Effective Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Environmental policy of Abkhazia: sociocultural essay

The subject of the study is to analyze the environmental policy of Abkhazia through the prism of socio-cultural factors. Its implementation will allow for a deeper understanding of society's interaction with the natural environment and identify key aspects affecting the effectiveness of environmental initiatives. The relevance of this study is due to the increasing importance of sustainable development in the context of global challenges, as well as the need to adapt international standards to local peculiarities. The study considers various aspects such as socio-cultural values, legal and regulatory context, scientific capacity and the importance of community initiatives. The analysis of socio-cultural factors provides an opportunity to determine how historical context and socio-economic conditions influence the implementation of environmental policies, which in turn contributes to the development of more effective conservation strategies. The paper utilized methods of theoretical analysis and content analysis to provide a comprehensive view of environmental policy in Abkhazia. The result of this study was a comprehensive analysis of Abkhazia's environmental problems, which demonstrated the importance of socio-cultural factors in the implementation of its environmental policy. The author highlighted these factors and determined the need for their greening in order to solve the existing problems. Considerable attention has been paid to analyzing the legal and regulatory context in which environmental policy is implemented, which allows for a more accurate identification of existing obstacles in achieving sustainable development. The study contributes to broadening academic and practical understanding of the interdisciplinary approach in the field of ecology, promoting the integration of social and cultural aspects into environmental governance. The author offers recommendations on how to create a sustainable environmental policy by integrating scientific activities into the tourism infrastructure of PAs, which will solve not only environmental but also socio-economic problems.

Temporal activity and detection rates of chilla (Lycalopex griseus) in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

Designing mitigation strategies for invasive species requires a clear understanding of their ecology and behaviour. Chilla (or grey fox; Lycalopex griseus) were introduced to Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego Island) in 1951 to control European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. Although this management strategy was unsuccessful, the chilla spread across the island and are now considered invasive. Despite this, there is a lack of research concerning their ecology and behavioural patterns, particularly on the Argentinian side of the island. We assessed the detection rates and temporal activity patterns of chillas using camera traps in the Argentinian region of Tierra del Fuego Island. Chilla had average detection rates of 61.7 (SD ± 33.3, range = 13.5-105.7) per 100 trap nights. Although analysis by clock time suggested cathemeral activity patterns, when analysed by sun time the chillas exhibited distinct nocturnal activity patterns. These findings offer the first information on the detection rates of chilla on the Argentinian side of Tierra del Fuego Island and reveal new insights into their temporal activity patterns, providing an important basis for future research that may aid the development of more effective management and conservation strategies.

Field survey data for conservation: Evaluating suitable habitat of Chinese pangolin at the county-level in eastern China (2000-2040).

The scarcity of up-to-date data on the distribution and dynamics of the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) presented a significant challenge in developing effective conservation strategies and implementing protective measures within China. Currently, most of China's national-level nature reserves and administrative departments operate at the county level, thereby limiting the applicability of larger-scale analyses and studies for these administrative entities. This study employed 11 widely used modeling techniques created within the Biomod2 framework to predict suitable habitats for the pangolin at the county scale, while examining the correlation between environmental variables and pangolin distribution. The results revealed that highly suitable habitats in Mingxi County of China encompassed only 49 km2. Within the county-managed nature reserve, the proportion of highly suitable habitats reached as high as 52%. However, nearly half of these areas, both moderately and highly suitable habitats, remained inadequately addressed and conserved. We found nine administrative villages that necessitated prioritized conservation efforts. The study anticipated an overall expansion in suitable habitats over the ensuing two decades, with significant growth projected in the eastern regions of Xiayang and Hufang Town. This research offered a clear and applicable research paradigm for the specific administrative level at which China operates, particularly pertinent to county-level jurisdictions with established nature reserves.

Object detection of the bornean orangutan nests using drone and YOLOv5

<p class="tm6">Object detection methods when applied to ecology and conservation can help to identify and monitor endangered species and their habitats. Using drones for this purpose has become increasingly popular due to their ability to cover large areas quickly and efficiently. In this study, we aim to implement object detection using YOLOv5 to detect orangutan nests in forests. To conduct our experiment, we collect drone imagery under different conditions. We propose to use the original YOLOv5 to implement our model. The detection and monitoring of orangutan nests can help conservationists to identify critical habitats, monitor population, and design effective conservation strategies. Additionally, the use of drones can reduce the need for on-the-ground surveys, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and logistically challenging. In our study proposes a model for detecting orangutan nests in forests using a drone and the YOLOv5. Our model predicted 1,970 training images and 414 labeled orangutan nests, with a precision of 0.973, recall 0.949, accuracy mean average precision (mAP)_0.5 is 0.969, and mAP_0.5:0.95 is 0.630. The model finished 217 epochs in 58 hours and had a high object detection accuracy. The model has a 99.9% accuracy in detecting the number of orangutan nests.</p>

Forecasting climate change impacts on neotropical Myotis: Insights from ecological niche models for conservation strategies.

Myotis originated during the Oligocene in Eurasia and has become one of the most diverse bat genera, with over 140 species. In the case of neotropical Myotis, there is a high degree of phenotypic conservatism. This means that the taxonomic and geographic limits of several species are not well understood, which constrains detailed studies on their ecology and evolution and how to effectively protect these species. Similar to other organisms, bats may respond to climate change by moving to different areas, adapting to new conditions, or going extinct. Ecological niche models have become established as an efficient and widely used method for interpolating (and sometimes extrapolating) species' distributions and offer an effective tool for identifying species conservation requirements and forecasting how global environmental changes may affect species distribution. How species respond to climate change is a key point for understanding their vulnerability and designing effective conservation strategies in the future. Thus, here, we assessed the impacts of climate change on the past and future distributions of two phylogenetically related species, Myotis ruber and Myotis keaysi. The results showed that the species are influenced by changes in temperature, and for M. ruber, precipitation also becomes important. Furthermore, M. ruber appears to have been more flexible to decreases in temperature that occurred in the past, which allowed it to expand its areas of environmental suitability, unlike M. keaysi, which decreased and concentrated these areas. However, despite a drastic decrease in the spatial area of environmental suitability of these species in the future, there are areas of potential climate stability that have been maintained since the Pleistocene, indicating where conservation efforts need to be concentrated in the future.

Identification of Major Threats of Climate Change, Hazards, and Anthropogenic Activities on Biodiversity Conservation in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, India.

The Himalayan forests are facing a range of threats, which are making conservation efforts challenging. Using a mixed-method approach, this study investigated the threats to biodiversity conservation in Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), a fragile ecosystem in the Eastern Himalayan foothills. The study found that between 1990 and 2021, BTR experienced rising summer temperatures and decreasing annual precipitation, contributing to forest dryness, water scarcity, and forest fires. Natural disasters such as floods, flash floods, earthquakes, and landslides also caused significant damage to wildlife habitats. Changes in land use and land cover, including encroachment, infrastructure development, fuelwood collection, and grazing practices, were also identified as significant drivers of ecosystem alteration. Besides, hunting and poaching also emerged as threats to wildlife populations in the reserve. By employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study determined that land use change, infrastructure development, climate change, livestock grazing, and fuelwood collection pose significant threats to flora conservation outcomes in BTR, while infrastructure development, climate change, livestock grazing, and forest fires are the primary threats to wildlife conservation outcomes in the reserve. The study recommends the regulation of land use practices, promotion of sustainable livelihoods for local communities, effective conservation strategies, and public awareness and education programs to promote the value of biodiversity conservation.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of energy utilisation behaviours: a study of residential building occupants

PurposeThis study aims to assess residential energy consumption knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Abuja Municipality, providing insights for effective conservation strategies, reducing costs and mitigating environmental impact.Design/methodology/approachData for this study was collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted among a representative sample of the Nigerian population between February and April 2021. A total of 462 questionnaire responses were collected and subsequently analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, including frequency count, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, were calculated. Additionally, inferential statistics were performed using Chi-Square analysis, with significant level set at p = 0.05 to draw meaningful conclusions from the data.FindingsThe study results indicate that out of the total respondents, 244 individuals (67.4%) demonstrated a profound knowledge of and good practice in energy utilisation. In comparison, 118 individuals (32.6%) exhibited poor knowledge and practice in energy saving. Moreover, the findings reveal a significant association between the sociodemographic factors of the respondents, building type, and their overall practice in energy utilisation. Statistical analysis shows significant? 2 values for each case: 8.563 (p = 0.003), 66.736 (p = 0.000), 60.866 (p = 0.000), 23.487 (p = 0.000), 37.877 (p = 0.000), and 92.334 (p = 0.000), respectively, where p < 0.05. These results highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic profiles and building characteristics when assessing general energy utilisation practices.Originality/valueThe research offers valuable insights into Nigerian energy usage behaviours and attitudes towards energy saving in residential buildings, contributing significantly to the knowledge base.

Do generational differences determine the conservation intention and behavior towards sacred trees?

Conserving sacred trees is of paramount importance for preserving biodiversity and safeguarding biocultural heritage. However, evolving perceptions across generations raise concerns about the future existence of these significant landscape elements. The objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing the intention and behavior of two generations towards sacred tree conservation. In this research, we integrate "cultural values" and "religious values" as new variables into an extended theory of planned behavior. A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 399 individuals representing both young and old generations. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. The research variables explained 57 % and 60 % of the variance in intentions and 7 % and 81 % of the variance in actual behaviors for the young and old generations, respectively. Attitude was found to be crucial in shaping intentions for both generations. Subjective norms significantly influenced the intentions of the older generation but were not observed among the younger generation. Perceived behavioral control had a positive impact on intentions in both age groups, although its effect on actual behavior varied. While it translated into conservation behavior among the older generation, it did not have the same effect on the younger generation. Furthermore, cultural and religious values positively influenced intentions in both generations, but their impact on behavior differed. While these values influenced the behavior of the older generation, they did not translate into actual conservation practices among the younger generation. These findings emphasize the interplay of generational differences, cultural values, and religious values in shaping conservation intentions and behaviors.Given the crucial role of the younger generation in the future of sacred trees, targeted conservation initiatives addressing their specific needs are essential, as they exhibit lower intentions and behaviors towards conservation. This study provides valuable insights for designing effective strategies for the sustainable conservation of sacred trees and the fostering of biocultural heritage.

Effects of Rainfall Intensity and Slope on Infiltration Rate, Soil Losses, Runoff and Nitrogen Leaching from Different Nitrogen Sources with a Rainfall Simulator

The combined effects of slope gradient, rainfall intensity, and nitrogen fertilizer source on infiltration, runoff, soil loss, and nitrogen (N) leaching in agricultural areas are not thoroughly understood, despite their critical importance in sustainable agriculture. Previous studies have focused on these factors individually, leaving a significant gap in knowledge regarding their synergistic impact. Investigating the interplay between slope gradients, rainfall intensities, and N fertilizer sources is vital to developing effective soil and water conservation strategies and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. This study is comprised of two experiments. Experiment 1 was designed as a 3 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, incorporating three levels of rainfall intensity (RI) (45, 70, and 100 mm/h), two slope gradients (5 and 8°), and three soil types (sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam), aimed at assessing runoff, infiltration, and soil loss. Experiment 2, laid out as 3 × 2 × 3 × 3 factorial, expanded on this, adding N fertilizer source (urea, CaCN2, and limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) at 130 kg/ha N) and assessing N leaching alongside the previous metrics. Both experiments used a rotating disc rainfall simulator and were replicated four times. Results revealed that steeper slopes (8°) led to increased runoff and soil loss, impeding infiltration, while gentler slopes (5°) facilitated greater infiltration and minimized soil loss. Rainfall intensity played a significant role, with 70 mm/h/5° combinations promoting higher infiltration rates (48.14 mm/h) and 100 mm/h/8° resulting in lower rates (37.07 mm/h for sandy loam and silt loam, 26.09 mm/h for clay loam). Nitrogen leaching varied based on N source; urea at 130 kg/ha N led to higher losses (7.2% in sandy loam, 6.9% in silt loam, 6.5% in clay loam), followed by LAN (6.9% in sandy loam, 6.7% in silt loam, 6.3% in clay loam) while CaCN2 at the same rate resulted in lower N losses (6.4% in sandy soil, 4.4% in silt loam, 4.2% in clay soil). This research highlights the critical need to consider both slope gradient and rainfall intensity in conjunction with appropriate nitrogen fertilizer sources when developing strategies to mitigate soil erosion and nutrient loss in agricultural settings.

Demographic insights for the endangered Apennine yellow-bellied toad in the Pollino National Park (Southern Italy). A five-year Capture-Mark-Recapture study

Investigating population structure, parameters, and growth over time is vital for conserving endangered taxa like the Apennine yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata pachypus) in Italy. The Apennine yellow-bellied toad faces habitat loss or degradation, disease, and climate change threats. Our study delves into the population dynamics of this endemic amphibian by monitoring populations in two breeding sites within the Pollino National Park (Southern Italy) using a five-year Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) approach. With a particular emphasis on demographic parameters such as population size, detectability, survival, temporary emigration probability, and body condition index, the research aims to contribute to understanding population dynamics and inform conservation efforts. We used two CMR models to estimate these parameters: Jolly-Seber with POPAN parametrisation and Pollock's robust design with Huggins' estimator. Results showed variation in body size between males and females, challenging previous findings in south-central Italy. For both populations, demographic data indicate high annual adult survival, fidelity to the breeding areas, support for no movement, and minimal trap response. Abundance over the years reveals a slight decline in one site and a gradual increase in the other. The estimated maximum population size indicated ∼ 92 animals in one population and ∼ 70 in the other one. Despite the high conservation concern for the Apennine yellow-bellied toad, there remains a dearth of quantitative information on demographic aspects in Southern Italy. The findings underscore the importance of protected areas in biodiversity conservation and contribute to understanding the B. v. pachypus conservation status, suggesting that small, isolated populations may be vulnerable to unpredictable fluctuations, inbreeding depression, and extinction risks. Additionally, the research emphasises the importance of long-term CMR studies to gain insights into population dynamics and develop effective conservation strategies and management practices, particularly in the face of climate changes that may impact both the endemic taxon and its habitat.

Assessing the impact of unsustainable exploitation and climate change on soil properties alterations in the mountainous regions, Vietnam

This study aims to assess the impacts of land use change (LUC) on soil properties and soil organic carbon content (SOCC) in the mountainous regions of Nghe An province, Vietnam. Soil samples were surveyed from forest plant area (FPA), annual plant area (APA), crop plant area (CPA), and bare hill area (BHA) at depths ranging from 0-50 cm during the period 2021-2023. The findings indicated that the conversion from FPA to BHA resulted in a significant decline in SOCC. In comparison to the topsoil layer, reductions of approximately 18.6-22.1% for FPA, 26.5-36.0% for CPA and APA, and up to 37.5% for BHA were observed in the soil profiles. These results underscore the sensitivity of SOCC to LUC across the study area. Moreover, the study contributes to our understanding of the implications of LUC on soil health and offers valuable insights for effective land management and conservation strategies. The conversion of FPA into various types of land use (TLU) has a detrimental impact on soil properties, highlighting the urgent necessity for sustainable land use practices.

Genetic diversity and haplotype distribution patterns analysis of cytb and RAG2 sequences in Rana hanluica from southern China.

Rana hanluica: an endemic amphibian of China, is found in the hills and mountains south of the Yangtze River. In this comprehensive study, we collected 162 samples from 14 different localities to delve into the genetic diversity of Rana hanluica using mitochondrial Cytb and nuclear RAG2 as genetic markers. Our findings reveal that the Nanling Mountains, specifically regions like Jiuyi Shan, Jinggang Shan, Mang Shan, and Qiyun Shan, are genetic hotspots harboring remarkable diversity. The research results also indicate that there is gene flow among the various populations of the species, and no distinct population structure has formed, which may be due to migration. Moreover, populations in some regions, as well as the overall population, show signs of a possible genetic bottleneck, which we speculate may have been caused by climate change. However, given the exploratory nature of our study, further investigations are warranted to confirm these observations. Through phylogenetic analyses, we uncovered indications that R. hanluica might have originated within the Nanling region, dispersing along the east-west mountain ranges, with a significant contribution originating from Jiuyi Shan. The genetic distributions uncovered through our research reflect historical migratory patterns, evident in the distinct haplotypes of the RAG2 gene between the western and eastern parts of the studied area. Moreover, Heng Shan and Yangming Shan exhibited unique genetic signatures, possibly influenced by geographic isolation, which has shaped their distinct genotypes. The insights gained from this study hold profound implications for conservation efforts. By identifying regions rich in genetic diversity and crucial gene flow corridors, we can develop more effective conservation strategies. Preserving these genetically diverse areas, especially within the Nanling Mountains, is vital for maintaining the evolutionary potential of R. hanluica. In conclusion, our research has laid a solid foundation for understanding the genetic landscape of R. hanluica, shedding light on its origins, population structures, and evolutionary trajectories. This knowledge will undoubtedly guide future research endeavors and inform conservation strategies for this endemic amphibian.

Closing the Efficiency Gap: Insights into curbing the direct rebound effect of residential electricity consumption in Saudi Arabia

The rebound effect refers to the phenomenon where energy efficiency improvements lead to increased energy consumption, offsetting some of the expected energy savings. This article aims to estimate the direct rebound effect of residential electricity consumption in Saudi Arabia and explores potential solutions to mitigate its impact. Understanding the magnitude of the rebound effect is crucial for policymakers to develop effective energy conservation strategies. This study employs a time-series modeling approach, using a dataset covering 31 years, 1990–2021, and four regions within Saudi Arabia, incorporating various socioeconomic and energy-related variables. The magnitude of the rebound effect in residential electricity consumption in the Kingdom, which varies across regions, ranges from 41% to 71%. Since the inception of the first wave of the energy price reform in 2016, the Kingdom has witnessed a power consumption rebound in the residential sector totaling 39.02 TWh (6.5 Twh per annum), and a total of 28.13 Mt. in CO2 equivalent emissions (4.69 Mt. in CO2 equivalent per annum) during the period of 2016–2021. These findings add to the existing literature on the rebound effect, further enriching our understanding of this complex phenomenon and its implications. They also provide valuable insights for policymakers and energy planners in Saudi Arabia, helping them develop effective strategies to minimize the rebound effect and promote energy conservation.

Density Mediates the Predator-Induced Growth and Metamorphic Plasticity of Chinhai Spiny Newt Larvae

Predators significantly influence amphibian larval development. Predator-induced plasticity is often studied independently from conspecific density effects, but these environmental factors may interact. We conducted two-factor factorial experimental design to manipulate conspecific density and predator cues, aiming to investigate the independently or interactive impacts of these two factors on the development of Chinhai spiny newt larvae (Echinotriton chinhaiensis). Our findings reveal that both high and low conspecific densities constrain spiny newt larval growth and predators also limit growth. Interestingly, high conspecific density restricts predator-induced growth plasticity without interacting effects. Only lower density groups exhibit slower growth responses to predators. Our study investigates how density mediates predator-induced plasticity in the endangered Chinhai spiny newt larvae, providing insights into their intricate life history. These results contribute to the understanding of predator-induced plasticity in amphibians and provide insights into the adaptive strategies of endangered species like Chinhai spiny newt. Such knowledge informs the development of effective conservation strategies for their protection.

A vulnerability evaluation method of earthen sites based on entropy weight-TOPSIS and K-means clustering

The degradation of earthen sites due to natural and human factors has become a pressing issue, necessitating urgent protection measures. In this context, accurate assessment of the vulnerability of earthen sites is essential for the development of effective conservation strategies. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation framework that incorporates multiple indicators is proposed. In particular, the entropy weight- (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) TOPSIS method is employed for quantitative vulnerability assessment and combined with K-means clustering to define vulnerability levels for earthen sites. To validate the proposed approach, the vulnerability of 29 sections of the Ming Great Wall is evaluated. Eventually, the 29 earthen sites are categorized into three levels: high, medium, and low, according to their degree of vulnerability. The results of gray correlation analysis and entropy weight-TOPSIS method are compared using the ontology missing amount in the original data as the validation standard. The results show that the Pearson correlation coefficient value of the entropy weight-TOPSIS method with the ontology missing amount was 0.859, while the Pearson correlation coefficient value of the gray correlation analysis method with the ontology missing amount was 0.691, so that the results of the entropy weight-TOPSIS method can more accurately reflect the actual vulnerability of earthen sites.

Management of osteonecrosis of the humeral head in the pediatric population: A systematic review.

Humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric patients most often occurs in patients with underlying hemoglobinopathies, exposure to chronic corticosteroids, or after trauma. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review evaluating the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management of humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric population. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus were screened with the terms "osteonecrosis," "avascular necrosis," "pediatric," and "proximal humerus" on January 10, 2024. A total of 218 studies were screened, and 74 studies were evaluated for eligibility. Studies that reported on the prevalence and/or management of pediatric humeral head osteonecrosis were included. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria: four retrospective case series, three prospective case series, one retrospective cohort study, one retrospective case-control study, and three case reports. A majority of the studies (67%) discussed chemotherapy-induced osteonecrosis of the humeral head. A total of 77 patients (106 shoulders) with humeral head osteonecrosis were identified. The overall prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head across eight studies examining at-risk populations (underlying hemoglobinopathies or undergoing chemotherapy) was 2%. Intra-articular steroid injections, physical therapy, and activity modification are effective conservative management strategies. Additionally, core decompression and hemiarthroplasty are surgical treatment options. The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head is low even among at-risk populations with associated medical conditions. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options have been described, but no comparative evaluations of these modalities has been conducted. IV.

Assessing climatic response and drought resilience in growth of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. and Tsuga chinensis Pritz. on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains

Climate anomalies have significant impacts on forest productivity and tree mortality worldwide, leading to ecological disturbances. Understanding the climate-growth relationship and species-specific responses to climate and drought events are crucial for developing effective conservation strategies for tree growth. However, studies on such issues are scarce in the Qinling Mountains (QLM), a significant geo-ecological boundary for climate, vegetation distribution, and river systems in China. This study focuses on the southern slope of the QLM, where we developed tree-ring-width chronologies for Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. and Tsuga chinensis Pritz. in the same habitat, and analyzed their response to climate and two extreme drought events. Both species were found to have a positive correlation with temperature, but their responses to precipitation and scPDSI differed. Specifically, P. tabulaeformis showed a negative correlation with precipitation and scPDSI, while T. chinensis exhibited a positive correlation with precipitation. These differences in response may be attributed to species-specific preferences and interspecific competition between the two coniferous species. Results of the 31-year sliding correlation analysis and K-S test analysis, which aimed to explore the dynamic relationship between chronologies and their most limiting climate factors, demonstrated that both P. tabulaeformis and T. chinensis have experienced a qualitative change in their response patterns to certain climatic factors. Under the backdrop of warming climate, the response of P. tabulaeformis to the maximum temperatures from June to September of the previous year has diminished to a non-response; the response to precipitation from July to September of the previous year, although still significantly negatively correlated, has seen a decrease in significance. In contrast, T. chinensis has exhibited an increasing sensitivity to precipitation from September of the previous year to June of the current year. Study on resistance (Rt), recovery (Rc), and resilience (Rs) of tree growth to drought events revealed that P. tabuliformis and T. chinensis did not exhibit a negative response to the transient drought event in 1933 AD. However, when faced with the prolonged and severe drought event in 1941–1944 AD, both species experienced a decline in growth. It was observed that T. chinensis displayed weaker drought tolerance compared to P. tabuliformis and was more susceptible to the negative impacts of drought conditions. These findings suggest that forest management in the context of climate change should be species-specific, and more effort is needed for species with weaker drought resistance in the QLM, such as T. chinensis.

Niche structure and habitat shifts for coastal sharks of the US Southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

AbstractUnderstanding spatial ecology and predicting animal movements in response to environmental changes, such as anthropogenic climate change and multidecadal variability, is critical for effective conservation strategies. Niche structuring is key to some coastal shark species and size classes coexisting in the US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to limit interspecific and intraspecific interaction. Data from four fishery‐independent bottom longline surveys were used to evaluate the abiotic ecological niches of eight species of small and large coastal sharks. Gaussian mixture models separated length composition data into 14 size categories for ecological niche analysis. Generalized additive mixed effect models were fit and coupled with output from dynamic high‐resolution ocean models to predict suitable abiotic habitats, evaluate potential shifts in distribution, and explore the impacts of large‐scale climatological trends on abiotic habitats from 1994 to 2019. The abiotic niche for small coastal sharks generally tended toward warmer, high salinity, shallow bottom waters close to shore. No overarching niche was found for large coastal sharks, but appreciable ontogenetic differences were seen. Most taxa analyzed exhibited declining annual trends in higher quality habitats, particularly during fall months. The analysis provided evidence of shifts north along the Atlantic, to deeper offshore waters in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and the potential to redistribute in response to multidecadal climate variability for multiple species. The analytical framework described could aid in developing various spatiotemporal management measures, and results provide insight into the habitat characteristics of several species over broad spatiotemporal ranges and through ontogeny.

Investigating the geographies of water use and water cover in the rural areas of Nagaon District, Assam (India): Unraveling the micro-ecological implications

The use and management of water resources are fundamental for sustainable human societies, economic development, and ecological conservation. Therefore, conducting a thorough investigation to comprehend water use (WU) patterns and assess the extent of water-covered areas (WCA) in a region is indispensable for fostering sustainable ecological and economic conditions, and for implementing effective water management practices. However, the rapid growth of human populations, particularly in developing countries, and the concomitant developmental activities have significantly influenced the WCA, leading to their degradation and loss. In this context, the present research focuses on investigating and understanding the variations in WU and WCA, with an emphasis on unraveling the ecological implications of these hydrological dynamics in the rural areas of Nagaon-a floodplain district of the middle Brahmaputra valley in Assam, India. The study also seeks to investigate the intricate and dynamic human-water relationship and their impact on the waterscapes and the associated hydroecological characteristics. The methodology employed in this study involved analyzing spatial data and conducting field surveys to procure some other relevant primary data and information to assess the current state of WU and WCA in the district. The results reveal substantial shifts in water usage patterns, with a growing reliance on groundwater and reduced dependence on surface water bodies. Notably, all wetlands, except the artificial ponds (pukhuris), have experienced significant declines in both quantity and size, resulting in a reduction of WCA and the associated aquatic vegetation cover. This reduction in WCA has consequently led to a substantial decline in wetland habitats and disruptions to their ecological conditions, posing serious threats to the floral and faunal species dependent on these aquatic ecosystems. The findings of this research will definitely help the concerned policymakers, environmental organizations, and local communities by providing a foundation for informed decision-making towards formulating effective conservation strategies to safeguard not only the WCA of the district but also to maintain the region's ecological health, proper water use, and the sustainable socio-economic development.

Glowing wonders: exploring the diversity and ecological significance of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil.

Bioluminescence, the emission of light by living organisms, is a captivating and widespread phenomenon with diverse ecological functions. This comprehensive review explores the biodiversity, mechanisms, ecological roles, and conservation challenges of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil, a country known for its vast and diverse ecosystems. From the enchanting glow of fireflies and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms to the mesmerizing displays of marine dinoflagellates and cnidarians, Brazil showcases a remarkable array of bioluminescent species. Understanding the biochemical mechanisms and enzymes involved in bioluminescence enhances our knowledge of their evolutionary adaptations and ecological functions. However, habitat loss, climate change, and photopollution pose significant threats to these bioluminescent organisms. Conservation measures, interdisciplinary collaborations, and responsible lighting practices are crucial for their survival. Future research should focus on identifying endemic species, studying environmental factors influencing bioluminescence, and developing effective conservation strategies. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, advanced technologies, and increased funding, Brazil can unravel the mysteries of its bioluminescent biodiversity, drive scientific advancements, and ensure the long-term preservation of these captivating organisms.