Development Of Management Plans Research Articles

Habitat Stability Modulates Temporal β-Diversity Patterns of Seagrass-Associated Amphipods Across a Temperate-Subtropical Transition Zone.

Identifying drivers that shape biodiversity across biogeographical regions is important to predict ecosystem responses to environmental changes. While β-diversity has been widely used to describe biodiversity patterns across space, the dynamic assembly of species over time has been comparatively overlooked. Insights from terrestrial and marine studies on temporal β-diversity has mostly considered environmental drivers, while the role of biotic mechanisms has been largely ignored. Here, we investigated patterns of temporal variation in β-diversity of seagrass-associated amphipods. We conducted a study in three biogeographical regions across a temperate to subtropical latitudinal gradient (approximately 2000 km, 13° of latitude in total). In each region, we randomly selected three Cymodocea nodosa meadows, totaling nine meadows sampled seasonally (i.e., four times per year) from 2016 to 2018. We partitioned temporal β-diversity into its turnover (i.e., species replacement) and nestedness (i.e., differences in species composition caused by species losses) components and addressed the relative influence of both temporal variation in habitat structure (i.e., biotic driver) and environmental conditions on the observed β-diversity patterns. Our study revealed high temporal β-diversity of amphipod assemblages across the three biogeographical regions, denoting significant fluctuations in species composition over time. We identified species turnover as the primary driver of temporal β-diversity, strongly linked to temporal variability in local habitat structure rather than to regional climatic drivers. Subtropical Atlantic meadows with high structural stability over time exhibited the largest turnover rates compared with temperate Mediterranean meadows, under lower structural stability, where nestedness was a more relevant component of temporal β-diversity. Our results highlight the crucial role of habitat stability in modulating temporal β-diversity patterns on animals associated with seagrasses, stressing the importance of monitoring variations in habitat structure over time for developing management plans and restoration actions in the context of diversity loss and fragmentation of ecosystems.

Creating financial mechanisms for enacting the monotowns revitalization strategy

The article provides an analysis of a study focused on crafting financial mechanisms to enact the monotown revitalization strategy. Monotowns marginalized within the economic development landscape encounter multifaceted challenges, including demographic decline, elevated unemployment rates, and degradation of social infrastructure. Consequently, the formulation of efficient financial mechanisms emerges as imperative for their resurgence. The objective of this study is to formulate efficient financial mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of monotown revitalization strategies. This entails a comprehensive examination of the existing conditions within monotowns, encompassing the identification of pertinent challenges and potential avenues for development. Additionally, the study aims to devise financial strategies and instruments geared towards fostering both economic advancement and social progress within these locales. Scientifically, the significance of this research resides in the conception of novel financing paradigms tailored specifically for monotowns, thereby fostering their sustainable development. Practically, the research holds relevance in its potential application, as the developed mechanisms stand poised for utilization by governmental and municipal entities in the execution of monotown revival initiatives. Consequently, this investigation contributes substantively to the realm of regional development management and financial planning. Its findings are poised to offer utility to governmental bodies, corporate entities vested in the enhancement of regional infrastructural frameworks and the rejuvenation of monotowns.

A recent algorithm for management of orbital floor fractures with the application of a novel minimally invasive endoscopic surgery

Orbital floor (OF) fractures present a dilemma, with controversies surrounding surgical indication, approach, and ideal material for reconstruction. Our study was conducted on cases of (OF) fracture admitted to a tertiary referral centre. Cases of (OF) associated with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture were managed as follows: those with ophthalmological problems were subjected to endoscopically assisted transorbital reconstruction of the floor; cases without ophthalmological problems were subjected to reduction and fixation of the ZMC fracture only. The recently developed endoscopic endonasal transmaxillary approach was used to manage cases with pure OF fracture, while the same approach with added endoscopic transethmoidal reconstruction of the medial orbital wall (MOW) was applied to cases with associated MOW fracture. Outcome measurements were the correction of diplopia and enophthalmos, along with the restoration of normal globe function. The study included 80 patients, who were divided into four groups according to the proposed algorithm. OF reconstruction was performed in 32 cases with either septal cartilage (n = 4), titanium plate (n = 11), or porous polyethylene mesh (n = 17). Our study presents the novel role of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in the management of (OF) fracture, together with a recently developed management plan that could maximize positive outcomes and decrease morbidity.

Ecological quality of the Jucusbamaba River, a high Andean urban river in northeastern Peru

The Jucusbamaba River, located in the northeastern region of Peru, flows through two towns that use its waters for agricultural activities. However, these activities generate waste discharged back into the river, which is additionally polluted by untreated domestic wastewater discharges. The main objective was to evaluate the ecological quality of this lotic system, analyzing biotic and abiotic parameters during two seasons. The biotic parameters included microinvertebrates and fecal coliforms, while the abiotic parameters encompassed temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and biochemical oxygen demand. Six sampling points were established where physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Simultaneously, quantitative sampling of macroinvertebrates was carried out at the same points to evaluate their diversity using Shannon- Wiener, Margalef and Simpson indices. The Andean Biotic Index (ABI) and the Biotic Family Index (FBI) were calculated to determine the ecological quality of the river using macroinvertebrates. Finally, the spatio-temporal variation of macroinvertebrate composition and physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Very high concentrations of BOD, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity were obtained in the dry season, while in the rainy season, they were pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. 12548 individuals from 6 classes, 11 orders, and 26 families were collected. The greatest richness of macroinvertebrate families was found at points 1 and 2, with Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera individuals predominating. There was evidence of temporal variation in physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as in macroinvertebrate composition. It was concluded that the ecological quality of the Jucusbamba River decreases as it follows its course due to anthropic disturbances. This research can be used to develop management plans, awareness-raising, and sanitation measures to ensure the protection and conservation of the Jucusbamaba River.

Cost, Cost-effectiveness and Survival Impact Assessment for A Better Management of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Single Centre Comprehensive Analysis.

The world healthcare systems are currently challenged by the accumulating burden of colorectal cancer (CRC), and cancer registries represent an important segment for prevention and developing management plans, being useful in providing data regarding incidence, mortality, survival, exposure to carcinogens, lifestyle. Retrospective data from CRC patients in Romania was used to assess survival impact, costs, and cost-effectiveness considering three crucial aspects: pharmacology, chemo-/radio-therapy, and hospitalization for care and management of these patients. 423 CRC patients from the Institutional Cancer Registry of the Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Institute of Oncology in Cluj-Napoca, Romania were included in the cost analysis. For the assessment of cost efficiency of the primary treatment strategy, we collected data regarding direct medical costs associated with surgery, radiotherapy and medication, as well as the afferent day or continuous hospitalization, for each patient. For the cost-effectiveness analysis we used the method of estimation of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. No compelling differences regarding survival time were observed in different therapeutic options per CRC stage. Substantial differences in cost effectiveness among therapeutic options in the same stage of several thousand Euros in stages I-III, while for stage IV, the ICER was more than 100,000 Euros per life saved. Systematic evaluation of costs, cost-effectiveness, and survival impact, helps healthcare systems can make informed decisions to improve the management of colorectal cancer patients, optimizing outcomes while minimizing financial burden.

Plan-Process Factor’s Effect on Talent Management and Succession Planning Programs

The aim of the current study is to explore the effect of factors related to the Plan (Mission Clarity and Rewards & Compensation) and the Process (Policy & Procedures and Career Development) on the Talent Management and Succession Planning Programs in Saudi Arabia, in addition, this study will focus on the mediating effect of the Organizational Productivity on the relationship between the variables. To achieve these objectives, this study followed the quantitative research methods through the distribution of 408 questionnaires to the employees of the Saudi Electricity Company. The results showed that Mission Clarity, Rewards & Compensation, Policy & Procedures, and Career Development have a significant relationship with Talent Management and Succession Planning. In addition, Organizational Productivity has a significant mediating effect on the relationship between Mission Clarity, Rewards & Compensation, and Policy & Procedures with Talent Management and Succession Planning. However, Organizational Productivity has insignificant mediating effect on the relationship between Career Development and Talent Management and Succession Planning.

‘Data Deficient’ but potentially threatened: first biological observations on the poorly known quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga)

Context The quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) is a small-sized (~370-mm total length), deep-water catshark (Family: Pentanchidae), assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Aim We aimed to bridge critical knowledge gaps on aspects of the life history and exploitation of H. quagga to make a meaningful Red List assessment, and develop management plans. Methods Specimens landed as bycatch in three harbours along the Laccadive Sea coast of south-western India were examined to gather the first information on exploited length classes and aspects of reproductive biology. Key results Halaelurus quagga had a female-dominated sex ratio, a positively allometric growth in females, and isometric growth in males. Mature H. quagga males ranged between 294 and 336 mm, and females between 315 and 370 mm, with pregnant females carrying two, three or four egg cases with embryos in each uterus. Conclusions This study provides the first information on the biology and exploitation of H. quagga, showing that the species is landed (and discarded) as bycatch in trawl fisheries, with the catches comprising a significant amount of reproductively active individuals. Implications The intense deep-sea bottom-trawling off south-western India is a major threat to H. quagga, and, if left unmanaged, could likely trigger a threatened category on the IUCN Red List.

DNA Prevalence of Eukaryotic Parasites with Zoonotic Potential in Urban-Associated Birds

Synanthropic birds might play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic endoparasites; however, little information is available on many parasites and their prevalence. Here, we use an approach based on targeted metagenomic detection through the use of DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples to screen for circulating parasites in alien parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus and Psittacula krameri) and urban landfill-feeding storks (Ciconia ciconia) and gulls (Larus fuscus). We focus especially on potentially zoonotic parasites, with the aim of better understanding the zoonotic risk that these birds’ faeces may pose. We detected a total of 23 genera of eukaryotic parasites: six fungi, three protists, five nematodes, two cestodes and seven trematodes. Among them, six stood out for their relevance to human health: Cryptococcus spp., Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (fungi); Cryptosporidium spp. (a protist); and Ascaris spp. and Halicephalobus spp. (nematodes). In parakeets, we detected Cryptococcus spp. and Ascaris spp., the latter being detected in 10–20% of the samples. In the White Stork and the Lesser Black-backed Gull, we found a high prevalence of Aspergillus spp. (in 15% and 50% of the samples, respectively) and Candida spp. (in 63% and 82% of the samples, respectively), and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 10% of the samples. We detected Halicephalobus spp. in one gull sample (2%). Our results show that synanthropic birds may act as vectors and reservoirs of zoonotic parasites and their faeces could pose a risk to human health associated with the zoonotic parasites present in them. This should be taken into account when developing management plans for urban populations of these bird species.

Developing management plans for sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Celtic Sea to advance the ecosystem approach to fisheries

Sprat are commercially valuable and are an important component of the North-East Atlantic ecosystem as major predators of zooplankton, competitors with herring, and prey for piscivorous fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. Despite this, insufficient information exists for Celtic Seas sprat, one of five North-East Atlantic stocks, to estimate stock status. To ensure the sustainable exploitation of sprat, the health of the Celtic Seas ecosystem, and the wider fisheries sector, we conduct a management strategy evaluation to stress test the current single-species advice framework. The aim is to evaluate whether ecosystem objectives can be achieved under single-species maximum sustainable yield and precautionary advice frameworks. An operating model was conditioned on life history theory and strategic information from ecosystem models. We showed that in-year advice using an empirical rule could achieve management objectives and help balance the trade-offs between fishing activities and ecosystem health. The approach allows ecosystem understanding to be incorporated within existing precautionary and maximum sustainable yield frameworks to provide a robust management framework that can meet multiple objectives despite uncertainty.

Risk of climate change to sweet potato cultivation in the American continent

ABSTRACT Sweet potato, Ipomoea potatoes L., is an essential crop for food security in various countries. However, the effects of climate change could reduce or increase the yield and profitability of this crop, especially for small farmers. Thus, we developed species distribution models for the current and six climate change scenarios based on environmental variables, species occurrence, and global climate change model. Also, we identified the most relevant environmental variables for cultivation. Future scenarios showed gradual shifts in suitable areas for cultivation. Losses in suitable areas were more relevant than gains at the low concentration of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 2.6). This trend is maintained in the worst scenario of a high concentration of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 8.5) with more significant losses of suitable areas. The temperature and precipitation of warmest and wettest quarters, temperature seasonality, and isothermality are the most critical variables for sweet potato cultivation. The cultivation is expected to expand the suitable areas in some regions and retract in others due to climate change. Knowledge about climate change effects in cultivated areas is essential for developing management plans that could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

FARMERS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (LITERATURE ANALYSIS)

Increasing farmer acceptance and adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural practices is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture. However, farmers are not a homogeneous group, and their behavior is subject to a complex set of structural, socio-economic, and socio-psychological influences. Human behavior is one of the driving forces for successful agribusiness management. However, it can be the basis of many resource management problems at the same time and is often the component that is not given enough attention when developing management plans. Moreover, the implementation of agricultural strategies relies on the individual behavior. Individual behavior is based on a variety of social, psychological, institutional, and economic factors that must be understood for successful implementation of farm management strategies. This paper reviews a highly specialized literature in the area of farmers' attitudes and intentions to adopt pro-environmental behavior. The aim of this paper is to analyze the application of some of the social psychology theories in the area of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and to summarize the factors that influence farmers' attitudes towards adoption. This in turn would help to better understand the agricultural unit and the agricultural sector as a whole. The report examines qualitative and quantitative summaries of highly specialized literature studies published in scientific databases such as Ebsco, Science Direct and others. The literature summarizes analyses over the last few decades of farmers' attitudes and intentions towards adopting pro-environmental behaviors, and the factors by which they are influenced. In order to fulfill its objective, the report is based on two main points, which are discussed in detail separately, namely „Theoretical approaches and models for adopting sustainable agricultural practices“, and „Factors influencing attitudes towards the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices“. Key words: attitudes, sustainable agricultural practices, conservation practices, pro-environmental behavior, farming JEL code: Q12, Q15, Q19

Land Cover Change of Klaja Karst Watershed, General Santos City, Philippines

Effective land management and sustainable development necessitate an understanding of land usage’s scope and mechanism. This study aims to identify changes in land cover in the Klaja Karst watershed due to urbanization, development, and ongoing population growth, as well as to create projections for the area’s land cover twenty (20) years from the completion of the study. The study created land cover maps spanning 2003 to 2020 to investigate patterns and changes in the area’s land cover. Furthermore, projection maps for 2030 and 2040 were created using a dataset derived from the abovementioned maps. The predicted maps show steady growth of perennial crop cover and built-up areas. The most prominent variables leading to this increase are urbanization, population growth, and overall development. The city’s residents, on the other hand, have relied on the growth of perennial crops to meet their demands and produce sustenance. Conversely, the increase in built-up areas and perennial crops has reduced the coverage of other land types, particularly annual crops, open forests, and grasslands. Based on the information presented above, the researcher devised an action plan that prioritized improved land management, conservation, and utilization. The plan calls for strengthening the implementation of environmental laws and policies, providing farmers with additional farm inputs, financial assistance, and promoting co-management of the study area with neighboring municipalities. Part of the consideration is the formation of a Watershed Management Council for the Klaja Karst Watershed, as well as the possibility of declaring the study area a local conservation area and developing a long-term strategy. In general, the study and its findings represent a significant step forward not only for the city and region but also for a wide range of sectors, particularly land planners and environmentalists who are developing management plans that are economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sustainable.

Performance Assessment of Machine Learning Techniques for Gully Erosion Mapping in South-East Nigeria

Soil erosion is a serious environmental hazard affecting southeast Nigeria. The rate of erosion has continued to increase with devastating impact and has led to land degradation (gullies). To assess the socio-economic and environmental implications of gully erosion and to develop management plans to deal with them, quantitative and qualitative data on soil erosion rates at regional scales are needed. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the spatial and temporal variations of gully erosion impacted areas of South East Nigeria using machine learning techniques to develop a suitable approach for accurately modelling gully erosion impact in South East, Nigeria. Its objectives are to: acquire, process, and perform object-based gully mapping analysis with Kompsat-3 imagery of South East Nigeria, Nigeria using three machine learning algorithms (Linear discriminant analysis, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network); compare the performance of the three selected machine learning algorithms using statistical techniques and determine the best suited for gully mapping within the study area; determine the pattern and trend of Gully Erosion in South East, Nigeria between 2010 and 2020, using the best-suited machine learning algorithm; and predict the future gully development pattern for the next 10 years. The methodology involved the acquisition and use of KOMPSAT-3 imagery, identification of gully erosion impacted areas, and topographic maps. Image preprocessing, development of classification scheme, object-based image analysis, trend analysis, and pattern of gully development and expansion. Accuracy assessment and gully development prediction to 2030 as data analysis. The results showed consistent identification of eight class features, including waterbody, dense vegetation, agricultural land, bare ground, built-up area, sand, savannah, and gully erosion. The performance evaluation of the three techniques revealed promising outcomes. LDA achieved an accuracy of 0.759, while SVM demonstrated a higher accuracy of 0.853 and balanced sensitivity and specificity. ANN showed good performance with an accuracy of 0.790. Based on its superior accuracy and balanced performance, SVM was selected for mapping the spatial trend of gully erosion in the study area.

Distribution and invasiveness of four non-native species of plants in ecosystems in the Chorokhi delta (SW Georgia)

Chorokhi Delta is known for its high diversity and many habitats, which however are being threatened by invasive plants. Here, the effects of four invasive species of plants, namely Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Sicyos angulatus, Solidago canadensis and Verbena brasiliensis were studied. These species were recorded in the coastal area of the Black Sea and in particular in Georgia for the first time in the first half of the last century and S. angulatus is a very recent arrival. Currently, these species constitute a significant threat to biodiversity at local, national and global levels. These invasive species were monitored from 2021 to 2022. During this period, sites with high densities of the invasive species were identified. For each species, 5 transects were randomly set, and along each of them, 10 plots (1 × 1 m) were surveyed. The density, frequency, coverage and average height of the invasive plants were measured in each plot. These measurements were recorded twice per year for two years (2021–2022). All this information will be used to develop management plans aimed at preventing their further spread or control their abundance. The results indicate that Ambrosia artemisiifolia is the most invasive and widely distributed. Verbena brasiliensis and Sicyos angulatus are also highly competitive species that can seriously affect semi-natural habitats in the Chorokhi Delta and in agricultural land located close to the Delta. Unlike these species, Solidago canadensis is not widely distributed in the area studied. However, its ability to survive in a wide range of habitats and clonal growth indicate that it is potentially a highly dangerous invasive species, which in the future is expected to expand its range and severely affect the semi-natural ecosystems and agricultural land in the Chorokhi Delta. The results of the present study demonstrate the high adaptability of the species studied and their potential for spreading further in the near future.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICE DELIVERY BETWEEN TWO COASTAL LAGOONS IN GHANA

The integration of ES into global policies represents a significant step towards harmonising sustainability and growth and unifying dialogues on biodiversity and sustainable development to benefit humanity. Consistent assessment of the availability of ES is vital to enable ongoing monitoring and support sustainable natural resource management and decision-making. This study was conducted to comparatively analyse the ecosystem service delivery between two coastal lagoons in Ghana. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) and Marine Ecosystem Services Assessment Tool (MESAT) scales were used in the study. The paper was based on the positivist paradigm and employed inferential statistics with SPSS v23 for data analysis. The results indicate no statistical differences between the Fosu and Muni lagoons in terms of their ecosystem service delivery; the null hypothesis is accepted for the two ecosystem service scales used and confirms that Fosu and the Muni Lagoons are similar in their deliveries of ecosystem services. The relationship between ES and human well-being is complex due to the interplay between social and ecological systems. To address coastal issues and develop management plans, the study proposes using MESAT and MEA for evaluation and solution provisioning. It further recommends expanding stakeholder and decision-maker involvement in lagoon management to promote sustainability and enhance stakeholder participation in decision-making.

Evaluating Non-Stationarity in Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas, USA

Extreme precipitation has become more frequent and intense with time and space. Infrastructure design tools such as Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves still rely on historical precipitation and stationary assumptions, risking current and future urban infrastructure. This study developed IDF curves by incorporating non-stationarity trends in precipitation annual maximum series (AMS) for Dallas–Fort Worth, the fourth-largest metropolitan region in the United States. A Pro-NEVA tool was used to develop non-stationary IDF curves, taking historical precipitation AMS for seven stations that showed a non-stationary trend with time as a covariate. Four statistical indices—the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE)—were used as the model goodness of fit evaluation. The lower AIC, BIC, and RMSE values and higher NSE values for non-stationary models indicated a better performance compared to the stationary models. Compared to the traditional stationary assumption, the non-stationary IDF curves showed an increase (up to 75%) in the 24 h precipitation intensity for the 100-year return period. Using the climate change adaptive non-stationary IDF tool for the DFW metroplex and similar urban regions could enable decision makers to make climate-informed choices about infrastructure investments, emergency preparedness measures, and long-term urban development and water resource management planning.

Assessing artisanal fishers' attitude and perception towards electric rays conservation along Indian coast

In India, electric rays are not targeted by fisheries but form a significant portion of bycatch. Little information exists about their ecology and biology. Fishers’ traditional ecological knowledge can fill the knowledge gap for these historically data-deprived fishes. Hence, we assessed attitudes and perceptions of artisanal fishers towards electric rays' conservation. We gathered information on catch frequency, seasonality, population trends, post-capture usages, and socio-economic values through a semi-structured questionnaire survey. We interviewed 243 fishers at 15 artisanal villages in three states: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, along the east coast of India. The survey data was scrutinized, sorted into various categories: demographics, fisheries, and fishers’ traditional knowledge, analysed and visualised as graphs and figures. We also presented qualitative information as general statements or quoted specific comments to better explain our findings. We found that fishers were well aware of electric rays and their electrical discharge. The data indicated that fishers knew the habitat in nearshore sandy bottoms. They get electric rays in their bottom-set gill nets. In general, December, January and February have high electric ray bycatch. Post-capture usage includes take-home consumption, discarding them dead, releasing them alive, and sell to poultry. Fishers discussed health benefits of electric rays’ consumption. They perceived a downward trend in population due to anthropogenic influences: overfishing, pollution and climate change. Fishers’ knowledge and scientific contributions can help develop management plans and conservation strategies. Initiating awareness campaigns within fishing communities and coastal citizens foster positive attitudes, thereby enhancing the electric rays’ conservation.

Population dynamics and wintering behavior of the black–headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus at El Mellah lagoon (Northeastern Algeria)

Abstract The population dynamics and behavior of the black-headed gull of an Algerian coastal wetland, El Mellah lagoon (Lake Mellah), were studied during three consecutive wintering seasons (2018–2021). Maximum numbers of the species were counted in December and January depending on the year. A peak of 536 individuals was recorded in the first half of December 2018, another of 538 individuals in the second half of December 2019, and a final peak of 636 birds in the first half of January 2021. Diurnal activity patterns showed that feeding was the primary behavior, with a mean of 24% for the three seasons. It was followed by sleeping (21%), swimming (19%), preening (18%), and flight (17%). Black-headed gulls appeared to be more active in the morning than at other times of the day. This study attempts to provide recent and unpublished data on the wintering and behavior of the black-headed gull, which remains poorly documented in North Africa and particularly in Algeria, and highlights the patterns of wetland use by these species, which could help to evaluate the importance of certain areas and develop management plans specific to coastal habitats and their avifaunal diversity.

Analyzing White-rumped Vulture breeding behavior using Markovian modeling

Understanding wildlife behavior, including accurate identification, processing, and interpretation of activities or cues, is important to behavioral biology and corresponding conservation strategies. We characterized the breeding activities of the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis following a sequential pattern from courtship to fledging. We recorded 4,160 visual observations of 20 behaviors of eight pairs of White-rumped Vultures from September 2021–April 2022 and constructed Markov chain models to model three composite behaviors (i.e., breeding, foraging, and roosting). We found that vultures at four nests displayed >70% of the time in breeding behavior, and each nest produced offspring, indicating a potential correlation between breeding behavior and successful reproductive outcomes. Our model explained each composite behavior with high accuracy. Identifying behaviors White-rumped Vulture have practical applications for developing management plans for their conservation, including the timing of critical reproductive events. Our findings and approach can improve our understanding of White-rumped Vulture behavioral ecology and conservation and have applications for other species.

Assessment of crop foraging by hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) in and around Borena-Sayint National Park, northern Ethiopia

Crop foraging is a widespread form of human-wildlife conflict adjacent to protected areas. It causes a great economic loss for subsistence communities hindering efforts in conservation endeavors. Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) occur both in the lowland and highland ecosystems of Ethiopia. The species is known for its crop foraging behavior across its ranges. However, little is known about human-hamadryas baboon interactions manifested in crop foraging in the Ethiopian highlands. Thus, this study aimed to provide data on the magnitude of hamadryas baboon conflict with the local community in and around Borena-Sayint National Park (BSNP), northern Ethiopia. We collected data from January to July 2018 using a questionnaire survey of sample households in the surrounding local communities. We analyzed the attitude and perception of the local people towards hamadryas baboons using descriptive statistics. Local people estimated that hamadryas baboons damaged 120.2 kg of crops/household/year in and around BSNP. The species caused the highest damage to wheat (45.1 kg), barley (25.5 kg), potato (24.7 kg) and maize (20.1 kg) per household per year. The respondents reported that hamadryas baboons, from all incidents of crop foraging, caused the highest proportion of damage during the vegetative (48.2%) and harvesting (33.9%) stages of the cultivated foods. Local people reported that crop foraging was significantly greater during the dry season than in the wet season. Respondents mainly depend on guarding (43.6%) and shouting (32.8%) to prevent their cultivated crops from the visit of hamadryas baboons. About 12% of the respondents who experienced crop damage killed hamadryas baboons in retaliation. The intense interaction between hamadryas baboons and humans may pose a serious threat to the survival of the species unless appropriate management actions are taken. The findings of this study are crucial for developing management plans and implementing successful conservation strategies.