Effective Conservation Actions Research Articles

Cave-roosting specialisation of an oceanic island endemic microbat elevates extinction risks as caves face multiple threats

Bats (Chiroptera) constitute one-fifth of the global mammalian diversity, with over 1,450 species. Yet, 16.5 % of them are threatened with extinction, a situation exacerbated on islands, underscoring an urgent need for conservation efforts there. However, effective conservation action can only be as sound as the understanding of the basic ecology of such insular species. Mauritius harbours one endemic Endangered cave-roosting insectivorous bat, in recent decline, whose ecology is poorly known, hampering its conservation. We used Mormopterus acetabulosus as a model species to inform insectivorous island bat conservation in highly transformed habitats. We compared the species’ historical and current known roost distribution and sizes and estimated any change in its Area of Occupancy (AOO) and Extent of Occurrence (EOO) using GeoCAT. We also compiled the physical characteristics, environmental and anthropogenic variables of caves that are occupied and unoccupied by the bats to identify potential factors influencing roost occupancy. We found roosts in 17 of the recorded 130 lava cave tunnels, up from the nine previously recorded, including 11 permanent and six seasonal roosts, mostly (∼71 %) on privately owned land. Compared to the last surveys in 2017, the EOO remained stable at 818.9 km2, while the AOO increased by 33.3 %. This expansion may reflect previously undetected roosts or recent colonisation events or both. Cave dimensions in terms of entrance size and height as well as the number of chambers, relative humidity and distance to water best explained roost occupancy by M. acetabulosus. Caves with larger entrances may be preferred for roosting as this characteristic eases manoeuvrability and predator avoidance, and larger caves may be preferred for enhanced microclimatic stability. Occupied and unoccupied caves were found to differ in terms of physical characteristics, although cave microclimate did not vary notably. Based on their characteristics and their potential contributions to increasing the species’ EOO and AOO, six currently unoccupied caves were identified as priority sites for future conservation efforts. Legal protection of all caves, regardless of current bat occupancy is necessary to mitigate extinction risks and preserve their associated ecological functions.

Illegal harvest, use, and trade in Temminck’s pangolins by communities adjacent to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Pangolins are one of the most trafficked animals in the world, including the Temminck’s pangolin (Smutsia temminckii). Tanzania faces international pangolin trade threats, yet data on Temminck’s pangolins remains scarce despite conservation calls. We interviewed 22 villages near Ruaha National Park to understand pangolin harvest, use, and trade. Pangolin hunting is mostly opportunistic during daily activities, except for village elders who actively hunt pangolins. Pangolin scales dominate trade, primarily purchased by pastoralists and traditional healers. Scales are mainly used in cultural practices and for traditional medicinal purposes. Finally, we learned that there is decreased pangolin use in markets resulting from improved law enforcement and their growing scarcity. Our results suggest that illegal pangolin harvest, use, and trade threaten their survival; locally relevant conservation efforts, including education and enforcement, are crucial to drive effective conservation action.

A New Unified, Flexible, Scalable, and Inclusive Model for Ecological Problem-Solving

Successful, lasting conservation action requires ecological problem-solving that is based on social and empirical science. To alleviate some of the burden associated with organizing the many factors germane to ecological problem-solving, we created an interactive flowchart (the Ecological Problem-Solving Flow Model (EPS Flow Model)) that is adaptable to different ecological problems at multiple spatial scales. Drawing on the strengths of existing models created for specific systems, species, or social dynamics, the EPS Flow Model is biologically relevant, socially inclusive, broadly applicable, locally adaptable, easy to understand, visually appealing, and features loop learning at all stages. To demonstrate how the EPS Flow Model can be used, we incorporate three case study examples that address different ecological problems at multiple spatial scales and in various stages of development. The EPS Flow Model is intended to aid natural resource professionals during the policy planning process to promote more effective and inclusive conservation actions.

The global conservation status of plants growing on cliffs and rocky outcrops

Ecosystems that occur on cliffs and rocky outcrops are home to many plants that are specially adapted to harsh environmental conditions. These habitats are seeing increased pressure from development, recreational use, and invasive species, calling for a thorough evaluation of the endangerment of the taxa inhabiting them. However, the conservation status of these taxa is not well understood preventing effective conservation prioritization and action. In this study, we examine the conservation status of vascular plant taxa associated with these ecosystems, using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assessments, and compare these to their taxonomic status (families and genera) and range (realm, country, occupancy). We have assembled data highlighting regions where cliff and rocky outcrop taxa most frequently occur (Madagascar, Brazil, Spain) and found that plants growing in these habitats may be more endangered than expected given global plant endangerment, however, risk patterns do vary. Certain groups find refuge in cliffs or rocky outcrops environments (Euphorbiaceae, 18% less endangered), while others may be facing increased risk (Cactaceae, 19% more endangered). We have also found that taxa occurring in habitats with low mean elevation or narrow elevational ranges are more endangered. To assist future research, we have developed a dashboard summarizing available data that also allows for interactive analyses based on user-defined goals. We see the need for additional research on cliff and rocky outcrop plants to enhance the Red List assessment process and support overall plant conservation efforts.

Global Genepool Conservation and use Strategy for Dioscorea (YAM)

The global genepool conservation and use strategy for yam were developed in this study. Diversity analysis, and in situ and ex situ conservation gap analyses were carried out for the 27 global priority yam crop wild relatives (CWR) at taxon and ecogeographic levels to determine their representativeness in conservation actions. Hotspots were found in Nzerekore region of Guinea, Nimba and Grand Gedeh regions of Liberia, Montagnes, Sassandra- Marahouse, and Bas – Sassandra regions of Cote d’Ivoire, Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana, Centrale and Plateau regions of Togo, Donga, Oueme, Atlantique, Littoral and Plateau provinces of Benin, Southwest zone of Nigeria, Es region of Cameroon, Sangha- Mbaere region of Central Africa Republic. Likouala and Sangha regions of the Republic of the Congo, Northeast of India, Northern, Central, Western, Eastern and Northeast regions of Thailand, West of Cambodia, South Central Coast, Central Highlands, Southeast and Makong River Delta regions of Vietnam, Xaisomboun, Bolikhamxai, and Viangchan prefecture provinces of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. A total of 13 potential reserve sites were identified in 13 countries, with four locations in the network of protected area (PA). 22 priority CWR (81%) were conserved ex situ, but only 15.38% of the taxa had at least 50 accessions in genebanks, and 65.38% of the priority CWR are underrepresented in genebanks, and 19.23% of the species are not represented in ex situ collections. The findings and recommendations of this study will guide the production and implementation of effective long-term conservation action and sustainable utilization of global priority yam CWR. The active conservation of the global yam priority species will underpin food security and mitigate climate change.

Girrimarring wiirrilgal bulany ngayanbading (bat nest-type fur sun-like): blending traditional knowledge and western science to create roosting habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat Phoniscus papuensis

Context Despite being widely distributed along eastern Australia, the golden-tipped bat (Phoniscus papuensis) is listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales (NSW). The 2019–2020 wildfires affected an estimated 40% of foraging and roosting habitat, causing further conservation concern. The species roosts in suspended birds’ nests located along watercourses in rainforest or wet sclerophyll forests. Habitat augmentation is a key recovery action for the species; however, effective techniques are unknown. Aims We integrated western scientific and Indigenous cultural knowledge and practice to deliver an artificial roosting structure for golden-tipped bats, and designed and implemented a collaborative model for habitat restoration, with genuine opportunity for cultural practice and two-way knowledge sharing. Methods In partnership, members of Indigenous groups, western scientific organisations and volunteers shared learnings about bats, culture and caring for Country. Weaving materials were collected from local forests, roosts were woven and hung in rainforest gullies and monitored using remote cameras and direct visual inspection. Key results Golden-tipped bats used woven roosts, suggesting that roosting-habitat augmentation could support recovery of the species. Strong partnerships were established between government conservation programs and local Indigenous communities, engaging younger generations in cultural practice and learning. Delivery models were demonstrated for further collaborative, two-way threatened species projects. Conclusions Golden-tipped bats will use woven structures for roosting. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into threatened species programs can deliver effective conservation outcomes for specialist and cryptic species. Implications Should further broadscale fire, or other impact causing loss of roosting structures occur, community, Indigenous groups or government agencies can utilise this model to implement effective conservation actions together.

Reptile Diversity Patterns Under Climate and Land Use Change Scenarios in a Subtropical Montane Landscape in Mexico

ABSTRACTAimMountainous regions are rich in reptile biodiversity but face threats from climate and land use changes. Understanding how these factors affect reptile diversity in these regions can highlight key conservation hotspots that require effective conservation actions. Here, we explored reptile taxonomic and functional diversity patterns along the Sierra Madre del Sur region in southeast Mexico, and potential changes in future years caused by different climate and land use change scenarios.LocationSierra Madre del Sur, México.TaxonReptiles.MethodsWe used species distribution models and information on species traits to estimate taxonomic and functional diversity throughout the Sierra Madre del Sur (SMS) region under current and future climate and land use change scenarios.ResultsGreater taxonomic and functional diversity was observed in both temperate and tropical forests. Taxonomic diversity was higher in more drier areas at high elevations while higher functional diversity was observed in wetter areas at intermediate‐to‐high elevations. Lower diversity for both dimensions was associated with anthropic land uses. In future scenarios, both dimensions of diversity are expected to increase in temperate forest in highlands of central Oaxaca and decrease in the southcentral portion of the SMS, particularly for the worst scenarios due to increased deforestation rates.Main ConclusionsHigher taxonomic diversity in more drier areas at high elevations could be due to historical and evolutionary factors, while higher functional diversity in wetter areas at intermediate‐to‐high elevations may be explained by a higher environmental heterogeneity in forests within these conditions. Larger diversity losses in the southcentral portion of the SMS are probably due to larger predicted deforestation rates in those areas. Our results are valuable not just for informing conservation actions, such as the creation of protected natural areas but also to understand the underlying processes behind the patterns of reptile diversity.

Linking functional and phylogenetic diversity to assess decay in ecosystem services induced by metacommunity‐level mammal extirpations

AbstractDefaunation is an increasingly pervasive process, reaching ever larger spatial scales worldwide. We integrated data on thousands of putative local mammal assemblages across the Neotropics into 518 metacommunities to predict the phylogenetic trait‐based effects of regional defaunation—here defined as meta‐extirpation (i.e. extinction at the metacommunity level)—on dozens of putative ecosystem services (ESs). Further, based on 1029 real‐world mammal assemblages coalesced into 236 metacommunities, we assessed the spatial extent of meta‐extirpations across the Neotropics, while empirically quantifying losses in ESs in comparison with putative scenarios. Using observed data, we also sought to understand changes in the mean body size of metacommunities for different dietary guilds. We examined patterns of mammal diversity, evaluated the erosion of ESs based on ecological networks and measured the relationships between diversity metrics and ESs via dissimilarity arrangements and generalized linear models. Meta‐extirpation regimes lead to a mean loss of 49.6% of the ESs provided by Neotropical mammals within metacommunities, whereas real‐world meta‐extirpations derived 47.2% of ES loss. We show that simulated meta‐extirpations penalizing large‐bodied species, induced the most severe losses in ESs. Regional‐scale meta‐extirpations lead to changes in the metabolic allometry and trophic structure of consumers, inducing significant metacommunity downsizing. We conclude that once‐thriving mammal‐mediated roles in natural ecosystems are fading, with significant consequences for human livelihoods. Many mammal populations have succumbed in several Neotropical ecoregions; so it is critical to protect representative fractions of Neotropical landscapes and regional species pools. Finally, we reinforce the appeal for effective conservation action, given that meta‐extirpations are already a global reality.

O (DES)CONHECIMENTO DA BIODIVERSIDADE: UMA SISTEMATIZAÇÃO SOBRE LACUNAS, LIMITAÇÕES, VIESES, DÉFICITS E RUÍDOS

With the advancements in bioinformatics and ecoinformatics tools, it has become feasible to utilize vast amounts of biodiversity information to describe biological patterns and attempt to assess the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying them, as well as to establish more effective and comprehensive conservation actions. However, existing information regarding biodiversity remains incomplete, with gaps, limitations, biases, deficits, and noise. In this regard, we acknowledge the need to discuss issues related to the use of large biodiversity databases and their quality, discussions that need to be conceptually structured. In this text, we will systematically describe the gaps, limitations, and biases in biodiversity knowledge, issues that are directly associated with the acquisition of species information in nature. Subsequently, we will outline the types of deficits and noise, which are problems associated with biodiversity databases. This is because the information present in primary records and large databases is frequently used inadequately. Additionally, we also point out perspectives on how to address these deficiencies in ecological/biogeographical work through appropriate database curation and the construction of maps of ignorance. Finally, we highlight future challenges, such as the need for new data collections, the training of new taxonomists, and the provision of financial support for the infrastructure and digitization of biological collections.

A global assessment of large terrestrial carnivore kill rates.

Through killing and instilling fear in their prey, large terrestrial carnivores shape the structure and function of ecosystems globally. Most large carnivore species have experienced severe range and population declines due to human activities, and many are now threatened with extinction. Consequently, the impacts of these predators on food webs have been diminished or lost completely from many ecosystems. Kill rates provide a fundamental metric for understanding large carnivore ecology and assessing and comparing predation within and across ecological communities. Our systematic review of large terrestrial mammalian carnivore kill rates reveals significant positive geographic (North America, Europe, and Africa) and taxonomic (grey wolf Canis lupus, puma Puma concolor, lion Panthera leo, and Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx) bias, with most studies apparently motivated by human-carnivore conflict over access to ungulate prey and wildlife management objectives. Our current understanding of the behaviour and functional roles of many large carnivore species and populations thus remains limited. By synthesising and comparing kill rates, we show that solitary carnivores (e.g. brown bears Ursus arctos and most felids) exhibit higher per capita kill rates than social carnivores. However, ungulate predation by bears is typically limited to predation of neonates during a short period. Lower per capita kill rates by social carnivores suggests group living significantly reduces energetic demands, or, alternatively, that group-living carnivores defend and consume a greater proportion of large prey carcasses, or may acquire more food through other means (e.g. scavenging, kleptoparasitism) than solitary hunters. Kill and consumption rates for Canidae - measured as kilograms of prey per kilogram of carnivore per day - are positively correlated with body mass, consistent with increasing energy costs associated with a cursorial hunting strategy. By contrast, ambush predators such as felids show an opposite trend, and thus the potential energetic advantage of an ambush hunting strategy for carnivores as body mass increases. Additionally, ungulate kill rates remain relatively constant across solitary felid body sizes, indicative of energetic constraints and optimal foraging. Kill rate estimates also reveal potential insights into trophic structuring within carnivore guilds, with subordinate carnivores often killing more than their larger counterparts, which may be indicative of having to cope with food losses to scavengers and dominant competitors. Subordinate carnivores may thus serve an important role in provisioning food to other trophic levels within their respective ecosystems. Importantly, kill rates also clarify misconceptions around the predatory behaviour of carnivores (e.g. spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta and wolverines Gulo gulo are often considered scavengers rather than the capable hunters that they are) and thus the potential impacts of various carnivore species on their ecological communities. Despite the importance of kill rates in understanding predator-prey interactions, their utility is not widely recognised, and insufficient research limits our ability to fully appreciate and predict the consequences of modified predation regimes, justify current management actions affecting carnivores, or inform effective conservation measures. Together with other important research on predator-prey interactions, robust kill rate studies that address the research deficiencies we highlight will provide a deeper understanding of the foraging behaviours and potential ecosystem impacts of many of the world's carnivores, thus aiding effective conservation and management actions.

From spatial prioritization to conservation management in the Southern Ocean using the marine IBAs approach

Implementing effective conservation action requires spatial prioritization exercises to be functionally integrated with a process for developing an implementation strategy. There is great potential for animal tracking data to inform marine management in the Southern Ocean. Using information on penguin distribution, a set of marine Important Bird Areas (mIBAs) has recently been identified around Antarctica. Large-scale spatial analyses like this are key to guide resources and the attention of decision-makers towards areas of significant value. Yet, protecting marine resources requires translating prioritization exercises into legally-binding conservation measures. Here we use one of the largest gentoo colonies in Antarctica as a case study to explore pathways for the utilization of the mIBAs approach in the design and implementation of conservation measures in the Southern Ocean. For scientists and organizations willing to have a policy impact, there are two main routes to contribute to Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) decision-making: through Parties' National Delegations, or through Experts and Observers. We provide three main recommendations for incorporating the results of spatial prioritization analyses into the agenda of ATS governance bodies using the mIBAs approach: 1. Differentiate the potential contribution of mIBAs to spatial prioritization from the potential contribution to conservation planning, two different stages in the conservation process; 2. Use methods, criteria and data for delineating boundaries of potential conservation areas according to the stage of the conservation process that the outputs are expected to contribute to; 3. Understand how Antarctic mIBAs might fit into the ATS conservation measures framework and ongoing deliberations.

Low human interest for the most at-risk reef fishes worldwide.

Human interest in biodiversity is essential for effective conservation action but remains poorly quantified at large scales. Here, we investigated human interest for 2408 marine reef fishes using data obtained from online public databases and social media, summarized in two synthetic dimensions, research effort and public attention. Both dimensions are mainly related to geographic range size. Research effort is also linked to fishery importance, while public attention is more related to fish aesthetic value and aquarium trade importance. We also found a strong phylogenetic bias, with certain fish families receiving disproportional research effort and public attention. Most concerningly, species at the highest risk of extinction and those most vulnerable to future climate change tend to receive less research effort and public attention. Our results provide a lens through which examining the societal attention that species garner, with the ultimate goals to improve conservation strategies, research programs, and communication plans.

Discovery of deep-sea cold seeps from Argentina host singular trophic linkages and biodiversity

Chemosynthetic ecosystems host unique geological, biogeochemical, microbial and faunistic settings, which provide key ecosystem services for human wellbeing. In the Argentine continental margin, the existence of chemosynthetic ecosystems is still unknown. We present the first finding of chemosynthetic ecosystems in the Argentine deep sea. We assessed and compared biological and geological settings for cold seeps at Malvinas Basin and Colorado Basin and a control site (no gas) at Colorado Basin. We found two cold seeps with crater-like geomorphic features (pockmarks) of 500-m and 1000-m diameter at depths of ⁓500 m. Both cold seeps exhibited methane gas bubbles trapped at the surface of the seafloor, one exhibited seepage into the water column. Cold seeps hosted dense benthic macroinvertebrates (≥300 μm) assemblages consisting mainly of polychaetes, peracarid crustaceans and mollusks. The fauna from Argentinean seeps exhibited δ13C and δ15N stable isotope signatures indicative of multiple trophic levels, supported by both chemosynthetic and photosynthetic sources of energy. The difference in bubbling to the water column was not associated with different trophic input of chemosynthetically-derived sources of energy, suggesting that gas input is mediated by the bubbles trapped in the seafloor sediments. The presence of gas bubbles trapped in the surface sediments of the ocean floor allowed the detection of ecological and trophic characteristics of active chemosynthetic ecosystems. Integration of the sub-bottom dimension can help improve our understanding of the interactions of chemosynthetic ecosystems with seafloor fluid flow in a more reliable manner than the gas plumes. These cold seeps host significant biodiversity and ecosystem functions of the deep ocean. They fall within areas tendered for oil and gas industry development, but have not been a focus of conservation efforts to date. Information provided here can inform effective conservation actions and improve our understanding of the distribution of chemosynthetic ecosystems worldwide.

Mechanical scarification increases seed germination of Neltuma alba (Fabaceae), a threatened tree from the Atacama Desert

Neltuma alba is a tree whose seeds were probably dispersed by now-extinct animals. Currently, its fruits are consumed by foxes, guanacos, donkeys, and goats, which may scarify the seeds during ingestion, thereby enhancing germination. However, these animals might damage the cotyledons when chewing the fruits, potentially reducing the survival and growth of the plants, although this occurs infrequently. We hypothesize that mechanical scarification of seeds increases their germination but does not affect the survival and growth of the plants. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of mechanical scarification on seed germination and subsequent plant survival. We scarified the seeds by sanding them before sowing them in a nursery with daily watering for six months. Subsequently, the plants were transplanted to the field, where they received daily watering for six months, biweekly watering for the next twelve months, and no watering for the following two years. Seed scarification significantly increased germination by 1.5 times: 58 and 39% germination in scarified and non-scarified seeds, respectively. Scarification did not significantly affect plant survival. Survival rates were 93, 67, 67, and 26% at the end of the first, second, third, and fourth years, respectively. Similarly, scarification did not significantly affect plant height, with plants reaching heights of 28, 59, 74, and 118 cm in the first, second, third, and fourth years, respectively. Understanding the limiting factors for the reproduction of endangered plants in the Atacama Desert is crucial for proposing effective conservation actions.

The transformative potential of local stakeholder engagement in the reintroduction of a contested species

Wildlife translocations for conservation purposes are carried out in complex socio-political environments where diverse stakeholders are key to shaping outcomes. Nevertheless, social feasibility and participatory processes are often not fully integrated into the delivery of legitimate and effective conservation actions. We investigated how stakeholder engagement can be delivered in practice and how this delivery is linked to the transformative potential of conservation translocations. We studied the proposed reintroduction of hen harriers Circus cyaneus to southern England in the context of chronic conflicts surrounding the conservation of this species in the UK. We aimed to (a) identify the perspectives of key local stakeholders, focusing on project desirability and drivers, and (b) examine how social engagement processes during project development and implementation could shape reintroduction success. We adopted a qualitative approach comprising participant observation and sixteen semi-structured stakeholder interviews, which we analysed thematically using the Framework Method. Perspectives on the translocation project were overall positive, especially regarding the potential return of hen harriers. However, there were also tensions between the perceived suitability of the local context for reintroduction, and the unsuitability of the national context, due to chronic disagreement among conservationists over hen harrier management. Engagement activities, timing, team composition and the project's open, on-the-ground approach fostered stakeholder engagement and initiated collaborative processes, holding socio-ecological transformative potential for hen harrier management and possibly broader biodiversity conservation. Even within challenging national contexts, therefore, honest stakeholder engagement could enable the alignment of interests, challenging entrenched conservation conflicts at different scales through a bottom-up dynamic.

Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring Analysis of Pigment Migrations in Cave of Altamira’s Prehistoric Paintings

The conservation of Cultural Heritage in cave environments, especially those hosting cave art, requires comprehensive conservation strategies to mitigate degradation risks derived from climatic influences and human activities. This study, focused on the Polychrome Hall of the Cave of Altamira, highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing methodologies to carry out effective conservation actions. By coupling a georeferenced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) with a 1.6 GHz central-frequency antenna along with photogrammetry, we conducted non-invasive and high-resolution 3D studies to map preferential moisture pathways from the surface of the ceiling to the first 50 cm internally of the limestone structure. In parallel, we monitored the dynamics of surface water on the Ceiling and its correlation with pigment and other substance migrations. By standardizing our methodology, we aim to increase knowledge about the dynamics of infiltration water, which will enhance our understanding of the deterioration processes affecting cave paintings related to infiltration water. This will enable us to improve conservation strategies, suggesting possible indirect measures to reverse active deterioration processes. Integrating remote sensing techniques with geospatial analysis will aid in the validation and calibration of collected data, allowing for stronger interpretations of subsurface structures and conditions. All of this puts us in a position to contribute to the development of effective conservation methodologies, reduce alteration risks, and promote sustainable development practices, thus emphasizing the importance of remote sensing in safeguarding Cultural Heritage.

Iron Islands: The importance of iron caves in the eastern Amazon for bat conservation

AbstractThe Carajás region is home to the largest number of iron caves in Brazil, but studies that integrate elements of biological diversity and landscape characteristics are scarce. We present the first study based on the bat cave vulnerability index (BCVI), which uses bats as a key species for prioritizing caves in South America, whose objective was to assess the biotic potential and vulnerability of caves in the Carajás region, determining priority sites and the most effective conservation actions. The study took place from August 2021 to March 2023, where an inventory of the chiropterofauna of 12 caves was carried out. We recorded 16 bat species, two of which are vulnerable to extinction – Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828) and Natalus macrourus (Gervais, 1856) – and two endemics to the Amazon region – Hsunycteris aff. thomasi (Allen, 1904) and Phyllostomus latifolius (Thomas, 1901); as well as one species with insufficient data to delimit its endemicity or threat status (Lonchophyllinae sp.). Mining is the main anthropogenic activity in the region, but tourism is also present and acts as a potential source of disturbance to the caves. The BCVI revealed three high priority caves for conservation and four with medium priority, indicating that these habitats are vulnerable to species loss and population decline due to exposure to anthropogenic activities and habitat destruction, thus requiring more effective conservation strategies. Considering the uniqueness of the subterranean habitats, we recommend re‐evaluating the proposals for expanding mining activities, implementing controlled tourist visitation plans and conducting ecological studies and long‐term monitoring.

Seasonal trends and population status of the highly threatened Pteropus livingstonii in the Comoros archipelago

Flying foxes of the genus Pteropus, especially those inhabiting islands, face increasing pressure from anthropogenic threats. A first step to implementing effective conservation actions is to establish monitoring projects to understand a species’ population status and trend. Pteropus species are highly affected by seasonality which further requires regular, repeated, and long-term data to understand population trends, and reactions to severe weather events. In the present case study, a regular, bi-annual population census was implemented on Comoros between 2016 and 2023 for the highly threatened Livingstone’s fruit bat, Pteropus livingstonii, and compared the results of standardized monitoring to historical population data. Seasonality had a large impact on the number of bats found at roost sites, with more bats present in the wet season, but the data over the past eight years revealed no significant in- or decrease in the number of bats counted on the island Anjouan. We estimated around 1,200–1,500 bats on Anjouan and 300–400 bats on Mohéli, and found that landcover type has no measurable effect on population distribution at roost sites. Our study highlights the need for long-term surveys to understand past population trends and that single counts are not sufficient to draw final conclusions of a species’ status.

Individual foraging site fidelity persists within and across stopover seasons in a migratory shorebird, Numenius phaeopus (Whimbrel)

Abstract Site fidelity—returning repeatedly to the same site—can help many migratory species reduce uncertainty in their environment, especially when migratory stopover periods leave little time to explore and evaluate new habitat. Avian taxa, though, have shown wide variation in their levels of site fidelity during migration, and few studies have been able to examine individual-level fidelity at fine spatiotemporal scales. We used a high-resolution GPS tracking dataset of Numenius phaeopus (Whimbrel), a long-distance migratory shorebird, to assess levels of fidelity to specific foraging and roosting sites during migration, both within and between stopover seasons. We found that individuals are almost exclusively faithful to one shared roost site at night, but disperse to individual foraging territories during the day that overlap with each other by <20%. Individuals remain faithful to these distinct territories over time, on average shifting the center of their daily home ranges by <1.5 km within a single season, and overlapping with their previous season’s home range by 70% when they return during subsequent stopovers. Our findings reveal for the first time that a shorebird species exhibits fine-scale, individual foraging site fidelity during and between migratory stopovers—an important insight to inform effective conservation and management action.

Niche-based approach to explore the impacts of environmental disturbances on biodiversity.

Globally, species are increasingly at risk from compounding threatening processes, an increasingly prominent driver of which is environmental disturbances. To facilitate effective conservation efforts following such events, methods that evaluate potential impacts across multiple species and provide landscape-scale information are needed to guide targeted responses. Often, the geographic overlap between a disturbance and species' distribution is calculated and then used as a proxy for potential impact. However, such methods do not account for the important influence of environmental heterogeneity throughout species' ranges. To address this shortcoming, we quantified the effects of environmental disturbances on species' environmental niche space. Using the Australian 2019 and 2020 Black Summer fires as a case study, we applied a niche-centric approach to examine the potential impacts of these fires on 387 vertebrate species. We examined the utility of established and novel niche metrics to assess the potential impacts of large-scale disturbance events on species by comparing the potential effects of the fires as determined by our various niche measures to those derived from geographic-based measures of impact. We examined the quality of environmental space affected by the disturbance by quantifying the position in niche space where the disturbance occurred (center or margin), the uniqueness of the environmental space that was burned, and the degree to which the remaining, unburned portion of the niche differed from a species' original prefire niche. There was limited congruence between the proportion of geographic and niche space affected, which showed that geographic-based approaches in isolation may have underestimated the impact of the fires for 56% of modeled species. For each species, when combined, these metrics provided a greater indication of postdisturbance recovery potential than geographic-based measures alone. Accordingly, the integration of niche-based analyses into conservation assessments following large-scale disturbance events will lead to a more nuanced understanding of potential impacts and guide more informed and effective conservation actions.