Species Of Fauna Research Articles

Akkermansia muciniphila isolated from forest musk deer ameliorates diarrhea in mice via modification of gut microbiota.

The forest musk deer, a rare fauna species found in China, is famous for its musk secretion which is used in selected Traditional Chinese medicines. However, over-hunting has led to musk deer becoming an endangered species, and their survival is also greatly challenged by various high incidence and high mortality respiratory and intestinal diseases such as septic pneumonia and enteritis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Akkermannia muciniphila (AKK) is a promising probiotic, and we wondered whether AKK could be used as a food additive in animal breeding programmes to help prevent intestinal diseases. We isolated one AKK strain from musk deer feces (AKK-D) using an improved enrichment medium combined with real-time PCR. After confirmation by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a series of invitro tests was conducted to evaluate the probiotic effects of AKK-D by assessing its reproductive capability, simulated gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, acid and bile salt resistance, self-aggregation ability, hydrophobicity, antibiotic sensitivity, hemolysis, harmful metabolite production, biofilm formation ability, and bacterial adhesion to gastrointestinal mucosa. The AKK-D strain has a probiotic function similar to that of the standard strain in humans (AKK-H). An invivo study found that AKK-D significantly ameliorated symptoms in the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced murine diarrhea model. AKK-D improved organ damage, inhibited inflammatory responses, and improved intestinal barrier permeability. Additionally, AKK-D promoted the reconstitution and maintenance of the homeostasis of gut microflora, as indicated by the fact that AKK-D-treated mice showed a decrease in Bacteroidetes and an increase in the proportion of other beneficial bacteria like Muribaculaceae, Muribaculum, and unclassified f_Lachnospiaceae compared with the diarrhea model mice. Taken together, our data show that this novel AKK-D strain might be a potential probiotic for use in musk deer breeding, although further extensive systematic research is still needed.

Taxonomic Identification of Commercial Boswellia spp. Resins by Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Historically, Boswellia resin, commonly known as frankincense, has been used for a variety of applications, including medicinal purposes and in religious ceremonies. These practices continued into the modern era, in which the trade of resin has increased dramatically. The genus Boswellia contains many species that are not currently protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), but research has found that some of these populations are predicted to decrease by 50 % in the next two decades due to overexploitation (Bongers et al., 2019). This highlights the need for a method that can identify Boswellia resins. In this research, resin from nine different species of Boswellia were collected and analyzed in positive ion mode by Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (DART TOFMS) by dissolving the resin in methanol to obtain a chemotype devoid of background noise. Chemometric analysis of the data indicated that positive ion spectra from the resins separated the species effectively, indicating that DART TOFMS can be used to identify resins in trade.

Identification of Potential and Suitability of Bagek Kembar Mangrove Forest, Cendi Manik, Sekotong, Lombok Barat as a Tourist Attraction

Mangrove forests have various roles in the environment, and have the potential to be developed as ecotourism areas. The aim of this study is to identify the potential and suitability of the Bagek Kembar mangrove forest as a tourist attraction. Data collection was carried out at two stations, namely natural and rehabilitated mangroves. Samples were taken in plots measuring 10 x 10 meters for mangroves and mobile fauna, and 1 x 1 meter plots for sessile fauna. The Tourism Suitability Index is analyzed based on the number of species, density and thickness of mangroves, number of fauna species, and water depth at high and low tides. The research results show that the Bagek Kembar mangrove forest area is classified as suitable to very suitable for development as an ecotourism area. Tourist attractions that potential to be developed are educational, birdwatching and culinary.

Biological resources utilization in grebeg maulud ceremony in Surakarta City, Indonesia

Abstract. Ayuningtyas HR, Nabila I, ‘Azizah HPN, Andewi LC, Saensouk S, Setyawan AD. 2024. Biological resources utilization in grebeg maulud ceremony in Surakarta City, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 7: 43-49. Indonesia is a country of diverse nature, culture, and traditions in each region. Implementing traditional ceremonies is closely related to utilizing natural resources, both plants and animals, in the surrounding area. The sekaten or grebeg maulud is a ceremony which is often held every month of Rabi'ul Awal, involves gunungan elements in the form of crops contested by the community. This research was conducted in Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia, from November to December 2023, in Mojosongo Village, Keprabon Village, and Baluwarti Village. This study aims to determine the understanding of the community regarding the grebeg maulud ceremony, identify the biodiversity used in grebeg maulud, and determine the utilization of these resources in people's lives. The methods used in this research are survey methods, group discussions, ethnographic studies, key informant interviews, and the surrounding community interviews. The important thing that becomes the basis of this research is the utilization of crops by the surrounding community, which is calculated using the Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) value calculation. People in Mojosongo, Keprabon, and Baluwarti Villages utilize several species for grebeg maulud activities, including 2 species of fauna and 19 species of flora. The parts of the fauna utilized are eggs and meat; the most utilized part of the flora is the fruit.

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

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

Status and perspective of soil fauna eco-geography in China

As regulators of the surface land processes, soil fauna communities are the vital foundations for healthy terrestrial ecosystems. Soil fauna have been studied in China for more than 70 years. Great progresses have been achieved in exploring soil fauna species composition and geographical distribution patterns. Soil fauna eco-geography, as a bridge between soil fauna geographic patterns and ecosystem services, has a new development opportunity with the deep recognition of soil fauna ecological functions. Soil fauna eco-geography research could be partitioned into four dimensions including the spatio-temporal patterns of: 1) the apparent characteristics of soil fauna community, such as species composition, richness and abundance; 2) the intrinsic characteristics of soil fauna community, such as dietary and habits; 3) soil fauna-related biotic and abiotic interactions especially those indicating drivers of soil fauna community structure or shaping the roles of soil fauna in ecosystems; and 4) soil fauna-related or -regulated key ecological processes. Current studies focus solely on soil fauna themselves and their geographical distributions. To link soil fauna geography more closely with ecosystem services, we suggested that: 1) converting the pure biogeography studies to those of revealing the spatio-temporal patterns of the soil fauna-related or regulated key relationships and ecological processes;2) expanding the temporal and spatial scales in soil fauna geographical research;3) exploring the integrated analysis approach for soil fauna-related data with multi-scales, multi-factors, and multi-processes;and 4) establishing standard reference systems for soil fauna eco-geographical researches. Hence, the change patterns of ecological niche of soil fauna communities could be illustrated, and precision mani-pulations of soil fauna communities and their ecological functions would become implementable, which finally contributes to ecosystem health and human well-being.

Study of rarely occurring males of Bosminopsis сf. africanus Daday, 1908 (Cladocera: Bosminidae) from SE Asia permits clarification of male-character based differentiation within the genus

The genus Bosminopsis Richard, 1895 (Cladocera: Bosminidae) is common in the tropics and subtropics of different continents. B. deitersi Richard, 1895 was regarded as a cosmopolitan taxon, but in our previous publications, we have demonstrated the presence of at least four species in the world fauna. We have found that B. cf. africanus Daday, 1908 inhabits the Paleotropical zone, however, we were unable to provide a complete morphological description of its male. Now, thanks to the discovery of the males from SE Asia, we have the opportunity to make its description. We also make a comparison of the male morphology within the B. deitersi species group and for the first time provide a key for species identification based on male morphology.

Winged Threat on the Offensive: A Literature Review Due to the First Identification of Aedes japonicus in Poland.

Genetic studies preceded by the observation of an unknown mosquito species in Mikołów (Poland) confirmed that it belongs to a new invasive species in Polish fauna, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), a known vector for numerous infectious diseases. Ae. japonicus is expanding its geographical presence, raising concerns about potential disease transmission given its vector competence for chikungunya virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. This first genetically confirmed identification of Ae. japonicus in Poland initiates a comprehensive review of the literature on Ae. japonicus, its biology and ecology, and the viral infections transmitted by this species. This paper also presents the circumstances of the observation of Ae. japonicus in Poland and a methodology for identifying this species.

Urban biodiversity and design in time of (post)pandemics: research perspectives from URBIO international network

Reflecting on the insights from research development within Urban Biodiversity and Design Network (URBIO), this paper attempts to link the consequences of current global changes (ongoing urbanization, biodiversity loss, land-use changes, globalization, etc.) to the emergence and outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyses the main outcomes of the URBIO webinar (December 2021) and the URBIO conference (November 2022) and the results of the questionnaire survey among the URBIO experts on the impact of COVID-19 on the biodiversity, design and society in their local contexts as well as on the ongoing and future URBIO research directions. The survey also enabled to explore and assess a wide diversity of human-nature interactions as well as the novel actions and adaptation strategies established to have positive outcomes for both humans and nature. The results revealed the following aspects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic: silence, social distancing, isolation, conflict ideologies, and declined recreational and other human activities. Experts noticed the increase of urban green space visitation and interest in nature. The majority of the experts confirmed the impact (both positive and negative) of the COVID-19 on biodiversity and environment. General positive aspects refer to the value/significance of nature and biodiversity/wildlife and especially the contact with nature (“time outdoor”, “time spent with family”, “inspiration from nature” and “enjoying nature”). The positive consequence of the COVID-19 measures was also the improvement of wildlife habitats and the increase of spontaneous flora as well as fauna species. Experts confirmed the lower/decreased level of pollution, noise, traffic, light, anthropogenic pressure/impact, number of tourists, vehicles as well as less garbage. The analysis of leading research themes among the URBIO conference participants confirmed that the biggest number of presenters and participants were on the topic of biodiversity integration in urban planning, green infrastructure, and landscape design projects. Another popular theme was ecological restoration and urban wildlife and plant biodiversity. One particular research direction that emerged recently and clearly pronounced at URBIO 2022 was urban biodiversity in times of climate change and post-pandemics.

The legal framework of the European Union in the field of combating environmental crimes

The article focuses on the activities of the European Union regarding the development of an effective legal framework for combating environmental crimes considering modern realities. It is noted that the existing norms on combating environmental crime in the EU are based on the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU which sets the competence of the EU to define criminal offenses and sanctions in the spheres of EU policy to which harmonization measures apply (Article 83(2)). Attention is paid to the provisions of the following directives: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the environment through criminal law and replacing Directive 2008/99/EC, which supplemented the list of illegal acts with new categories of crimes, established a deterrent level of sanctions, which ensures a more consistent application of conditions for enterprises in the EU; Directive 2004/35/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, which sets rules based on the «polluter pays» principle and related directives 2000/60/EC, 2008/56/EC, 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC. It is noted that the EU constantly works on improving the provisions of the acts adopted by it in the specified area, as evidenced by the directives, on the basis of which changes and amendments were made to the above-mentioned directives, regarding safety issues, waste management, simplification of reporting obligations in the field of environmental legislation (Directives 2006/21/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2013/30/EC, Regulation (EC) 2019/101).
 Attention is focused on acts related to the protection of certain objects, including: 1) acts aimed at combating pollution from ships: Directive 2005/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties, including criminal penalties, for pollution offence (as amended), Council Framework Decision 2005/667/JHA of 12 July 2005 to strengthen the criminal-law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship-source pollution; 2) acts on combating trade in wild animals: Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (as amended), Commission regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (as amended), Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 97 (as amended), Revision of the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking of 2022.
 It is noted that EU legislation is based on international universal acts adopted within the UN in the relevant field (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) of 1973, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) of 1975), which simplifies law enforcement and the introduction of measures to combat environmental crime.
 The importance of strategic acts adopted by the EU, including the Agenda and Action Plan on Drugs 2021–2025 and the Biodiversity strategy for 2030 is emphasized. Relevant conclusions have been drawn.

Multi-Classifir Fire and Smoke Detectior Using Deep Learning

Fire is one of the most destructive powers that has been a double-edged sword. Although it is highly beneficial and provides energy when it is handled in an effective manner, it can be quite lethal if it is allowed to continue unchecked. Combustion, as well as the conversion and release of energy, is what makes fire so destructive. It is a violent process that has the potential to unleash enormous amounts of harm. This is a very unfavorable condition that has the potential to result in a truly catastrophic event. A great number of species of flora and fauna have become extinct as a result of the recent years, which have been marked by a big number of disastrous wildfires that have resulted in a large scale loss of life and property. This is one of the most deadly occurrences that has occurred in recent years. The most significant issue is that there is not yet a fire detection method that is both efficient and practical. Consequently, the purpose of this study piece is to propose an efficient multi-classifier strategy for fire detection. This approach identifies the color of the fire, the form of the fire, and the movement of the fire, in addition to the detection of smoke through the use of the convolution neural network. According to the extensive experimental results that demonstrate the superiority of the suggested multiclassifier fire and smoke detection strategy, this approach has shown to be one of the most effective approaches for fire detection. This is obvious through the fact that it has been one of the most effective techniques Key Words: — Convolution neural network, Multi-classifier, Fire shape, Fire Motion , Fore color, Temporal effect

Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

Toxic responses of environmental concentrations of bifenthrin in larval freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa

Bifenthrin (BF) is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, and studies have indicated that environmental concentrations of BF could cause neurotoxicity and oxidative damage in fish and decrease the abundance of aquatic insects. However, little information is available on the toxicity of BF in freshwater benthic mollusks. Bellamya aeruginosa (B. aeruginosa) is a key benthic fauna species in aquatic ecosystems, and has extremely high economic and ecological values. In this study, larval B. aeruginosa within 24 h of birth were exposed to 0, 30 or 300 ng/L of BF for 30 days, and then the toxic effects from molecular to individual levels were comprehensively evaluated in all the three treatment groups. It was found that BF at 300 ng/L caused the mortality of snails. Furthermore, BF affected snail behaviors, evidenced by reduced crawling distance and crawling speed. The hepatopancreas of snails in the two BF exposure groups showed significant pathological changes, including increase in the number of yellow granules and occurrence of hemocyte infiltration, epithelial cell thinning, and necrosis. The levels of ROS and MDA were significantly increased after exposure to 300 ng/L BF, and the activities of two antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT were increased significantly. GSH content decreased significantly after BF exposure, indicating the occurrence of oxidative damage in snails. Transcriptomic results showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in pathways related to metabolism and neurotoxicity (e.g., oxidative phosphorylation and Parkinson disease), and these results were consistent with those in individual and biochemical levels above. The study indicates that environmental concentration of BF results in decreased survival rates, sluggish behavior, histopathological lesions, oxidative damage, and transcriptomic changes in the larvae of B. aeruginosa. Thus, exposure of larval snails to BF in the wild at concentrations similar to those used in this study might have adverse consequences at the population level. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further assessing the ecological risk of BF to aquatic gastropods.

Dugong dugon (Muller 1776) and Its Habitat in Coastal Areas and Small Islands of East Java Province, Indonesia

Dugong dugon, an endangered marine mammal is listed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Dugongs are classified as herbivorous mammals that live in the shallows associated with seagrass beds. The objectives of this study are (1) to collect data on dugong encounters in East Java, both direct encounters and literature studies; and (2) to analyze seagrass meadows that are potentially dugong grazing habitats in East Java. This study was conducted from January to July 2023 in the coastal area of East Java. Dugong and seagrass data, which were descriptively analyzed, were obtained from the literature, questionnaire interview, and by direct observation. Distribution of dugongs in East Java is known to be in the southeastern side of Banyuwangi, Situbondo, Sumenep, Lamongan, and Bawean Island. Direct encounters with live and dead dugongs in East Java have been recorded in several locations, including Bawean Island. Seagrass beds in East Java can be found on the coastal area of Lamongan, Bawean Island - Gresik, Sumenep, Bangkalan, Situbondo, Banyuwangi, Malang, and Pacitan. The seagrass species found in these eight areas are: E. acoroides, T. hemprichii, C. modocea rotundata, C. serrulata, H. pinifolia, H. uninervis, H. decipiens, H. ovalis, H. minor, S. iseotifolium, and T. ciliatum. Although, dugong status is fully protected in Indonesia, and its distribution is limited, further steps are needed to protect dugongs and their food habitats. Marine Protected Area is one of the policies that could be recommended to protect dugongs and their habitat.

Biobanks as a way to conserve biodiversity in the context of the continuing decline in the species diversity of wild flora and fauna

To date, human actions have significantly changed 75% of the Earth's surface. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the rate of biodiversity loss in human history. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, over the past 500 years, as a result of direct or indirect influence of the anthropogenic factor, 774 animal species and 123 plant species have become extinct. To prevent further loss of biodiversity, in the context of the ongoing «crisis of biodiversity», all over the world, including Kazakhstan, there is a need for reliable conservation of the available genetic resources of plants and animals, primarily rare and endangered species. In this regard, specialized biobanks of organized collections of living biomaterials are successfully used worldwide for the conservation and restoration of populations of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The article presents information about some of the largest biobanks and their importance in solving this global problem. The experience of scientific centers of Kazakhstan in the field of biobanking of biomaterials of wild flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, is given, and the results of the National Center for Biotechnology in this area are summarized.

A preliminary survey of the flora and vegetation of an ex-situ conservation area (Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens Inc., Guyana)

Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens Inc. is a local ex-situ conservation area located at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. It serves to manage and conserve species of wild flora and fauna, boasts several diverse native and exotic species, and hosts a rescue centre for wild captures. Over a six (6) week period, flora & vegetative visual surveys were conducted there to i) identify and classify the species of flora found at accessible parts of the site (according to the official established map of the area), and ii) report these findings in a comprehensive report in order to establish a database of the preliminary findings of the study. Based on the preliminary findings of the study, a total of ninety-nine (99) plant species from twenty (20) families were identified. The largest family group was found to be Arecaceae with 15 species. Leguminosae and Bromeliaceae both contained 6 species each. Other representative families were Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, Rosaceae and Aracaceae. Seventy-nine species (80.8%) were exotic and nineteen (19.4%) species were found to be native. None of the identified species were found to be under threat, or near extinction. Based on these preliminary findings, it is established that the area has great taxonomic and conservation potential, and with effective management along with strategic planning, the area can serve as an ex-situ conservation model, where both native and exotic species thrive together.

The illegal trade in rosewood in Indonesia

Rosewoods are among the most valuable traded hardwoods, and there is a significant illegal trade. From 2017 onwards the international trade in all species of Dalbergia rosewood is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. I focus on two species of rosewood that occur in parts of Indonesia, Dalbergia latifolia and D. sissoo, to assess the extent of the illegal trade and to analyse geographical and temporal patterns of wildlife crime. Based on 67 seizure reports from 2014 to 2022 I show that (a) 117 logs of D. sissoo and 4,285 logs of D. latifolia were confiscated, (b) seizures occurred on the islands of Sumatra (16 seizures; 1,190 logs), Java (43; 1,780 logs), and Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and Timor (8; 1,408 logs), (c) while there was an increase in the number of seizures per year, there were no seasonal differences in seizure activities. For 10% of the logs there was supporting evidence that they were taken from State managed forests and 18% was taken from conservation areas, thus causing more damage than just the removal of individual trees. Seizures in Indonesia over this period equals 0.12 ± 0.04% of the legal rosewood export. The illegal trade is dominated by Indonesians rather than foreign nationals and the direction of trade is towards Java from where > 95% will be exported to China. While policies are in place concerning rosewood seizures and stockpiling (including auctioning or destruction) in practise it is unclear where seized rosewood ends up. When used with caution, analysis of seizure data offers a valuable means to gain insights in illicit activities that normally remain hidden from view.

Impact of Forest and Land Fires on Environmental Pollution and Public Health in Sungai Raya Sub-District, Kubu Raya District

Forest and land fires in Sungai Raya District, Kubu Raya Regency, severely impact environmental pollution and public health. This condition causes quite significant ecological and social losses. First, the smoke produced from these fires contains various dangerous substances, such as carbon monoxide, dust particles, and toxic chemicals. Continuous exposure to these substances can cause respiratory problems, respiratory tract diseases, and other health problems in local communities. Apart from that, forest fires also result in the loss of natural habitat for various species of flora and fauna. Disrupted ecosystems can cause biodiversity loss and affect local food chains. Recovery of fire-affected ecosystems takes a long time, and some species may experience local extinction due to habitat loss. Furthermore, preventing and responding to forest fires requires significant resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Funds allocated for firefighting can disrupt local government budgets that should be used for infrastructure development and community welfare programs. Therefore, forest fires harm the environment and health and impose an economic burden on the people of Sungai Raya District. Efforts to prevent forest and land fires and educate the public regarding the risks of prevention are essential to overcome these negative impacts. Sustainable measures such as law enforcement against illegal forest burning, sustainable land management, and increasing public awareness of the importance of preserving the environment can help reduce fire risks and protect public health.

Multi-Trophic Species Diversity Contributes to the Restoration of Soil Multifunctionality in Degraded Karst Forests through Cascading Effects

The biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationship is the basis for studying the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the simultaneous assessment of multi-trophic-level biodiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality relationship is more conducive to unravelling the restoration mechanism of degraded ecosystems, especially for degraded forest ecosystems with harsh habitats and infertile soils such as karst. In this study, we evaluated the biodiversity and soil multifunctionality (SMF) of degraded karst forests (scrub, SB; secondary growth forests, SG; old-growth forests, OG) in the Maolan National Nature Reserve, China, using 30 sample plots. Biodiversity and soil multifunctionality (SMF) at three trophic levels (plant–soil fauna–soil microorganisms), were assessed through vegetation surveys and soil sampling. One-way ANOVA showed that SMF increased with natural restoration, but multi-trophic level biodiversity showed different trends. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between plant species diversity and SMF (p < 0.001), whereas soil fauna and soil microorganisms were negatively correlated with SMF. Structural equation modeling revealed a cascading effect of the multi-trophic level on the stimulation of the SMF during restoration. Only soil microorganisms exhibited a direct driving effect on SMF (p < 0.001), whereas plants indirectly influenced soil microorganisms through soil fauna, which subsequently affected the SMF. Although we observed the negative effects of increased plant diversity on soil fauna and soil microbial diversity in terms of quantitative relationships, the increase in soil fauna species and the evenness of soil microbial function still contributed to SMF restoration. This study revealed the cascading effects of multi-trophic diversity in promoting SMF restoration and emphasized that soil microbes are key to unraveling restoration mechanisms and processes, whereas soil fauna is an important intermediate link.

An Assessment of the Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in Kenya

International trade is hastening extinction for many species of plants and animals despite the fact that many countries have ratified CITES. The adoption of treaties is often symbolic as many countries, especially in the developing world where most biodiversity is found, experience a lack of fit between international agreements and national laws and institutions. Our main objective here is to assess the extent of jurisdictional and institutional fit in the implementation of CITES in Kenya, an important issue given the amount of international trade in wild products and the importance of wildlife tourism to the country. The specific objectives are to assess the following: the capacity and level of coordination among state actors and conservation mandates in national policy and law using a mixed methods approach involving a literature review and 38 key informant surveys representing professional expertise from various stakeholder groups. We found that over 60% of respondents indicated only moderate capacity for the implementation of CITES and coordination between local and central governments. Some participants indicated that judicial officers lack adequate conservation knowledge, thus hampering enforcement via low prosecution rates. A moderate (at best) structural fit involving inefficiencies such as conflicting processes, unequal enforcement, and suboptimal coordination implies a degree of failure in developing the implementation capacity of CITES within Kenya. Our results also show a mismatch between agency staffing and workload at several levels of government, and we make suggestions for improvement.