Essential Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Effects of a Habitat Integrity Gradient on the Diversity of Odonates in the Legal Amazonia Zone of the Brazilian State of Maranhão.

The diverse ecosystems of the Amazon biome play a vital role in the maintenance of biodiversity and delivering essential ecosystem services at both local and global levels. Small-bodied generalist insects, such as those from the order Odonata, contribute significantly to these services and are recognized as sensitive bioindicators of environmental quality. The present study evaluated the diversity and distribution of adult odonates in the Legal Amazonia zone of the Brazilian state of Maranhão, to identify the key environmental drivers shaping local odonate communities. We sampled 27 streams along a landscape gradient ranging from degraded to preserved conditions within the Pindaré River basin. Our findings reveal that environmental integrity positively influences the odonate diversity and abundance, with degraded environment favoring generalist species. These generalist species are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly the reduction of dense vegetation. Notably, the discovery of Erythrodiplax unimaculata in Maranhão highlights the importance of the study in a region with limited research on the group. The study underscores the urgent need for continuous biodiversity monitoring and conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of widespread environmental disturbances in the region.

Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on Volatile-Mediated Insect Ecosystem Services.

Primary and secondary atmospheric pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) with associated heavy metals (HMs) and micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), have the potential to influence and alter interspecific interactions involving insects that are responsible for providing essential ecosystem services (ESs). Given that insects rely on olfactory cues for vital processes such as locating mates, food sources and oviposition sites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of paramount importance in interactions involving insects. While gaseous pollutants reduce the lifespan of individual compounds that act as olfactory cues, gaseous and particulate pollutants can alter their biosynthesis and emission and exert a direct effect on the olfactory system of insects. Consequently, air pollutants can affect ecosystem functioning and the services regulated by plant-insect interactions. This review examines the already identified and potential impacts of air pollutants on different aspects of VOC-mediated plant-insect interactions underlying a range of insect ES. Furthermore, we investigate the potential susceptibility of insects to future environmental changes and the adaptive mechanisms they may employ to efficiently detect odours. The current body of knowledge on the effects of air pollutants on key interspecific interactions is biased towards and limited to a few pollinators, herbivores and parasitoids on model plants. There is a notable absence of research on decomposers and seed dispersers. With exception of O3 and NOx, the effects of some widespread and emerging environmental pollutants, such as secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), SO2, HMs, PM and MPs/NPs, remain largely unexplored. It is recommended that the identified knowledge gaps be addressed in future research, with the aim of designing effective mitigation strategies for the adverse effects in question and developing robust conservation frameworks.

Global Insights on Insecticide Use in Forest Systems: Current Use, Impacts and Perspectives in a Changing World

Abstract Purpose of Review The perception of forests has evolved from mere timber sources to multifunctional ecosystems that support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. Nevertheless, insecticides remain crucial in many forestry systems facing intensifying insect outbreaks and invasions. This review examines recent literature on insecticide use in forestry worldwide, aiming to identify major use patterns, environmental impacts, and emerging alternatives to foster sustainable pest management. Recent Findings The need for alternatives to chemical control is globally recognized, driven by environmental impacts and increasingly strict regulatory frameworks. Recent studies using next-generation sequencing suggest that insecticides can have complex, indirect effects on animal community structures, underscoring the importance of in situ community-wide assessments. Bioinsecticides have been extensively tested, but their effectiveness is strongly dependent on environmental conditions. Advances in functional genomics, nanomaterials, and application technologies suggest that direct control tactics compatible with conservation goals may become achievable. Summary Four major use patterns were identified: (1) aerial applications against defoliators; (2) tree-level prophylactic applications against endophagous insects; (3) toxic baits against eusocial pests; and (4) seedling protection in nurseries and reforestation sites. Although insecticide use is influenced by management intensity, integrated pest management (IPM) is widely implemented across forestry systems. Insecticides are generally used sparingly but still play a critical role as last-resort suppression tactics against severe outbreaks. This complicates the search for alternatives, as reduced-risk compounds often lack the efficacy needed for this niche. The scope of ecological impact assessments vary, focusing on natural enemies in intensive systems, and increasingly including wider communities in multifunctional forests. There is a pressing need for protocols that assess both economic and ecological trade-offs at the community level to integrate future technologies, such as molecular control and nanoinsecticides, into IPM strategies.

Mapping essential fish ‘hardbottom’ habitat using sonar techniques: A local reef off Masonboro Island, North Carolina, USA

This study investigates an outcropping submarine reef, known as John Creek Hardbottom, located on the shoreface off Masonboro Island, North Carolina. The exposure is likely associated with the high-relief Pleistocene coquina calcarenite hardbottom reefs, which are prevalent off southeastern North Carolina. The reefs provide essential ecosystem services, which include habitat for a wide range of biological communities, in addition to acting as an important sand source for local beaches and providing substantial recreational fishing and diving opportunities. Due to their local importance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the reefs as Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). In this study, a range of different hydrographic survey techniques, including sidescan sonar and single-beam echosounding, were collected to produce a geo-referenced mosaic and bathymetric grid of the reef. The reef’s various morphological features are classified based on terminology from previous studies, and upon further examination, a new term for local hardbottom reef morphology, known as Importantly, John Creek’s unique morphology differs from other nearby hardbottoms, allowing this study to provide a wider understanding of local hardbottom characteristics. Due to their protected status, in addition to natural and anthropogenic threats they face, mapping and monitoring southeastern North Carolina’s reefs provides critical information for all stakeholders involved in sustainable coastal management decision-making.

Ecological Management Zoning Based on the Supply–Demand Relationship and Synergies of Urban Forest Ecosystem Services: A Case Study from Fuzhou, China

Urban forests, as vital components of green infrastructure, provide essential ecosystem services (ESs) that support urban sustainability. However, rapid urban expansion and increased density threaten these forests, creating significant imbalances between the supply and demand for these services. Understanding the characteristics of ecosystem services and reasonably dividing ecological management zones are crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. This study introduces an innovative ecological management zoning framework based on the matching degree and synergies relationships of ESs. Focusing on Fuzhou’s fourth ring road area in China, data from 1038 urban forest sample plots were collected using mobile LIDAR. By integrating the i-Tree Eco model and Kriging interpolation, we assessed the spatial distribution of four key ESs—carbon sequestration, avoided runoff, air purification, and heat mitigation—and analyzed their supply–demand relationships and synergies. Based on these ecological characteristics, we employed unsupervised machine learning classification to identify eight distinct ecological management zones, each accompanied by targeted recommendations. Key findings include the following: (1) ecosystem services of urban forests in Fuzhou exhibit pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with clearly identifiable high-value and low-value areas of significant statistical relevance; (2) heat mitigation, avoided runoff, and air purification services all exhibit synergistic effects, while carbon sequestration shows trade-offs with the other three services in high-value areas, necessitating targeted optimization; (3) eight ecological management zones were identified, each with unique ecological characteristics. This study offers precise spatial insights into Fuzhou’s urban forests, providing a foundation for sustainable ecological management strategies.

An Exploration of Groundwater Resource Ecosystem Service Sustainability: A System Dynamics Case Study in Texas, USA

Groundwater, a crucial natural resource on a global scale, plays a significant role in Texas, impacting various essential ecosystem services either directly or indirectly. Despite efforts of state- and community-level regulations and conservation efforts, there is an ongoing trend of declining groundwater levels in the state of Texas. In this study, we utilized the systems thinking and system dynamics modeling approach to better understand this problem and investigate possible leverage points to achieve more sustainable groundwater resource levels. After conceptualizing a causal loop diagram (CLD) of the underlying feedback structure of the issue (informed by the existing literature), a small system dynamics (SD) model was developed to connect the feedback factors identified in the CLD to the stocks (groundwater level) and flows (recharge rate and groundwater pumping) that steer the behaviors of groundwater systems across time. After completing model assessment, experimental simulations were conducted to evaluate the current state relative to simulated treatments for improved irrigation efficiency, restricted pumping rates, cooperative conservation protocols among users, and combination strategy (of all treatments above) in the long-term. Results showed that groundwater stress (and the associated repercussions on related ecosystem service) could be alleviated with a combination strategy, albeit without complete groundwater level recovery.

Soil health assessment of croplands adjacent to industrial areas in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu

Soil health is a vital determinant of agricultural productivity and the supply of essential ecosystem services, including water retention, nutrient cycling and the support of microbial communities. However, industrial activities near croplands can adversely affect soil health through contamination by pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals and waste materials. This study evaluates the soil health of agricultural lands adjacent to industrial areas in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, with an emphasis on physical, chemical and biological soil properties. A total of 128 soil samples were collected and categorized into three groups: Primary Impact Sites (PIS), Secondary Impact Sites (SIS) and Reference Soils (RS). The analysis revealed that soils in proximity to industrial zones exhibited significant degradation in key indicators, such as bulk density, water holding capacity (WHC), organic carbon (OC) content and microbial activity. Soils at Primary Impact Sites demonstrated the most pronounced decline, characterized by higher bulk density, reduced WHC and lower OC levels, indicative of poor structure of soil and diminished fertility. In contrast, soils at Secondary Impact Sites and Reference Soils exhibited better overall quality, with higher microbial activity and enhanced nutrient retention. The findings of this study emphasize the indirect effects of industrialization on agricultural productivity through soil degradation.

Climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems

Abstract As the planet undergoes unprecedented climate changes, coastal ecosystems stand at the frontline of ocean-land interactions and environmental changes. This overview explores the various climate-related challenges transforming coastal ecosystems and their responses to these pressures. Key climate-related stressors – including warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification, changes to freshwater availability, and shifts in circulation and disturbance patterns – pose significant threats to both the structure and function of these ecosystems. These stressors impact every level of biological organization, with modern responses manifesting as ecosystem degradation and shifts toward simpler, less biodiverse states – trends likely to intensify with ongoing emissions. Compounded by local human disturbances, these stressors risk overwhelming the adaptive capacity of coastal ecosystems, restructuring coastal food webs, and compromising the essential ecosystem services that currently underpin productivity, storm protection, and water quality in coastal zones. Future trajectories of change in coastal ecosystems will largely depend on the extent of future greenhouse gas emissions and human activities in and around coastal zones. However, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the interactions among stressors and the nature of ecological tipping points. Addressing these gaps through further research will be necessary to improve projections of future impacts and support the conservation and resilience of these valuable ecosystems.

New Behavior Records of the Oxysternon palemo Castelnau, 1840 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in Cerrado.

The present study reports new behavioral records for Oxysternon palemo Castelnau, 1840 in Cerrado. According to its nesting habits and resource allocation, this species of dung beetle is traditionally classified as coprophagous and paracoprid, transporting portions of dung through tunnels excavated below the resource. We observed a male individual moving a pequi seed (Caryocar brasiliensis Cambess.) with "head-butting," acting as a secondary seed disperser. At another moment, we recorded necrophagous habits for the species when male individuals were observed moving pieces of domestic pig carcasses (Sus scrofa L., 1758), also with "head-butting." After, we recorded a female O. palemo, accompanied by a male individual, butting a dung mass and burying this resource several meters away from the original source. The behavior of pushing the resource over long distances is typical of telecoprid dung beetles that form dung balls and roll them using hind legs away from the resource source, unlike what is expected for O. palemo. Our hypothesis is that the observed behaviors have developed from competition for resources. Furthermore, the behaviors exhibited by O. palemo contribute to the provision of essential ecosystem services. The ecosystem services include the removal and degradation of decomposing organic matter, as well as secondary dispersal of seeds, thus supporting the maintenance and conservation of plant species.

Effects of Hyporheic Water Exchange on Microbial Community Structure and Function: A Case Study in the Beiluo River, Loess Plateau, China

ABSTRACT Microbial communities in riverine hyporheic zones provide essential ecosystem services. However, the mechanisms whereby they respond to hyporheic water exchange under different habitat stress conditions remain poorly understood. Therefore, investigating the impact of riverine hyporheic exchange on the microbial community composition and its potential ecological function is essential, particularly in the seasonal rivers of northern China. To elucidate the structure and function of hyporheic zone sediment microbial communities in response hyporheic exchange and environmental fluctuations, we examined associations by performing in situ falling‐head permeameter tests and eDNA techniques. The primary findings were as follows: (1) We detected variations in the spatial distribution patterns of streambed hydraulic conductivity (range, 0.055–3.490 m/day) and vertical fluxes (range, 1.886–342.0 mm/day) among different monitoring stations. (2) Microbial communities displayed compositional similarities and spatial heterogeneity. Stations with limited vertical exchange were characterised by reduced species diversity. (3) Prokaryotes showed better modularity characteristics with higher stability and functional diversity than eukaryotic communities. (4) Differences in the abundance of microbial metabolism and genetic functions were observed among different habitats. This study emphasises the significance of local hydrological patterns (such as downwelling) in maintaining riverine environmental elements and acting as hotspots for microbial diversity within the hyporheic zone. The heterogeneity of the hydrological patterns governing hyporheic water exchange can explain the abundance, species diversity and biogeochemical processes of microorganisms within this zone.

Climate Change and Insect Ecology: Impacts on Pest Populations and Biodiversity

Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of insect populations, with wide-ranging implications for agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Rising temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, and elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels are reshaping insect behavior, physiology, and distribution. These changes have led to altered pest population dynamics, with some species experiencing increased reproduction rates, extended breeding seasons, and expanded geographic ranges into previously cooler regions, intensifying agricultural damage. Conversely, many non-pest insects, such as pollinators and species with specialized habitats, face declines due to phenological mismatches, habitat loss, and reduced resilience to extreme weather events. These shifts threaten essential ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil health, which are critical for food security and ecosystem stability. Despite efforts to mitigate these impacts through strategies like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biocontrol, and habitat restoration, significant knowledge gaps remain in understanding the combined effects of multiple climate factors on insect ecology. Emerging technologies, including remote sensing, ecological modeling, and genomics, offer new avenues for studying insect responses to climate change, while citizen science and big data can enhance monitoring efforts. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to develop adaptive management strategies that integrate climate resilience into conservation policies. Future research should focus on long-term studies to better predict the effects of climate change on insects and inform proactive measures to protect biodiversity. By leveraging a combination of technological innovations, policy frameworks, and community engagement, we can develop sustainable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on insect populations and ensure the continued functioning of ecosystems that humans and other species rely on.

Study on the Function and Planning of Urban River Ecological Corridor

This study investigates the functions and planning principles of urban river ecological corridors, highlighting their vital role in urban ecosystems. Urban rivers, which include both waterways and riparian zones, provide essential ecosystem services such as habitat provision, temperature regulation, pollutant filtration, and flood mitigation. However, rapid urbanization has led to the degradation of these corridors, resulting in habitat fragmentation, reduced biodiversity, and compromised ecological integrity. The paper reviews global efforts and strategies for urban river restoration, emphasizing the significance of ecological methods and public participation in the planning process. A case study of the Yuhangtang River in Hangzhou, China, exemplifies various restoration approaches, including traditional flood control, ecological restoration, and landscape design, all assessed using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework. The findings indicate that employing the MCDM tool can facilitate planning that integrates the functions of river ecological corridors. Additionally, plans that achieve a balance of ecological, economic, social, and aesthetic benefits are more likely to gain public acceptance.

Exploring the Contribution of a Generalist Citizen Science Project for Alien Species Detection and Monitoring in Coastal Areas. A Case Study on the Adriatic of Central Italy

Coastal areas are biodiversity hotspots, providing essential ecosystem services, yet they are among the most threatened systems, particularly by alien species invasion. The European regulation on invasive alien species (IAS) highlights early detection as a key prerequisite for effective containment or eradication strategies. Traditional monitoring methods are costly and time-consuming, and Citizen Science (CS) may be a promising alternative. We assessed the contribution of the generalist CS project “Wild Coast Adriatic” (WCA) developed on the iNaturalist platform to the detection of alien species (AS) along the Central Adriatic coast. Using WCA, we extracted alien occurrences and explored AS seasonal patterns, geographic origins, dangers (EU regulation), and distributions inside protected areas (Natura 2000 and LTER sites). Between 2020 and 2023, WCA gathered 2194 research-grade observations of 687 species, including 139 records of 50 AS, five of which are of European concern. Asteraceae and Fabaceae (plants) as well as insects and mollusks (fauna) were the most abundant aliens. The observations increased over time, with more records concentrated in autumn and summer. Most AS come from the Americas and occurred outside the protected areas. Our results underline the contribution of CS data for detecting AS in coastal ecosystems, offering a valid support for early warning, monitoring, and management strategies.

Study on the Function and Planning of Urban River Ecological Corridor

This study investigates the functions and planning principles of urban river ecological corridors, highlighting their vital role in urban ecosystems. Urban rivers, which include both waterways and riparian zones, provide essential ecosystem services such as habitat provision, temperature regulation, pollutant filtration, and flood mitigation. However, rapid urbanization has led to the degradation of these corridors, resulting in habitat fragmentation, reduced biodiversity, and compromised ecological integrity. The paper reviews global efforts and strategies for urban river restoration, emphasizing the significance of ecological methods and public participation in the planning process. A case study of the Yuhangtang River in Hangzhou, China, exemplifies various restoration approaches, including traditional flood control, ecological restoration, and landscape design, all assessed using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework. The findings indicate that employing the MCDM tool can facilitate planning that integrates the functions of river ecological corridors. Additionally, plans that achieve a balance of ecological, economic, social, and aesthetic benefits are more likely to gain public acceptance.

The Interplay Between Visual Traits and Forest in Bumblebee Communities Across Sweden

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how ecological communities assemble in relation to natural and human‐induced environmental changes is critical, particularly for communities of pollinators that deliver essential ecosystem services. Despite widespread attention to interactions between functional traits and community responses to environmental changes, the importance of sensory traits has received little attention. To address this, we asked whether visual traits of bumblebee communities varied at large geographical scales along a habitat gradient of increased tree cover. Because trees generate challenging light conditions for flying insects, in particular a reduced light intensity, we hypothesised that differences in tree cover would correlate with shifts in the visual and taxonomical composition of bumblebee communities. We quantified 11 visual traits across 36 specimens from 20 species of bumblebees using micro‐CT and optical modelling of compound eyes and ocelli, and investigated how these traits scale with body size. Using an inventory of bumblebee communities across Sweden and our visual trait dataset, we then explored how visual traits (both absolute and relative to body size) differed in relation to tree cover. We found positive shifts of the community weighted means of visual traits along the increasingly forested habitat gradient (facet diameter, inter‐ommatidial angle, eye parameter of the compound eye and alignment of the three ocelli) that were consistent regardless of body size, while other traits decreased when more forest was present in the landscape (facet number). These functional patterns were associated with differences in the abundance of six common species that likely explains the community‐wide shift of visual traits along the habitat gradient. Our study demonstrates the interaction between vision, habitat and community assembly in bumblebees, while highlighting a promising research topic at the interface between sensory biology and landscape ecology.

Importance, diversity and economic value of trees associated with cocoa trees in different agroforestry systems

The expansion of cocoa cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire, although crucial to the national economy, has been at the expense of forest cover, leading to massive deforestation, loss of biodiversity and degradation of essential ecosystem services. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (SAFc), incorporating shade trees, are increasingly being promoted as a sustainable solution for reconciling agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. This study aimed to (1) characterise the floristic diversity of shade trees associated with cocoa trees in different SAFc in the Nawa region; (2) assess the structural characteristics of these trees; (3) estimate biomass and carbon sequestration of SAFc; and (4) compare the economic value of trees associated with SAFc. Sixteen (16) cocoa plantations representing four types of SAFc (full sun systems, shaded systems and two intermediate systems) were selected and floristic surveys were carried out. A total of 83 tree species in 62 genera and 32 botanical families were recorded, with higher species richness in shaded systems (52 species) and intermediate 2 (40 species). Structural analysis revealed a predominance of young trees (diameter class [10-20] cm), suggesting active regeneration. Overall, the results indicate that intermediate SAFc systems offer an optimal balance between cocoa productivity, biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services, particularly in terms of biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration. Promoting intermediate SAFc could therefore strengthen the sustainability of cocoa production in Côte d'Ivoire.

Ecological Dynamics and Conservation Strategies for Mediterranean Salt Marshes: Insights from a Pilot Study of Biodiversity and Environmental Drivers in the Palud Marsh, Croatia

Salt marshes support high biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, yet are increasingly threatened by climate change, reduced freshwater input, and human activities. This pilot study examined the physico-chemical characteristics and biodiversity of the Palud salt marsh in Istria, Croatia, during July 2021, focusing on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrozoobenthos communities across different habitats. The results show that while parameters like water temperature and pH remained stable, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels fluctuated significantly. Water depth decreased due to drought and tidal oscillations, affecting salinity and nutrient concentrations. Phytoplankton communities were dominated by Bacillariophyta, with Cryptophyta, particularly Cryptomonas sp., having the highest abundance. Zooplankton communities were dominated by Rotifera, especially Brachionus plicatilis, while the macrozoobenthos communities were dominated by Ostracoda, with some variation in gastropod and chironomid abundance across sites. These findings indicate the dynamic nature of plankton and benthos communities in response to changing water levels in the Palud marsh. This study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve the ecological integrity of Mediterranean salt marshes. Sustainable management practices must account for water level fluctuations, the role of aquatic vegetation, and the resilience of these ecosystems, emphasizing their importance in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services in the face of environmental change.

Coral gardening in a changing climate: Rapid assessment of the 4th recorded bleaching event at the Anantara Lagoon and reef system, South Male Atoll, Maldives

Coral reefs are crucial to marine biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, but they face severe threats from climate change, particularly through coral bleaching events. The Maldives, renowned for its diverse coral reefs, has experienced increasing coral bleaching incidents, impacting both marine biodiversity and the tourism-dependent economy. This study investigates the effects of the 2024 coral bleaching event on coral nurseries within the Anantara Lagoon and reef system, South Male Atoll, Maldives. Monitoring was conducted across two coral nurseries in the lagoon and one coral nursery on the natural reef, focusing on species-specific responses to bleaching, predation, and survival rate. Results revealed variability in bleaching impacts among species and locations. Acropora aspera and Acropora muricata exhibited high mortality rates and increased predation, particularly at greater depths (~5 m), while Montipora digitata, Pocillopora damicornis, and Porites cylindrica showed greater resilience. The findings highlight the importance of adaptive management strategies for coral nurseries, emphasizing real-time environmental monitoring and strategic nursery placement to bolster coral reef resilience. This study underscores the need for integrated approaches combining coral restoration with broader reef management practices to enhance ecosystem recovery and sustainability

Birds as Cultural Ambassadors: Bridging Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Conservation in Wetland Planning

Coastal wetlands deliver essential ecosystem services, including cultural services, which provide non-material benefits such as recreation, education, and spiritual enrichment that are crucial for human well-being. This study investigates the cultural ecosystem services provided by a 40 ha coastal wetland in the Gulf of Manfredonia, southern Italy, within the Gargano National Park. By integrating an ecological survey of the bird community with a social survey of visitors to the King’s Lagoon Nature Reserve, the content of tailored planning strategies and management tools for the conservation of wetland biodiversity was developed. An ecological analysis of the bird community was carried out on the assumption that it could be representative of the total biodiversity observed in the wetland. On the other hand, a questionnaire was used to collect information from visitors to the reserve, highlighting the aspects of the wetland that they found most interesting and attractive according to their judgement and beliefs, and thus targeting a specific set of cultural ecological services. The two approaches were then combined to develop a comprehensive strategy. The bird community analysis led to the identification of the mixed biotope category (a combination of wetlands, aquatic/riparian ecosystems, semi-natural vegetated areas, and meadows together with agricultural areas) as the reference biotope for prioritizing wetland management. The Ardeidae family was chosen as a bird flagship group because of its high visibility, ease of identification, attractiveness to visitors, wide local distribution, and fairly constant presence in the study area throughout the year. Flagship species have a dual function: to guide conservation measures and actions by wetland managers, and to attract the interest, curiosity and active participation of potential visitors to the wetland. Based on the results, a list of guidelines for improving the birds’ habitats and providing them with resources (feeding, breeding, shelter, roosting, etc.) has been proposed. The aim of these measures is to optimize the presence and abundance of Ardeidae as flagship species, thereby preserving the biodiversity heritage in general and increasing the provision of cultural ecosystem services in the wetland. The resulting dynamic interplay ensures that both natural and cultural resources are fully and appropriately valued, protected, and maintained for the benefit of present and future generations.

Carbon stocks and sequestration from small tree patches in grassland landscapes in Aotearoa-New Zealand

ABSTRACT Small patches of trees add structural heterogeneity to grassland landscapes, support biodiversity, and provide essential ecosystem services including carbon stocks and sequestration, erosion control, and shade provision. In Aotearoa-New Zealand (A-NZ) small patches of trees have further cultural significance within Te Ao Māori – the worldview of the indigenous Māori people. However, economic pressures have driven the management of grasslands either towards removing tree cover to enhance agricultural productivity, or large-scale conversion of grassland to production forests. Protecting existing small patches of trees, and encouraging their establishment across grassland landscapes, is challenging since the current extent and benefits of these patches is not known. This study demonstrates the critical contributions of small tree patches (those less than one hectare in area) in A-NZ grassland landscapes. Using a high-resolution tree cover dataset, we mapped 1,639,015 small tree patches in grasslands across A-NZ, with grassland small tree patches covering a total land area of between 185,589 ha and 187,928 ha. We used a probabilistic simulation approach to estimate carbon stocks and annual sequestration, revealing a potential aboveground carbon stock between 11.6 and 29.3 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon and an annual biomass sequestration of 0.3 Mt to 0.8 Mt. Despite their current exclusion from the national carbon emissions market, economic valuation suggests a liability of between $NZ 86.9 million and $NZ 8.6 billion (€47.9 million to €4.7. billion) if the small tree patches were felled, and a market value of between $NZ 2.0 million and $NZ 237.6 million (€1.1 and 130.9 million) annually for sequestration. Existing policies, including afforestation incentives, do not encourage protection or establishment of small patches of trees. Significant policy adjustments are required to recognize, protect, and incentivize the conservation and establishment of small patches of trees within grassland landscapes.