Conservation Initiatives Research Articles

Analysis of functional and phylogenetic diversity of bat communities: insights from resource use in the Pantanal and Cerrado

BackgroundAssessing the structure of communities requires analysis of multiple dimensions of biological diversity. Such approaches provide a broader understanding of the ecological and historical factors involved in the formation and maintenance of communities. Metrics such as functional and phylogenetic diversity are crucial as they unveil how communities respond to environmental changes, providing a deeper understanding of their current state and resilience. This goes beyond species richness or community composition, enabling more profound insights into their present condition and resilience. Therefore, analysis in this sense allows accessing differences in the distribution of species, considering different landscape mosaics, and allowing strategic prioritization of conservation initiatives. In this sense, we investigated whether the composition of functional and phylogenetic groups of chiropteran species differs between the Pantanal and Cerrado biomes and various habitat types. We hypothesize that communities with greater conservation integrity are more diverse than communities that suffer anthropogenic influences.MethodsThe surveyed communities include two areas in the Pantanal and two in the Cerrado, with one conservation unit and one that suffers anthropic influence, for each biome. We assessed the composition of bat assemblages by examining functional richness (FRic), functional uniformity (FEve), functional divergence (FDiv), and functional dispersion (FDis). Metrics that reflect phylogenetic richness and divergence were also used, such as phylogenetic diversity (PD), mean pairwise distance (MPD), and mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD).Results and discussionOverall, conservation units sustain higher levels of functional and phylogenetic diversity compared to areas with anthropic influence. In the latter, species occupy fewer ecological niches, indicating that bats can persist in degraded environments, albeit the communities support only a portion of the functional groups.ConclusionOur results showed, through analyses across multiple dimensions of functional and phylogenetic diversity, that bat populations are impacted by environmental degradation and fragmentation. Communities in more conserved areas exhibited higher functional and phylogenetic richness, indicating a greater number of occupied niches. These findings highlight the importance of exploring measures of biological diversity and their spatial scales to advance our understanding of biodiversity dynamics and optimize conservation planning for both species and communities.

LULC Impacts on NDVI and LST: A Case Study on Jashore District, Bangladesh

Studies on land use and land cover (LULC) changes and subsequent effects on environment are not satisfactory in Bangladesh because of the lack of geospatial data and time-series information. By using the open-source Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 imagery data coupled with GIS technology and other ancillary data, the main purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic changes in LULC in Jashore district of Bangladesh over a 20-year period between 2002 and 2022. Including pre-classification and post-classification identification scenarios, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis was employed to examine the vegetation changes over the period. ArcGIS 10.8 software was employed for analyzing satellite images, and maximum likelihood classification was utilized to create supervised land cover category (water bodies, vegetation, built-up area, and bare soil). Microsoft Excel was used for data analysis and visualization. The findings of this present study indicate notable changes with an increase of 20.77% in urban areas and 14.53% in bare soil. Additionally, there has been a decline of 2.93% in water bodies and 32.37% in vegetation land cover including both natural and anthropogenically modified vegetation such as forests, croplands, grasslands and others. Accuracy evaluations on the land use classification's trustworthiness include Kappa statistics of 0.80 for the year 2022 and 0.65 for the year 2002. A decrease in land surface temperature (LST) in Jashore district over 20 years from 2002 to 2022 has been reported in this study. Although the proportion of vegetation cover has been reduced in 2022, we found a negative correlation between LST and NDVI. Along with LULC, the LST is influenced by many atmospheric and ecological parameters. NDVI is dependent on vegetation canopy type, color and density, which could affect the relationship with LST. The findings of this study provide insightful information to ecologists, environmentalists, urban planners, and lawmakers for developing sustainable land management plans and environmental conservation initiatives.

Empowering Communities: A Low‐Cost Approach to Land and Water Management in Developing Countries

ABSTRACTAccess to water is fundamental for life, yet many citizens in developing countries face severe water shortages, exacerbated by recurring droughts, particularly in water‐stressed regions. Street‐level bureaucrats in these areas encounter the dual challenge of addressing local residents' expectations for relief while operating with constrained resources. This study examines the innovative efforts of local bureaucrats in Banda, a drought‐prone and underdeveloped district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, to promote rainwater harvesting and water conservation. By leveraging limited discretionary funds and engaging local stakeholders, these initiatives have demonstrated significant positive impacts. Using on‐ground visits and official government data, the study evaluates the effects of these efforts on groundwater levels, agricultural productivity, and related indicators. Findings reveal substantial improvements, including higher groundwater levels, increased agricultural yields, and enhanced water availability for sanitation needs. This research highlights the pivotal role of water conservation initiatives driven by street‐level bureaucrats in fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. The insights from Banda offer valuable lessons for policymakers and bureaucrats in similarly resource‐constrained settings in developing countries striving to ensure water access and resilience against drought.

Floristic Composition and Diversity of Plants Across Three Vegetation Zones of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Northeastern Nigeria

Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) is Nigeria’s biggest national park, with an elevation range of 300 m to its highest peak at 2400 m. Although GGNP has a wide range of plant species, particularly woody ones, there is limited information regarding its floristic composition along the vegetation zones. This study examined the floristic composition and species diversity of GGNP by systematically sampling plant species using quadrats of 25 m × 25 m and a point-centered quadrat (PCQ). A total of 228 plant species belonging to 114 genera and 49 families were recorded across the three major vegetation zones. Fabaceae was the most species-rich family (34 species), representing 14.9% of the species, followed by Malvaceae (18 species), representing 7.9%. Other important species include Moraceae and Rubiaceae, 15 species each, representing 6.6% of the species, respectively, while Combretaceae (10 species) represents 4.4% of the species recorded. The Lowland Tropical Rain Forest (LTRF) recorded 137 species in 42 families, and Montane Highland (MH) recorded 146 species in 43 families. In comparison, the Savannah Woodland (SW) recorded 68 species in 28 families. Twenty-five species, which account for 11% of the total, are threatened. Among them, 10 species are Vulnerable, six are Endangered, five are Critically Endangered, and four are Near Threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status. Across all plots, average Shannon-Weiner’s species diversity indices of 2.40, 2.40, and 2.25 were recorded for MH, LTRF, and SW, respectively. According to Sorensen’s similarity coefficient, LTRF and SW (33.42%) habitats recorded the highest species similarity, while MH, as against SW habitats, recorded the lowest (18.92%). The importance value indicated that the SW had the most important species based on the importance value (0.581) compared to other vegetation zones. The overall evenness values for LTRF, SW, and MH are 0.77, 0.78, and 0.77, respectively. This study offers significant insights into the flora variety and conservation situation of Gashaka Gumti National Park. It emphasizes the need for more research and conservation initiatives to save its distinct habitats and endangered species.

Development and validation of rapid eDNA detection method for yellow mud turtle, Kinosternon flavescens: a field study in South Texas, USA

The conservation of freshwater turtle species depends on precise and effective monitoring techniques. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a potential method for identifying cryptic and elusive turtle species in aquatic ecosystems. eDNA analysis can help to identify key regions for conservation efforts and monitor changes in population levels over time. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a rapid eDNA detection method for the yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens, an indicator species that is endangered in some states in the USA), which inhabits local oxbow lakes (e.g., resacas) in Cameron County, South Texas. A species-specific nested PCR assay was designed to enhance the detection of yellow mud turtle species. Water samples were collected from five locations within Cameron County for the detection of yellow mud turtle eDNA. Our results revealed the presence of yellow mud turtles in two out of the five surveyed locations. Our study shows great potential for eDNA monitoring for yellow mud turtle species. This study also provides insights on using eDNA monitoring to protect yellow mud turtle species and recommendations for future research and conservation initiatives.

Population structure, floral diversity, habitat geography, and conservation status of Himalayan horse chestnut (Aesculus indica) in western Himalayan moist temperate forest ecosystems of Kashmir region

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the population structure, floral diversity, habitat geography, phytosociology, threats, and conservation status of Aesculus indica in the western Himalayan region of Kashmir. This study was designed to investigate distribution patterns, community structure, floristic diversity, and phytosociological attributes of A. indica forests, as well as evaluate the habitat geography of species by using GIS analysis. Primary vegetation data and geographic features were collected via systematic quadrat-based sampling from 14 sites in the moist temperate ecosystem of Kashmir, ranging in elevation from 1,400 to 2,800 m. Population structure analysis revealed an average density of 435.85 stems/ha for A. indica, with a significant variation ranging from 220 to 1,100 stems/ha. The species exhibited a high basal cover of 356.33 cm, emphasizing its significant role in the canopy structure of Himalayan forests. The study identified A. indica as a keystone species supporting a diverse floral community comprised of 168 plant species from 51 families. Dominant families, including Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae, and Polygonaceae, contributed to more than 50% of the total recorded plant species. Phytosociological investigations revealed A. indica to be the dominant species with the highest importance value index (IVI) of 48.81, indicating its ecological significance in temperate forest ecosystems. The species exhibited a preference for north-facing aspects and an altitudinal range of 1,400–2,800 m, which constitute the most suitable habitats for A. indica. However, the study identified significant anthropogenic disturbances, including deforestation, overgrazing, and forest land encroachment, as major threats to A. indica populations in the study area. The deforestation intensity averaged 135 stumps/ha, with some sites exceeding 300 stumps/ha, indicating unsustainable fuelwood consumption patterns and habitat degradation. Overgrazing and trampling were also found to be major threats to A. indica seedlings, affecting the species’ regeneration potential. Conservation strategies should prioritize the protection and restoration of A. indica habitats, especially the upper temperate forest zones with north-facing slopes, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species. It is recommended to formulate effective conservation measures such as promoting sustainable forest practices, controlling invasive species, restoring degraded habitats, controlled grazing practices, community-based conservation initiatives, sustainable harvesting policies, educating local communities, and promoting alternative livelihoods that support local communities to ensure the preservation of A. indica populations as well as ecosystem health. The study emphasizes the urgent need for effective conservation measures to safeguard A. indica and its associated floral diversity in the western Himalayan region.

Impacts of Anthropogenic Actions on Açude do Saco: Diagnosis For Environmental Preservation and Recovery

Objective: Analyze the effects of human activities on the Açude do Saco and propose sustainable strategies for the preservation of this essential resource. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on theories regarding water resources in semi-arid regions, environmental impacts, and sustainable management practices. Method: The research employs direct on-site observations and qualitative analysis of environmental degradation factors to identify the main challenges and propose solutions. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the reservoir faces serious challenges related to pollution and inadequate use of its surroundings. Sustainable management strategies, effective public policies, and environmental awareness actions were identified as priorities to reverse this scenario. The study also highlights that collective participation and integrated planning are essential to ensure environmental balance and meet the region's water demands. Research Implications: The research highlights the need for sustainable management practices, effective public policies, and environmental education actions to mitigate impacts on the Açude do Saco, such as pollution and soil degradation. It emphasizes integrated planning involving managers, the community, and researchers as a strategy for effective solutions. The results provide a foundation for future studies and conservation initiatives, contributing to water security, quality of life, and socio-economic development in the semi-arid region. Originality/Value: This work makes significant contributions by proposing concrete and integrated actions to mitigate environmental impacts and promote the sustainability of the Açude do Saco, benefiting the local community and the environment. The results serve as a basis for future recovery and conservation initiatives, reinforcing the importance of preserving this natural heritage in a semi-arid region with limited water resources.

Medicinal plants used in traditional bone setting by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India

Meghalaya is one of the 8 states of Northeastern India; it is known for its scenic beauty, unique culture, vibrant traditions and rich bio-diversity. Traditional bone setting is a field of study that focuses on ancient methods of treating bone fractures and joint dislocations, often practiced by traditional healers. This ancient art of healing fractures and musculoskeletal injuries has been passed down through generations, blending indigenous knowledge with practical experience. Conservation initiatives should also encourage the local communities to ensure sustainable practices that benefit both nature and people. The purpose of this study was to identify, document and preserve knowledge about the medicinal plants used in traditional bone settings by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The data for the ethnobotanical study were collected by interviewing the traditional bone setters through a pre-structured questionnaire. Through extensive field surveys and interviews with 115 traditional bone setters, a total of 85 medicinal plant species (belonging to 44 families) were recorded. The Zingiberaceae family contributed the most species with 11 species, followed by Asteraceae with 7 plant species and Urticaceae with 6 species, Acanthaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Plantiginaceae with 3 species each, while other species were represented by 2 and 1 species. More scientific investigation is required to validate the folk claims/medicine and further research and validation of these practices could lead to the development of alternative or complementary therapies for bone-related ailments.

Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities

This study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers, and natural water purifiers. However, these wetlands faced mounting threats from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, jeopardising their ecological health and biodiversity. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted to assess regional and demographic patterns in using and recognising algae and aquatic plants. The collected data highlighted traditional ecological knowledge held primarily by older community members. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyse generational differences in knowledge and utilisation, focusing on the potential generational knowledge gap due to migration trends among younger individuals. The study revealed significant biodiversity differences between the wetland areas, with Nong Bong Kai exhibiting greater diversity in aquatic plant species. Older residents demonstrated higher recognition and use of algae and aquatic plants for sustainable practices, though a generational knowledge gap was evident. This gap suggested that local ecological knowledge may be at risk as younger residents migrate to urban areas. This research underscored the need for conservation and educational initiatives to bridge generational gaps and engage younger generations in resource management. By integrating local cultural practices and focusing on high-impact species like Lemna perpusilla Torr. and Hydrilla verticillate (L.f.) Royle, region-specific conservation efforts could enhance wetland sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and support ecosystem health in Thailand’s wetland regions.

Measurement and optimization of estimation method for moisture diffusivity of porous building materials with different salt content

Sintered bricks, common porous building materials in architectural heritage, necessitates an accurate understanding of moisture diffusivity for effective moisture transfer analysis. Using the “ruler method” proposed by Evangelides et al., based on pure water capillary absorption experiments, we determined the moisture diffusivity ( Dl) of Chinese sintered blue brick containing sodium chloride (NaCl) crystals. Before the experiments, the samples were immersed in 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% NaCl solutions and dried to contain salt crystals. Subsequently, based on the Dl values measured by the ruler method, a heat and moisture coupled transfer model was developed to discuss the applicability of the moisture diffusivity obtained from the ruler method by reproducing the pure water capillary absorption process of sintered bricks with different salt contents. Experimental results showed that the capillary absorption coefficient ( Acap) and capillary moisture content ( wcap) of sintered bricks both decreased with increasing NaCl content, with maximum reductions of 18% and 8.6%, respectively. The Dl increased with elevated salt content in lower moisture content range but decreased in higher moisture content range. The simulation results indicated that the choice of boundary moisture content played an important role in the determination of moisture diffusivity in porous building materials and using saturated moisture content ( θsat) over capillary moisture content ( θcap) can give more suitable moisture diffusivity and the moisture content above θcap cannot be ignored in the ruler method. This research not only extends the ruler method’s applicability for sintered bricks but also provides support data for moisture simulations and conservation initiatives related to sintered brick architectural heritage.

Genome‐wide SNP Detection in the Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus, T. mediterraneus, T. picturatus) of Turkish Waters Using Illumina and Nanopore Sequencing

The horse mackerel, distributed in the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean waters, is economically valuable due to its high nutritional content and fishing capacity. Global market demand for this species has been increasing over the years. This rising demand causes fishing pressure, endangering the species' sustainability. Especially the horse mackerel species (Trachurus trachurus, Trachurus mediterraneus and Trachurus picturatus), which are found as mixed stocks in Turkish waters and under fishing pressure, should be considered as different stocks and evaluated with distinct management strategies. However, due to the difficulty of distinguishing these three Trachurus species based on morphological characteristics, conflicting reports have emerged, particularly regarding their distribution areas, and species identification is not always precise. In our study, we sequenced the genomes of these species using next-generation sequencing (Illumina) and third-generation sequencing technologies (Oxford Nanopore), and identified SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) differences to distinguish the species. We identified a total of 2311386 SNPs in the Trachurus trachurus genome, of which 1313612 were transitions and 997774 were transversions. 5099766 SNPs in the Trachurus picturatus genome, of which 2927066 transitions and 2172700 transversions. Similarly, 5007863 SNPs in the Trachurus mediterraneus genome, of which 2940560 transitions and 2067303 transversions. These SNP datasets provide a robust genetic marker toolkit for accurately distinguishing Trachurus species and evaluating genetic diversity within and between populations. The findings of this study contribute essential genetic resources for defining the stock structures of these species, informing sustainable fisheries management strategies, and guiding conservation initiatives. By addressing the challenges of species identification and genetic diversity assessment, this research lays the groundwork for mitigating the impact of overfishing and ensuring the sustainability of horse mackerel populations in Turkish and global waters.

Conservation Challenges for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in North Kerala: A Case Study of Kolavipalam Beach

The Indian coastal regions harbor diverse species of sea turtles, among which Olive Ridley turtles are prevalent and commonly encountered in the coastal waters of Kerala and the Lakshadweep Islands. These turtles exhibit a preference for nesting on expansive beaches and sandy areas situated at river mouths. Our study area, located in the Irringal village of Kozhikode district in North Kerala, overlooks the Arabian Sea and lies adjacent to the Kottapuzha River. Here, the local community has undertaken a conservation initiative known as Theeram Prakriti Samrakshana Samithi (TPSS) to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting period. During this study, we investigated the status of Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds and populations in Kolavipalam surveying beach from 2019 to 2023. We recorded the number of OliveRidley sea turtle nestings during this period, collected the eggs, and assessed the hatching success from the artificial hatchery. The mean annual number of eggs hatched was 54.4 ± 23.27 and the overall nesting success was 25.73%. The study revealed a significant decline in nesting turtles compared to previous years, with only 1-2 egg-laying turtles observed yearly. Median hatch success declined dramatically from 80.21% during the earlier period to 36.41% during this study period. Our analysis identified various challenges affecting turtle nesting, including the construction of sea walls, the development of beach areas for tourism, and changes in rainfall patterns. As a result, turtles were forced to nest closer to the shoreline, making their nests more vulnerable to waves and flooding. These findings emphasized the urgent need for increased conservation efforts to safeguard these endangered sea turtles, particularly in areas like Kolavipalam, which were once ideal nesting sites.

Walmart partners with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on conservation initiative.

Walmart partners with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on conservation initiative.

Examining the Relationship Between Climate Change, Energy Consumption, and the Financial System: The Case of E7 Countries

This study aims to investigate the correlation among climate change, energy consumption, and the financial system, using the E7 countries as a case study. The E7 comprises emerging economies including Brazil, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Indonesia, and Mexico, which are the primary focus of this research. The research delves into the factors impacting CO2 emissions over the long term, spanning from 1992 to 2020. Results reveal a positive correlation between economic growth and fossil fuel usage with CO2 emissions, while a negative correlation is identified between CO2 emissions and variables such as renewable energy consumption, temperature changes, and capital investments. The study underscores the significance of sustainability and environmental policies for the E7 nations. Recommendations include increasing investments in renewable energy sources, encouraging the adoption of carbon-neutral transportation technologies, and supporting initiatives for forest conservation and afforestation. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between climate change, energy consumption, and the financial system within E7 countries, offering policy recommendations for achieving sustainability.

An African perspective to biodiversity conservation in the twenty-first century.

Africa boasts high biodiversity while also being home to some of the largest and fastest-growing human populations. Although the current environmental footprint of Africa is low compared to other continents, the population of Africa is estimated at around 1.5 billion inhabitants, representing nearly 18% of the world's total population. Consequently, Africa's rich biodiversity is under threat, yet only 19% of the landscape and 17% of the seascape are under any form of protection. To effectively address this issue and align with the Convention on Biological Diversity's ambitious '30 by 30' goal, which seeks to protect 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030, substantial funding and conservation measures are urgently required. In response to this critical challenge, as scientists and conservationists working in Africa, we propose five recommendations for future directions aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation for the betterment of African society: (i) accelerate data collection, data sharing and analytics for informed policy and decision-making; (ii) innovate education and capacity building for future generations; (iii) enhance and expand protected areas, ecological networks and foundational legal frameworks; (iv) unlock creative funding channels for cutting-edge conservation initiatives; and (v) integrate indigenous and local knowledge into forward-thinking conservation strategies. By implementing these recommendations, we believe Africa can make significant strides towards preserving its unique biodiversity, while fostering a healthier society, and contributing to global conservation efforts.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Bending the curve towards nature recovery: building on Georgina Mace's legacy for a biodiverse future'.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on the Landscape Stability in the Mediterranean World Heritage Site Based on Multi-Sourced Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study of the Causses and Cévennes, France

Global climate fluctuations pose challenges not only to natural environments but also to the conservation and transmission of human cultural and historical heritage. World Heritage Sites are pivotal regions for studying climate change impacts and devising adaptation strategies, with remote sensing technology showcasing significant utility in monitoring these impacts, especially in the Mediterranean region’s diverse and sensitive climate context. Although existing work has begun to explore the role of remote sensing in monitoring the effects of climate change, detailed analysis of the spatial distribution and temporal trends of landscape stability remains limited. Leveraging remote sensing data and its derived products, this study assessed climate change impacts on the Causses and Cévennes Heritage Site, a typical Mediterranean heritage landscape. Specifically, this study utilized remote sensing data to analyze the trends in various climatic factors from 1985 to 2020. The landscape stability model was developed utilizing land cover information and landscape indicators to explore the landscape stability and its distribution features within the study area. Finally, we adopted the Geographical Detector to quantify the extent to which climatic factors influence the landscape stability’s spatial distribution across different periods. The results demonstrated that (1) the climate showed a warming and drying pattern during the study period, with distinct climate characteristics in different zones. (2) The dominance of woodland decreased (area proportion dropped from 76% to 66.5%); transitions primarily occurred among woodland, cropland, shrubland, and grasslands; landscape fragmentation intensified; and development towards diversification and uniformity was observed. (3) Significant spatiotemporal differences in landscape stability within the heritage site were noted, with an overall downward trend. (4) Precipitation had a high contribution rate in factor detection, with the interactive enhancement effects between temperature and precipitation being the most prominent. The present study delivers a thorough examination of how climate change affects the Causses and Cévennes Heritage Landscape, reveals its vulnerabilities, and offers crucial information for sustainable conservation efforts. Moreover, the results offer guidance for the preservation of similar Mediterranean heritage sites and contribute to the advancement and deepening of global heritage conservation initiatives.

Lake Iriqui’s Remarkable Revival: Field Observations and a Google Earth Engine Analysis of Its Recovery After over Half a Century of Desiccation

In September 2024, following two rare storms, Lake Iriqui in southern Morocco experienced a remarkable revival after five decades of desiccation. Historically, the lake played an important role as one of the largest water bodies before the Sahara Desert, serving as a critical stopover in migratory routes for various bird species. Two field missions documented this event: the first confirmed the lake’s reappearance, while the second recorded the resurgence of the ecosystem and the return of migratory birds, last observed in the lake in 1968. The lake’s surface water extent, which had been completely dry, expanded dramatically, reaching over 80 km2 after the first storm and subsequently increasing to approximately 146 km2 following the second. This event has drawn considerable attention from international and national media. The revival was monitored using satellite imagery from Landsat 8 and 9 and Sentinel-2A, processed through Google Earth Engine (GEE), with the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) applied to detect water presence. A time-series analysis revealed significant changes in the lake’s surface water extent following the rainfall. This study emphasizes the need for proactive support to preserve Lake Iriqui, aligning with sustainable development goals: SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). These goals highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and eco-tourism initiatives to benefit local communities.

Annotated Checklist of Poroid Hymenochaetoid Fungi in Central Asia: Taxonomic Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Potential Distribution Patterns.

Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia's fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and potential distribution of poroid Hymenochaetoid fungi in the region. By conducting field surveys, collecting basidiomes, and reviewing the literature and herbarium records from five Central Asian countries, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of these fungi. In total, 43 Hymenochaetoid species belonging to 18 genera were identified, with Inonotus, Phellinus, and Phylloporia being the most species-rich. Notably, Inonotus hispidus and Phellinus igniarius were found to be the most widespread species. These macrofungi play essential ecological roles as saprotrophs and pathogens of various identified host plant families, aiding in lignin degradation and exhibiting diverse enzymatic activities. For the first time, we modelled the potential distribution patterns of Hymenochaetoid fungi in Central Asia, revealing that their distribution is strongly influenced by host plant availability and temperature-related factors. The three most critical variables were host plant density, annual temperature range (Bio7), and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10). The distribution of suitable habitats is uneven, with highly suitable areas (4.52%) concentrated in the mountainous border regions between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These results underscore the significance of specific environmental conditions for the growth and survival of Hymenochaetoid fungi in this region. Our findings highlight the urgent need for continued mycological and host plant research and expanded conservation initiatives to document and preserve macrofungal and botanical biodiversity in this under-explored area. In light of climate change, the collected mycological and botanical data provide a valuable reference for promoting forest health management globally.

The influence of guided tours on the welfare of white-handed gibbons and capuchin monkeys at Maia Zoo.

Zoo animals are regularly exposed to a plethora of sensorial stimuli beyond their control, which can adversely impact their behaviour and welfare, including unfamiliar faces, excessive noise and intrusive visitor interaction. Zoos have implemented various measures, such as enrichments and regulation of visitor behaviour, to mitigate these effects. However, guided tours have not been used to simultaneously control visitor behaviour and maintain animal welfare. In this study, we investigated how visitors influence the behaviour of two non-human primate species: white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) and capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella), by observing primate behaviour and visitor noise and behaviour under guided and self-guided tour conditions. The main focus was to assess visitor impact on animal welfare and investigate whether guided tours helped regulate visitors' unwanted noise and behaviour. Observational data on several behaviours were obtained through instantaneous sampling intervals lasting 15-minutes each. Results indicate that in the gibbons' enclosure, guided tours, compared to self-guided tours, were associated with lower noise levels (mean reduction of 3.0dB) and reduced self-grooming frequencies. Conversely, capuchin monkeys exhibited similar behavioural responses between tour types, likely influenced by the presence of an infant born during the study. Although results varied, they suggest guided tours might be associated to reduced visitor noise and may provide a familiar presence for the animals, due to the presence of a guide, which could potentially influence welfare outcomes. However, evidence of enhanced welfare remains inconclusive. Furthermore, integrating guided tours as educational and conservation initiatives could effectively engage visitors and ensure zoo animal welfare.

Spatial Soil Erosion Modeling for Improved Land Management in Gumara Watershed, Ethiopia

Agriculture output and environmental sustainability are threatened by land degradation, which deteriorates soil resources. In response, soil and water conservation (SWC) initiatives were implemented in Ethiopia. However, soil erosion remains a main challenge to soil productiveness and sedimentation in the country. To determine erosion‐prone areas and assess the impact of SWC activities on soil erosion in the country, a revised version of the universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) was implemented. Gumara catchment is an erosion‐prone area in Ethiopia. Spatial estimation of soil erosion is essential to conserve, manage, and use soil and water resources. Therefore, research was conducted to evaluate the soil erosion of the catchment using the RUSLE with ArcGIS environment. The results indicated that the soil erosion extent was classified into four categories as per the erosion rate, and 5.45% of the catchment explained very high erosion (> 200 ton ha−1 yr−1) followed by 17.24% classified as high (50–200 ton ha−1 yr−1). And, 24.21% and 53.11% of the catchment had a moderate and slight class, respectively. The spatial distribution of soil erosion in the Gumara watershed could be used to better use soil resources, increase agricultural production, and ensure environmental sustainability. The country’s soil erosion is characterized by various estimates, indicating spatiotemporal dynamics. This is primarily due to the heterogeneity of the different sites, which is primarily linked to varying cover values and management factors. With this information, conservation decisions can be made with greater knowledge by concentrating on important hotspots. Therefore, RUSLE applied with ArcGIS across various land management practices and climate zones is a potential tool for SWC demanding site identification. This continues to be beneficial in the pursuit of sustainable land management techniques for the local people’s long‐term well‐being.