Biodiversity Loss Research Articles

Life history is a key driver of temporal fluctuations in tropical tree abundances

The question of what mechanisms maintain tropical biodiversity is a critical frontier in ecology, intensified by the heightened risk of biodiversity loss faced in tropical regions. Ecological theory has shed light on multiple mechanisms that could lead to the high levels of biodiversity in tropical forests. But variation in species abundances over time may be just as important as overall biodiversity, with a more immediate connection to the risk of extirpation and biodiversity loss. Despite the urgency, our understanding of the primary mechanisms driving fluctuations in species abundances has not been clearly established. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework based around life history; the schedule of birth, growth, and mortality over a lifespan, and its systematic variation across species. We develop a mean field model to predict expected fluctuations in abundance for a focal species in a larger community, and we quantify empirical life history variation among 90 tropical forest species in a 50 ha plot in Panama. Putting theory and data together, we show that life history provides a critical piece of this puzzle, allowing us to explain patterns of abundance fluctuations more accurately than previous models incorporating demographic stochasticity without life history variation, and without introducing unobserved couplings between species and their environment. This framework provides a starting point for more general models that incorporate multiple factors in addition to life history variation, and suggests the potential for a fine-grained assessment of extirpation risk based on the impacts of anthropogenic change on demographic rates across life stages.

Environmental thresholds of semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) as an indicator of environmental change in Amazon streams.

Freshwater ecosystems under the influence of human activities are subject to multiple environmental stressors that lead to biodiversity loss and habitat modification. In recent years, various organisms have been used as bioindicators to detect environmental changes by their ability to perceive changes in community attributes. A good example is the semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera, infra order Gerromorpha) that act as predators and are sensitive to subtle changes in environmental conditions. Our research aimed to investigate the responses of Gerromorpha communities, genera, and species along an environmental gradient in 45 Amazon streams. The environmental gradient was assessed utilizing the Habitat Integrity Index (HII) across the sampled streams, yielding a collection of 2.212 specimens representing three families, seven genera, and 36 species. The habitat integrity, represented by the HII, showed a positive relationship between species richness and the richness of genera of Gerromorpha, underscoring that both species and genera respond to environmental change in the analyzed habitats. Brachymetra lata (Gerridae), Rhagovelia jubata, and R. elegans (Veliidae) were the most sensitive taxa with a positive relationship to HII. Streams characterized by higher anthropogenic disturbance and reduced riparian vegetation were associated with a biodiversity pattern marked by increased abundance and frequency of generalist species and reduced genus frequency within the Veliidae family. We hope that the results of this study will contribute to future biomonitoring programs in response to habitat and species loss, aiming to assist decision-making to protect and restore riparian vegetation areas.

Imperatives and co-benefits of research into climate change and neurological disease.

Evidence suggests that anthropogenic climate change is accelerating and is affecting human health globally. Despite urgent calls to address health effects in the context of the additional challenges of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and ageing populations, the effects of climate change on specific health conditions are still poorly understood. Neurological diseases contribute substantially to the global burden of disease, and the possible direct and indirect consequences of climate change for people with these conditions are a cause for concern. Unaccustomed temperature extremes can impair the systems of resilience of the brain, thereby exacerbating or increasing susceptibility to neurological disease. In this Perspective, we explore how changing weather patterns resulting from climate change affect sleep - an essential restorative human brain activity, the quality of which is important for people with neurological diseases. We also consider the pervasive and complex influences of climate change on two common neurological conditions: stroke and epilepsy. We highlight the urgent need for research into the mechanisms underlying the effects of climate change on the brain in health and disease. We also discuss how neurologists can respond constructively to the climate crisis by raising awareness and promoting mitigation measures and research - actions that will bring widespread co-benefits.

Species Diversity, Biomass Production and Carbon Sequestration Potential in the Protected Area of Uttarakhand, India.

Ecosystem functioning and management are primarily concerned with addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, which are closely linked to carbon stock and species diversity. This research aimed to quantify forest understory (shrub and herb) diversity, tree biomass and carbon sequestration in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Using random sampling methods, data were gathered from six distinct forest communities. The study identified 271 vascular plants from 208 genera and 74 families. A notable positive correlation (r2 = 0.085, p < 0.05) was observed between total tree density and total tree basal area (TBA), shrub density (r2 = 0.09), tree diversity (D) (r2 = 0.58), shrub diversity (r2 = 0.81), and tree species richness (SR) (r2 = 0.96). Conversely, a negative correlation was found with the concentration of tree dominance (CD) (r2 = 0.43). The Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboreum and Quercus floribunda (QL-RA-QF) community(higher altitudinal zone) exhibited the highest tree biomass (568.8 Mg ha-1), while the (Pinus roxburghii and Quercus leucotrichophora) PR-QL (N) community (lower altitudinal zone) in the north aspect showed the lowest (265.7 Mg ha-1). Carbon sequestration was highest in the Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda and Rhododendron arboreum (QL-QF-RA) (higher altitudinal zone) community (7.48 Mg ha-1 yr-1) and lowest in the PR-QL (S) (middle altitudinal zone) community in the south aspect (5.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1). The relationships between carbon stock and various functional parameters such as tree density, total basal area of tree and diversity of tree showed significant positive correlations. The findings of the study revealed significant variations in the structural attributes of trees, shrubs and herbs across different forest stands along altitudinal gradients. This current study's results highlighted the significance of wildlife sanctuaries, which not only aid in wildlife preservation but also provide compelling evidence supporting forest management practices that promote the planting of multiple vegetation layers in landscape restoration as a means to enhance biodiversity and increase resilience to climate change. Further, comprehending the carbon storage mechanisms of these forests will be critical for developing environmental management strategies aimed at alleviating the impacts of climate change in the years to come.

Leveraging the Internet of Things, Remote Sensing, and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Forest Management

Sustainable forest management is vital for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and deforestation. Human-induced stresses on forest ecosystems demand innovative approaches to ensure long-term health and productivity. This study explores how cutting-edge technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI), enhance sustainable forest management practices. Researchers reviewed 196 studies published between 2021 and 2024 from IEEE Xplore Digital Library, MDPI, Taylor &amp; Francis, ScienceDirect, Frontiers, Springer, SAGE, Hindawi, Nature, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar. The findings highlight IoT devices like drones, enabling real-time data collection on temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and tree growth, facilitating continuous forest monitoring. Remote sensing technologies, utilizing satellite imagery and aerial surveys, deliver high-resolution data for large-scale forest assessments, including forest cover changes, biomass estimation, and early detection of illegal logging. When integrated with AI, these tools enhance predictive modeling, data analysis, and decision-making, leading to more effective forest management strategies. The study also identifies challenges such as data security concerns, bandwidth limitations, interoperability issues, and high costs. Despite these barriers, IoT, remote sensing, and AI present transformative potential for improving forest resilience, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. These technologies are crucial in preserving forest ecosystems and mitigating climate change impacts by advancing real-time monitoring, optimizing resource allocation, and enabling data-driven decisions.

Gene pseudogenization in fertility-associated genes in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a species with long-term low effective population size.

We are witnessing an ongoing global biodiversity crisis, and an increasing number of mammalian populations are at risk of decline. Species that have survived severe historic bottlenecks, such as the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibit symptoms of inbreeding depression including reproductive and developmental defects. Although it has long been suggested that such defects stem from an accumulation of weakly deleterious mutations, the implications of such mutations leading to pseudogenization has not been assessed. Here, we use comparative analysis of eight felid genomes to better understand the impacts of deleterious mutations in the cheetah. We find novel pseudogenization events specific to the cheetah. Through careful curation, we identify 65 genes with previously unreported premature termination codons that likely affect gene function. With the addition of population data (n=6) we find 22 of these premature termination codons in at least one resequenced individual, four of which (DEFB116, ARL13A, CFAP119 and NT5DC4) are also found in a more recent reference genome. Mutations within three of these genes are linked with sterility, including azoospermia, which is common in cheetahs. Our results highlight the power of comparative genomic approaches for the discovery of novel causative variants in declining species.

The Global Food System and Its Environmental Impact: A Call for Sustainable Transformation

The modern global food system—spanning production, processing, distribution, and consumption—has emerged as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. It drives greenhouse gas emissions, land and water degradation, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Sustainable nutrition, which integrates environmental considerations into dietary choices, has become a key concern, emphasizing plant-based proteins, seasonal food consumption, and minimal ecological impact. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, ensuring food security while minimizing environmental harm is crucial. Agriculture accounts for about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers. Land use changes for agriculture contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation, exacerbating climate change. Water use in agriculture, the largest consumer of freshwater, further strains ecosystems, while pollution from agricultural runoff causes eutrophication. Effective strategies for sustainable transformation include agroecology, regenerative agriculture, dietary shifts, reducing food waste, and technological innovations. Practices like crop rotation and managed grazing improve soil health and sequester carbon. Transitioning to plant-based diets and reducing food waste could significantly lower emissions. Precision agriculture and alternative protein sources offer promising advancements. Holistic approaches involving policy reform, innovation, and behavioral change are needed to create a resilient, environmentally friendly food system that sustains both human and planetary health.

Trends and hotspots in public food procurement: exploring planetary boundaries and human needs in an integrative literature review

Purpose Using an Integrative Literature Review (ILR), this study aims to investigate the components defining the Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) within food systems and assess their applicability in decision-making for public food procurement (PFP). Design/methodology/approach Data concerning SJOS implementation in food systems and the criteria used in PFP were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Findings The analysis of the literature highlights that climate change (n = 31; 17%) and water use (n = 29; 16%) are the primary focus areas regarding Planetary Boundaries (PB), followed the nitrogen cycle, land use, biodiversity loss and the phosphorus cycle. In PFP, key criteria linked to PB encompass climate change (n = 19; 7.2%), water use (n = 17; 6.44%) and chemical pollution (n = 17; 6.44%). The social and ethical dimensions underscore labour (n = 18; 6.82%), water (n = 17; 6.44%), income (n = 16; 6.06%) and energy (n = 16; 6.06%). Research limitations/implications Despite the strengths of this study, certain limitations should be acknowledged. Although the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the reviewed articles were clearly defined, it is possible that relevant literature was unintentionally excluded. Expanding the scope to include grey literature – such as government documents, reports, policy statements and statistical reports – could provide additional insights and broaden the scope of the findings. Moreover, the search was limited to the Web of Science and Scopus databases, which may have resulted in the omission of relevant studies, particularly those published in non-English languages or not indexed journals. Practical implications The identified procurement criteria can help public administrators develop guidelines and tools for food procurement that consider the SJOS. Social implications This paper offers an understanding of the connection between planetary processes and human well-being in the context of PFP. Originality/value This pioneering research lays the groundwork for future agendas in this field and encourages reflection on critical factors essential for selecting methods and standards applied in practical public procurement.

On the path to extinction: Helix godetiana Kobelt, 1878, the only threatened Helix species in Greece

Land snails and the Aegean Archipelago offer an intriguing combination for studying biodiversity, biogeography and ecology. A region with high environmental and temporal heterogeneity and a tri-continental biotic influence and a group of organisms with low active dispersal abilities, high endemism, as well as the particularity to leave shells as traces of past presence, set an ideal stage for testing biodiversity patterns and exploring multisource threats, especially in the era of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. In this study, we examine Helix godetiana, a large-sized, threatened and endemic land snail of the central and south Aegean Islands. The species has been extirpated from 22 of the 32 islands where it was historically present. We identify potential drivers of its extinction, as Helix godetiana faces several threats across its current range, including competitive exclusion by Cornu aspersum, a species with continuing expansion in the Aegean and climate change disrupting its unusual breeding cycle, which occurs in late spring. Our findings shed light on potentially major, yet previously unexplored, threats on endemic molluscs of the Aegean Islands, a European biodiversity hotspot.

Establishment and range expansion of invasive Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae) in Texas

Abstract Invasive species are a leading cause of global biodiversity decline. Larvae of the cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum Berg (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae) consume prickly pear cactus species (Opuntia; Cactaceae) in its native South American range. High host specificity made C. cactorum an appropriate biological control agent of Opuntia species, which have become invasive weeds around the world. This biological control program was successful. Ironically, the success of cactus weed biological control facilitated a series of events which led to C. cactorum invasion of North America where Opuntia diversity is tremendous. In 2017, C. cactorum established along the southeast Texas coast. In 2020, we began monitoring C. cactorum dispersal towards south and south-west Texas with cactus moth pheromone traps. Our objectives were to document the extent of the invasion and calculate dispersal rates towards commercial Opuntia-growing regions in Mexico. There are four overlapping moth flight peaks in Texas. Between 2017 and 2022, the C. cactorum populations invaded over 27,000 km2 in south-east and south-central Texas at a dispersal rate up to 47 km year. Since 2022, this dispersal rate slowed as the moth invasion front came into contact with the Tamaulipan thornscrub region of south Texas where Opuntia density is high and native cactus moth species are attacked by a diverse assemblage of parasitoids. We present data on the density of native cactus moth species in Texas which shows that their density increases west and south-west of the area currently occupied by C. cactorum. These data suggest that apparent competition may be occuring between C. cactorum and native cactus moth species via shared parasitoids. This hypothesis is not mutually exclusive of other biological barriers that may contribute to explaining why the Texas C. cactorum dispersal rate has slowed significantly. We conclude with a discussion about how to leverage these data to support future deployment of C. cactorum biological control agents in Texas.

Novel Approaches to Decomposing Hydrocarbon Pollutants from the Environment

In the modern era, petrochemical industries' production of hydrocarbon pollution is a significant environmental problem that causes biodiversity loss. Alkanes constitute a substantial proportion of crude oil, and refined fuels are found in small amounts in various uncontaminated environments. They are prevalent in underground fossil fuel reserves and shallow subsurface habitats polluted with hydrocarbons, such as aquifers. Using microorganisms to break down alkane hydrocarbon pollutants in environmental areas has great potential. Considerable advancements have been achieved in identifying microorganisms and metabolic processes responsible for the breakdown of alkanes in both oxygen-free and oxygen-rich conditions in the last two decades. A wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have been identified and observed to possess the ability to utilize various carbon and energy sources as substrates. Bioremediation is essential for environmental safety and management; various methods have been established for petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation. Numerous microbial species have been employed to investigate the bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, highlighting the crucial functions of varied microbial communities. Phytoremediation is an environmentally sustainable method that may effectively rehabilitate heavy metal- contaminated soil cost-efficiently. This manuscript provides an overview of prevalent alkane hydrocarbon pollutants, microorganisms capable of degrading hydrocarbons, key pathways and enzymes involved in hydrocarbon degradation, factors influencing hydrocarbon degradation, and various strategies employed to harness the degrading capabilities of microbes for remedial purposes.

A Logistic Regression Model for the Prediction of Vegetation Recruitment in the Kinu River, Japan

ABSTRACTVegetation overgrowth in rivers worldwide is a considerable problem because it can potentially reduce the flood‐flowing capacity and cause biodiversity loss. In this study, we developed a model to predict vegetation recruitment during the initial stages of secondary succession, which leads to vegetation overgrowth. This study chose a logistic regression model to predict vegetation recruitment because of its simplicity and lower computational load than machine learning. The model was designed for the Kinu River in Japan which is associated with extensive vegetation overgrowth. Data for the model development were obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial surveys and public databases. To ensure the model's applicability beyond the training rivers, we trained the logistic regression model across different river flows and geomorphic characteristics, including normal and flood times and gravel and sand beds. The results indicated that the logistic regression model with three explanatory variables, namely distance from the river stream, relative height, and vegetation existence history, was optimal for all rivers, with F‐measures in the range of 0.79‐0.85. In addition, using UAV imagery allows for high‐spatial resolution in predicting vegetation recruitment. The best model prediction map of vegetation recruitment demonstrated that it could accurately predict the vegetation distribution along the main river channel for gravel and sand beds. The simplicity of the present model would be advantageous when applied to other rivers with similar topographic and biological characteristics within the same river segment without hydrodynamic calculations.

MICROPLASTICS IN A LOTIC FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT: TYPOLOGY AND PROFILE OF OCCURRENCE ALONG JOUMINE STREAM, AFFLUENT OF THE ICHKEUL WETLAND (NORTHERN TUNISIA)

The intensifying plastic production and poor management of its waste have led to a tremendous rise in the dumping into aquatic ecosystems, thus resulting in harmful effects on living organisms as well as biodiversity loss and wetland threat. The study aims to assess the availability of microplastics in a freshwater environment (the Joumine stream, Northern Tunisia) by determining their abundance, shape, type, color, and size in both water and sediment. Thirty samples were collected from five sites and analyzed for MPs using stereomicroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The average value of microplastics was found to be 8.87±3.94/L (in water) and 18.2±8.27/50g dry weight (in sediment). The most dominant form in all samples was fibers, while the color category varied according to the two considered matrices and sites. Microplastic particles in the samples ranged from 0.24 to 1.45 mm in length. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the identified types of polymers. Overall, the level of microplastic pollution along the Joumine stream was found to be relatively average compared to the global pollution level. It underlined the fact that MPs are widespread even in freshwater environments and provides a baseline for future surveys and management sustainable decisions.

Developing the ambition for action in the Ocean Decade to 2030

Abstract The ocean is vital for regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods. However, as climate change accelerates ocean acidification, deoxygenation, warming, and biodiversity loss, the ocean’s ability to provide solutions is at risk. Addressing critical gaps in ocean science is essential, and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021–2030 (the “Ocean Decade”) seeks to bridge these gaps. Its transformative framework is built around 10 key challenges representing urgent needs for ocean knowledge. The Vision 2030 process, initiated in the Decade’s third year, refines these challenges, setting quantifiable success measures by 2030. Informed by contributions from around 150 experts and 10 White Papers, the Vision 2030 process highlights priorities such as actively considering Indigenous knowledge, co-designing innovative solutions, and enhancing investment in ocean science. This article introduces the insights of the Vision 2030 process, emphasizing the need for inclusive, coordinated action across the science–policy–society interface. It underscores the urgency of prioritizing ocean health and securing sustainable financing for ocean initiatives, particularly as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 remains the least funded SDG. Through advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity, the Ocean Decade aims to protect ocean ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

Using long‐term tree diversity experiments to explore the mechanisms of temporal shifts in forest ecosystem functioning

Plant diversity is known to influence ecosystem functioning, but the strength and direction of this relationship vary considerably among studies, most of which have a short duration. In communities with long‐lived species, such as forests, traits of individual trees change from seedlings to maturity, and the environment in which trees grow also continually changes through stand development and forest succession. We argue that interactions between these individual and community‐level effects over time will alter biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships, likely explaining at least part of the reported variation in BEF effects among studies. We outline a series of mechanisms through which temporal changes at the tree and stand levels can alter BEF relationships and illustrate these processes using data from the long‐term Satakunta forest diversity experiments in Finland. We argue that long‐term forest diversity experiments are essential to robustly characterize temporal dynamics emerging from the complex interplay between plant functional traits and environmental conditions over time. These experiments can provide critical insights for predicting the consequences of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning and service provisioning over time.

Ecosystem services linked to nature-based solutions for resilient and sustainable cities in India

Rampant urbanization and undervaluing of the natural ecosystem have detrimental impacts on urban spaces – increased flooding risk, increased air and water pollution, water stress, resource inefficiency, loss of biodiversity, and increased risk of ill health. Climate change further exacerbates the adverse impacts of urbanization. Despite the importance of the natural ecosystem, the blue and green spaces of the cities in India have drastically decreased. The present study highlights the degrading natural ecosystem, the negative impacts, and the need for resilience in Indian cities. Eco-centric approaches like nature-based solutions (NBS) are closely related to sustainability and resilience, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach to urban development than traditional approaches. The paper explores the concept of NBS, focusing on ecosystem services as a ‘living’ and ‘adaptable’ tool to make cities resilient and sustainable with many regional implementations. It also focuses on the role of NBS in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper critically analyses the five notable NBS projects from different countries (USA, Canada, The Netherlands, China, and Australia) and further addresses the viabilities for NBS intervention in Indian cities. It is observed that the successful adaptation of NBS in urban development necessitates eco-centric policies, collaborative research, adaptive management practices, community engagement, and a strong emphasis on a multi-benefit approach. A proactive focus on ecosystem services is strongly recommended for Indian cities, which includes raising an understanding of the value of nature, introducing NBS at the planning stage, and encouraging investment in ecosystem-based approaches.

Tree-volume and forest age increase bat species diversity in boreal urban landscape

ContextGiven the rate at which humankind is changing habitats, it is essential to understand its impact on the surrounding nature and biota. The intensification of human activities and the fragmentation of forested habitats now affect many taxonomic groups, such as bats, which are largely dependent on forests (e.g. roosting sites and feeding areas). Northern Europe is generally considered very forested but intensive land-use changes, caused by urbanization and forestry, contribute to forest fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Land-use changes are classified as the biggest threats for bats, but especially in the boreal zone, the impact of these environmental changes is not yet known at a sufficient level.ObjectivesWe explored how bats (species occurrences and activity) were influenced by forestry and urbanization, and by landscape variables (tree volume, percentage of deciduous trees, vicinity of water bodies and built areas).MethodsWe used a bioacoustic dataset on bats from Finnish capital area (20 × 20 km, 51 sites) recorded during the summer season (May – September) to evaluate how different habitat classes (old forest, young economical forest, rural area, suburban and urban) and landscape variables influence activity and species richness of bats across this region. We used Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) approach to characterize the responses of species. We investigated with two different models: one focusing on species occurrences and the second one focusing on relative activity.ResultsOur findings indicate a distinct pattern, with the highest species richness in old forests, followed by a gradual decline with increased land-use intensity. Species-specific responses to habitat classes were evident in both presence and activity. Most of the species showed negative responses to built area, either by their presence or activity. Key landscape variables further underscored species-specific variations in different environmental conditions. Additionally, our study observed temporal dynamics, revealing species-specific variations in occurrences across the bats’ active season.ConclusionOur study sheds light on the complex dynamics of bats in diverse landscapes, emphasizing the crucial role of both habitats and specific environmental factors in conservation. Old natural forests emerge as vital for bats, while land-use changes, especially urbanization, pose challenges highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and strategic conservation actions.

Research on the Role of Biodiversity in Protecting the Ecosystem Against Climate Change

As climate change intensifies, its impact on ecosystems has become increasingly severe, threatening the survival of various species and leading to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. Biodiversity, encompassing the variety of life on Earth, plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem stability, buffering against the effects of climate change, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. This study explores the multifaceted role of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functionality amidst the challenges posed by climate change. By reviewing existing literature and case studies across different ecosystems, this research highlights biodiversity facilitates nutrient cycling and energy flow, which stabilizes the ecosystem, acts as a natural buffer against extreme weather events, and enhances ecosystem resilience by providing functional redundancy. The findings underscore the importance of biodiversity conservation as a strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and sustain the health and functionality of ecosystems worldwide.

Impacts of Land-use Change on Biodiversity of Tropical Forests

The tropics possess a higher level of biodiversity compared to other climatic regions on the Earth. The tropics have diverse ecosystems such as forests, savannas, mountains, wetlands, and coral reefs, which provide habitat for thousands of species of fauna and flora. Tropical forests are one of the important tropical ecosystems with high biodiversity. Humans modify tropical forest landscapes on a large scale and use them for different purposes, including logging, mining, agriculture, pastures, urbanization, and road construction. Humans attain resources and profits through transforming tropical landscapes while making negative impacts to biodiversity and the environment of tropical forest ecosystems. Land-use change further causes habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, climate change, pollution, and species invasion of the tropical rainforests. These drivers lead to ecosystem destruction and the biodiversity crisis in the whole tropical region.

Leading the Way: Working Towards Heritage-Led Nature Recovery in Natural England

ABSTRACT The climate and biodiversity crises are an immediate and existential threat, risking the widespread loss and degradation of habitats across England. The UK Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan commits us to being the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, and the long-term conservation and enhancement of the historic environment is an essential component of this commitment. However, as the pressure mounts to deliver nature recovery faster, at greater scale and within increasingly tighter budgets, does heritage run the risk of being overlooked? Natural England’s 2023 guidance Nature Recovery and the Historic Environment provides a best-practice framework to ensure appropriate integration of heritage into nature recovery, but it also goes further – exploring the correlations between our historic and natural environments and the ways in which heritage assets can provide added value to nature recovery projects. This paper will take this thinking a step further and consider how projects led by heritage can deliver across the full spectrum of environmental objectives: to inform, inspire and improve habitat restoration, species abundance, soil health, improved air and water quality, public access, landscape distinctiveness and rural placemaking.