Development Of Conservation Strategies Research Articles

The potential range of west Asian apple species Malus orientalis Uglitzk. under climate change

The wild relatives of cultivated apples would be an ideal source of diversity for breeding new varieties, which could potentially grow in diverse habitats shaped by climate change. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the potential distribution of these species. The aim of the presented work was the understand the impacts of climate change on the potential distribution and habitat fragmentation of Caucasian crab apple (Malus orientalis Uglitzk.) and the designation of areas of high interest according to climatic conditions. We used the MaxEnt models and Morphological-Spatial Analysis (MSPA) to evaluate the potential distribution, suitability changes, habitat fragmentation, and connectivity throughout the species range in Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Iran. The results revealed that the potentially suitable range of M. orientalis encompasses 858,877 km², 635,279 km² and 456,795 km² under the present, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenario, respectively. The range fragmentation analysis demonstrated a notable shift in the edge/core ratio, which increased from 50.95% in the current scenario to even 67.70% in the future. The northern part of the range (Armenia, northern Georgia, southern Russia), as well as the central and western parts of Hyrcania will be a core of the species range with suitable habitats and a high connectivity between M. orientalis populations and could work as major refugia for the studied species. However, in the Zagros and central Turkey, the potential range will shrink due to the lack of suitable climatic conditions, and the edge/core ratio will grow. In the southern part of the range, a decline of M. orientalis habitats is expected due to changing climatic conditions. The future outlook suggests that the Hyrcanian forest and the Caucasus region could serve as important refuges for M. orientalis. This study helps to understand spatial changes in species’ range in response to climate change and can help develop conservation strategies. This is all the more important given the species’ potential use in future breeding programs aimed at enriching the gene pool of cultivated apple varieties.

Incorporation of abandoned and lost fishing gear into the structure of Dendrophyllia ramea in the Atlantic coast of Portugal

Plastic pollution poses global and societal concerns, especially from discarded fishing gear, threatening seabed environments like coral reefs. This study examines the incorporation of lost and/or abandoned fishing gear - specifically synthetic lines, and filaments - into the structure of orange tree coral, Dendrophyllia ramea along the coast of Portugal, in the North-East Atlantic Ocean. The specimens were inadvertently captured by local fishers (Sines and Cascais), with 6 % showing filaments inside their structure, raising questions about their potential impact on coral health. We discuss the implications of understanding the interactions between plastics, fishing gear, and corals, which is important for developing conservation strategies. We address the need for improved of measures aimed at reducing the impact of fishing gear on corals, emphasizing the importance of endorsing biodegradable fishing materials and supporting lost gear retrieval initiatives. Furthermore, we emphasize the urgent need to communicate these issues to both fishers and stakeholders.

Prediction of the potential distribution area of Glycyrrhiza inflata in China using a MaxEnt model

Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin is an important medical plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza. It is one of the key protected plants in China, distributed in the desert areas of southern Xinjiang and Dunhuang of Gansu Province. It has a strong resistance to drought, heat, and salt stresses, and plays a pivotal role in sand fixtion in desert areas. In this study, based on 157 valid distribution records and eight environmental factors including climate factors and altitude, the potential distribution area of G. inflata in the last glacial maximum, middle Holocen, modern, and future (2050) times in China were predicted, using the optimized MaxEnt model and ArcGis 10.2 software. The results showed that the predicted distribution area was highly consistent with the current distribution range, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve was 0.986, indicating that the prediction performance was excellent. The key climatic factors affecting the distribution were precipitation in December and the average annual precipitation. Meanwhile, the suitable area of G. inflata in modern times was 1,831,026 km2, mainly distributed in Turpan-Hami Basin, Tarim Basin, and Dunhuang of Gansu Province, with Lop Nur Town of Xinjiang as the distribution center. In 2050, the potential suitable area forG. inflata in China will be 1,808,090 km2, 250,970 km2 of which will be highly suitable, which is 150,600 km2 smaller than that in modern times, with a reduction rate of 60.0%. Therefore, there is a trend of great reduction in the suitable area of G. inflata. From the last glaciation maximum to the middle Holocene, the geographical distribution center shifted to the southwest margin of the Kumtag Desert, Xinjiang, then later continued to shift to the southwest. This study will provide a basis for understanding the origin and evolution of G. inflata, developing conservation strategies to minimize the impacts of environment change, and utilizing plant resource.

Genetic Diversity and Selection Signatures in Economically Important Traits of Ethiopian Indigenous Cattle Breed as a Base for Dairy Cattle Genetic Improvement: A Review

The aim of this paper was to review the genetic diversities and selection signatures in economical important traits of Ethiopian indigenous cattle. This allows obtaining rapid genetic gain, predicting genomic potential and developing conservation strategies. A genetic variation among Ethiopian breeds ranging from 0.1 to 4.55% and a within variation of 95.45 to 99.9% was reported by various scholars. About 3.51% differentiation between Boran and Fogera from Begait and 2.82% differentiation of Boran from Fogera and Begait was reported. Even though the observed and expected heterozygosity values among Ethiopian cattle population was lower, research reports shown considerably higher values ranging from 0.638±0.015 in Boran and 0.714±0.022 in Raya-Azebo to 0.700± 0.014 in Ambo and 0.735±0.017 in Sheko. Genes responsible for heat tolerance, control of metabolic disease, immunity genes, high altitude and low altitude adaptation were reported in Ethiopian cattle breeds. In African indicus and European taurian cattle different genes responsible for milk production, milk fat yield and synthesis and milk composition, were reported. Genes associated with milk traits; fertility and reproduction genes were also reported in Ethiopian cattle. The presence of high within breed variation in Ethiopian cattle creates favorable conditions for further improvement through selection. Beyond identifying candidate potential genes, a detailed study targeting genomic prediction of milk yield and genomic inbreeding had better be done, which allows getting information to optimize and speed up the breeding programs and genetic improvement.

Insights into key threats and conservation status of the river lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii (Lesson, 1826) in Northern India

Abstract The river lapwings are inhabitant of river banks with sand or gravel bars and river islands. In this study, we investigated vital threats (natural and anthropogenic) and the conservation status of river lapwing in the riverine ecosystem of Northern India. In this regard, we frequently visited selected study sites along the banks of the river Ganges in the district of Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), India, from January 2016 to December 2019. To estimate perceived threats for river lapwing, we developed a questionnaire and collected threat scores. The line transect method was used to estimate the density of river lapwing. Predation and farming activities were the most potent threats influencing the survival and abundance of river lapwing. River lapwings were primarily observed at open unvegetated river banks and open unvegetated islands. They were seen in significant density near the water in the breeding season. We concluded that the population of river lapwing is relatively stable in the Gangetic plains of Northern India. However, it is declining in other parts of the world, for example, in Southern Laos. Though it is a relatively common species, robust scientific information about its population and habitat relation is mainly absent. Therefore, accurate counts from other parts of the world are needed to place the estimate for river lapwing into a comprehensible, inclusive perspective. Furthermore, detailed information on habitat relationships is also necessary to develop conservation strategies.

Spatial Pattern of Genetic Diversity and Demographic History Revealed by Population Genomic Analysis: Resilience to Climate Fluctuations of Acer truncatum Bunge

Whole genome sequencing techniques are capable of providing insights into plant genetic adaptation to climate oscillations. Acer truncatum Bunge is a new resource tree for food with ornamental, timber and medicinal value. However, it has been listed as a near-threatened species because of the decreasing number of natural populations. In order to develop conservation strategies and sustainable innovative utilization for genetic resources, spatial pattern of genetic diversity and demographic history of A. truncatum from 13 natural populations, which cover the entire range, were analyzed by 9,086,353 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through whole genome resequencing. The genetic diversity of natural populations was high (He = 0.289, I = 0.449), and genetic variations mainly resided within populations (82.47%) by AMOVA analysis. Cluster analysis showed that 13 natural populations mainly originated from three common gene pools. Therefore, it is recommended that the natural populations (LBGM, BTM, WLS and DQT) with high genetic diversity in different groups were given priority for in situ conservation and the genetic resources from these populations were collected for ex situ conservation. The effective population size of A. truncatum experienced two large-scale sharp contractions and currently decreased to its bottom in history. Nonetheless, A. truncatum could have expanded its effective population size to its historical peak after the last glacial period, indicating that it is highly resilient to fluctuations of temperature and humidity.

Unveiling growth and reproduction of a giant Patagonian galaxiid: an experimental rearing study

ABSTRACT Understanding the life history of understudied native and threatened fishes is crucial to develop conservation strategies for freshwater ecosystems. Puye grande (Galaxias platei) is an endemic freshwater fish of Patagonia with little known about its life history traits. To bridge this information gap, comprehensive studies under controlled conditions could expand our basal understanding of puye grande’s life history. We conducted a long-term experimental study using one cohort of puye grande throughout its lifespan. We collected 423 postlarvae individuals from the Riñihue Lake (southern Chile) and reared them for 11 years under captivity. We documented the maximum longevity of this species as 11 years, with a survival rate of 0.47% for the entire study period. Hatchery-reared individuals showed isometric growth (b = 2.75). Parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model were asymptotic total length L ∞ = 20.80 cm, growth coefficient K = 0.75 yr−1, and theoretical age at-length zero t 0 = 0.45 yr, including both sexes. Puye grande showed an iteroparous life history, with the first spawning event occurring at age 2+ and consecutive spawning events occurring mainly in fall and winter. Females had a mean (standard deviation) total fecundity of up to 58 500 (23 331) eggs individual−1 and a mean relative fecundity in fall of 621 (109) eggs g−1 wet mass; males had a mean spermatic density of 28.41 (4.18) × 109 spermatozoa mL−1. The embryonic development until eclosion occurred 432 h post fertilization (hpf) at 12 °C. Our valuable baseline findings about the life history of puye grande can contribute to future strategies for managing and conserving galaxiids under global environmental change in Patagonia.

Species Diversity and Conservation of Typhlocybinae (Heteroptera: Cicadellidae) in China

Abstract Species diversity is undergoing rapid reductions globally. Identifying the causes underlying species diversity patterns and biodiversity hotspots is critical for developing conservation strategies. In this study, the 4,594 occurrence records of 854 Typhlocybinae (Heteroptera: Cicadellidae) species in China were used to investigate the factors affecting species richness and endemism patterns as well as identify species diversity hotspots to establish their conservation status. Generalized linear models and hierarchical partitioning were used to assess the effects of 6 environmental factors on species richness and endemism. Species diversity hotspots were obtained by integrating the 10 grids with highest levels of species richness and endemism; the conservation status of these hotspots was assessed via gap analysis. We found that species richness and endemism distribution of Typhlocybinae in China were heterogeneous, mainly concentrated in southern and central areas. The results also showed that plants were the most important environmental factors affecting species richness and endemism patterns, followed by niche conservatism. The 10 hotspots were identified; however, they were not fully protected by the existing nature reserves. This study highlights the importance of plants and niche conservatism in shaping species richness and endemism patterns of Typhlocybinae. Moreover, establishment of new nature reserves in hotspot areas with a conservation gap is required.

Vegetation mosaic shaping bryophyte diversity in a threatened ecosystem: A case study of Brazilian Cangas (ferruginous rupestrian fields)

The Canga vegetation in Brazil is a unique ecosystem found on ironstone outcrops, known as ferruginous rupestrian fields, and is considered one of the most diverse in the world. This mosaic landscape, comprised of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation, is home to a diverse range of plants, including angiosperm, bryophytes, and lichens. To understand the effect of Cangas' patchy landscape, here called mesohabitats, on bryophyte communities, we asked the following questions: Do the diversity parameters such as richness, abundance and composition of bryophytes differ along the different Cangas’ mesohabitats? Do bryophyte assemblages group by functional traits and filter per mesohabitat? We surveyed eight sites in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle), southeast Brazil. We collected and analysed data on bryophyte diversity and functional traits in three different mesohabitats: exposed areas (EA), shrub associations (SA), and tree associ ations (TA). The diversity of both groups was tested using one-way ANOVA; and functional traits were addressed with a Factorial Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD). There are significant differences in the diversity of bryophytes among the mesohabitats, with TA having the highest diversity and abundance of liverworts and mosses, followed by SA and EA. The study also found bryophyte assemblies with similar functional traits in similar mesohabitats across the Brazilian Quadrilátero Ferrífero. The research revealed that the different mesohabitats provided important and distinct niches for bryophytes in Cangas, and this threatened ecosystem's high diversity must be considered when developing conservation strategies. This entails land managers adopting effective approaches aimed at improving both the quality and connectivity of habitats, fostering biodiversity, and bolstering the resilience of the ecosystem.

Phylogenomic analysis reveals five independently evolved African forage grass clades in the genus Urochloa.

The grass genus Urochloa (Brachiaria) sensu lato includes forage crops that are important for beef and dairy industries in tropical and sub-tropical Africa, South America and Oceania/Australia. Economically important species include U. brizantha, U. decumbens, U. humidicola, U. mutica, U. arrecta, U. trichopus, U. mosambicensis and Megathyrsus maximus, all native to the African continent. Perennial growth habits, large, fast growing palatable leaves, intra- and interspecific morphological variability, apomictic reproductive systems and frequent polyploidy are widely shared within the genus. The combination of these traits probably favoured the selection for forage domestication and weediness, but trait emergence across Urochloa cannot be modelled, as a robust phylogenetic assessment of the genus has not been conducted. We aim to produce a phylogeny for Urochloa that includes all important forage species, and identify their closest wild relatives (crop wild relatives). Finally, we will use our phylogeny and available trait data to infer the ancestral states of important forage traits across Urochloa s.l. and model the evolution of forage syndromes across the genus. Using a target enrichment sequencing approach (Angiosperm 353), we inferred a species-level phylogeny for Urochloa s.l., encompassing 54 species (~40 % of the genus) and outgroups. Phylogenies were inferred using a multispecies coalescent model and maximum likelihood method. We determined the phylogenetic placement of agriculturally important species and identified their closest wild relatives, or crop wild relatives, based on well-supported monophyly. Further, we mapped key traits associated with Urochloa forage crops to the species tree and estimated ancestral states for forage traits along branch lengths for continuous traits and at ancestral nodes in discrete traits. Agricultural species belong to five independent clades, including U. brizantha and U. decumbens lying in a previously defined species complex. Crop wild relatives were identified for these clades supporting previous sub-generic groupings in Urochloa based on morphology. Using ancestral trait estimation models, we find that five morphological traits that correlate with forage potential (perennial growth habits, culm height, leaf size, a winged rachis and large seeds) independently evolved in forage clades. Urochloa s.l. is a highly diverse genus that contains numerous species with agricultural potential, including crop wild relatives that are currently underexploited. All forage species and their crop wild relatives naturally occur on the African continent and their conservation across their native distributions is essential. Genomic and phenotypic diversity in forage clade species and their wild relatives need to be better assessed both to develop conservation strategies and to exploit the diversity in the genus for improved sustainability in Urochloa cultivar production.

Identifying medium- and large-sized mammal species sensitive to anthropogenic impacts for monitoring in subtropical montane forests

SummaryMedium- and large-sized mammals play important roles in maintaining forest ecosystem functions, and these functions often diminish when mammal species are depleted by human activities. Understanding the sensitivity or tolerance of mammal species to human pressure and detecting species changes through monitoring programmes can inform appropriate management decisions. The objective of our study was to identify medium- and large-sized mammal species that can be included in a monitoring programme in the Southern Yungas of Argentina. We used occupancy modelling to estimate the probability of habitat use (ψ) of 13 of 25 mammal species detected by 165 camera traps placed in forests across a range of human footprint index (HFI) values. As defined by the HFI, 54% of the study area is wilderness. The probabilities of habitat use of two mammal species were significantly associated with the HFI: the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris; ψ = 0.33, range = 0.22–0.50) was inversely associated with HFI values, whereas the grey brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira; ψ = 0.79, range = 0.67–0.87) was positively associated with the HFI. Monitoring the probability of habitat use of the sensitive species (lowland tapir) could help us to detect changes in areas experiencing anthropogenic impacts before they cause extirpation, whereas the high probability of the habitat use values of the tolerant species (grey brocket deer) might indicate that anthropogenic impacts are strongly influencing habitat, signalling that mitigation strategies might be warranted. The Southern Yungas retains an intact mammal fauna, and we showed that the HFI is useful for monitoring anthropogenic impacts on these mammals. There are still opportunities to develop conservation strategies to minimize threats to mammal species in the region by implementing a monitoring programme with the proposed species.

Prioritizing conservation efforts based on future habitat availability and accessibility under climate change.

The potential for species to shift their ranges to avoid extinction is contingent on the future availability and accessibility of habitats with analogous climates. To develop conservation strategies, many previous researchers used a single method that considered individual factors; a few combined 2 factors. Primarily, these studies focused on identifying climate refugia or climatically connected and spatially fixed areas, ignoring the range shifting process of animals. We quantified future habitat availability (based on species occurrence, climate data, land cover, and elevation) and accessibility (based on climate velocity) under climate change (4 scenarios) of migratory birds across the Yangtze River basin (YRB). Then, we assessed species' range-shift potential and identified conservation priority areas for migratory birds in the 2050s with a network analysis. Our results suggested that medium (i.e., 5-10km/year) and high (i.e., ≥ 10km/year) climate velocity would threaten 18.65% and 8.37% of stable habitat, respectively. Even with low (i.e., 0-5km/year) climate velocity, 50.15% of climate-velocity-identified destinations were less available than their source habitats. Based on our integration of habitat availability and accessibility, we identified a few areas of critical importance for conservation, mainly in Sichuan and the middle to lower reaches of the YRB. Overall, we identified the differences between habitat availability and accessibility in capturing biological responses to climate change. More importantly, we accounted for the dynamic process of species' range shifts, which must be considered to identify conservation priority areas. Our method informs forecasting of climate-driven distribution shifts and conservation priorities.

Topographic barriers drive the pronounced genetic subdivision of a range-limited fossorial rodent.

Due to their limited dispersal ability, fossorial species with predominantly belowground activity usually show increased levels of population subdivision across relatively small spatial scales. This may be exacerbated in harsh mountain ecosystems, where landscape geomorphology limits species' dispersal ability and leads to small effective population sizes, making species relatively vulnerable to environmental change. To better understand the environmental drivers of species' population subdivision in remote mountain ecosystems, particularly in understudied high-elevation systems in Africa, we studied the giant root-rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus), a fossorial rodent confined to the afro-alpine ecosystem of the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. Using mitochondrial and low-coverage nuclear genomes, we investigated 77 giant root-rat individuals sampled from nine localities across its entire ~1000 km2 range. Our data revealed a distinct division into a northern and southern group, with no signs of gene flow, and higher nuclear genetic diversity in the south. Landscape genetic analyses of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes indicated that population subdivision was driven by slope and elevation differences of up to 500 m across escarpments separating the north and south, potentially reinforced by glaciation of the south during the Late Pleistocene (~42,000-16,000 years ago). Despite this landscape-scale subdivision between the north and south, weak geographic structuring of sampling localities within regions indicated gene flow across distances of at least 16 km at the local scale, suggesting high, aboveground mobility for relatively long distances. Our study highlights that despite the potential for local-scale gene flow in fossorial species, topographic barriers can result in pronounced genetic subdivision. These factors can reduce genetic variability, which should be considered when developing conservation strategies.

Persistent organic pollutants in the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) during the nesting stage in the "La Escobilla" Sanctuary, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances widely distributed in the environment by the runoff from anthropic activities and can be distributed and bioaccumulated or biomagnified in the environment, affecting the health of organisms. The sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, is a long-lived organism, with migratory habits and feeding behaviors that allow exposure to various pollutants. This work aimed to determine long-term exposure to POPs in adult olive ridley turtles (L. olivacea), sampled during the nesting season, in "La Escobilla" Sanctuary. Blood samples were collected and processed to obtain plasma. The quantification of POPs in blood was carried out with an extraction technique with a focused ultrasound probe. Twenty-seven POP analytes were determined. The concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane, endosulfan isomers, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, total polychlorinated biphenyls, and the total sum of POPs found in plasma are higher than those reported in other studies, which reported effects such as hematological and biochemical changes in blood, changes in immune system cells and enzymatic activity related to oxidative stress. These results are important to demonstrate the chronic exposure to POPs in olive ridley turtles in marine ecosystems and to highlight the importance of assessing the associated health risks, considering that these contaminants could be transferred to the offspring and affect future generations of this reptile. It is important to carry out studies that develop conservation strategies for the olive ridley turtle. Also, it is necessary to control the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, as well as reduce urban, agricultural, and industrial waste in the environment and marine ecosystems.

Population structure and history of North Atlantic Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus musculus) inferred from whole genome sequence analysis

Knowledge of genetic diversity and structure is essential for developing conservation strategies for endangered species. Blue whales were hunted to near extinction in the mid-twentieth century. Not-withstanding almost 380,000 animals killed globally, much remains unknown about their population structure and migration patterns. Herein, we use whole genome sequencing to elucidate the poorly understood population genetics of North Atlantic (NA) blue whales. We generated a de novo genome assembly for a NA blue whale to analyze 19 other whole genomic sequences and 31 complete mitochondrial genomes. Present-day and historical samples (earliest from 1876) from the Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans were included to understand the impact of whaling on the genetic diversity of this species. We found low but statistically significant population structuring and high genetic diversity. Demographic modeling using fastsimcoal2 rejected an absence of gene flow between eastern and western NA blue whales and suggested an asymmetric west to east gene flow. Introgression estimated using D-statistics between blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), was observed in all present-day samples. This gene flow was found to be unidirectional from fin whales to blue whales and accounts for ~ 3.5% of the NA blue whale’s genome. Our sequencing and population structure analyses provide a genomic baseline to inform ongoing conservation strategies for this iconic species.

Diversity of wintering avifauna throughout the heterogeneous aquatic habitats of Bankura District, West Bengal, India

Birds play various crucial roles in the ecosystem including pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. Assemblages of bird species in a particular landscape are useful predictors in various ecosystem services, this is evident from studies of forest bird assemblages, aquatic bodies and agro ecosystems. For developing conservation strategies, information on bird species assemblages in a particular geographical area is important. Diversity in aquatic ecosystem support a diversity of water bird species. In the present study, around 45 bird species were recorded in 21 aquatic bodies in Bankura, West Bengal, India, in which two species, namely, Leptoptilos javanicus and Aythya ferina declared ‘Vulnerable’ and three species such as Mareca falcata, Threskiornis melanocephalus, and Limosa limosa considered as ‘Near Threatened’ according to the IUCN Red list. Dendrocygna javanica and Nettapus coromandelianus were found to be the most abundant. In those 21 study areas, site6 has the highest species richness and site2 has the lowest. The dominance index was highest for site2 and lowest for site6. Pielou’s index of evenness was highest for site20. The rarefaction curve showed species abundance was highest for site1. Classical cluster analysis for species abundance showsthat site20, site21, site3, site8, site4, site19, site5, site14, site12, site15, site7, site 10 site11, and site13 are closely related. This paper is aimed to generate interest among people to conserve aquatic birds and their habitats and to document baseline information for further study.

Contextualizing sociodemographic differences in Tibetan attitudes toward large carnivores

AbstractFostering human–wildlife coexistence necessitates a thorough and nuanced grasp of local attitudes toward wildlife. Attitudes can vary substantially based on the sociodemographic backgrounds of individuals within a society. This study examines Tibetan attitudes toward large carnivores, emphasizing the importance of contextualization in discerning the effects of sociodemographic factors on attitudes. We began by analyzing existing research on Tibetan attitudes toward wildlife in China, identifying previously studied sociodemographic variables. We then executed an online survey to evaluate the affective, behavioral, cognitive, and overall attitudes of ethnic Tibetans in China toward snow leopards (Panthera uncia), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and brown bears (Ursus arctos). Our findings show that while factors such as gender, age, religious identity, and level of education shape these attitudes, their influence differs depending on the specific attitude component and the target animal under examination. Therefore, making broad generalizations about sociodemographic differences in attitudes can be misleading. It is imperative for attitude research to clearly define the attitude component (what type of attitude), object (attitude toward what), and circumstance (attitude in which situation) being studied. Conducting ethnographic fieldwork in collaboration with local cultural experts can deepen our understanding of local perspectives and the ways sociodemographic factors influence attitudes. Such insights are pivotal for developing conservation strategies attuned to local sociocultural contexts.

Grassland Birds of Brazilian Cerrado: Population Trends and Conservation Challenges

Grassland ecosystems, characterized by open landscapes dominated by grasses, encompass diverse formations influenced by geological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. These environments play a pivotal role in global biodiversity, carbon cycling, and ecosystem services. Due to the worldwide loss and degradation of these habitats, grassland birds are experiencing an unprecedented population decline. This work aims to supply an in-depth exploration of the conservation status of Cerrado grassland birds, including their population trends, protective measures, and primary threats within this bird group. Through an exhaustive literature review, conference of endangered species databases, and field data of grassland birds gathered by us, we compiled a comprehensive dataset detailing the trends, threats, and distribution of Cerrado grassland birds. The Cerrado, the world's largest savanna and Brazil's second-largest biome, accommodates 116 bird species specialized in grassland formations, including 13 endemics. Significantly, a notable proportion (26%) of endangered bird species in the Cerrado are strongly associated with grasslands. The primary threats faced by this group encompass habitat loss and degradation, the proliferation of exotic grass species, and the recurrent incidence of wildfires. Upon analyzing population trends, a concerning 37% of Cerrado grassland birds show declining numbers, with inadequate representation in existing protected areas. While grasslands hold global significance, conservation endeavors often give precedence to tropical forests. The preservation of central Brazil's grassland formations assumes utmost importance in safeguarding the abundant biodiversity of the Cerrado. These formations function as pivotal habitats for endangered and declining bird species, underscoring the pressing need to develop conservation strategies attuned to the unique challenges posed by grassland environments.

Estimation of Total Nitrogen Content in Topsoil Based on Machine and Deep Learning Using Hyperspectral Imaging

Excessive total nitrogen (TN) content in topsoil is a major cause of eutrophication when nitrogen flows into water systems from soil losses. Therefore, TN content prediction is essential for establishing topsoil management systems and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Recently, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has been used as a rapid, nondestructive technique for quantifying various soil properties. This study developed a machine and deep learning-based model using hyperspectral imaging to rapidly measure TN contents. A total of 139 topsoil samples were collected from the four major rivers in the Republic of Korea. Visible-to-near-infrared (VNIR) and near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging data were acquired in the 400–1000 nm and 895–1720 nm ranges, respectively. Prediction models for predicting the TN content in the topsoil were developed using partial least square regression (PLSR) and one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs). From the total number of pixels in each topsoil sample, 12.5, 25, and 50% of the pixels were randomly selected, and the data were augmented 10 times to improve the performance of the 1D-CNN model. The performances of the models were evaluated by estimating the coefficients of determination (R2) and root mean squared errors (RMSE). The Rp2 values of the optimal PLSR (with maximum normalization preprocessing) and 1D-CNN (with SNV preprocessing) models were 0.72 and 0.92, respectively. Therefore, HSI can be used to estimate TN content in topsoil and build a topsoil database to develop conservation strategies.

Characterizing the Gut Microbial Communities of Native and Invasive Freshwater Bivalves after Long-Term Sample Preservation.

Freshwater mussels are important indicators of the overall health of their environment but have suffered declines that have been attributed to factors such as habitat degradation, a loss of fish hosts, climate change, and excessive nutrient inputs. The loss of mussel biodiversity can negatively impact freshwater ecosystems such that understanding the mussel's gut microbiome has been identified as a priority topic for developing conservation strategies. In this study, we determine whether ethanol-stored specimens of freshwater mussels can yield representative information about their gut microbiomes such that changes in the microbiome through time could potentially be determined from museum mussel collections. A short-term preservation experiment using the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea was used to validate the use of ethanol as a method for storing the bivalve microbiome, and the gut microbiomes of nine native mussel species that had been preserved in ethanol for between 2 and 9 years were assessed. We show that ethanol preservation is a valid storage method for bivalve specimens in terms of maintaining an effective sequencing depth and the richness of their gut bacterial assemblages and provide further insight into the gut microbiomes of the invasive clam C. fluminea and nine species of native mussels. From this, we identify a "core" genus of bacteria (Romboutsia) that is potentially common to all freshwater bivalve species studied. These findings support the potential use of ethanol-preserved museum specimens to examine patterns in the gut microbiomes of freshwater mussels over long periods.