Endangered Research Articles

Short-term sustainable collection of eggs and nestlings of the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris)

Context Extinction rates for Australian species are a major concern that requires new approaches to conserving species. Sustainable collecting, which is taking individuals of a species from the wild without affecting overall population numbers, has emerged as one method of placing a value on endangered species, that can help protect them from extinction. Aims We evaluated a case study to sustainably collect an endangered cockatoo species, Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris). Methods A 3-year program was conducted where Carnaby’s cockatoo eggs or nestlings were collected from the wild, hand reared and a sub-set sold on the domestic aviculture market to drive down prices and reduce incentives for poaching. Key results Fledging success of the source population was not significantly different from unharvested populations (χ2 = 3.02, d.f. = 2, P = 0.221). The unit market price of Carnaby’s cockatoos decreased from AUD4500 in 1996 to AUD2800 in 2018 (AUD1658 in 1996 dollar terms adjusted for inflation) following the program (P < 0.001). There were other possible explanations for the fall in market price, which occurred concomitant with this study, and limited data available on poaching showed no difference in the number of poaching cases before and after the program. Conclusions We demonstrated that Carnaby’s cockatoos can be sustainably harvested from the wild in the short-term, but only with the benefit of sound knowledge of the species’ ecology. Implications This program is the first study to show that an endangered cockatoo species can be successfully collected from the wild.

The first morphological and molecular identification of Quilonia sp. (Nematoda: Strongylidae) from wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in China.

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is classified as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In China, approximately 300 individuals remain in the wild. Parasitic infections are significant concerns both human and animal medicine, especially within wildlife. However, there are currently no photomicrographs and genetic data available for parasites from wild Asian elephants in China. In order to preliminarily investigate parasitic infections of the wild Asian elephants in China, we collected faecal samples from a wild, vagrant male elephant for this study. Here, we provided photomicrographs with larval Quilonia sp.. Concurrently, the partial ITS (internal transcribed spacer) gene of Quilonia sp. was cloned, sequenced using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique, and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. Morphological identification of Quilonia sp. was conducted, revealing a rod-like anterior structure, short esophagus, tapered tail, thick cuticle, and a length exceeding 500μm. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that BND-ITS (ITS gene of the specimen) belongs to the Quilonia sp.. The present study also will enhance the current understanding of the taxonomy of Quilonia sp., support long-term health monitoring of Asian elephants in China, and contribute to future genomic studies.

Engaging Sustainable Reforestation and Forest Protection in the Wallacea Line, Indonesia

The Wallacea region of Indonesia has high biodiversity and highly unique and endangered species. Its terrestrial ecosystems have unique flora and fauna found nowhere else. Nevertheless, the strategy for protecting and conserving the Wallacea ecosystem is like that in other parts of Indonesia, since it refers to the national forest and environmental regulations. The uniqueness of the Wallacea ecosystem does not reflect the extraordinary efforts of protecting and conserving the region’s pristine ecosystem. The continuing decline of the forestland and expansions of agricultural lands have indicated the need for a more fundamental and integrative approach to conserving and protecting the Wallacea ecosystem, particularly forestlands. We use the actor-centered power (ACP) approach or ideas and use the Wallacea Line to highlight how this idea is contested and confronted with the dynamics of complex societies and ecosystems. The ACP approach is the most widely used one in the implementation of the community forest (CF) program in Indonesia. The CF program is one of Indonesia’s community-based forest management schemes that empowers local communities to manage state forests sustainably. We chose two national parks established in the Wallacea region, Mutis on Timor Island and Matalawa on Sumba Island, to elaborate further on the development, conservation, and changes that occurred within that landscape. The ACP approach, in line with the spirit of the decentralization era, has mixed consequences for forest management and the biodiversity of the Wallacea region. Regarding the specific characteristics of the Wallacea region and lessons learned from the ACP approach implementation in the CF program, we then propose a sustainable model of reforestation and forest protection that applies the principle of “unity in diversity,” where all actors involved have space for the growth of creativity and positive contributions to sustainable forest protection.

Investigation on Rational Utilization of Medicinal Plant Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang Leaf and Bark at Different Developmental Stages

Background:Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang is an extremely valuable and endangered medicinal plant. To investigate the exploitation and rational utilization of S. cathayensis, this study conducted metabolomics analysis of the leaves and bark of artificially cultivated S. cathayensis at different developmental stages. Methods: These metabolites were detected and identified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology, and then univariate statistical analyses, multivariate pattern analyses, and pathway analyses were carried out. Results: As a result, a total of 801 metabolites were detected in S. cathayensis; differential metabolites in leaves at different developmental stages were mainly enriched in pathways related to flavonoids, whereas differential metabolites in bark at different developmental stages were mainly aromatic compounds, amino acids, and flavonoids, among others. This study revealed that young leaves are ideal for use in treating rheumatism, regulating blood pressure, and lowering blood glucose, while old leaves are better suited for skincare products and extracting materials to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and support women’s ovarian health. As for bark, four-year-old S. cathayensis bark is optimal for extracting myricetin. If the pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and industrial fields require extensive extraction of L-phenylalanine, trans-3-hydroxycinnamate, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, and if the medical field needs to extract anti-allergy, liver protection, and anti-coagulant ingredients, the two-year-old S. cathayensis bark is the best choice. Conclusions: Thus, this study established a solid theoretical framework for the rational, effective, and sustainable utilization of S. cathayensis leaves and bark.

Sharks in Macaronesia and Cabo Verde: species richness, conservation status and anthropogenic pressures

The northeast Atlantic Ocean contains multiple habitats considered critical for shark conservation, including nursery areas, migratory corridors and aggregation sites. In this context, updating knowledge on shark diversity and the threats affecting them in this region is essential to defining priorities and implementing the right management and conservation measures. Here, we show that Macaronesian and Cabo Verde marine ecoregions are home to 78 shark species (comprising 26 families), and 56% are threatened with extinction. The Canary Islands revealed the greatest richness (with 56 species), followed by Cabo Verde (53), Madeira (52), and the Azores (45). Cabo Verde presents fewer similarities with the rest of the islands. We also found that: i) Azores share more species with the Canary Islands than Madeira (despite the greater geographical proximity with the latter), and ii) there are no oviparous species in the Cabo Verde archipelago, contrary to the Canary Islands (5), the Azores (4), and Madeira (3). Fishing and habitat degradation are the most relevant anthropogenic pressures for the region, with Cabo Verde having the highest number of endangered species (66%) and a greater magnitude and diversity of threats. As such, this archipelago presents the highest priority area for shark conservation due to the intense industrial fishing in its waters, poor management measures in combination with its greater vulnerability to climate change.

Cryopreserved sperm does not affect larval ontogeny and quality in Rhamdia quelen.

Fish sperm cryopreservation is an important technique for optimizing juvenile production in aquaculture stations and laboratories and contributing to the conservation of endangered species. Despite its benefits, the cryopreservation process can cause cellular damage, affecting spermatozoa quality and offspring viability. This study aimed to evaluate the larval development of jundiá Rhamdia quelen originating from cryopreserved sperm. Larvae were obtained from artificial reproduction using oocyte samples from four females combined with fresh (Control) or cryopreserved/thawed sperm. The semen was diluted in the cryoprotective solution (1:3 ratio) consisting of skimmed milk powder (5%), methanol (10%), and fructose (5%), and was packaged into 0.25mL straws. The straws were then stored and cooled in liquid nitrogen vapor for 18h. The straws were individually warmed in a water bath at 25°C for 10s to thaw the samples. The experiments were performed in triplicates. Sperm quality, fertilization, hatching, and larval development were evaluated. After larval hatching, six larval collections were performed (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25days after hatching), and 15 larvae were sampled per collection per treatment. Cryopreservation reduced sperm motility (70.48 ± 7.70 fresh to 41.36 ± 4.80 cryopreserved semen), progressivity (3874 fresh to 2505 cryopreserved semen), and beat cross frequency (55.83 ± 155 fresh to 50.22 ± 190 cryopreserved semen). Increased the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology and increased most sperm pathologies. Furthermore, the fertilization rate was lower in the cryopreserved group (63.1 ± 18, and 83.72 ± 7.59 for fresh semen), while hatching was not different between groups (65.3 ± 18.05 fresh, 48.89 ± 21.77 cryopreserved semen) Otherwise, the initial larval development morphology showed no difference in the appearance of structures such as the presence of the vitelline structure, pigmentation pattern, development of the anal pore, embryonic membrane, eye, barbells, notochord flexion, and fin rays, for both treatments. There was no significant difference in the frequency of structures between larvae from fresh and cryopreserved/thawed sperm, revealing a similar developmental pattern in both treatments. In conclusion, the cryopreservation protocol affects sperm quality; however, those sperm able to fertilize the oocytes originate normal larvae with regular larval development of R. quelen up to 25days old.

In vitro micropropagation protocols for two endangered Dianthus species - via in vitro culture for conservation and recultivation purposes

BackgroundD. giganteiformis subsp. pontederae and D. superbus subsp. superbus are protected or critically endangered species in several European regions; therefore, developing an efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol is essential for germplasm conservation and recultivation purposes.ResultsAfter germination, one-nodal segments of both species were transferred onto several MS media supplemented with 3% sucrose and different types of cytokinins (at a concentration of 4.5 µM) alongside 0.54 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for the multiplication phase for 3 weeks. The shoot clusters were subsequently transferred onto elongation medium (plant growth regulator-free MS medium) for 3 weeks. Individual shoots separated from the shoot clusters were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.54 µM NAA and 2% sucrose for 3 weeks for rooting. Taking into account the effects and after-effects of cytokinins, we found that the most suitable cytokinin for D. giganteiformis subsp. pontederae was N-(2-isopentenyl)-adenine (2-iP), while for D. superbus subsp. superbus it was meta-topolin (mT).ConclusionsIn vitro micropropagation methods were developed for two endangered Dianthus species (D. giganteiformis subsp. pontederae and D. superbus subsp. superbus) by determining the optimal type of cytokinin to be used during the multiplication phase. The protocols are designed to produce large quantities of propagation material for recultivation, educational, and research purposes within three months.

Linking Gut Microbiota and Stereotypic Behavior of Endangered Species Under Ex Situ Conservation: First Evidence from Sun Bears

Integrative conservation research on animal behavior and nutritional health can contribute to the ex situ conservation of endangered species. Stereotypic behavior, a repetitive behavior without practical function, is associated with animal welfare in its manner and frequency for captive animals. Exploring the potential relationship between stereotypic behavior and internal factors, such as intestinal flora, could improve ex situ conservation, especially for endangered species. In this study, we analyzed the typical behavior characteristics of the endangered sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) under captive conditions based on the behavior sampling method. The seasonal and annual changes in the intestinal flora of H. malayanus in captivity were studied by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology based on non-invasive fecal sample collection. This study provides the first evidence of a potential association between the gut microbiota and stereotypic behavior characteristics of captive H. malayanus. The results can significantly improve our understanding of the stereotypical behavior of H. malayanus in captivity and contribute to the captive breeding and conservation efforts of this endangered species.

Restoring Halodule uninervis: evaluating planting methods and biodiversity

Seagrass provides a crucial habitat for numerous marine species and serves as a vital food source for endangered species, like dugongs. While extensive research on restoration has been conducted on certain temperate and slow‐growing climax seagrass species, limited attention has been given to tropical pioneer species. This study aimed to assess and compare two restoration methods for the pioneer seagrass Halodule uninervis and evaluate their potential for biodiversity recovery after planting. We conducted a field experiment at subtropical Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique, testing the efficiency of two planting methods (plugs and single shoots) and two planting densities (~100 and ~300 shoots/m2). We monitored seagrass shoot density in two sites for 16 months, and benthic macrofauna density for 12 months. Results demonstrated that seagrass could grow in all combinations of planting methods and densities in both sites. Specifically, the single shoot method at the high‐density treatment proved the most effective, resulting in approximately 1000 shoots/m2 within a year. Faunal densities, primarily dominated by polychaetes followed by malacostraca, bivalves, and gastropods, indicated rapid colonization of the planted areas, especially in the high‐density treatments. Our findings suggest that restoring H. uninervis is feasible using the two tested planting methods. This is particularly significant because H. uninervis is a preferred dugong food source, and its decline due to anthropogenic activities could be reversed through restoration efforts. Nonetheless, conserving existing seagrass should be the primary focus, and restoration approaches should be employed as a valuable tool for managing coastal areas.

Post-Fishing Ban Period: The Fish Diversity and Community Structure in the Poyang Lake Basin, Jiangxi Province, China

Between 2022 and 2023, four systematic fish surveys were carried out in the Poyang Lake basin (PLB), capturing 49,192 fish (7017 kg) and identifying 120 species from 10 orders, 21 families, and 70 genera. Cypriniformes were the most dominant, accounting for 79 species. The spring and autumn surveys collected 25,734 and 23,458 individuals, respectively, with corresponding biomasses of 3978 kg and 3038 kg. Dominant species (IRI > 1000) in the study area included Hemiculter leucisculus, Megalobrama skolkovii, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and Aristichthys nobilis. Additionally, critically endangered species such as Ochetobius elongatus, Myxocyprinus asiaticus, and Acipenser sinensis as well as exotic species like Cirrhinus mrigala and euryhaline species like Cynoglossus gracilis and Hyporhamphus intermedius were observed. Hierarchical clustering grouped the survey stations into three distinct areas (PYS, XBMS, and XBUS), with the ANOSIM analysis showing highly significant differences (R = 0.893, p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that in spring, total phosphorus (TP) and temperature were the main factors influencing variability (80.50%), while in autumn, temperature, oil, and pH were the key factors (75.20%). This study emphasizes the predictable changes in fish community composition caused by environmental gradients and highlights the need for ongoing monitoring to effectively manage and protect the ecosystem, particularly in the post-fishing ban period.

Complex Seed Dormancy in Parrotia subaequalis: Identification, Breaking Mechanisms, and Conservation Strategies for an Endangered Species in China

Parrotia subaequalis, an endangered plant unique to China, is highly valued for its significant ecological and ornamental value. The specific type of seed dormancy in this species has not been clearly reported, which limits its natural regeneration and artificial propagation, posing a challenge to its conservation and sustainable use. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the seed dormancy mechanism of P. subaequalis and explored various methods to break dormancy, including cold and warm stratification, after-ripening, seed coat removal, and hormone soaking. Our analysis of the seeds’ physical properties, water absorption patterns, seed coat structure, embryo development, and endogenous inhibitors revealed that P. subaequalis seeds exhibit complex characteristics of physical and non-deep physiological dormancy. Experimental results showed that soaking the seeds in gibberellin (GA3) followed by seed coat removal effectively promoted germination. The optimal GA3 concentration for germination was 800 mg·L−1. Additionally, cold and warm stratification and after-ripening treatments significantly increased the germination percentage. These findings provide important technical support for dormancy release and seedling growth, which is crucial for the artificial propagation and population recovery of P. subaequalis.

Short‐term impacts of selective logging on forest elephants

AbstractAlthough forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are known to use logged forests, the impact of selective logging on this critically endangered species has never been well established. Considering the potential of some logged areas to serve as other effective area‐based conservation measures, aligning with the Convention on Biological Diversity's 30/30 initiative, we aimed to assess the short‐term impacts of logging on three population parameters: the presence, abundance, and activity of forest elephants. Combining camera traps and dung surveys before and after logging operations, we assessed the response of forest elephants in a certified timber concession in Gabon. Encouragingly, we found no negative effects of logging on the three population parameters studied. There was no discernible change in the presence of elephants after logging, and their abundance actually increased (relative abundance index from 1.56 to 2.59; p‐value 0.0139) at one of the study sites. Activity patterns were also unaffected, showing sustained activity during daylight hours. We also identified the logging‐associated factors that have significantly influenced forest elephant's abundance. Notably, logging intensity, as measured by the average number of trees harvested per hectare, and road density were positively correlated with the number of forest elephant observations (logging intensity effect: 0.2992, p‐value 0.035; road density effect: 0.3628, p‐value 0.060). As global conservation goals evolve, this research provides important insights into the coexistence of well‐managed industrial activities and the conservation of endangered species, highlighting the need to include responsibly managed timber concessions in future conservation strategies. It also underscores the importance of wider adoption of sustainable practices such as low‐impact logging, promoted by certification schemes such as FSC or PEFC, to secure the future of central African forests and their unique wildlife.

Comparative Population Genomics Reveal the Determinants of Genome Erosion in Two Sympatric Neotropical Falcons.

Studying genetic diversity in endangered species has become an important component of conservation science over the past decades. Thanks to recent developments in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, genetic parameters of conservation relevance such as neutral and functional genome-wide variation are now routinely estimated. Since inbreeding and deleterious mutations represent significant threats to small and declining populations, assessing the dynamics of these parameters has received particular attention in many recent conservation genomics studies. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Martin etal. analyse the genomes of two Neotropical falcon species to assess the impact of their contrasting population histories on genome-wide diversity. They show that the Orange-breasted falcon which has had a low long-term population size and has experienced recent population bottlenecks is more inbred but has relatively fewer deleterious variations compared to its sister taxon, the Bat falcon, which is characterised by a larger long-term population size. This study not only provides insights into the role of past demography on the dynamics of deleterious variation in two species with contrasting population histories but also highlights the increasing importance of comparative approaches in population and conservation genomics.

Annotated checklist of the marine ichthyofauna of Mauritania from shallow-water habitats and artisanal fish markets

Due to their location in a strong upwelling area, Mauritanian waters are one of the most nutrient‑rich and productive areas in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. On the Mauritanian coast, a remarkably high biodiversity consisting of tropical, subtropical, and temperate species with overlapping distributions can be found. This study reports 104 fish species from 53 different families from this area. Overall, the findings indicate Mauritanian waters as a coastal area with high biodiversity and occurrences of several critically endangered elasmobranch species such as Sphyrna lewini (Griffith & Smith, 1834) and Glaucostegus cemiculus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817). Moreover, this survey indicated an urgent need for updates concerning the IUCN Red List classification of several Mauritanian species, which serve as an essential income source for artisanal fishermen in Mauritania.

Delineating the environmental justice implications of an experimental cheetah introduction project in India

Project Cheetah in Kuno National Park was initiated to establish a population of African cheetahs in India due to the Asiatic subspecies’ extinction in the country since the 1950s. The project has received criticism from international conservationists for lacking conservation and scientific merit. Conservationists, particularly from India and South Africa, have raised concerns regarding the ecological criteria guiding its decision-making and concerns regarding a lack of scientific evidence in addition to potential political motivations. The concerns raised by the international community suggest that the project may not solely focus on conserving the African cheetah, which is classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but could be guided by other agendas outside of conservation. Several cheetahs have died in the project’s couple of years, raising ethical concerns regarding the cheetahs’ welfare and high mortality rates demonstrated thus far, in addition to the perceived unjust social impacts on local stakeholders. In this perspective piece, we use Project Cheetah as a case study to exemplify broader issues applicable to rewilding and restoration projects that necessitate attention by proponents and authorities responsible for issuing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) import and export permits.

A theory of change to improve conservation outcomes through CITES

Understanding the effectiveness of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is critical to addressing international environmental issues. Here we articulate the implied theory of change (ToC) underpinning the design and operation of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), based on an analysis of the Convention’s documented evolution. We use this as a framework to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Convention, with respect to its stated aims, using a range of theoretical and empirical insights. Although achieving success in various ways, CITES is proving ineffective at deterring illegal and/or unsustainable exploitation of many listed species for international trade, which we attribute to implementation and compliance issues and the Convention’s design, including a principal focus on deterrence through state-led law enforcement. Informed by this analysis we develop a modified ToC which could support more effective implementation of CITES. This ToC is intended for application at the species level and incorporates an in-depth examination of the social-ecological systems (SESs) within which species are harvested, used, and traded. This species-system ToC explicitly considers formal and informal institutions, and the use of institutional diagnostics to inform potential revisions to institutional arrangements along supply chains. We argue that taking this approach when considering whether and how to implement trade measures under CITES could enhance the effectiveness of these measures in reducing overexploitation and support legal, traceable, and more ecologically and socially sustainable international trade in wild species. Finally, we highlight the role that CITES could play in the broader global biodiversity governance regime; better alignment with other relevant MEAs could lead to more effective biodiversity conservation overall.

Urban Flora Biodiversity of Some Continental Cities of the Po Plain (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy)

Urban flora is a more and more interesting research subject, in light of the ongoing environmental change and biological homogenisation, since urban contexts are much more diversified that natural ones and, therefore, they offer much more colonisation possibilities to allochthonous species or unexpected refuges for endangered species. We have, therefore, added our own contribution by analysing the spontaneous vascular flora of 7 cities of the Emilia-Romagna Po Plain (northern Italy), one of the more culturally and economically developed areas in Europe. The global floristic list was 1305 species, spanning from 432 to 756 species in each individual city; 219 of them were constantly present in all cities examined. A notable richness in phytosociological classes (43 out of 75 known for the entire national territory) was observed. Therophytes were 35.4% of the spectrum, followed by hemicryptophytes, phanerophytes and geophytes. Eurasian and Mediterranean species dominated (average values 30 and 27%, respectively); exotic species were 26.8%, in line with the strong floristic pollution of Emilia-Romagna, with neophytes always prevailing over archaeophytes. Among neophytes, 44.8% came from the Americas and 26.2% from Asia. Some hydro-hygrophilous and halophilous species were found, owing to the presence of watercourses crossing the urban areas and coastal wetlands bordering one of the towns. The species new for the flora of Italy or Emilia-Romagna were 32, of which 24 were allochthonous. The species protected at a regional or national level were hardly present, which is normal in artificial environments. Despite the inevitable differences in exploration intensity and effort, this synthesis offers a picture of the contribution given by anthropogenic habitats to the global biological richness of the territory.

Environmental Ethics in Sub-Saharan African Literature through Myths and Legends

This paper aims to demonstrate how Language, Culture and Environment are linked. It examines the relationship between the Environmental Ethics and the Sub-Saharan African Literature. That is, how do Myths and Legends inspire the respect of the Environmental Ethics in Sub-Saharan Cultures. The method consists of an Anthropological Analysis of some African Myths and Legends from Scholars and other Authors who wrote on African Literature to illustrate the fact that, they carry Rules that govern Environmental Ethics and values that deals with our relationship with the physical milieu around us and how Myths permit to avoid pollution and ensure the protection of the endangered species. A Comparative Study of some Myths, in cultural Contexts, different from the Sub-Saharan one, indicates how Anthropocentric and Ecocide, Myths are. The result is the reality that, most of environmental Problems faced by the Humanity nowadays, are Anthropogenic. The Theoretical approach here is the Cultural Ecology to demonstrate how human adaptation to the natural Environment takes place by the Use of Cultural mechanisms. As a Result, the Paper demonstrate how Sub-Saharan African Literature is Environmentalist for Myths and Legends, constitute Charter for societies concerning Nature. They are Cultural Adaptation to natural Environment. They are adaptive Strategies for people to survive in their natural Environment. They convey messages concerning Rules that govern peoples’ behaviour with social and natural environment. There is a harmony or an interdependence between People and their geographical Milieu. Through Myths and Legends, Sub-Saharan African Literature constitute a School of Ecology. Because, the advocate for a Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, through their beliefs systems. Myths and Legends carry Environmental Ethics. They are cultural strategies for the respect of Environmental values; they communicate fundamental conceptions of nature and society and how people ought to relate and behave with natural environment. The paper demonstrates how the perturbation of Sub-Saharan African Language and Beliefs System by the western Imperialism, disturbed the relationships between people and their physical milieu and how the Environmental Ethics has been demoted, as the result of that fact.

Breeding fat-tailed dunnarts (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) in captivity: Revised practices to minimize stress whilst maintaining considerations of wild biology.

The fat-tailed dunnart is a small dasyurid marsupial which is emerging as a robust laboratory model for conservation, developmental, and reproductive biology research. While these marsupials present extremely valuable models, housing non-domesticated animals in captivity can present a wide range of potential stressors for the animals, which need to be managed to ensure colony health. Notably, dunnarts rely on scent marking for social communication, which is important to maintain to reduce stress in artificial environments. In this study, we examine captive management techniques and provide updated recommendations which consider both scientific and conservation outcomes. Through ongoing management, we observe that recapitulating aspects of a natural environment has a significant impact on stress reduction and improving the overall reproductive fitness of captive-bred colonies. Moreover, our study provides evidence for preferred cage base substrate types, and quantification of stress caused by the cadence of enclosure cleaning using fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels as an indicator of stress. The study underscores the significance of population management in captive breeding programs, advocating for maintaining genetic diversity and meticulous record-keeping. We have further refined best practice for managing captively bred dunnart colonies, outlining guidelines for enclosure requirements, handling, cleaning, feeding, and lighting during breeding. Overall, the research aims to improve the health and productivity of captive fat-tailed dunnarts, ensuring their continued contribution as a valuable laboratory-based marsupial model and aiding in the conservation of related endangered species, while meeting a balance between maintenance of strict hygiene and alignment with wild-life history.

Environmental DNA supports importance of heterogeneous pond landscapes for arthropod diversity conservation

AbstractFreshwater ponds host diverse arthropod communities, but conservation frameworks are scarce. Heterogeneous pond mosaics of various sizes and successional stages can develop during raw material extraction in mining sites, acting as refugia for a variety of species. Here, we investigate arthropod diversity and conservation status across lakes and ponds in mining sites; analyze how water body size, age, and vegetation cover affect diversity patterns; and discuss how results can contribute to management actions and conservation schemes. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding, we determine arthropod diversity at 55 pond and lake plots located in active mining sites in Germany. We assess the effect of structural parameters on arthropod species richness, beta diversity, and the occurrence of rare and endangered species. Overall, we detected 436 arthropod species, many of which lacking a threat status evaluation, potentially hampering analyses of conservation aspects. We identify different effects of structural variables on species richness and beta diversity, and variable responses at the order level. Further, results reveal comparable diversity of accumulated pond network area, compared with single large water bodies of similar size, supporting high importance of heterogeneous pond networks for arthropod diversity conservation. Our study shows that systematic biodiversity management concepts both during active mining and at later stages of succession will be needed. Monitoring should go beyond just measuring taxonomic richness, including also assessments of community composition, the presence of rare and endangered taxa, and functional diversity.