Conservation Efforts Research Articles

The Religiosity of the Banyumasan Lengger Dance: Tradition, Transformation, and Contemporary Practices

Lengger Banyumasan dance is a traditional performing art that has been practiced in the Banyumas region, Central Java, for centuries. This dance is known for its distinctive style characterized by graceful and sensual movements of female dancers called "Lengger". Originating from the pre-Islamic era, this dance was originally closely related to the spiritual and religious beliefs of the Banyumas people. This study aims to explore the religious and traditional aspects of the Lengger Banyumasan dance, as well as the transformations that have occurred in its form and function over time. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with a focus on analyzing the religious and traditional aspects of the Lengger Banyumasan dance. This study involved a literature review covering a variety of academic sources, reports, and cultural resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious context of the Lengger dance. The results of this study indicate that the Lengger Banyumasan dance has strong roots in the religious and cultural traditions of the Banyumas people. This dance was originally performed as part of rituals and ceremonies aimed at promoting fertility, prosperity, and community well-being. Although the dance has undergone significant transformation, from being initially ritual-based to being more entertainment-oriented, it still maintains a strong connection to the religious beliefs of the Banyumas people. The conclusion of this study is that the Lengger Banyumasan dance is a rich and multifaceted performing art, rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of the Banyumas region. Despite changes over time, the dance remains an important part of the social and cultural fabric of the region and is increasingly recognized for its significance as a unique and valuable form of cultural expression. Conservation and promotion efforts for this dance are ongoing to ensure its sustainability as a valuable cultural heritage.

Genetic diversity and population structure of superior shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) using SNP markers for the establishment of a core collection in Côte d'Ivoire.

The shea tree is a well-known carbon sink in Africa that requires a sustainable conservation of its gene pool. However, the genetic structure of its population is not well studied, especially in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, 333 superior shea tree genotypes conserved in situ in Côte d'Ivoire were collected and genotyped with the aim of investigating its genetic diversity and population structure to facilitate suitable conservation and support future breeding efforts to adapt to climate change effects. A total of 7,559 filtered high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using the genotyping by sequencing technology. The gene diversity (HE) ranged between 0.1 to 0.5 with an average of 0.26, while the polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged between 0.1 to 0.5 with an average of 0.24, indicating a moderate genetic diversity among the studied genotypes. The population structure model classified the 333 genotypes into three genetic groups (GP1, GP2, and GP3). GP1 contained shea trees that mainly originated from the Poro, Tchologo, and Hambol districts, while GP2 and GP3 contained shea trees collected from the Bagoué district. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) identified 55% variance within populations and 45% variance within individuals, indicating a very low genetic differentiation (or very high gene exchange) between these three groups (FST = 0.004, gene flow Nm = 59.02). Morphologically, GP1 displayed spreading tree growth habit, oval nut shape, higher mean nut weight (10.62g), wide leaf (limb width = 4.63cm), and small trunk size (trunk circumference = 133.4cm). Meanwhile, GP2 and GP3 showed similar morphological characteristics: erect and spreading tree growth habit, ovoid nut shape, lower mean nut weight (GP2: 8.89g; GP3: 8.36g), thin leaf (limb width = 4.45cm), and large trunk size ( GP2: 160.5cm, GP3: 149.1cm). A core set of 100 superior shea trees, representing 30% of the original population size and including individuals from all four study districts, was proposed using the "maximum length sub-tree function" in DARwin v. 6.0.21. These findings provide new knowledge of the genetic diversity and population structure of Ivorian shea tree genetic resources for the design of effective collection and conservation strategies for the efficient use of inbreeding.

The design and implementation of a smart greenhouse control system

Abstract Against the dual backdrop of continuously improving agricultural production levels and the global scarcity of water resources, countries worldwide are actively exploring the topic of water conservation. The development of an intelligent irrigation control system could make a significant contribution to water conservation efforts, while also helping to increase crop yields. This project adopts a modular design approach, utilizing sensors to collect real-time environmental data surrounding the crops. If the data falls outside the predefined optimal range for crop growth, the system automatically initiates irrigation, cooling, and supplemental lighting. The hardware design primarily consists of a data perception module and a control terminal module. After testing, the system runs stably and can accurately obtain information such as soil moisture, light intensity and ambient temperature, and basically realize the digital intelligent control of crop growing environment.

Archaeogenomic analysis of Chesapeake Atlantic sturgeon illustrates shaping of its populations in recovery from severe overexploitation.

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus ssp. oxyrinchus) has been a food resource in North America for millennia. However, industrial-scale fishing activities following the establishment of European colonies led to multiple collapses of sturgeon stocks, driving populations such as those in the Chesapeake area close to extinction. While recent conservation efforts have been successful in restoring census numbers, little is known regarding genomic consequences of the population bottleneck. Here, we characterize its effect on present-day population structuring and genomic diversity in James River populations. To establish a pre-collapse baseline, we collected genomic data from archaeological remains from Middle Woodland Maycock's Point (c. 200-900 CE), as well as Jamestown and Williamsburg colonial sites. Demographic analysis of recovered mitogenomes reveals a historical collapse in effective population size, also reflected in diminished present-day mitogenomic diversity and structure. We infer that James River fall- and spring-spawning populations likely took shape in recent years of population recovery, where genetic drift enhanced the degree of population structure. The mismatch of mitogenomic lineages to geographical-seasonal groupings implies that despite their homing instinct and differential adaptation manifested as season-specific behaviour, colonization of new rivers has been a key ecological strategy for Atlantic sturgeon over evolutionary timescales.

Multi-method approach to assessing the floral-visiting insect assemblage of rare, abophilous plant Baccharis vanessae in Southern California.

Insects are the major pollination vectors for angiosperms, and insects native to a given habitat can play an irreplaceable ecological role in food webs and plant reproduction. With precipitous declines in insect species over the last decades, it is urgent to document insect assemblages in native plant communities to support conservation efforts. Identifying pollinators and their pollination activity is challenging; however, emerging technological methods are providing new monitoring capabilities. In this study, we compare the accuracy of two different methods of monitoring to assess the flower-visiting insect assemblage and likely pollinators of Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae): focal observations and video recordings from camera traps. B. vanessae is a rare, endemic species found in Coastal Sage Scrub communities in San Diego County. This federally listed species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, which may also be affecting the availability of its insect pollinators. Results indicate that B. vanessae supports and is supported by a variety of flower-visiting insect groups. The diversity of insect visitors at male and female plants were similar across all diversity measurements. The insect vectors identified were as expected given B. vanessae pollination syndrome. This syndrome also aligns with wind as a pollination vector, providing evidence of ambophily. While focal observations underreported insect activity by approximately half, the proportions of common diurnal visitors were similar with both methods. Camera traps were unable to provide sufficient detail to discern visually similar groups, but were able to record nocturnal insect activity, which was dominated by moths (Lepidoptera, 82%). While collection protocol in this study did not record the time an insect spent interacting with a flower, we anecdotally observed moths spent notably longer periods in contact with flowers than most diurnal insects. This study has implications for effective monitoring and conservation of endangered plant species and their affiliated pollinators.

Investigating the resistome of haemolytic bacteria in Arctic soils.

Microorganisms inhabiting hostile Arctic environments express a variety of functional phenotypes, some of clinical interest, such as haemolytic ability and antimicrobial resistance. We studied haemolytic bacterial isolates from Arctic habitats, assessing their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against antimicrobials. We then performed whole genome sequencing and analysed them for features conferring antimicrobial resistance. MIC data showed that Micromonospora spp. belong to 33% non-wild type (NWT) for erythromycin and penicillin and 22% NWT for tetracycline. Both Pseudomonas spp. belong to 43% NWT for nalidixic acid and streptomycin and 29% NWT for colistin. Finally, the Pedobacter isolate was in 80% NWT for antimicrobials tested. Whole-genome sequencing analyses revealed that fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides and penams were the most frequent drug classes against which genotypic resistance was found. Additionally, resistance genes to heavy metals and disinfectants were identified. Our research demonstrates the presence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from Arctic habitats and highlights the importance of conservation efforts in these environments, where anthropogenic influence is becoming more evident. Furthermore, our data suggest the possible presence of novel resistance mechanisms, which could pose a threat if the responsible genes are transferable between species or become widespread due to environmental stress and alterations brought about by climate change.

Assessment of water quality and emerging pollutants in two fish species from the mallorquin swamp in the Colombian Caribbean

The Mallorquín Swamp, an important ecosystem in Atlántico, Colombian Caribbean, underwent environmental monitoring at eight points during rainy, transition, and dry seasons. This was to assess water quality, seasonal variation, and the bioaccumulation of metals, emerging pollutants, and organic compounds in the fish Ariopsis canteri and Mugil incilis. Water parameters were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multifactorial ANOVA with the Tukey HSD test for seasonal differences. Normality and variance of the fish results were verified, and differences between groups were evaluated using ANOVA or Kruskal-Walli's method when data transformation failed. Spearman correlation was used to relate the results. Water sampling revealed variations in temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and nutrient levels. Significant differences in alkalinity and hardness were observed across seasons and sample points. The most probable number (MPN) levels of Total coliform and E. coli peaked near areas with domestic wastewater inputs, reaching 5.4x106 and 4.0x106 MPN, respectively, indicating potential microbiological contamination of water. Fish samples revealed high concentrations of persistent substances such as methylmercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and emerging pollutants. Heavy metal analysis showed elevated iron levels (5.28 ± 0.657 mg/L), while emerging pollutants, including ibuprofen (218 μg/L) and naproxen (343.89 μg/L), exhibited high concentrations near human settlements. Ariopsis canteri showed higher bioconcentration tendencies for methylmercury (238.5 ± 100 μg/kg), and acenaphthene (7782 ± 4123.8 μg/kg), possibly influenced by its feeding habits and habitat preferences. In contrast, Mugil incilis exhibited higher bioaccumulation trends of PAH (2376.23 ± 599.63 μg/kg acenaphthene) and emerging pollutants like galaxolide (139.49 ± 34.98 μg/kg), possibly due to its mobility and exposure to various contaminants in their environment. These findings emphasize the need to monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems' health to mitigate anthropogenic influences on water quality and biodiversity. This research serves as a reference for global conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and regulatory frameworks to protect aquatic environments and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Evaluation of water environment quality in a typical wetland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau using positive matrix factorization and self-organizing map

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), the world's largest plateau, harbors rich lake resources but is ecologically fragile. Vulnerable river ecosystems in these areas face significant threats from environmental and anthropogenic pressures. Thus, comprehensive water quality monitoring is essential prior to conservation efforts. This study focuses on the Selin Co International Wetland in Tibet, a model of natural wetland ecosystems. We employed methods including water quality assessment, source apportionment, and clustering analysis to evaluate the water environment. Results from the Water Quality Index (WQI) indicate overall good water quality; however, parameters such as COD, DO, TN, TP, and As require monitoring for potential exceedance. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis reveals that the primary sources of substances are identified as natural sources (37.17%), animal disturbance sources (32.93%), and anthropogenic activities (22.31%). The results of the water source analysis using the PMF and the cluster analysis based on the self-organizing map (SOM) indicate that natural and geographical environmental factors are the primary determinants of water quality, with minimal influence from human activities. This research emphasizes the importance of these natural influences, providing a scientific foundation for the protection and management of wetlands in the QTP, which is critical for ensuring regional water resource security.

Assessment of mangrove health based on pressure–state–response framework in Guangxi Beibu Gulf, China

Mangroves, primarily found along tropical and subtropical coastlines, are crucial ecosystems that offer significant ecological services, including coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support. However, these ecosystems are under severe threat from human activities such as aquaculture, agriculture, and urban development, leading to deforestation and degradation. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the health of mangrove ecosystems using the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model with annual temporal resolution from 2019 to 2023. It consists of three dimensions: Pressure (human activities and natural factors affecting the ecosystem), State (current condition of the ecosystem), and Response (efforts to mitigate adverse effects and restore health). This study incorporates innovative physical and structural parameters alongside traditional indicators to improve the accuracy of the assessment. The method offers advantages such as ease of measurement, low cost, early warning capabilities for ecosystem damage, and high sensitivity to ecological changes. It provides valuable insights for decision-makers and enhances the ability to detect trends in mangrove health over time through a large-scale, multi-temporal analysis. Using remote sensing techniques and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we identified 12 key indicators. The AHP method was used to determine the weight of each indicator, achieving a consistency ratio (CR) of less than 0.1, which ensures the reliability of the assessment. The evaluation included calculating and analysing the Comprehensive Health Index (CHI), Pressure (PHI), State (SHI), and Response (RHI) health indices. Results indicated that the mangrove ecosystems in the Beibu Gulf region were “healthy” state by 2019 through 2022. However, in 2023, the health status declined to “relatively healthy,” indicating a downward trend. In conclusion, this study presents a robust framework for assessing mangrove ecosystem health using the PSR model. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to reverse the declining health trend and ensure the long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems in the Beibu Gulf.

Reference-based genome assembly and comparative genomics of Calamus Brandisii Becc. for unveiling sex-specific genes for early gender detection.

Calamus brandisii Becc. is an endangered rattan species indigenous to the Western Ghats of India and used in the furniture and handicraft industries. However, its dioecious nature and longer flowering time pose challenges for conservation efforts. Developing markers for early gender detection in seedlings is crucial for maintaining viable populations for in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Currently, no sex chromosomes or gender-specific genes have been reported in the species. We report the first comprehensive comparative genomics study between the male and female genomes of C. brandisii to identify polymorphisms and potential genes for gender determination. Reference-based assembly was conducted and the male and female genomes were predicted to contain 43,810 and 50,493 protein-coding genes respectively. The haploid genome size was ∼691Mb and ∼884Mb for male and female genomes respectively. Comparative analysis revealed significant genetic variation between the two genomes including 619,776 SNPs, 73,659 InDels, 212,123 Structural variants (SVs) and 305 copy number variations (CNVs). A total of 5 male-specific and 11 female-specific genes linked to the sex determining region was predicted. The genomic variants identified between the two genomes could be used in development of markers for early gender identification in C. brandisii for restoration programs. The gender-specific genes identified in this study also provide new insights into the mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation in rattans.

The interplay of drought, human–wildlife conflict and food security: Insights from rural Zimbabwe

AbstractThe frequency and severity of drought has been increasing in Southern Africa against the backdrop of an increase in the population of both humans and wildlife, most notably elephants. This has increased the incidents of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) due to competition for food and water, further complicating both conservation efforts and food security for farmer‐households juxtaposed to wildlife corridors. We seek insights into these issues by examining the role of drought in inducing HWC in rural Zimbabwe and investigate the effect of HWC on the food‐security status of rural households. We utilise data from the 2023 nationally representative survey of rural Zimbabwean households in this endeavour. To avoid the confounding problem associated with self‐selection into a HWC household and taking into account the count nature of our outcome variable, we employ the endogenous switching regression model with count data. The results provide three major insights. First, drought occurrence increases the likelihood of HWC among rural farmer‐households. Second, HWC increases rural household vulnerability to food insecurity. Finally, the HWC shock is inconsequential on farmer‐household food insecurity if the farmer‐household has already suffered the drought shock.

Enhancing felid conservation: Exploring the impact of invitro culture media on domestic cat blastocyst production.

This study investigated the optimization of assisted reproductive techniques for wild felid conservation, focusing on invitro procedures using the domestic cat as a model species. The research evaluated the impact of three different invitro culture media on blastocyst formation. Oocytes and spermatozoa were collected and processed, followed by invitro fertilization and culture. Results returned a similar blastocyst rate (ANOVA, p > .05), over 16% across all groups. While demonstrating the potential of these techniques, further investigations are warranted to evaluate embryo quality to refine optimal protocols and their applicability in felid conservation efforts.

Community identification and carbon storage monitoring of Heritiera littoralis with UAV hyperspectral imaging

The Heritiera littoralis, an important rare semi-mangrove species found in coastal protective forests, plays a crucial role in carbon storage and cycling within mangrove wetland ecosystems. Despite its importance, previous studies have overlooked remote monitoring of its carbon storage. Taking the world’s oldest and largest natural community of H. littoralis in Shenzhen, China, as the study area, this research pioneers the use of UAV hyperspectral imaging to identify the H. littoralis community and estimate its above-ground, below-ground, and total carbon storage. The impacts of five geo-environmental factors (elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation communities, and inland distance from the coastline) on the spatial variability of carbon storage using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) methods were also investigated. The results demonstrate that the first derivative bands within the red edge and near-infrared regions, the anthocyanin reflectance index 2 (ARI2) and newly-developed three-band VIs, were sensitive features for community identification and carbon storage estimation within the H. littoralis community. Among the four machine learning models (eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Logistic Regression (LR)), the best identification accuracy for the H. littoralis community was achieved by XGBoost. Among the four machine learning models (XGBoost, RF, SVM and kernel ridge regression (KRR)), RF model achieved the best performance in estimating above-ground (R2 = 0.749, RMSE=1.723 kg/m2, EV (explained variance) = 0.704), below-ground (R2 = 0.636, RMSE=0.6 kg/m2, EV=0.606) and total carbon storage (R2 = 0.613, RMSE=2.592 kg/m2, EV=0.597). SHAP and MGWR analysis showed that elevation and inland distance from the coastline were key factors influencing the spatial variability of carbon storage. In conclusion, this study showcases significant advantages in community identification and carbon storage monitoring of rare mangrove communities, providing valuable insights for biodiversity conservation efforts and management within the H. littoralis ecosystem.

Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed a Lack of Risk Perception by Native Tadpoles Toward Novel Non-Native Fish.

The introduction of alien species poses a serious threat to native biodiversity, and mountain lake systems in the southwest of China are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of non-native fish. The prey naivety hypothesis states that native species may not be able to recognize novel introduced species due to a lack of common evolutionary background and therefore become easy targets, so the impacts of non-native fish on mountain endemic amphibians need to be urgently assessed. In an ex-situ experiment, we exposed the tadpoles of the Chaochiao Brown Frog (Rana chaochiaoensis), endemic to western China, to kairomones of both native and translocated fish species, and their phenotypic and genetic response patterns were compared. The results revealed significant phenotypic plasticity responses in total length (TOL), tail length (TL), and tail muscle width (TW) of tadpoles induced by native fish kairomone, while tadpoles exposed to translocated fish kairomone exhibited weaker phenotypic changes. At the transcriptional level, the number of differently expressed genes (DEGs) in the native fish treatment was 3.1-fold (liver) and 52.6-fold (tail muscle) higher than in the translocated fish treatment, respectively. There were more unique DEGs in the native fish treatment, primarily enriched in terms and pathways related to stress response, energy metabolism, and muscle development. The study revealed a lack of risk perception by native tadpoles toward novel non-native fish, providing new evidence for the prey naivety hypothesis from both phenotypic and molecular perspectives. Future conservation efforts should prioritize assessing the impacts of non-native fish on alpine and subalpine threatened and narrowly distributed amphibians. Additionally, prevention, early warning, monitoring, and removal of non-native fish should be carried out as soon as possible.

Remote-Sensed Determination of Spatiotemporal Properties of Drought and Assessment of Influencing Factors in Ordos, China

Ordos drought impacts are complex; the Geodetector model is able to explore the interaction between impact factors. Based on the drought severity index (DSI), this study explored the spatio-temporal dynamics and changing trends of drought, and analyzed the driving factors of DSI spatial differentiation by using the Geodetector model. The results show that: the evapotranspiration (ET) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in Ordos showed a significant increasing trend (p < 0.05). The increasing rates were ET (4.291 mm yr−1) and NDVI (0.004 yr−1). In addition, the interannual variation of the DSI also showed a significant increase, with a trend change rate of 0.089. The spatial pattern of ET and the NDVI was low in the southwest and high in the northeast, and the spatial pattern of potential evapotranspiration (PET) was high in the southwest and low in the northeast, while the distribution of the DSI was dry in the west and wet in the east. The spatial differentiation of the DSI was mainly affected by five factors: air temperature, precipitation, land use type, soil type, and the digital elevation model (DEM), with q exceeding 0.15, which were the main driving factors of drought in the Loess Plateau. Under the interaction of multiple factors, the four combinations of temperature and the DEM, precipitation and the DEM, sunshine duration and the DEM, and relative humidity and the DEM jointly drive drought, in which precipitation (0.156) ∩ DEM (0.248) has the strongest influence on drought occurrence, and q reaches 0.389. This study directly informs specific drought management strategies or ecological conservation efforts in the region.

Linking resource selection to population performance spatially to identify species' habitat across broad scales: An example of greater sage-grouse in a distinct population segment.

Management decisions often focus on the habitat selection of marked individuals without considering the contribution to demographic performance in selected habitats. Because habitat selection is not always adaptive, understanding the spatial relationship between habitat selection and demographic performance is critical to management decisions. Mapping both habitat selection and demographic performance for species of conservation concern can help guide population-scale conservation efforts. We demonstrate a quantitative approach to differentiate areas supporting selection and survival at large spatial extents. As a case study, we applied this approach to greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage-grouse), an indicator species for sagebrush ecosystems. We evaluated both habitat selection and survival across multiple reproductive life stages (nesting, brood-rearing) in the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment, a genetically distinct and geographically isolated population of sage-grouse on the southwestern edge of the species' range. Our approach allowed us to identify both mismatches between selection and survival and trade-offs between reproductive life stages. These findings suggest resource demands vary across time, with predation risk being a dominant driver of habitat selection during nesting and early brood-rearing periods when chicks are smaller and flightless, whereas access to forage resources becomes more important during late brood rearing when resources become increasingly limited. Moving beyond identifying and managing habitat solely based on species occupancy or use by incorporating demographic measures allows managersto tailor actions to their specific goals; for example, protections of areas that support high selection and high survival and restoration actions focused on increasing survival in areas of high selection and low survival.

The species diversity and phylogenetic structure patterns of desert plant communities in the Turpan-Hami region, Xinjiang

Desert plant communities play a crucial role in enhancing desert ecosystem productivity and stability but are highly susceptible to environmental changes owing to their limited resilience and resistance to disturbances, making it essential to understand the factors influencing their diversity patterns and community structure, particularly under the threat of climate change and intensifying droughts. This study focused on the Turpan-Hami desert region, a typical desert ecosystem in which diversity patterns and community structures remain unclear. We established 101 sampling sites ranging from elevations of -134 to 2056m and recorded community information, including species composition, height, coverage, and density, using the sample plot method. The diversity patterns were analyzed using regression analysis, and the phylogenetic structure was assessed. Additionally, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Mantel tests, and General Linear Models were used to identify the key factors affecting community structure. Our results demonstrated that the species richness and phylogenetic diversity of plant communities exhibited a monotonic increase with elevation, and the phylogenetic structure exhibited low clustering and high dispersion along the elevational gradient. The annual mean temperature emerged as the most significant factor influencing diversity patterns, with soil nutrients, such as total potassium and available phosphorus, also affecting the spatial distribution of diversity. Notably, no significant correlations were found between community phylogenetic structure and abiotic factors, highlighting the complex interactions that drive diversity in the Turpan-Hami region. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms shaping desert plant community diversity and is essential for biodiversity conservation efforts in fragile desert ecosystems amid climate change.

Reciprocal regulation between rural settlement expansion and human-elephant conflict in China's wild elephant range

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and its socioeconomic impacts are a pressing global issue. Accurately quantifying HWCs and their interaction with residential development is crucial for rural revitalization and biodiversity conservation efforts. This study investigates the interplay between rural residential expansion (RRE) with human-elephant conflict (HEC) in southern Yunnan Province using high-accuracy yearly land use/land cover data and Asian elephant accident data. A piecewise regression along with several metrics, including expansion intensity and rate of rural residential land, and residential density, were employed to analyze the spatial-temporal change characteristics of RRE. Then, a geographical detector and a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model were used to reveal the driving mechanisms of RRE, with particular emphasis on the spatial relations between RRE and HECs. The results indicate that HECs had a significant negative impact on RRE, exhibiting higher expansion intensity and rate of rural residential land in non-HEC areas than in HEC areas. High spatiotemporal consistency between accelerated RRE and intensified HECs occurred from 2010 onwards, which aligns with the year when the trend of settlement area expansion changed. RRE activities and ensuing land use conversions led to increased occurrences of HECs, which negatively affected the RRE. Compared to HECs, topography and locational factors exhibited a secondary effect on RRE activities. The findings underscore reciprocal feedback mechanisms between RRE and HECs and the elevated risk of adverse interactions between humans and elephants within the range of China's wild elephants, providing theoretical support for coordinating conservation initiatives for Asian elephants with rural revitalization in the border areas of Southwest China.

Characteristics and evaluation of recycled waste PVCs as a filler in composite structures: Validation through simulation and experimental methods

Solar Cell as a renewable energy utilization in today's era is considered a suitable choice due to encompass sustainability, environmental preservation, and energy processing efficiency. Solar cells have a finite lifespan that need replacement to maintain energy absorption efficiency. Unfortunately, discarded materials are often underutilized or improperly disposed of. In this study, used photovoltaic solar cell materials are explored as reinforcements in composites. The results showed that 4 % cell filler specimen exhibited highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) with 51.43 MPa. Followed by Compression strength with 35.38 MPa and flexural strength with 45.54 MPa. SEM/EDS analysis of PV filler specimens revealed the dominance of Carbon (C) and Silica (Si) materials, comprising over 60 %. FT-IR analysis indicated varying compound bond intensities affecting polymerization and material strength under applied forces. Simulation results showed a difference of <2 % when compared to experimental testing outcomes. The current study benefited in environmental conservation efforts through waste reduction and the reuse of recycled materials and are listed in several applications such as in wind turbine, structures, lightweight laminates, automotive structures, and sport equipment.

Updated distribution and new emerging populations of Cynometracebuensis F. Seid. (Fabaceae), a critically endangered endemic plant from the Philippines.

Cynometracebuensis F. Seid. is an endemic and threatened tree from the Philippines. The species was previously described to exclusively thrive in the Tabunan Forest of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. Due to its narrow geographic distribution and threats from land conversion, slash-and-burn activities and non-regulated wood harvesting by locals, C.cebuensis was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1a and B1b (as well as B2a and B2b) of the IUCN Red List in 2013. The present study provides new additional locations of C.cebuensis in the Municipalities of Argao and Minglanilla in Cebu along with population data and habitat characteristics for each site. Although new populations of C.cebuensis were discovered, it remains at significant risk of extinction in its natural habitat. Urgent and comprehensive conservation efforts are imperative to prevent its extinction. This paper provides the updated distribution map of Cynometracebuensis F. Seid, a critically endangered endemic species in the Philippines showing five (5) distribution records.