with hotspots emerging in the west, south, and southeast boundaries of the study area, and a few spots north of the mountainous region. Notably, many of these hotspots coincided with areas susceptible to human exploitation and vehicular transit.

Expression of the aromatase cytochrome p450 enzyme, α and β estrogen receptors, and androgens in cells of the spermatogenic lineage, Leydig and Sertoli of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766)

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the biggest rodents in the world and have a huge importance in conservation, can be a rodent model in reproduction and have a huge role in the food chain in South America. Molecular studies of the reproduction of this animal are important for all animal class conservation, mainly rodents. In this way, hormone signaling can be useful to understand external and internal mechanisms of reproduction. In this work, estrogen receptors α and β, aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme, and androgens were detected by immunohistochemistry on Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, myoid cells, and seminiferous epithelium H. hydrochaeris testis. Nine animals were sacrificed and it was collected the testicles, and for each staining (hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory, and immunohistochemistry for four antibodies) it was made 5 slides per animal, after that a qualitative analysis was performed. The presence of estrogen receptors α and β in germinal epithelial cells, with stronger expression in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, may indicate the action of these hormones in the initial process of sperm cell development, needing more studies to investigate this first evidence. In other animals is believed that the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme can promote the transformation of androgens into estrogen, and in H. hydrochaeris is observed in those cells and androgen receptors. Sertoli cells exhibited moderate immunostaining for androgen and estrogen receptors α and β in the cytoplasm, with poor labeling for the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme in the nucleus in H. hydrochaeris. It is suggested that Sertoli cells may be responsible for producing estrogen in adult animals.

New bryological data from relict mires in the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park (Central Apennines) and their interpretation according to the EUNIS classification and Habitats Directive

During a phytosociological field-work campaign aimed at studying some relict Scheuchzerio-Caricetea boreal mires of the montane and subalpine belts of the Laga Mountains, the highest and largest siliceous massif of the Apennine range, several bryophyte taxa of particular biogeographic interest were collected. Among these taxa, Schljakovia kunzeana and Ptychostomum cernuum were found to be new records for the whole Apennine range while Hamatocaulis vernicosus (taxon included in annex II of Habitats Directive) and Scorpidium cossonii as new for the Central-Southern Apennines. Two further species, Bryum canariense, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, were found to be confirmations of old records for the Central Apennines dating back to the early 1900s. At the national and regional level, nine, out of the forty-four bryophyte taxa identified in this study, were found to be new for the Lazio administrative Region, and one taxon as new for the Abruzzo Region. The majority of these new records belong to the boreal chorotype, the Laga Mountains being one of the most important conservation sites for the relict circumboreal and arctic-alpine flora in the whole Mediterranean area. According to both the EUNIS Habitat classification and the EU Habitats Directive Annex I, several, out of the 44 bryophytes identified in this study, act as diagnostic species for European Community Habitats. Nevertheless, a complete correspondence between bryophyte taxon and habitat type was not found upon comparing these two environmental policy systems.

Comparing expedient and proactive approaches to the planning of protected area networks on Borneo

Protected areas are an important tool for wildlife conservation; however, research is increasingly revealing both biases and inadequacies in the global protected area network. One common criticism is that protected areas are frequently located in remote, high-elevation regions, which may face fewer threats compared to more accessible locations. To explore the conservation implications of this issue, we consider a thought experiment with seven different counterfactual scenarios for the Sunda clouded leopard’s conservation on Borneo. This allows us to examine two contrasting paradigms for conservation: “proactive conservation” which prioritises areas with high biodiversity and high risk of development, and “expedient conservation” which focusses on areas with the lowest development risk. We select clouded leopards as our focal species not only because of their emerging conservation importance, but also because, as top predators, they represent both keystone species and ambassadors for wider forest biodiversity. Furthermore, a published analysis of the likely impacts of forest loss in their habitat provides a benchmark for evaluating the modelled outcomes of alternative hypothetical conservation scenarios. We find that, across all metrics, expedient reserve design offered few benefits over the business-as-usual scenario, in contrast to the much greater conservation effectiveness of proactive protected area design. This paper sheds light on the challenging trade-offs between conservation goals and the competing land uses essential for the economic development and well-being of local communities.

Pendampingan Warga Binaan Rehabilitasi Narkoba Kota Banjar dalam Pemanfaatan Tanaman Lokal

This community service program aims to assist drug rehabilitation inmates in utilizing local plants such as Hangasa (Amomum dealbatum), Parahulu (Vatica scortechinii), and Honje (Toona sinensis) for health and environmental conservation. This program was conducted with a participatory approach for 1 week, involving 50 participants who received theoretical and practical training. Quantitative results showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge and skills, with an average increase of more than 28% in all aspects assessed. Qualitative results showed an increase in participants' awareness of the importance of environmental conservation and positive social impacts in the form of working group formation and community empowerment planning. In conclusion, this program was successful in increasing knowledge and skills in supporting environmental conservation. Recommendations for future implementation include developing sustainable support and increasing public education. This holistic approach has the potential to be applied in other locations to support community rehabilitation and development.

Integrating geodiversity in animal spatial ecology: microhabitat selection of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in a karst landscape

Geodiversity, encompassing various geophysical elements, can have an important impact on species distribution and affect animal behaviour patterns. Although many wild felids are attracted to rugged terrain and conspicuous relief features, most previous research was limited to general topographical characteristics (e.g., slope or terrain ruggedness) and rarely considered the effects of specific microhabitat characteristics. This gap is primarily due to the limited availability of high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) and relief features data at larger scales. However, LiDAR DTMs can be used in combination with various automatic methods to detect relief features, enabling non-contact and accurate mapping of large, remote and densely-forested areas. Here, we investigated the selection patterns of various karstic relief features, as well as topographic, anthropogenic and vegetation characteristics, by two sympatric felids, the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), in the Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia. We used LiDAR DTM to calculate topographic characteristics and detect karst relief features based on automatic methods. We compared the selection of these features between the GPS-collared lynx and wildcats under a use-availability approach. We also investigated the differences in the selection of these features by lynx based on their origin and experience (remnant vs. translocated and naive vs. experienced, respectively). We observed significant impact of relief features on space use by both felids and detected distinct selection patterns between the two species. Lynx selected rugged terrain and proximity of caves, cliffs, karst depressions, ridges, small rocky outcrops, and roads, but avoided human settlements and forest edges. Wildcats selected areas with lower surface slope, closer to main roads, forest edges, caves and ridges, but avoided cliffs, forest roads and human settlements. We observed stronger selection/avoidance patterns among the translocated compared to the remnant lynx, while the differences in experience levels were less important. Our study demonstrates the potential of integrating remote sensing techniques and information on geodiversity into the study of animal spatial ecology. Furthermore, our results indicate that specific relief features provide important abiotic microhabitats for felids and may influence habitat segregation between sympatric species. Our findings provide further evidence for the importance of geodiversity conservation and the need to incorporate abiotic microhabitat features in wildlife habitat selection studies.

Identifying areas of conservation importance based on spatial patterns of evolutionary diversity for non-volant small mammals in the Andean Puna

Ecosystems around the world face a variety of threats from anthropogenic activities and drylands are among the most affected due to their unique environmental characteristics. To maintain phylogenetic history and ecological functionality in these areas, it is imperative to preserve community structure and composition by identifying and protecting key conservation areas. Various methods have been used to define these areas in need of protection; in this study, we used patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the arid lands of the Altiplano-Puna Bioregion of South America, using non-volant small mammal communities as a model system. Based on detailed records of species presence in the study area we estimated indices of species richness and phylogenetic redundancy. The geographic distribution of these indices was then compared to the distribution of protected areas in the region. These analyses identified areas around Lake Titicaca as being of exceptional conservation importance and in need of protection efforts. We propose a network of interconnected areas that together would provide high conservation value while allowing genetic exchange and facilitating ecological processes across landscapes.

Ecology of the Arboreal Vegetation of the Cerrado in Urban Area, Palmas – Tocantins

Objective: To investigate the floristic diversity in three remaining urban forest fragments in Palmas, Tocantins, aiming to understand the structure and floristic composition and their importance for urban biodiversity conservation. Theoretical Framework: Based on concepts of phytosociology and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the importance of urban fragments for the preservation of native flora and the challenges posed by increasing urbanization. Method: Setup of 10 plots, each measuring 20x50 meters in the three studied fragments. All individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) equal to or greater than 10 cm were sampled. The phytosociological data were collected and analyzed using FITOPAC software. Results and Discussion: A total of 1,346 individuals belonging to 67 species and 44 families were found. The observed phytophysiognomies were cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão. The species Connarus suberosus, Caryocar brasiliense, and Qualea parviflora showed higher occurrence and wider distribution. These results reflect the richness and diversity that can be found in remaining fragments of the Cerrado. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing results that influence conservation practices and sustainable management in urban areas. Originality: Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil. Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of the floristic composition of urban fragments of the Cerrado, highlighting their importance for biodiversity conservation in urban areas. The relevance of this research is evidenced by the proposed strategies for the preservation of native species in Palmas' urbanization plan.

Eco Airport Design: Rancangan Gedung Terminal Ramah Lingkungan pada Bandar Udara

Increasing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation has encouraged the development of eco-design concepts in various fields, including air transportation infrastructure. The main focus of this research is to propose an eco-friendly terminal building design for airports using the Eco Airport Design approach. The research will involve case studies of specific airports to investigate the potential and challenges of applying eco-design principles in airport terminals. The research methods used will include observation, environmental data analysis, and the study of related literature. This research aims to develop design guidelines and recommendations that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, use of eco-friendly materials, layouts that utilize natural air and light, and improve the environmental quality around the airport. The results of this research are expected to significantly contribute to environmental protection efforts in the context of air transportation infrastructure, particularly airport design for tertiary categories or those serving up to one million passengers per year.

Conservation importance of non-threatened species through their direct linkages with nature's contributions to people

Over the last half-century, nature conservation has shifted through several steps from ‘nature for itself’ to ‘nature and people’, corresponding to a new perspective that all species count to ensure ecosystem functioning, and with them that nature's contributions to people (NCPs) are effective and maintained. Yet, despite these conceptual shifts in the academic literature, conservation practices have remained largely focused on threatened species and protected areas. The last Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of the Convention on Biological Diversity insisted on the need to use biodiversity sustainably and ensure nature's contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services for the benefit of present and future generations by 2050. Here, using recently developed tables relating a large number of species observed in the Western Swiss Alps (vascular plants and vertebrates; n = 2066) to 17 key NCPs, we show that focusing on protecting threatened species only does not ensure the maintenance of key NCPs. Our results suggest that all species (threatened or not) need to be considered, in addition to strict conservation of threatened species, to support NCP provision. Similarly, considering all species better supports existing conservation programs. Developing such direct species-NCP relationships more broadly will be needed to support spatial prioritizations and help reach the 2050 GBF goals.

High conservation importance of range-edge populations of Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus)

Critically endangered Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus Temminck, 1823), like many vulture species globally, are experiencing rapid population declines due to anthropogenic factors such as poisonings, human persecution, trading for belief-based use, and habitat loss/degradation. The Hooded Vulture is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is considered one of the most abundant vultures in West Africa, this vulture species is less common in East and southern Africa, with the population at the southern-most edge of the distribution (in South Africa and Eswatini) estimated at only 100–200 mature individuals. The distribution of Hooded Vultures has contracted dramatically in southern Africa, with breeding populations largely confined to protected areas such as the Greater Kruger National Park. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of the southern African range-edge population and assess if the recent contraction in the distribution has resulted in the population experiencing a genetic bottleneck. Sixteen microsatellite loci were amplified for samples collected along the Olifants River in the Greater Kruger National Park (n = 30). The genetic diversity in the South African population was compared to samples (n = 30) collected in Ghana, where Hooded Vultures are more abundant. Contrary to expectations, the South African peripheral Hooded Vulture population showed higher levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.495) than the Ghanaian population (HO = 0.315). Neither population showed signs of recent bottleneck events when tested using demographic modelling and Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). However, both populations showed high levels of inbreeding and relatedness. Our results suggest that despite being a small peripheral population, the South African Hooded Vulture population showed a similar level of genetic diversity as individuals sampled from a core population within the species distribution (in Ghana). This study supports the need for Hooded Vulture conservation efforts in the southern African region and highlights the evolutionary importance of range-edge populations.

Feathers and faith: Sacred groves of semi-arid landscapes hold distinct avian richness and composition in Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India

Sacred groves have long been recognised for their critical role in biodiversity conservation, but research on their importance in avian conservation is limited. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of bird diversity, richness, and abundance within sacred groves and their surrounding areas in the semi-arid landscape of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. We made 120 point counts (60 sacred groves and 60 random points) to record birds from March 2023 to July 2023. Our results revealed a greater number of bird species (n = 114) within sacred groves than random points (n = 100), including several species of global conservation concern. The species diversity remained consistent, while variations in species richness and abundance was observed. Moreover, we found that the overall composition of birds’ feeding guilds was similar in both groups. We observed noteworthy differences in the abundance of frugivores, granivores, insectivores, and omnivores. Species and guild-level abundance exhibited an even distribution. Species richness in both type of sites predominantly attributed to species turnover. Feeding guilds and bird species had varying associations to environmental variables. Our findings recommend the immediate protection of these sacred areas for bird conservation.

Exploring Ecotourism Concept In Social Media For Students At Smk Swasta Kristen Tomosa 2

This study aims to explore the strategy of implementing social media in introducing the concept of ecotourism to students of SMK Swasta Kristen Tomosa 2. This research is descriptive with a qualitative approach, with the research location at SMKSwasta Kristen Tomosa 2. The research used an online questionnaire with Google Form. The results showed that social media proved to be an effective tool to reach students and convey information about ecotourism. Facebook is the social media platform that they often use. Social media can raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and encourage student participation in ecotourism activities. This study provides several suggestions to improve the effectiveness of using social media in ecotourism education. These suggestions include utilizing social media platforms that are popular among students, developing interesting and informative content, using relevant hashtags to expand reach, and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of social media. Thus, it is hoped that students can gain a better understanding of the concept of ecotourism and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.

Reduced trophic niche breadth is associated with higher productivity in a recovering apex predator population

AbstractUnderstanding the trophic and demographic dynamics of apex predators is of paramount importance for ecosystem conservation. Apex predators are usually free from predation, and thus, the main driver of population dynamics is the availability of trophic resources, which affects breeding performance. Albeit food habits have been described in many apex species, the effects of changes in the trophic niche on long‐term demographic dynamics are poorly known. We describe the long‐term (N = 25 years) changes in trophic niche breadth of a recovering golden eagle population in a Mediterranean landscape (northern Spain) and search for potential correlates with their productivity (i.e., number of fledged eaglets per controlled pair) as a proxy for their breeding performance (N = 290 pair‐years). We identified a total of 3475 prey items from 77 species; rabbits, hares, and red‐legged partridges were the most frequent prey consumed (overall 51%), followed by roe deer (10%), red‐billed chough, red foxes, and woodpigeons, all of them with >5%. Prey diversity in eagles' diet decreased during the study period. Consumption of rabbits and roe deer increased, while that of hares and partridges decreased; no significant trends were observed in the consumption of foxes, choughs, and woodpigeons. Prey diversity and red‐legged partridge consumption were negatively correlated with productivity at the territory level, while rabbits, corvids, and pigeons showed a strong positive relationship with productivity. The size of the territory showed the strongest positive relationship with productivity, while roughness was negatively correlated. Rabbits and ungulates showed negative and positive correlations with roughness, respectively, while predator consumption exhibited a negative relationship with the size of the territory. Our findings give insights into the potential trophic mechanisms driving the dynamics of recovering apex predator populations; a reduction in the trophic niche breadth toward specific groups of prey, which could be due to a higher availability and individual specificity toward these prey species, might enhance productivity at the territory level and, ultimately, influence population dynamics facilitating the recovery process. The remarkable increase in the consumption of wild ungulates, predators, and other apex consumers suggests that the current population recovery and reduced trophic niche breadth may facilitate this eagle population to exhibit its apex role and contribute to ecosystem functionality.

Comparison of in-vitro orchid media solutions for Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins vars. diandra and triandra

Prosthechea cochleata or clamshell orchid is recognized as a species of both conservation and commercial importance. It has long been prized by orchid breeders and growers for its unique flower and hardy disposition. The commercial market has failed to meet the demand for this species since it is still targeted for illegal collection in the wild. This study examines the effectiveness of the banana powder on two variants (var. diandra and var. triandra) with disparate home ranges and levels of genetic diversity using two commercially available agar-based media (PhytoTechnology P668 and P748). Undifferentiated protocorms of the two variants were monitored for shoot growth and differentiation across a period of 156 days. The growth media with 3% banana powder supplement (P748) was more effective in initiating shoot formation in both P. cochleata variants compared to control media (P668) (F = 27.15, p < 0.001, df = 81). The diandrous variant grown with banana showed the highest mean shoot count (28.67 shoots/flask) at the end of the monitoring period. Results suggest that banana supplement is an effective source of plant growth regulators and organic nutrients necessary to promote shoot formation and seedling development in this species. This research is important for the conservation of P. cochleata as it identifies an effective and cost-efficient method for in vitro propagation, which can aid in increasing the ex-situ and in situ populations of this threatened species. Additionally, the findings have implications for commercial orchid production, as it can potentially improve the cultivation and yield of this species for economic purposes.

Community Structure of Mollusca (Gastropoda and Bivalvia) at Toronipa Beach

Toronipa Beach is known to have high biodiversity, especially in the Mollusca community such as Gastropoda and Bivalvia. However, research on the distribution and abundance of Mollusca species in this area, especially related to environmental changes, is still limited. To fill this gap, an analysis study was conducted on the structure of the Toronipa Beach Mollusca community as a basis for effective conservation efforts. Data were collected through purposive sampling methods at three different locations, then analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener Index method, evenness index, and dominance index. The results showed that the North of Toronipa Beach had the highest diversity with a Simpson index of 0.91, followed by the West with 0.76, and the East with 0.75. These differences in diversity reflect variations in microhabitats, such as substrates, water flow, and human activities, which affect the distribution and abundance of species. This study highlights the importance of proper management and conservation to maintain biodiversity in Toronipa Beach and provides a basis for further studies on the impacts of the environment and climate change on coastal ecosystems.

Promoting Sustainable Military Tourism in Cimahi City: Fostering Conservation, Community Engagement, and Cultural Preservation

The military presence in Cimahi City, West Java, serves as a testament to its historical and cultural significance, reflecting an impressive cultural-historical heritage shaped by its militarized past. This authenticity as a military city (60% of the city population) provides a unique opportunity to develop a specialized tourism model that leverages military knowledge for sustainable social and economic growth. The integration of military cultural heritage into tourism activities poses a central challenge, particularly amidst a population where military personnel constitute a significant proportion and continue to play an active role. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study combines a comprehensive review of relevant literature, historic references, in-depth interviews with the local business community, and cross-references with tourism models from other military cities. The study's outcomes focus on integrated tourism activities and attraction planning aimed at preserving the city's military spirit in collaboration with local residents, military personnel, and their families. This collaborative effort is envisioned to contribute not only to heritage conservation but also to fostering peace education and international cooperation, advocating against the glorification of war and conflict. This research emphasized the importance of heritage conservation, community participation, and sustainable resource management in the realm of cultural heritage and tourism development.

Incorporating barriers restoration and stepping stones establishment to enhance the connectivity of watershed ecological security patterns

Enhancing the connectivity of watershed ecological security patterns (ESPs) is increasingly emphasized for preserving ecological processes. Yet the importance of small-scale conservation and restoration was ignored and few studies have quantitatively compared the contribution of barriers restoration and stepping stones establishment to landscape connectivity. In this study, taking Dongting Lake Basin as an example, a watershed ESP was constructed based on the minimum cumulative resistance model and optimized through graded barriers restoration and different stepping stones establishment. Then the enhancement effects of landscape connectivity were compared to identify the most cost-effective optimization scheme. The results showed that the average of six schemes only protected and repaired less than 1% of the total area, which could enhance corridor connectivity by about 12% and 16% for average corridor length and corridor cumulative resistance respectively. For the optimal ESP, establishing natural patches near the midpoint of longer corridors as stepping stones, increased the probability of connectivity by 21.05%, and reduced the average corridor length and corridor cumulative resistance of corridor connectivity by 17.99% and 15.48% respectively. It also increased network circuitry index of network connectivity from 0.541 to 0.570, compared with the original ESP, indicating the possibility of successful ecological flow increased effectively. It can be concluded that the connectivity enhancement of stepping stones approach was better than barriers restoration approach. This study highlights the importance of small-scale barriers restoration and stepping stones establishment in enhancing landscape connectivity.

Quantifying habitat and biodiversity services and hotspots of Indian forests: A GIS-Based assessment

The present study attempted to quantify and value of supporting services of India's forest ecosystem. The supporting services comprises by habitat and biodiversity services across India's sixteen forest types was estimated using data for various factors through Remote Sensing and secondary sources as per the proposed model. Indicators were combined using an Analytical Hierarchical Process, and various class of each service was also estimated using the equal interval method in QGIS. Hotspot analysis was used to identify key areas for forest conservation. The results suggest that littoral and swamp forest had maximum habitat services and tropical semi-evergreen forest had maximum biodiversity service and tropical wet evergreen forest had maximum supporting services. Out of total forest of country, 11.52%, 17.48% and 10.34% forest area was having high value for habitat, biodiversity and supporting service, respectively. Hotspot analysis revealed that 22.93%, 23.61% and 26.44% Indian forest had high habitat, biodiversity and supporting service, respectively. The annual per hectare economic value using Benefit Transfer method for habitat, biodiversity and supporting services of forests was US$ 4330.71, US$ 5987.38 and US$ 10,624.23, respectively. The annual economic value of habitat, biodiversity and supporting services from Indian forests was US$ 303,506.09 million, US$ 419,609.45 million and US$ 744,570.85 million, respectively. In totality, tropical dry deciduous forest, tropical moist deciduous and tropical semi-deciduous forest had high economic value for supporting service. Monetary valuation of forest ecosystem services assists to determine the net present value and costs for conservation interventions. Biodiversity hotspots as the Western Ghats, Indo-Burma region, and Eastern Himalayas offer high ecosystem service and thus attach prime importance for conservation, while the Western Himalayas, with lower ecosystem service, requires customized ecosystem management strategies.

Stimulating the capacity to govern the commons.

The ability to strengthen governance institutions and fisheries restrictions and laws is needed to improve conservation and management of common-pool resources. We evaluated the potential for stimulating change with modest interventions by studying fishing village households before and after a 27-month intervention period in a high-priority coral reef conservation area. Interventions included training in catch monitoring, stock assessment, mapping fishing grounds, microcredit, gender inclusion, theatrical skills, fuel efficient stoves, and participation in the planning of a conservation proposal. There was a background increase in reported formal education, household size, group membership, and household wealth but a decrease in fish consumption and public services. Of conservation importance, the perceived strength of 13 governance institutions and benefits of 6 fisheries restrictions increased over the intervention period. Finally, correspondence between knowledge of and agreement with recent national fisheries laws was moderate to high and positively correlated. The intervention period was stronger than demographic factors that often influence perceptions, such as village, government services, gender, household size, membership in community groups, and age responses. In general, perceptions of strengths of governance and benefits of restrictions increased more among women and youth than adult men respondents. The largest changes in perceptions of increased benefits were among strict restrictions initially ranked low, specifically fisheries closures, parks, and species restrictions. Consequently, capacity building overrode demographic factors common to poor people with limited employment capacity that can have negative perceptions of strict conservation.