Effective Conservation Actions Research Articles

Overlooked effects of temporal resolution choice on climate-proof spatial conservation plans for biodiversity

Global changes require conservation planners to integrate environmental dynamics into their strategies. Forward-looking species-based conservation plans typically use data for a few time periods (ten to thirty years apart) to pinpoint the adaptive areas providing the conditions for species to follow their suitable climates and persist. With such gaps in time, species' responses to environmental conditions between the evaluated periods are not addressed. Here we test whether choices on the temporal resolution in analysis (length of time in between time slices) impact the location and perceived effectiveness of the resulting climate-adaptive areas and the value of established protected areas in providing ground for the spatial responses of species. We address these issues using a conservation exercise set up in Western France, where ten vertebrate species are targeted for persistence in the long term (i.e., 2050). For each species, the area prioritization solutions obtained by using three settings of temporal resolution (annual, decadal and tri-decadal) were largely dissimilar. The climate adaptive areas obtained with annual data defined convoluted adaptive trajectories, largely distinct from the trajectories achieved with decadal and tri-decadal data. This has reflections on the perceived effectiveness of established protected areas in encompassing those adaptive trajectories. In the final stages of planning, conservation planers need to provide rigorous proposals for the establishment of effective conservation actions. This study pinpoints the need for fine-resolute temporal data to reach such effectiveness in the design of climate-proof protected area networks.

Adult survival and per‐capita production of young explain dynamics of a long‐lived goose population

Population growth rates in geese can be sensitive to small changes in survival and/or production of young, and understanding which demographic rates explain more variation in population change can be crucial for implementing effective conservation actions. Here, we show that annual adult survival and production of young (assessed in winter) explained most variation in annual population growth rate across 36 years in Greenland White‐fronted Geese Anser albifrons flavirostris, during which time the population showed a sustained increase followed by a decline. In contrast, there was no strong relationship between annual population growth rate and juvenile survival following autumn migration, suggesting that variation in this demographic parameter contributed little to the population trajectory over the same period. Quantifying the influence of decisions made by Greenland White‐fronted Geese throughout the annual cycle will improve our ability to target seasonal conservation actions that reduce adult mortality and/or increase production of young where possible.

Movement of Red Shiner during a regulated, intentional surface‐flow recession

AbstractUnderstanding how fish respond to drought and streamflow intermittency is important for designing effective conservation actions. Fish could move to refuge areas prior to intermittency, or be trapped in nearby habitats at the onset. We used mechanical pumps to simulate streamflow intermittency in the Rio Grande, New Mexico. We conducted a 5‐week before–after impact‐only experiment. We seined at 10 sites each week to observe changes in Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis abundance and distribution in a 35‐km reach. We conducted two surveys prior to any flow reduction. Next, we reduced flows each week to simulate streamflow intermittency and repeated surveys to identify changes in distribution that would suggest large‐scale movement of Red Shiner to refuge areas. During the first survey, we marked Red Shiner with elastomeric tags to observe movement. In a separate effort, we surveyed all isolated pools that formed after flow reductions for tagged Red Shiner. We observed no patterns that suggested large‐scale movement to refuge areas. Instead, numbers remained steady or increased at all sites in surveys 1 through 4 and declined sharply when sites dried. Tagged fish also supported this conclusion: dispersal models estimated 56% remained within ~0.5 km of the tagging location. We suggest Red Shiner is resilient to drought because of their opportunistic life history and potential for rapid recolonisation, rather than resistant to drought through population‐scale movements to refuge areas. Conservation actions to benefit species threatened by drought must consider the mechanisms of persistence, including both behaviour and life‐history strategy, to be effective.

Reexamination of the Purported Rapid Population Decline of Plains Spotted Skunks in the Mid-Twentieth Century

Spilogale putorius interrupta (Plains Spotted Skunk) was once common across its range in the United States from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, but it is now rare and being considered for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Disease and introduction of agricultural chemicals have been suggested as potential causes of an ostensible rapid decline of >90% in Plains Spotted Skunk populations in the 1940s. I examined published scientific literature, agency reports, and other historical accounts to determine if such a decline actually took place and if there is any evidence that these factors could have caused such a decline. I found anecdotal information implying that there were declines in some states, but I found no substantiation of a widespread precipitous decline during the 1940s-1950s. Harvest records of Plains Spotted Skunks, Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum), and Mephitis mephitis (Striped Skunk) from the central United States all demonstrate similar rates of decline and this, along with nationwide information suggest that the fall in Plains Spotted Skunk harvests during this period was due to a crash in demand across the entire fur market. There was an extensive rabies epidemic during this period but little data supportive of it causing a population crash. Similarly, usage of chemicals for agricultural pest and weed control was found throughout the species range, but only on such a small percentage of farms it is unlikely to have had significant impact on their population. The Plains Spotted Skunk most likely experienced a long, gradual decline in population density and scientists should undertake research focused on potential causes of decline relevant to this timescale such as changes in agricultural practices or predator guilds so as to develop testable hypotheses that will lead to effective conservation actions that will benefit the species.

Carbon sequestration scenarios in Portugal: which way to go forward?

Assessing carbon storage and sequestration is key for defining effective conservation actions to mitigate climate change. Forest species changes have direct impacts on carbon stocks and may lead to undesirable climate trade-offs. In this paper, we measure aboveground biomass (AGB) and the impact of forest changes on climate regulation through three land policy scenarios by 2030 in continental Portugal. We found that a High intervention scenario, supported by an important increase in "Other coniferous trees" class, will provide 29.5% more of carbon sequestration, whereas a Low intervention scenario, in which there is a moderate increase in all forest classes, will result in an increase of 5.7%. A business as usual (BAU) scenario, supported by an increase in eucalyptus forests and a decrease in autochthonous species, will decrease carbon sequestration (-2.7%), particularly Lisboa, Algarve and North regions. Economic valuation shows that the High intervention scenario will generate the highest economic outcome for climate regulation by 2030. This study provides a spatial-based methodology for monitoring carbon sequestration and new insights about the impact of policies for Green House Gas (GHG) mitigation, supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals achievement.

Increased sediment deposition triggered by climate change impacts freshwater pearl mussel habitats and metapopulations

Abstract The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is a benthic organism sensitive to hydrological regime alterations and habitat degradation driven by excessive fine bed material deposit (FBMD). Both issues are potentially exacerbated by climate change. Understanding how climate change affects future mussel habitats and the dispersal among them (dependent on the brown trout as fish host) can support the planning of effective conservation actions. To project the impacts of climate change on the mussel, a semi‐mechanistic modelling cascade was implemented for the Aist catchment in Austria (630 km2), including a hydrological model, a hydraulic model, Random Forest Models for FBMD accumulation risk and Species Distribution Models. Two climate change models (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) for two future horizons (2060 and 2090) were considered. A graph‐based assessment of the structural connectivity was used to measure the probability of successful dispersal. Results show a reduction of peak discharge that cascades into a widespread reduction in shear stresses during high flow. The mussel's habitats, defined by hydraulics (i.e. patches with low shear stresses during high flow), are predicted to be stable over the simulated scenarios. The pressure of FBMDs over the delineated habitat patches is predicted to increase in the future due to the reduced stream transport capacity, reducing up to 25% of the available patches in 2090 for RCP 8.5. Consequently, the mussel's dispersal probability decreases to 44.3%–75.6% of the maximum theoretical value, with the highest drops for short dispersal distances, impacting metapopulation dynamics. Synthesis and applications. The widespread issue of fine sediment deposition in the streambed will be exacerbated for those catchments where climate change reduces the stream transport capacity. The impacts on the freshwater pearl mussel include habitat loss due to the formation of a new unsuitable substrate, and a decrease in the potential dispersal among the residual habitats. Thus, conservation plans that aim to protect the mussel in the future should focus on the mitigation of fine bed material deposits, prioritizing those subreaches that offer the highest potential for preserving connectivity among suitable habitats.

Assessing human pressure on wild food and forage tree species for designing effective conservation actions in West Africa Sahel region

Background: High harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for food and fodder supply leads many tree species to be vulnerable or endangered due to overexploitation. This study aimed to assess harvesting pressure on food and forage species and to understand how the socio-economic profile of people affects their perception on species state as well as on the impact of harvesting methods on species dynamics.Methods: Semi-structured ethnobotanical surveys were conducted near the active stakeholders involved in NTFPs harvesting - children, women, herders, and former actors (old persons >50 years old, both women and herders). Hundred and four (104) people from 4 ethnic groups were interviewed. We have calculated the overharvesting index (OI) based on three pressure parameters: Fidelity level of use (FL), Relative frequency of harvesting (FH) and Relative intensity of pruning (IP). The difference between respondent’s perceptions on species state was tested using logistic regression followed by analysis of variance of the model.Results: The overharvesting index (OI) showed that eight (8) species are overharvested of which the first three species are Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir (OI = 122.1%), Saba senegalensis (A. DC.) Pichon (OI = 100%) and Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause (OI = 97.4%). These overharvested species are generally exploited using destructive methods, especially branch pruning for leaves and/or fruits harvesting. Local people´s perception on species state was significantly influenced by the type of actors and their age (p<0.0001 for both). This suggests that specific awareness message considering socio-economic profiles of people need to be developed for a truth conservation impact on the field. 82.3% of respondents declared that harvesting methods have no significant impact on species state, revealing that most people are still using forest resources in traditional considerations.Conclusion: Raising awareness, based on scientific information highlighting the effects of harvesting methods on the regeneration and functional traits of NTFPs species, could contribute positively to changing people’s consideration of the sustainable use of species.Keywords: Harvesting methods, Local perception, NTFPs, Overharvesting, StakeholdersRésuméContexte: La forte récolte de produits forestiers non ligneux (PFNL) pour l'alimentation et le fourrage rend de nombreuses espèces d'arbres vulnérables en raison de leur surexploitation. Cette étude vise à évaluer la pression de la récolte sur les espèces alimentaires et fourragères et à comprendre comment le profil socio-économique des personnes affecte leur perception sur l'état des espèces ainsi que sur l'impact des méthodes de récolte sur la dynamique des espèces.Méthodes: Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques basées sur un interview semi-structurée ont été menées auprès des acteurs actifs impliqués dans la récolte des PFNL (enfants, femmes, éleveurs) et des anciens acteurs (personnes agées >50 ans). 104 personnes de 4 groupes ethniques ont été interrogées. Nous avons calculé l'indice de surexploitation (OI) sur la base de trois paramètres de pression que sont le niveau de Fidélité d'utilisation (FL), la Fréquence relative de récolte (FH) et l'Intensité relative d’élagage (IP). En ce qui concerne la perception des répondants sur l'état des espèces, la différence entre les groupes a été testée à l'aide d’une regression logistique suivie d'une analyse de la variance du modèle.Résultats: L'indice de surexploitation (OI) a montré que huit (8) espèces sont surexploitées, dont les trois premières sont représentées par Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (OI = 122,1%), Saba senegalensis (A. DC.) Pichon (OI = 100%) et Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause (OI=97,4%). Ces espèces surexploitées sont généralement exploitées par des méthodes destructrices, notamment par l’élagage des branches pour la récolte des feuilles et/ou des fruits. La perception des populations locales sur l'état des espèces a été significativement influencée par le type d'acteur et l'âge (p<0,0001, respectivement). Cela suggère qu'un message de sensibilisation spécifique tenant compte des profils socio-economique des personnes doit être développé pour obtenir un impact large sur la conservation des espèces. 82,3% des personnes interrogées ont déclaré que les méthodes de récoltes n'ont pas d'impact significatif sur l'état des espèces, ce qui révèle que la majorité des gens continuent à exploiter les ressources forestières selon leurs considérations traditionnelles.Conclusion: La sensibilisation des populations, basée sur des informations scientifiques mettant en évidence les effets des méthodes de récolte sur la régénération des espèces de PFNL et leurs caractéristiques fonctionnelles, pourrait positivement contribuer à changer leur considération en faveur de l'utilisation durable des espèces.Mots-clés: Méthodes de récolte, Perception locale, PFNL, Surexploitation, Parties prenantes

Combination of targeted monitoring and Breeding Bird Survey data improves population trend estimation and species distribution modeling for the Common Nighthawk

Abstract Standardized monitoring is critical for conservation because reliable survey data are used to inform the necessity, type, and effectiveness of conservation actions. Many of the avian monitoring data used for conservation are collected by “comprehensive” programs that survey for all species observed; however, there are some species that have low availability for detection during comprehensive surveys and are instead monitored with targeted programs. Unfortunately, those targeted programs are rarely evaluated relative to existing programs and management objectives to inform allocation of effort. We assessed the statistical performance of the comprehensive North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), the targeted Canadian Nightjar Survey (CNS), and the two programs combined for the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). First, we used parameters from the existing datasets to simulate population declines and determined the probability of detecting those declines. Analyses that combined both datasets resulted in higher probability of detecting a 30% population decline (BBS: 38%, CNS: 64%, combined: 69%). Next, we built probability of occurrence models and assessed the predictive performance of those models. Combined analyses had similar predictive performance to the CNS and moderated poor performance of the BBS in the north (mean Cohen’s kappa; BBS: 0.40, CNS: 0.46, combined: 0.50). Our results suggest that data from targeted monitoring is important for evaluation of Common Nighthawk population trend and habitat relationships but is best combined with BBS data. Comprehensive and targeted monitoring programs may be better when considered together, and exploration of data combination should become the rule, not the exception. We suggest that the framework we present can be used as a starting point for evaluating targeted monitoring programs relative to defined objectives and existing programs, with the potential to explore hypothetical management scenarios.

Remaining suitable areas for the critically endangered Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus; Aves, Anseriformes) are threatened by hydroelectric power plants

The critically endangered Brazilian Merganser Mergus octosetaceus is one of the rarest waterfowls in the world. Only three isolated populations remain in the Brazilian Cerrado, totaling less than 250 individuals. We evaluated the potential influence of small hydroelectric plants (SHPs) and Protected Areas (PAs) on the species’ conservation. We identified suitable areas by using recent presence records and environmental predictors, and overlapped it with the species dispersion zone and the SHP impact zone. Suitable areas for the species are limited to 4% of the geographic space (142,899km2). Within the dispersion zone, we found 36 planned SHPs, which can impact 4.1% of the suitable area and 17.2% of the suitable area inside PAs. Our results expose the critical situation of the Brazilian Merganser, with few isolated suitable areas, high potential impacts for the three known populations, and a high proportion of suitable areas out of PAs. We highlight the need of considering SHPs impacts on the Brazilian Merganser in environmental impact assessment studies to reduce them. Furthermore, we appointed areas for search of new populations, and emphasize how urgent the implementation of effective conservation actions aiming to protect the remaining suitable habitats for the Brazilian Merganser is.

Optimizing speleological monitoring efforts: insights from long-term data for tropical iron caves.

Understanding the factors underpinning species abundance patterns in space and time is essential to implement effective cave conservation actions. Yet, the methods employed to monitor cave biodiversity still lack standardization, and no quantitative assessment has yet tried to optimize the amount and type of information required to efficiently identify disturbances in cave ecosystems. Using a comprehensive monitoring dataset for tropical iron caves, comprising abundance measurements for 33 target taxa surveyed across 95 caves along four years, here we provide the first evidence-based recommendations to optimize monitoring programs seeking to follow target species abundance through time. We found that seasonality did not influence the ability to detect temporal abundance trends. However, in most species, abundance estimates assessed during the dry season resulted in a more accurate detection of temporal abundance trends, and at least three surveys were required to identify global temporal abundance trends. Finally, we identified a subset of species that could potentially serve as short-term disturbance indicators. Results suggest that iron cave monitoring programs implemented in our study region could focus sampling efforts in the dry season, where detectability of target species is higher, while assuring data collection for at least three years. More generally, our study reveals the importance of long-term cave monitoring programs for detecting possible disturbances in subterranean ecosystems, and for using the generated information to optimize future monitoring efforts.

Epizoochory in Parrots as an Overlooked Yet Widespread Plant-Animal Mutualism.

Plant–animal interactions are key to sustaining whole communities and ecosystem function. However, their complexity may limit our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the species involved. The ecological effects of epizoochory remain little known compared to other seed dispersal mechanisms given the few vectors identified. In addition, epizoochory is mostly considered non-mutualistic since dispersers do not obtain nutritional rewards. Here, we show a widespread but unknown mutualistic interaction between parrots and plants through epizoochory. Combining our observations with photos from web-sources, we recorded nearly 2000 epizoochory events in 48 countries across five continents, involving 116 parrot species and nearly 100 plant species from 35 families, including both native and non-native species. The viscid pulp of fleshy fruits and anemochorous structures facilitate the adherence of tiny seeds (mean 3.7 × 2.56 mm) on the surface of parrots while feeding, allowing the dispersion of these seeds over long distances (mean = 118.5 m). This parrot–plant mutualism could be important in ecosystem functioning across a wide diversity of environments, also facilitating the spread of exotic plants. Future studies should include parrots for a better understanding of plant dispersal processes and for developing effective conservation actions against habitat loss and biological invasions.

Whistle signal variations among three Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin populations in the South China Sea: a combinedeffectof the Qiongzhou Strait's geographical barrier function and local ambient noise?

Geographic variations in the dolphin whistles could be useful in assessing association and isolation among populations. Whistle of free-ranging Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) among the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), Leizhou Bei (LZB) and Sanniang Bay (SNB) populations were investigated. A total of 2850 whistles with legible fundamental contour were extracted and 15 acoustic parameters were measured. Contrary to SNB, PRE and LZB had the same relative proportion of tonal type compositions with flat and sine representing the most frequent types. The generalized linear model analysis showed significant acoustic difference among populations and tonal types. All frequency parameters in SNB were significantly higher than those in PRE and LZB, where no significant variation was observed in most of the parameters either at the population level or within each tonal type. Canonical discriminant functions analysis showed a smaller difference between PRE and LZB than between PRE and SNB and between LZB and SNB. Compared with previous recordings, recent recordings demonstrated a consistent pattern of becoming higher in whistle frequency parameters in both LZB and SNB populations, suggesting that noise pollution in LZB and SNB increasing with time according to the acoustic niche hypothesis. Dolphin whistle's geographic variations could be shaped by the combined function of the geographical barrier function of the Qiongzhou strait and local ambient noise. Considering the isolated condition and the relatively smaller population size of the humpback dolphin in the SNB, more effective and proactive conservation actions should be taken to prevent the extinction of small populations.

Small ponds support high terrestrial bird species richness in a Mediterranean semiarid region

Ponds are among the world’s most endangered freshwater ecosystems. A comprehensive knowledge of pond biodiversity is urgently required to inform effective pond management and conservation actions. Most studies about pond biodiversity focus on aquatic taxa, while the terrestrial biodiversity, especially of birds, has been little studied. Moreover, the few studies existing on pond biodiversity do not account for different detection rates of species, thus yielding biased results. Here, we apply a hierarchical Bayesian modelling technique to data obtained from visual censuses to estimate bird species richness associated with small ponds in a semiarid region, considering the imperfect detection of species. The model incorporates specific responses to site characteristics (pond typology), landscape (environmental heterogeneity) and at regional scale (mean annual precipitation). The studied ponds were used by two thirds of the terrestrial breeding bird community of the study region. Our modelling approach increased by an average of 7.5 species the observed site-specific richness. Drinking troughs supported a greater richness than other pond types. Environmental heterogeneity was positively related with species richness, whereas no clear relation was observed between richness and precipitation. In addition to ecosystem services provided by ponds to human welfare, our results suggest these small isolated habitats may act as key landscape elements for terrestrial birds in semiarid regions.

Avoiding wasted research resources in conservation science

AbstractScientific evidence is fundamental for guiding effective conservation action to curb biodiversity loss. Yet, research resources in conservation are often wasted due to biased allocation of research effort, irrelevant or low‐priority questions, flawed studies, inaccessible research outputs, and biased or poor‐quality reporting. We outline a striking example of wasted research resources, highlight a powerful case of data rescue/reuse, and discuss an exemplary model of evidence‐informed conservation. We suggest that funding agencies, research institutions, NGOs, publishers, and researchers are part of the problem and solutions, and outline recommendations to curb the waste of research resources, including knowledge co‐creation and open science practices.

Comparing detectability patterns of bird species using multi-method occupancy modelling

A robust knowledge of biodiversity distribution is essential for designing and developing effective conservation actions. The choice of a suitable sampling method is key to obtaining sufficiently accurate information of species distribution and consequently to improve biodiversity conservation. This study applies multi-method occupancy models to 36 common bird species associated with small ponds in the province of Murcia (south-eastern Spain), one of the most arid regions of Europe, in order to compare their effectiveness for detecting different bird species: direct observation, combined observation and video monitoring and mist netting captures. The results showed that the combined method and direct observation were similar and most effective than mist netting for detecting species occupancy, although detection rates ranged widely among bird groups, while some large species were poorly detected by all the methods used. Average detectability did not increase during the breeding period. The chosen approach is particularly applicable to both single- and multi-species bird monitoring programmes. However, we recommend evaluating the cost-effectiveness of all the available methods in order to reduce costs and improve the success of sampling designs.

The clock is ticking: Temporally prioritizing eradications on islands

Achieving conservation objectives is time critical, but the vast number of threats and potential actions means some form of ranking is necessary to aid prioritization. Objective methods for ranking conservation actions based on when they are differentially likely to become feasible, or to succeed, are currently unavailable within existing decision-making frameworks but are critical for making informed management decisions. We demonstrate how statistical tools developed for survival (or time-to-event) analysis can be used to rank conservation actions over time, through the lens of invasive mammal eradications on islands. Here we forecast the probability of eradicating commensal rat species (Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, R. exulans) from the New Zealand archipelago by the government's stated target of year 2050. Our methods provide temporally ranked eradication trajectories for the entire country, thus facilitating meeting nationwide policy goals. This demonstration highlights the relevance and applicability of such an approach and its utility for prioritizing globally effective conservation actions.

Human activities associated with reduced Komodo dragon habitat use and range loss on Flores

Species restricted to archipelagos are often range-restricted, dispersal limited, and persist as disjunct populations. These attributes can make island populations especially vulnerable to extinction from natural or anthropogenic processes. Ascertaining causes of habitat use, population impact, and range loss is fundamental to guiding effective conservation actions. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered, island-endemic species with a highly restricted range distribution limited to a small number of islands in Eastern Indonesia. Flores Island is the largest island (13,540 km2) within the species distribution. However, with relatively few and small-protected areas, alongside a much higher incidence of human-related habitat use, Komodo dragon habitat occupancy is suspected to decrease on Flores. Here over five years, we conducted systematic surveys to evaluate Komodo dragon habitat occupancy at 346 camera monitoring stations (CMS) distributed along the Flores coastline. We successfully detected Komodo dragons at 85 of the 346 CMS on Flores. The pattern of Komodo dragon site presence indicated their distribution was confined to three isolated and highly restricted habitat areas on the west, northwestern, and northern coastal regions of Flores. Ranking of competing models indicated that proximity to farms and villages had the strongest negative effects on Komodo dragon habitat occupancy. The current predicted Komodo dragon range distribution appeared to have undergone significant range area contraction (~ 44%) at multiple coastal areas known to be occupied by the Komodo dragon detected in previous decades (i.e., 1970–2000). We attribute decreased Komodo dragon habitat use and range loss to multiple and cascading human activities. To address these threats, we advocate a range of land use planning and community conservation actions to avoid a potential Komodo dragon extirpation on the largest island habitat within their distribution.

Anthropogenic edge effects in habitat selection by sun bears in a protected area

Wildlife populations in southeast Asia are increasingly experiencing a broad array of anthropogenic threats, and mammalian carnivores are particularly vulnerable. Populations of the Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus are estimated to have declined by 30% over the last 30 years from forest conversion to industrial plantations and mortality associated with human–bear conflicts and illegal wildlife trade. However, the effects of industrial plantations on habitat selection and activity patterns of mammals that live at the protected area-plantation interface, including sun bears, are not well known. We investigated habitat selection and activity patterns of sun bears in Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah, Malaysia. We deployed 83 remote camera sites to record sun bear detections during two sampling periods (2012–2013 and 2017). We used generalized linear models to examine relationships between sun bear presence and site covariates representing physical, environmental and anthropogenic elements of the landscape. Relative probability of sun bear presence was positively associated with distance to roads and elevation. Because most roads were on the reserve boundary and often associated with oil palm plantations, proximity to roads likely served as a surrogate measure of human accessibility and activity in peripheral areas of the reserve. Supporting that interpretation, sun bears close to the reserve boundary were primarily active at night, whereas daytime activity was more common for bears in the interior. Our findings indicate that sun bears alter behaviour and habitat selection likely in response to anthropogenic activities at the edges of Tabin Wildlife Reserve (112 200 ha). Because the ratio of edge to interior increases steeply with declining habitat area, smaller protected areas bordered by plantations are predicted to have greater impacts on sun bear behaviour and, potentially, population persistence. Effective conservation actions may benefit from management to improve the security of edge habitats for sun bears and other vulnerable species.

Orchidaceae in a fragment of restinga on the north coast of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract Área de Proteção Ambiental das Lagoas e Dunas do Abaeté (APA Abaeté) is an urban fragment of restinga in an environmentally protected area in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The area is impacted by irregular disposal of solid waste, clandestine removal of sand from dunes, suppression and fragmentation of original vegetation cover and urban growth of neighborhoods. A recent floristic study revealed new records of orchid species for this conservation unit but highlighted strong threats to the orchid flora. In this context, a taxonomic study of Orchidaceae in APA Abaeté was undertaken with the aim of facilitating the recognition of species in the field and supporting the establishment of more effective local conservation actions for orchids, which should include the manual dispersion of seeds and the relocation of individuals. Orchidaceae is the sixth most represented family in APA Abaeté, with 15 genera and 19 species, including Encyclia dichroma and Koellensteinia florida, endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. The most relevant morphological characteristics for the identification of species in the area are: growth type; climbing habit; caulome thickness; shape and consistency of leaf blades; inflorescence type and position; and color and resupination of flowers.

Environmental factors involved in breaching behavior of manta rays in estuarine waters

Improving our knowledge on the behavior of threatened species is essential for developing effective conservation actions. The Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC), southern Brazil, is the only estuary in the world where manta rays have been observed performing breaches seasonally. The exact role of this breaching behavior and the environmental factors connected to it are unknown. Our goals were to determine the spatial distribution, and the temporal and environmental factors that influence the breaching behavior of this endangered group in a dynamic estuarine habitat for the first time. Manta rays were observed breaching in the PEC during austral summer and early autumn, when the sea surface temperature (SST) and precipitation were high. Generalized additive models revealed that the presence and frequency of the breaches were both influenced by the SST and hours of daily effort, while the breaching frequency was also influenced by the wind direction and speed, percentage of moon illumination, and year. The breaches were mainly concentrated near the mouth of a river. Likely these factors influenced not only the occurrence and behavior of manta rays, but also the distribution of their food source, potentially providing optimal conditions for foraging and reproduction. Based on the coloration pattern, it is possible that the observations were ofMobula cf. birostris.These results provide valuable insights into the breaching behavior of manta rays in estuarine waters that will assist future conservation initiatives and research on their behavioral ecology, to optimize fishery management and contribute to developing sustainable ecotourism in the PEC.