Effective Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Who's the boss? Understanding the spatial relationship between snow leopard and Eurasian lynx in southern Mongolia

Interspecific competition, a fundamental ecological process characterized by negative interactions between species, plays a vital role in shaping ecological communities. Despite the co‐occurrence of the snow leopard Panthera uncia and the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx across vast landscapes in Asia, their interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated how the presence of snow leopards affected site‐use by lynx and whether the presence of snow leopards resulted in behavioral adaptations by the lynx. Between 2017 and 2022, we conducted camera trap‐based surveys across six sites in southern Mongolia and evaluated species co‐occurrence by snow leopards and lynx using the occupancy framework. We assumed snow leopards to be the dominant species while using topographical and land cover variables as covariates. Our results show that the presence of snow leopards influenced site‐use by lynx, leading to a shift in space use when snow leopards were present. Specifically, lynx used the entire range of ruggedness and did not select for shrubby areas in the absence of snow leopards, whereas they avoided rugged areas and had a strong preference for shrubby areas when snow leopards were present. Our findings emphasize the influence a larger predator can have on the space use of a smaller predator, and how the presence of snow leopards can alter the space‐use of lynx. Understanding these interactions and behavioral adaptations can be useful for developing effective conservation strategies in the region.

High extinction risk of the endemic tree flora in a hyper‐diverse region of the Amazon

Societal Impact StatementThe rapid global loss of biodiversity, especially in the Neotropics, underscores the need to understand how deforestation impacts endemic plant species' extinction risk and conservation status. Due to limited ranges and habitat specialization, endemics are particularly vulnerable. Our study reveals that around 14% and 47% of Ecuadorian Amazon endemic trees are Critically Endangered and Endangered, respectively, with 41% facing high extinction risk. Traits like life‐form, fruit size, and height relate to extinction vulnerability. These findings highlight the factors driving Amazonian tree flora endangerment, providing crucial insights for conservation efforts of this fundamental component of Amazon hyper‐diverse forests.Summary Comprehensive analyses of the global conservation statuses of endemic tree species are scarce, especially for species‐rich forests. Endemic trees arguably suffer a higher extinction risk than other plant species due to their restricted geographic range and habitat specialization. Here, we present an updated assessment of the conservation status and extinction risk estimates for the endemic tree flora of the Ecuadorian Amazon, a darkspot of biodiversity. We combined an extensively verified taxonomic database of Amazon tree species abundance and occurrence with the most updated data of deforestation for this region. We found that approximately one sixth of the Ecuadorian Amazon endemic tree flora is Critically Endangered. A few clades, including Myrtaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Fabaceae s.l., and Lauraceae, harbor one third of the Critically Endangered endemic tree species. According to our analysis, the extinction risk for endemic trees is associated not only with extrinsic factors such as deforestation but also with their ecology. Life‐form, fruit size, and maximum height are significantly related to extinction risk. Thus, endemic understory and canopy trees with small fruits are more prone to suffer extinction than emergent tree species. We argue that assessment programs should also include biological trait information in addition to geographic ranges and habitat specialization for the establishment of effective conservation strategies of this hyper‐diverse region of the Amazon.

Bees remain heat tolerant after acute exposure to desiccation and starvation.

Organisms may simultaneously face thermal, desiccation and nutritional stress under climate change. Understanding the effects arising from the interactions among these stressors is relevant for predicting organisms' responses to climate change and for developing effective conservation strategies. Using both dynamic and static protocols, we assessed for the first time how sublethal desiccation exposure (at 16.7%, 50.0% and 83.3% of LD50) impacts the heat tolerance of foragers from two social bee species found on the Greek island of Lesbos: the managed European honey bee, Apis mellifera, and the wild, ground-nesting sweat bee Lasioglossum malachurum. In addition, we explored how a short-term starvation period (24 h), followed by a moderate sublethal desiccation exposure (50% of LD50), influences honey bee heat tolerance. We found that neither the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) nor the time to heat stupor was significantly impacted by sublethal desiccation exposure in either species. Similarly, starvation followed by moderate sublethal desiccation did not affect the average CTmax estimate, but it did increase its variance. Our results suggest that sublethal exposure to these environmental stressors may not always lead to significant changes in bees' heat tolerance or increase vulnerability to rapid temperature changes during extreme weather events, such as heat waves. However, the increase in CTmax variance suggests greater variability in individual responses to temperature stress under climate change, which may impact colony-level performance. The ability to withstand desiccation may be impacted by unmeasured hypoxic conditions and the overall effect of these stressors on solitary species remains to be assessed.

Eutrophication-Driven Changes in Plankton Trophic Interactions: Insights from Trade-Offs in Functional Traits.

Understanding how plankton trophic interactions, particularly phytoplankton nutrient uptake and zooplankton grazing, respond to eutrophication is important for maintaining aquatic ecosystem functions and developing effective mitigation strategies. Phytoplankton exhibit trade-offs in functional traits between growth rate and antipredation defense, thereby regulating these trophic interactions. However, the combined effects of eutrophication and such trait-based regulation on plankton communities and interactions remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated these effects by integrating trait-based mechanistic modeling and field observations in China's eutrophic Pearl River Estuary. Our model predicted that the species with the weakest defensive capacities dominated under nutrient-poor conditions. As eutrophication increased, a concave growth-defense trade-off favored species with high growth rates and strong defense capacities, whereas a convex trade-off curve favored species that were either the least or the most well-defended. High grazing pressure accelerated these shifts. In the estuary, similar patterns emerged in the relative abundance of different phytoplankton species along a gradient of the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P), indicating changes from high nutrient uptake and low grazing under oligotrophic conditions to eutrophic conditions, in which some phytoplankton face considerable grazing pressure despite high nutrient uptake, whereas others grow slowly with less grazing pressure. These results enhance our understanding of trait-based plankton interactions in eutrophic bodies of water and provide support for more effective conservation and management strategies.

Investigation of the Origin of Elevated Amounts of Iron and Manganese in a Dam Reservoir

On the outskirts of the Pinios dam reservoir (Ilia Regional Unit, Greece), a water treatment plant serves the water supply needs of the surrounding municipalities, in which high concentrations of Fe and Mn, before treatment, have been observed. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanism of increased iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) levels in the reservoir of the Pinios dam, which impacts its water treatment plant operation. A wide range of hydrochemical and sedimentological analyses were conducted over a hydrological year, focusing on the spatial and temporal distribution of Fe and Mn in both water and sediment samples across the established research monitoring stations. Sediment samples from the reservoir’s bottom revealed predominantly fine-grained material, rich in total organic carbon, with elevated Mn and Fe oxide levels. Significant seasonal variations in Fe and Mn levels were also discovered, with higher Mn levels observed in the anoxic bottom waters of the reservoir during the dry season, attributed to the reduced conditions favoring Mn oxide dissolution over Fe. Conversely, during the wet season, a homogenization of metal concentrations throughout the water column was observed due to increased oxygenation and freshwater inflow. These outcomes were confirmed by the hydrochemical analysis, indicating that the redox conditions, pH, and temperature, as well as the presence of organic matter, significantly influence the mobility and bioavailability of these metals in the reservoir. The findings of this study clarify that the high concentration of Fe and Mn can be linked to the mineral composition of the upstream Neogene and flysch formations in the study area. As these formations are affected by geological weathering, they tend to enrich the streams, through soil erosion and runoff processes, with metals like Fe and Mn, which are eventually transported into the dam reservoir. This study highlights the critical influence of lithological, sedimentological, and hydrological factors on the redox conditions and seasonal stratification that govern the behavior of Fe and Mn concentrations and mobility in dam reservoirs. These findings are critical for informing water resource management practices and dam infrastructure operators and developing effective environmental conservation strategies in similar cases.

Elasmobranch Conservation in India: Assessing Threats and Strategies for Sustainable Management

Elasmobranchs, a group that includes sharks, rays, and skates, play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as apex predators and benthic regulators. However, they face significant threats that jeopardize their populations and overall biodiversity. Major threats include overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. Overfishing, driven by high demand for shark fins and ray gills, alongside unregulated fishing practices, has led to drastic declines in many species. Bycatch in commercial fisheries further exacerbates their vulnerability. Additionally, habitat destruction due to coastal development and pollution impacts their breeding and feeding grounds. Climate change contributes to shifts in ocean temperature and acidity, affecting elasmobranch physiology and distribution. Effective conservation strategies are essential to address these threats and ensure the sustainability of elasmobranch populations. Key measures include implementing and enforcing sustainable fishing practices, creating marine protected areas, reducing bycatch through improved fishing gear, and enhancing global cooperation for conservation efforts. Addressing these threats requires a multifaceted approach involving scientists, policymakers, and local communities to safeguard the future of elasmobranch species and maintain the health of marine ecosystems.

Genomic-Guided Conservation Actions to Restore the Most Endangered Conifer in the Mediterranean Basin.

Species with extremely small population sizes are critically endangered because of reduced genetic diversity, increased inbreeding and hybridisation threats. Genomic tools significantly advance conservation by revealing genetic insights into endangered species, notably in monitoring frameworks. Sicilian fir (Abies nebrodensis) is the most endangered conifer in Europe with only 30 adult trees in an 84-ha area. Using 20,824 SNPs from RAD-seq, employing genome assembly and a custom 120 SNP-array, we evaluated genetic diversity, mating patterns, and effective population size in adult trees, 118 natural seedlings, and 2064 nursery seedlings from past conservation actions. We assessed introgression from neighbouring non-native fir plantations (~6%) and established an intra-population assisted gene flow (AGF) program selecting the most genetically dissimilar individuals and investigating the outcome through simulations. Genomic analysis unveiled significant genetic diversity among adult Sicilian firs, comparable to non-endangered Mediterranean firs with larger populations. However, the genetic diversity of the forthcoming generation declined due to high self-fertilisation, leading to marked inbreeding (FIS = 0.38) and an alarmingly low effective population size (Ne = 6). Nursery seedling monitoring revealed similar selfing rates and introgression (~2%) from non-native firs. Although intra-population AGF could help to mitigate genetic loss, it may not alleviate the species vulnerability to imminent environmental challenges, perpetuating the risk of an extinction vortex. Hence, investigating the impact of Sicilian fir population decline and selfing on inbreeding depression, along with exploring the potential of hybrids for genetic load alleviation and future adaptation, is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

Advancements in noninvasive koala monitoring through combining Chlamydia detection with a targeted koala genotyping assay

Wildlife diseases are major players in local and global extinctions. Effective disease surveillance, management and conservation strategies require accurate estimates of pathogen prevalence. Yet pathogen detection in wild animals remains challenging. Current gold standards often require samples collected through veterinary examination, but this method is costly, intensive, invasive, and requires specialised staff and equipment. Collection of non-invasive samples, such as scats, is an effective monitoring tool which can be deployed at large scale, as scats contain DNA of both host and pathogens. The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is listed as ‘endangered’ under the EPBC Act 1999, with chlamydial disease representing a major threat. Here, we present a new approach that combines restriction-enzyme associated sequencing and targeted-sequence-capture genotyping, namely DArTcap, to detect Chlamydia pecorum in koala scats. We found this method has similar accuracy to current gold standards (qPCR of swab samples), with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 100%. This method can be incorporated into existing koala genetic studies using marker panels, where population attributes can be estimated alongside C. pecorum presence, using the same scat samples, with the option to add further markers of interest. Such a one-stop-shop panel would considerably reduce processing times and cost.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Darkfin hind (Cephalopholis urodeta) in the Spratly Islands, Vietnam

The darkfin hind, Cephalopholis urodeta, is a commercially valuable reef fish species inhabiting the ecologically important Spratly Islands. Understanding this species’ genetic diversity and population structure is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies, particularly given the increasing pressures on coral reef ecosystems. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of C. urodeta within the Spratly archipelago using mitochondrial COI and Cyt b gene markers. We analyzed 30 individuals for COI and Cyt b, revealing high levels of haplotype diversity (Hd=0.9563±0.0226 for COI; Hd=0.9402±0.0229 for Cyt b). However, despite this high overall diversity, our analyses also revealed significant genetic structuring within the archipelago, suggesting restricted gene flow among some populations. This structuring is likely influenced by the complex oceanographic currents in the region and the spatial distance between reefs, which can limit larval dispersal. These findings highlight the need for spatially explicit conservation and management strategies for C. urodeta in the Spratly Islands. Recognizing the genetic differentiation within the archipelago and implementing management measures tailored to specific zones will be crucial for preserving genetic diversity, maintaining connectivity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this important resource.

Using remote-controlled vehicles (ROV) as tools for sea cucumber conservation: A review

The use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in marine research and conservation has become increasingly popular due to their versatility and ability to operate in challenging environments. This technology shows great potential in the conservation of marine species such as sea cucumbers, which are vital for ecosystem balance but are threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation. This review explores the application of ROVs in sea cucumber population monitoring, highlighting their role in providing real-time data on population dynamics, habitat conditions, and human impacts. The integration of ROV data with aerial orthomosaics to improve the accuracy and reliability of habitat assessments is discussed. The versatility of ROVs extends beyond sea cucumber conservation, with applications in mapping coral reefs and monitoring fish nurseries, showcasing their broad utility in marine ecosystem protection. As these technologies continue to advance, ROVs offer immense potential for developing informed and effective conservation strategies. This review underscores the critical role of ROVs in marine conservation, emphasizing their capacity to enhance our understanding of sea cucumber ecology and to support sustainable management practices. Highlights UAV and ROV integration enables precise sea cucumber habitat mapping and monitoring. OBIA and machine learning improved species identification in complex marine habitats. ROVs’ high-resolution imagery supports accurate population density and habitat surveys. UAV limitations include battery life, environmental challenges, and species detection. Future research focuses on enhanced algorithms and improved validation for data accuracy.

Assessing spider community structure and ecological dynamics across urban and natural environments

AbstractThis study explores the diversity and distribution of spider populations across urban and natural‐semi natural habitats in Gongju‐si, South Korea. This study aims to investigate the ecological dynamics of spider populations across different habitat types and assess their implications for urban planning, particularly in terms of maintaining biodiversity through habitat heterogeneity and informed urban development strategies. Employing methodologies such as sweeping, manual collection, and pit‐fall traps, the research identifies 128 spider species and evaluates alpha and beta diversity, nestedness, and species interactions using advanced statistical and ecological tools. The findings indicate significant variations in spider diversity across different habitats, with urban areas exhibiting notable biodiversity despite human influences. Natural habitats, especially forests, demonstrate higher biodiversity and more intricate species interactions. Nestedness analysis reveals distinct community structures across habitats, while association rule learning highlights complex interspecies relationships. The study underscores the importance of maintaining habitat heterogeneity and incorporating ecological principles in urban planning to support biodiversity. It offers valuable insights into the roles of various habitats in ecological networks, emphasizing the necessity for balanced urban development and effective conservation strategies.

Quantifying uncertainty in anthropogenic causes of injury and mortality for an endangered baleen whale

AbstractUnderstanding the causes of mortality for a declining species is essential for developing effective conservation and management strategies, particularly when anthropogenic activities are the primary threat. Using a competing hazards framework allows for robust estimation of the cause‐specific variation in risk that may exist across multiple dimensions, such as time and individual. Here, we estimated cause‐specific rates of severe injury and mortality for North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), a critically endangered species that is currently in peril due to human‐caused interactions. We developed a multistate capture–recapture model that leveraged 30 years of intensive survey effort yielding sightings of individuals with injury assessments and necropsies of carcass recoveries. We examined variation in the hazard rates of severe injury and mortality due to entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes as explained by temporal patterns and the age and reproductive status of the individual. We found strong evidence for increased rates of severe entanglement injuries after 2013 and for females with calves, with consequently higher marginal mortality. The model results also suggested that despite vessel strikes causing a lower average rate of severe injuries, the higher mortality rate conditional on injury results in significant total mortality risk, particularly for females resting from a recent calving event. Large uncertainty in the estimation of carcass recovery rate for vessel strike deaths permeated into the apportionment of mortality causes. The increased rates of North Atlantic right whale mortality in the last decade, particularly for reproducing females, has been responsible for the severe decline in the species. By apportioning the human‐caused threats using a quantitative approach with estimation of relevant uncertainty, this work can guide development of conservation and management strategies to facilitate species recovery. Our approach is relevant to other monitored populations where cause‐specific injuries from multiple threats can be observed in live and dead individuals.

Soil properties and microbial evolution during cropping system conversion: Insights from a 105-year study in southern China

Understanding the mechanisms by which soil environments and microbial communities evolve in response to long-term changes in cropping systems is essential for the development of effective ecological conservation and restoration strategies. In this study, variations of soil characteristics and the succession of microbial community assemblages and functions were investigated in southern Chinese deciduous forests and adjacent converted tea plantations at different ages (20, 40, 60, and 105 years). The results revealed significant alterations in soil properties and the emergence of distinct diversity patterns and assembly mechanisms for bacterial and fungal communities over the century-long succession period. Bacterial α-diversity exhibited a declining trend throughout succession, while fungal α-diversity experienced a rebound in the later stages. Null model analysis indicated that stochastic processes primarily drove the assembly of the bacterial community in both forests and tea plantations, whereas fungal community assembly gradually shifted from stochastic dominance to deterministic dominance. The strength of interactions between bacterial taxa in tea plantations decreased over time, but the topological properties of fungal networks were restored in tea plantations aged 60 and 105 years. The functional groups of bacteria associated with carbon cycling and saprotrophic fungi significantly increased after tea cultivation, which was closely linked to the proliferation of r-strategists stimulated by sufficient nutrients in tea plantations. It is noteworthy that in addition to typical environmental variables such as nutrients and pH, soil polyphenols in tea plantations also have a profound effect on the composition and assembly processes of bacterial and fungal communities. These findings advance the current understanding of how long-term cropping system changes affect soil microbial community assembly and functionality, and highlight the distinct strategies by which bacteria and fungi respond to cropping system change.

Modeling the potential distribution and shift of an Algerian endangered endemic species (Cedrus atlantica) under climate change scenarios: Implications for conservation

Algeria is distinguished by its geographical and climatic diversity, which contains a varied flora and endemic species, being recognized as one of the biodiversity hot-spots of the Mediterranean region. Among its endemic species, the renowned Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is particularly notable as it exclusively grows in the Atlas Mountains. Classified as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, because of its endemism and also because dramatic declining populations over the past four decades. Forecasting the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of this species might help in devising effective conservation strategies. Under this backdrop, this study aimed to simulate the current distribution of suitable habitat for C. atlantica in Algeria and investigate the influence of climate change on its distribution range by the years 2050, 2070 and 2090. The distribution was modeled using Maximum Entropy (Maxent) based on locality information of 103 occurrence sites of the species and nine different environmental variables. The model showed that annual mean temperature and elevation were the most important environmental factors affecting the distribution of C. atlantica in Algeria. Currently, the total suitable habitats for this species, including both medium and high suitability habitats, cover a total area of 1,837 km2, yet its distribution is relatively narrow and fragmented. This area would obviously decrease under all future climate change scenarios, shifting northwestward and to higher elevations, where conditions conducive to the species’ expansion will exist. Our results showed that at lower elevations and latitudes the species is highly prone to the effects of climate change, and they are confronted with an augmented risk of extinction across diverse climatic scenarios. This research provides valuable information for the more effective conservation and sustainable management of C. atlantica in the face of climate change challenges.

Long-term effects of underground mining on surface soil moisture and vegetation environment: evidence from the Xishan mining area.

This research aims to study the prolonged effects of underground mining on the ecological environment, particularly on surface soil moisture (SM) and fractional vegetation cover (FVC). Using 21years of data (2000-2020) from the Xishan mining area, a novel quantitative relational model was developed to disentangle the effects of mining activities from those of climate, soil type, and topography. The findings reveal that climatic factors, such as precipitation and air temperature, have significant effects on SM and FVC, while soil type and topographic features are important factors affecting SM and FVC. After years of data analysis, when controlling for factors such as climate, soil, and topography, there were no significant differences in the effects of different mining areas and types of mining activities on SM and FVC. This suggests that the disturbance of mining activities themselves on local hydrology and ecological environment did not exceed the impact range of climate change, surface characteristic changes, and their own restoration capacity. These research findings offer a comprehensive perspective for understanding the impacts of underground mining activities on ecological landscapes and provide a scientific basis for developing effective strategies for ecological conservation and rehabilitation.

Sustainable development strategy for cultural heritage conservation of Hengshan cliff carving in Hunan province, people's republic of China

Stone carving is unique to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and has a long history of use. Therefore, it is the focus of research on sustainable development strategy for Hengshan Cliff Conservation carving cultural heritage calligraphy in Hunan Province, People's Republic of China. The objectives of this research are (1) to study and analyze the conservation status of the cultural heritage of the Hengshan cliff carving. (2) Analyze and synthesize sustainable calligraphy cultural heritage development strategies for the conservation of the Hengshan cliff carvings. (3) Evaluate a strategy for the development of sustainable calligraphy cultural heritage for the conservation of Hengshan cliff carvings. This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research uses literature reviews related to cultural heritage conservation and sustainable development and interviews with stakeholders. Quantitative research uses survey methods distributed to experts in the field of Hengshan cliff carving calligraphy and to site visitors. The results showed that: (1) the preservation of Hengshan cliff carving calligraphy cultural heritage today has challenges and opportunities that have significant strengths and weaknesses. (2) The analysis and synthesis of sustainable development strategies on the key issues of environmental protection, preservation of cultural values, community participation, and policy support are important for the formulation of effective conservation strategies. (3) A sustainable development strategy is formulated and evaluated based on the indicators identified in the strategic area, including recommendations for improving conservation practices. However, from the questionnaires and 404 sets of samples collected, as well as interviews with experts and related parties, it can be summarized in an overview of various dimensions. The strength dimension was determined to be the average and standard deviation (4.480.43). The weak dimension has an average and standard deviation (4.480.44). The second-highest opportunity dimension was averaged and the standard deviation (4.400.44). The threat dimension was at the lowest level, with average and standard deviations (4.300.52). This indicates that respondents generally believe that the cultural heritage of Hengshan Cliff calligraphy is balanced in terms of strengths and weaknesses and that there are still opportunities for improvement, but the threats faced should not be ignored.

Aquatic Fungi as Bioindicators of Freshwater Ecosystems

Aquatic fungi, especially aquatic hyphomycetes, are promising bioindicators for assessing the health and integrity of freshwater ecosystems. Their sensitivity to a wide range of environmental stressors, coupled with their essential roles in ecological processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, establish them as important tools for monitoring ecological disturbances. By examining aquatic fungal responses at various biological levels—from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem dynamics—ecologists are able to uncover valuable information about the functioning of freshwater habitats. Despite challenges such as the complexity of fungal communities and knowledge gaps, the prospects for using aquatic fungi as bioindicators are encouraging. Advancing research and technological innovations are expected to refine our understanding of the ecological roles of aquatic fungi and enhance their use in detecting impacts on freshwater ecosystems. The inclusion of these organisms in environmental monitoring programmes alongside other bioindicators could significantly improve our ability to detect and mitigate the effects of both natural and anthropogenic environmental changes, leading to more effective conservation strategies.

Extraction of High-quality Genomic DNA Using Species Tailored Protocol for Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Khejri)

To effectively conserve genetic diversity in forestry species, molecular methods are essential. These methods necessitate high-quality genomic DNA as a starting material which contains the complete genetic information of an organism, and by extracting it, scientists can access and analyze this information. This information is essential for developing effective conservation strategies and understanding the complex processes of evolution. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for extracting High-Quality genomic DNA from the arid tree species Prosopis cineraria. The current extraction protocol is based upon the conventional cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method with further modifications for the extraction of DNA. The principle modifications currently employed for DNA extraction involved the use of higher concentration of CTAB and sodium chloride. Additionally, L-ascorbic acid and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was also added. The incubation time was doubled and DNA was precepted in 100% ice-cold ethanol. Further a RNAse treatment was also included for 30 mins. The yield of DNA ranged from 630-4200ng/µl with average yield of 2041ng/µl, and the absorbance lied between 1.6-2.15 for A260/280 and 1.64-2.31 for A260/230, indicating minimal levels of contaminating metabolites. This method offers a simple, efficient, and cost-effective way to extract high-quality genomic DNA, making it ideal for large-scale genetic studies.

Buzzing Guardians: Protecting Pollinators in Agricultural Landscapes

In agriculture crop ecosystem, pollination is the foremost fundamental activity performed by fascinating creatures like bees, butterflies, hoverflies, birds and bats that ensures reproductive success in angiosperms. Currently, most of the pollinators are appearing in red data book as their population and abundance depleting in the ecosystem. Their extinction was driven by threats like habitat loss, climate change, urbanization, use of chemical pesticides, pest and diseases. Decline in pollinator population may pose a considerable decrease in global food production and productivity. Effective and efficient conservation strategies are the key elements to mitigate the threats faced by pollinators in the promotion of pollinator resilience. Here we explored a wide range of conservation strategies, which restores the pollinator habitat by following the sustainable agricultural practices, and some policy interventions. Public awareness and collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and the private sector are crucial for the successful implementation and adaptation of these conservation strategies. By acclimatizing an integrated, collaborative and convincing approach for pollinator conservation, we can assure and predict the sustainability and productivity of ecosystem, that eventually supports biodiversity and food security.

Research on the micro-structure and water effect of excavated ivory from sacrificial pit No.7 at the Sanxingdui Ruins

The excavation of ivory and other artifacts from the Sanxingdui Ruins holds profound research significance in tracing of both the ancient Shu and Chinese civilizations. After being unearthed, a large quantity of ivory encountered issues such as dehydration, pulverization, and cracking, resulting from poor preservation conditions. To establish effective long-term conservation strategies for the excavated ivory, this paper takes the dentin of excavated ivory from the No.7 Sacrificial Pit (K7) at the Sanxingdui Ruins as the research object, focusing on the primary correlation between its microscopic porous structure and moisture states. The results show that the organic collagen protein component of the excavated ivory has already undergone basically diagenetic degradation. The remaining main mineral phases are hydroxyapatite and carbonated hydroxyapatite, exhibiting a mixed crystal structure with mainly needle-like and secondary lamellar. The porosity of the excavated ivory, as measured by dry and wet methods, is approximately 62 and 60%, respectively. The pore size distributions are primarily concentrated in the ranges of 5–100 nm for the dry method and 10–200 nm for the wet method. These diverse and heterogeneous pore structures store approximately 35–38% of water as free water and adsorbed water. Free water is primarily found in dentinal tubules, interlayer gaps and cracks, providing volume support and stabilizing equilibrium with the external environment. Adsorbed water is mainly present in the pores (d < 100 nm), providing support function through intermolecular forces and hydrogen bonding. The deterioration of excavated ivory is positively correlated with the loss of moisture. This is due to irreversible structural damage caused by the loss of water’s supportive, bonding, and stabilizing effects. Among them, the rapid migration and evaporation of free water affect the expansion of cracks and the formation of new fissures. This study offer a robust scientific basis and valuable insights for the subsequent conservation of excavated ivory, and also provide guidance for the research of other fragile bone and horn relics.