Habitat Biodiversity Research Articles

Assessment of Oak Groves Conservation Statuses in Natura 2000 Sacs with Single Photon Lidar and Sentinel-2 Data

Among the main objectives of Natura 2000 Network sites management plans is monitoring their conservation status under a reasonable cost and with high temporal frequency. The aim of this study is to assess the ability of single-photon light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology (14 points per m2) and Sentinel-2 data to classify the conservation status of oak forests in four special areas of conservation in Navarra Province (Spain) that comprise three habitats. To capture the variability of conservation status within the three habitats, we first performed a random stratified sampling based on conservation status measured in the field, canopy cover, and terrain slope and height. Thereafter, we compared two metric selection approaches, namely Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests, and two machine learning classification methods, random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), to classify the conservation statuses using LiDAR and Sentinel-2 data. The best-fit classification model, which included only LiDAR metrics, was obtained using the random forest method, with an overall classification accuracy after validation of 83.01%, 75.51%, and 88.25% for Quercus robur (9160), Quercus pyrenaica (9230), and Quercus faginea (9240) habitats, respectively. The models include three to six LiDAR metrics, with the structural diversity indices (LiDAR height evenness index, LHEI, and LiDAR height diversity index, LHDI) and canopy cover (FCC) being the most relevant ones. The inclusion of the NDVI index from the Sentinel-2 image did not improve the classification accuracy significantly. This approach demonstrates its value for classifying and subsequently mapping conservation statuses in oak groves and other Natura 2000 Network habitat sites at a regional scale, which could serve for more effective monitoring and management of high biodiversity habitats.

Cryptic diversity of Crocidura shrews in the savannahs of Eastern and Southern Africa

Crocidura (Eulipotyphla, Soricidae) is the most species-rich genus among mammals, with high cryptic diversity and complicated taxonomy. The hirta-flavescens group of Crocidura represents the most abundant and widespread shrews in savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, making them a suitable phylogeographical model for assessing the role of paleoclimatic changes on current biodiversity in open African habitats. We present the first comprehensive study on the phylogeography, evolutionary history, geographical distribution, systematics, and taxonomy of the group, using the integration of mitochondrial, genome-wide (ddRAD sequencing), morphological and morphometrical data collected from specimens over most of the known geographic distribution. Our genomic data confirmed the monophyly of this group and its sister relationship with the olivieri group of Crocidura. There is a substantial genetic variation within the hirta-flavescens group, with three highly supported clades showing parapatric distribution and which can be distinguished morphologically: C. hirta, distributed in both the Zambezian and Somali-Masai bioregions, C. flavescens, known from South Africa and south-western Zambia, and C. cf. flavescens, which is known to occur only in central and western Tanzania. Morphometric data revealed relatively minor differences between C. hirta and C. cf. flavescens, but they differ in the colouration of the pelage. Diversification of the hirta-flavescens group has most likely happened during phases of grassland expansion and contraction during Plio-Pleistocene climatic cycles. Eastern African Rift system, rivers, and the distinctiveness of Zambezian and Somali-Masai bioregions seem to have also shaped the pattern of their diversity, which is very similar to sympatric rodent species living in open habitats. Finally, we review the group's taxonomy and propose to revalidate C. bloyeti, currently a synonym of C. hirta, including the specimens treated as C. cf. flavescens.

An analysis of interannual data on phytoplankton and zooplankton associations in fluctuating soda lakes

Aquatic ecosystems in arid regions are important and unique habitats for aquatic wildlife and support species biodiversity. Endorheic soda lakes in Central Asia are subject to great fluctuations in its size depending on climatic conditions. Here we present research results covering the last 20 years, including the period from the maximum filling of the Torey lakes (Transbaikalia, Russia) to their aridification and the initial phase of their refilling. Barun-Torey and Zun-Torey lakes are the largest soda lakes in the arid zone with a large water surface area. A unique feature of lakes is the unstable hydrological regime. The reason for the water level change is the periodic filling and drying of lakes due to cyclic climatic changes in humidity and temperature. We aim to determine the response of the plankton communities to environmental change in the Torey lakes over this period. We analysed the interannual variations in phytoplankton and zooplankton species richness, structure and density. We conducted our studies during various phases of the hydrological cycle, including three periods for Zun-Torey Lake (high (1999 and 2003), intermediate (2007, 2011) and low (2014 and 2016) lake levels) and two periods for Barun-Torey (high water level (1999 and 2003) and the initial filling phase (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021)). Barun-Torey Lake dried up completely in summer 2009 and since 2013 the initial refilling has been observed. Zun-Torey Lake dried up in fall 2017. Changes in water level and water chemistry determined plankton biodiversity transformation. Fluctuations of plankton communities were different for each lake and conformed the phases of the hydrological cycle. We identified four stage changes in plankton associations during the aridification of Zun-Torey Lake, and three stage changes in plankton associations as the water level fell and through the initial refilling phase for Barun-Torey Lake.

Mangrove fungi: A glimpse into Africa, its diversity and biotechnological potential

African Mangroves are among the unique forest ecosystems dominating mostly the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean that provide habitat for diversified biodiversity, including fungi. Mangrove fungal diversity represents the largest untapped reservoir of biodiversity for the potential discovery of new pharmaceuticals, enzymes, and unique bio compounds used for various biotechnological applications. However, they have been highly underappreciated. For ages, fungi from the marine environment have been considered aliens with low species diversity and richness, partly due to poor techniques deployed in exploring them. Advancement of culture-independent approaches, especially next-generation sequencing (NGS), has unveiled a tremendous fungal diversity, once hidden in plain sight in the surrounding environment. A spark of interest ignited in mycological and biotechnological research, and scientists focus on mangrove fungi to unearth novel metabolites with anticancer, antimicrobial, and biotechnological potentials. Many studies of marine endophytic fungi revealed a significant gap in the documentation of African mangrove fungi, their study methods, and their metabolites of biotechnological potential. This review highlights the information gap on African mangrove fungal diversity and the biotechnological potential of their metabolites for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. In addition, the study will discuss techniques used for their isolation and characterization.

Assessing the Ecological Status of Gongolaria Barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze (Fucales, Ochrophyta) Habitat Along the Romanian Black Sea Coast- A Source of Multiple Ecosystem Services

"Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze (formerly known as Cystoseira barbata (Stackhouse) C. Agardh, 1820) builds essential habitats for marine biodiversity and ecosystem optimal functioning along the Romanian Black Sea coast. G. barbata forms so-called brown algal forests especially in the southern part of the Romanian Black Sea shore, providing all categories of ecosystem services, at the same time being a source of potentially bioactive metabolites. Over the last decades, Cystoseira sensu lato have suffered a general decline due to anthropogenic pressure and the Romanian Black Sea coast is not an exception. G. barbata is the only remained representative of Cystoseira s. l. from the Romanian coast and currently the most important habitat - forming species, being a suggestive indicator of environmental degradation and loss of habitats. The study aims to present the last fourteen years ecological status assessment of the sensitive habitat Upper-infralittoral rock dominated by G. barbata. Sampling was conducted between 2009 – 2022 (summer seasons) and a total number of 144 samples were collected using the “quadrat method” (20 x 20 cm). Data were statistically analyzed, and the specific Ecological Index (EI) was applied to evaluate the ecological status. The results of this study showed that this vulnerable habitat reached good ecological status during 2009 - 20122, except for 2012 and 2014. Nevertheless, the current distribution of G. barbata habitat is sparse, and the species remains highly sensitive to increasing anthropogenic activities in coastal zones."

Quando pensamos em arborização urbana no Brasil, o que vem à mente é uma boca banguela

The conservationist mentality of classifying pristine and degraded environments has given way to a more intelligent approach, that is, producing and applying knowledge to increase and support biodiversity in human habitats. Cities have a high potential for the conservation of biological diversity, but it is not fully feasible without considerable planning and management inputs. There are many ecosystem services provided by trees in urban ecological systems, whose positive impact on human well-being is consensual in the literature. Likewise, the capacity of urban flora, especially woody vegetation, to attract and support fauna has been proven in several studies. Tropical megadiverse countries whose cities are undergoing rapid urbanization such as Brazil face the double challenge of creating cities that can support biological diversity, with environmental justice. The most important tool for solving these demands is urban afforestation planning. However, the capacity of Brazilian cities to plan and execute tree-planting projects is low. In this essay, we discuss the main difficulties related to urban afforestation in Brazil and present some alternatives for increasing the number of trees and species and for the democr

Native Fauna of Tardigrades from Two Natural Areas of the Argentina Republic.

Understanding and preserving biodiversity in natural habitats is crucial due to their rapid degradation and destruction. The meiofauna of natural areas is less well known than the macroscopic life. Tardigrades are common in limno-terrestrial meiofauna and can indicate environmental conditions. In this study, we expand our understanding of the taxonomy and ecology of tardigrade communities in two natural reserves in Argentina by examining the environmental factors that can affect them and the species that could be used as indicators. In 2018, sampling occurred in the Parque Luro Provincial Reserve (province of La Pampa) and the Poligono A Municipal Ecological Reserve (province of Salta). Samples were taken from epiphytic communities that grow on the bark of trees. Various environmental and microhabitat factors were taken into account. In the province of La Pampa, there were 1326 specimens of five species, and in the province of Salta, there were 212 specimens of nine species. The tardigrade communities in Salta exhibited statistically higher diversity than those in La Pampa. Temperature and moisture affected the tardigrade community of Parque Luro Provincial Reserve, while the microhabitat thickness affected those of Poligono A Municipal Ecological Reserve. The species turnover shaped the community of Salta, while nesting shaped the community of La Pampa.

Ecological characterization of habitats of three insect species prized by populations in Kinshasa (DR. Congo)

Vegetation is a potential habitat for biodiversity. Characterizing its diametric and spatial structure is a key factor in management. With this in mind, this study aims to characterize the natural habitats of Brachytrupes membranaceus, Cirina forda and Gonibrasia jamesonii, the insect species most widely consumed in Kinshasa. An inventory of caterpillar host trees was carried out around mother plants (M. laurentii: dbh ? 90 cm and A. auriculiformis: dbh ? 40 cm) in 24 plots of 2500 m2 in woodland formations. The circumference, x and y coordinates of each individual at dbh ? 10 cm were recorded; and soil physicochemical parameters were measured in situ in relation to the presence of B.membranaceus. The results show that the diametric structures of the tree stems of all the stands studied are generally inverted "J", with small irregularities at class [40-50] and [20-30] cm respectively of Millettia planted forests and Millettia natural forests (p-value= 2.6). An average of 342.1, 94.0 and 107.0 trees/ha (p-value = 0.4) were inventoried in the Acacia plantations, the Milletia planted forest and the Milletia natural forest respectively, showing a random and/or aggregated distribution according to the tree stand categories compared and, an average basal area of 6.93, 12.58 and 5.39 m2/ha (p-value= 0.5). The soil is neutral (6.8) with a moisture content of 10.46%, a temperature of 32.6�C, a depth of 46.86 cm and a blackish/brownish color. This result provides unsurpassable information for planning management itineraries and orienting peri-urban ecosystem exploitation system in a more sustainable way. This study is part of the logic of contribution to SDGs 2 and 15 by 2030.

First record of economically important big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810, Pisces: Atherinidae) with some biological parameters from Reyhanlı Dam Lake, Türkiye

This paper is the first report on the occurrence of Atherina boyeri in this region. A total of 103 individuals of A. boyeri were caught with fyke-nets (mesh size: 5 mm, polyamide) in May and June 2022. The length and weight of the sampled fish ranged from 6.52 to 8.57 cm and 1.44 to 3.46 g, respectively. The exponent b of length/weight ratio was calculated as 3.091 indicating that species presented an isometric growth. The mean value of the relative condition factor Kn was calculated as 1.106 ± 0.011. In conclusion, this study provides the first and valuable information about the spatial distribution of A. boyeri and the biodiversity of the new habitat of Reyhanlı Dam Lake. Within the scope of the traceability of a newly formed ecosystem, it would be beneficial to more extensively investigate this species in terms of the food web, population dynamics, etc. Therefore, more studies should be carried out to determine the aquatic biodiversity and population dynamics of the fishery resources in the lake. The results of this study should be considered by local fishery management authorities and decision-makers to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources and to implement appropriate fishery management approaches.

Program Evaluation of a Workshop on Prairie Strips for Farm Advisors: Framing the Co-Occurring Outcomes of Low Knowledge Acquisition and High Confidence

The agricultural conservation practice of prairie strips is new and novel. Prairie strips planted in row crop fields warrants greater adoption because the application decreases erosion; protects water quality; and supports habitat for wildlife and biodiversity, including pollinators. Prairie strips are a vegetative practice composed of diverse, native, and mostly perennial species that, as a community, follow principles of ecological succession; however, they must be managed for success. Farm advisor comprehension of practice characteristics is key for adoption by producers and landowners. This article reports on a developmental evaluation of workshops intended to change farm advisor knowledge, skills, and confidence related to prairie strips management for use in consulting with farmers and landowners. The study used pre-post instruments of knowledge and skill focused on prairie species identification and age of prairie strips planing; pre-then post-end of session questions were asked in a survey to report change in knowledge, skill, and confidence, as well as farm advisor situation. Advisors reported increased confidence, but acquisition of prairie knowledge and skills resulted in flat to lower scores. The paper explores the discrepancy of lower cognitive scores (knowledge and skills) compared to higher confidence. Explanations explore the phenomena of satisficing and perceived self-efficacy to explain the differential.

TỔ CHỨC HOẠT ĐỘNG TRẢI NGHIỆM KHÁM PHÁ ĐA DẠNG SINH VẬT TRONG VƯỜN RAU CHO TRẺ MẦM NON

In environmental education in general, environmental education for preschool children in particular, the perspective of education in the environment is always upheld. However, the use of space and natural context in preschool as a means of educating children is still limited, especially education on biodiversity in the school's habitat. On the basis of theoretical research, this paper has determined the concept and scope of knowledge about biodiversity suitable for preschool children and proposed how to organize biodiversity discovery activities in vegetable gardens. in preschool. From there, helping preschool teachers can maximize the advantages of the school garden in organizing scientific discovery activities for children.

Land Use Changes and Ecosystem Services: The Case Study of the Abruzzo Region Coastal Strip

Consistent and optimized territorial planning, imply the use of numerous variables aimed at improving life quality and reduction of environmental impacts. The resilience of the territory to climate change threats is strongly linked to its progressive transformation. This fact is extremely evident in coastal systems, which are intrinsically fragile systems due to their high environmental value and strong anthropogenic pressure. The existing tools and techniques provide to outline future transformation effects through the scenarios analysis. This work has the objective to evaluate the effects of land use changes in the territory of the Abruzzo coast. The conversion from natural soils to artificial uses has a significant impact on several ecosystem services. The regulation services considered in this work are flood regulation, carbon storage and sequestration, and habitat for biodiversity. The first is directly connected to soil sealing which determines a reduction of water infiltration with the consequent overloading of the existing sewerage systems. The quantitative evaluation is made using the concept of surface runoff coefficient. Instead, the estimation of the last two ecosystem services has been made using InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) models, specifically the Carbon Storage and Sequestration model and the Habitat Quality model. The results show that Land Use Changes (2012–2018) caused a potential increase of 10% in runoff and an annual Carbon Sequestration loss estimated at about €820,000.

Mucilage-induced necrosis reveals cellular oxidative stress in the Mediterranean gorgonian Paramuricea clavata

The red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata is a fundamental ecosystem engineer of coralligenous biocenosis in the Mediterranean Sea, where it plays crucial ecological functions and enhances the habitat biodiversity. However, this species is strongly endangered due to climate change-related stressors such as mucilage events, which have increased in recent decades causing extensive damage and mortality, but whose impacts at the molecular and cellular levels are still unexplored. In this study, different cellular stress biomarkers were analyzed in mucilage-colonized P. clavata specimens living in the Portofino Marine Protected Area (Ligurian Sea, Italy), in order to elucidate the cellular pathways affected by mucilage and the cellular defense mechanisms adopted. Within these colonies, portions of healthy tissue located at different distances from mucilage-induced necrosis were considered. Our results showed that mucilage affected the cellular oxidative status and impaired lipid cell membranes of the whole P. clavata colony. Indeed, an increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) enzymatic activity and in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was detected in colonies showing mucilage-induced necrotic tissues compared to healthy ones. In particular, fragments sampled just next to the necrotic tissue displayed the highest levels of SOD and LPO, indicating that harmful oxidative damage was in progress, especially in portions neighboring the mucilage colonization. In this context, the up-regulation of the antioxidant mechanisms might represent a defense and a barrier from hypoxic or anoxic conditions created by mucilage overgrowth or by the invasion of toxic organisms embedded in the mucilaginous aggregates. On the contrary, the cellular protein homeostasis, analyzed by the expression of the 60-kDa Heat shock protein (Hsp60), was not altered by the mucilage. This analysis contributes to provide new insights into the cellular and molecular response of gorgonians to a stress source whose effects are likely to worsen in a climate change scenario.

Off-shore and underwater sampling of aquatic environments with the aerial-aquatic drone MEDUSA

Monitoring of aquatic habitats for water quality and biodiversity requires regular sampling, often in off-shore locations and underwater. Such sampling is commonly performed manually from research vessels, or if autonomous, is constrained to permanent installations. Consequentially, high frequency ecological monitoring, such as for harmful algal blooms, are limited to few sites and/or temporally infrequent. Here, we demonstrate the use of MEDUSA, an Unmanned Aerial-Aquatic Vehicle which is capable of performing underwater sampling and inspection at up to 10 m depth, and is composed of a multirotor platform, a tether management unit and a tethered micro Underwater Vehicle. The system is validated in the task of vertical profiling of Chlorophyll-a levels in freshwater systems by means of a custom solid sample filtering mechanism. This mechanism can collect up to two independent samples per mission by pumping water through a pair of glass-fibre GF/F filters. Chlorophyll levels measured from the solid deposits on the filters are consistent and on par with traditional sampling methods, highlighting the potential of using UAAVs to sample aquatic locations at high frequency and high spatial resolution.

Impacts of Sustainable Forestry Initiative fiber sourcing on the forestry best management practices and biodiversity conservation in the SE United States

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Fiber Sourcing Standard (FSS) aims to extend the reach of sustainable forest management onto uncertified forestlands through the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and other requirements intended to promote multiple conservation outcomes. Conservation of biological diversity is one of the pillars of the SFI FSS, yet no study has examined its effect on biodiversity conservation at the landscape level. We analyzed BMP implementation rates (inside, outside, and within overlapped wood baskets of certified wood-consuming mills) across five levels (very high, high, medium, low, and very low) biodiversity habitats to measure the impact of the SFI FSS in four states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina) in the SE United States. BMP implementation rates were not significantly different inside, outside, or within multiple wood baskets of mills certified to the SFI FSS. We also find that the SFI FSS facilitates the same level of adherence to sustainable forest practices across various levels of biodiversity habitats, regardless of the presence or absence of imperiled species. High compliance rates across the region indicate that all tracts of land, irrespective of biodiversity categories, typically receive the same level of conservation attention. In this context, the SFI FSS is broadening the reach of sustainable forest management beyond certified forests in the SE United States.

Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a promising method for assaying fish diversity in cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

The karst aquifer of the Yucatán Peninsula (YP) in southeastern Mexico is a unique ecosystem in which water-filled sinkholes, locally known as cenotes, connect subterranean waters with the surface. This system is home to around 20 species of freshwater fishes, including several that are endemic and/or threatened. Studies on this unique ichthyofauna have been partially hampered by the technical difficulties associated with sampling these habitats, particularly submerged caves. In this proof-of-concept study, we use environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to survey the diversity of freshwater fishes associated with the YP karst aquifer by sampling six cenotes from across the Ring of Cenotes region in northwestern Yucatán, a 180-km-diameter semicircular band of abundant karst sinkholes. Through a combination of conventional sampling (direct observation, fishing) and eDNA metabarcoding, we detected eight species of freshwater fishes across the six sampled cenotes. Overall, our eDNA metabarcoding approach was effective at detecting the presence of fishes from cenote water samples, including one of the two endemic cave-dwelling fish species restricted to the subterranean section of the aquifer. Although our study was focused on detecting fishes via eDNA, we also recovered DNA from several other vertebrate groups, particularly bats. These results suggest that the eDNA metabarcoding approach represents a promising and largely noninvasive method to assay aquatic biodiversity in these vulnerable habitats, allowing more effective, frequent, and wide-ranging surveys. Our detection of DNA from aerial and terrestrial vertebrate fauna implies that eDNA from cenotes, besides being a means to survey aquatic fauna, may also offer an effective way to quickly survey non-aquatic biodiversity associated with these persistent water bodies.

Meadow-living walls: Creating attractive vertical greenery with meadow seed mixtures – Experiences and recommendations from a three year field trial

Living walls (LW) are a way to increase urban green infrastructure. Previous research has mainly focused on microclimatic cooling effect or the technical functioning of LW, while the development of autochthonous plant species and visual plant aspects for LWs have largely been neglected. In this study we focused on the possibility of establishing LWs by seeding, which is not used very often despite obvious advantages such as low costs, low maintenance requirements, and a high species diversity potential.Within a three-year field study in a temperate oceanic climate, we established a meadow-LW by sowing seed mixtures of >30 species on textile mats without soil substrate. After a pre-growing period with horizontal mats in the greenhouse, we placed the greened mats vertically on experimental walls exposed to the North, South, East, and West. We documented species coverage and visibility over time, growth height, and maintenance steps. After cutting, the vegetation recovered within a few weeks and we recommend one complete cut in summer and removing dead plant material after the frost period.From April to October, we observed an increasing growth height and vegetation coverage reaching >100%, followed by a decline till December. Differences of plant species composition and development between different expositions and study years were observed especially after the cold winter of 2017/2018.This study was able to demonstrate that seeded meadow-LWs can be easily established. The use of autochthonous plant species mixtures can create new biodiverse habitats, are aesthetically attractive and increase human wellbeing.

Monitoring the marine invasive alien species Rugulopteryx okamurae using unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites

Rugulopteryx okamurae is a species of brown macroalgae belonging to the Dictyotaceae family and native to the north-western Pacific. As an Invasive Alien Species (IAS), it was first detected in the Strait of Gibraltar in 2015. Since then, R. okamurae has been spreading rapidly through the submerged euphotic zone, colonizing from 0 to 50 m depth and generating substantial economic and environmental impacts on the Andalusian coasts (southern Spain). More than 40% of marine IAS in the European Union (EU) are macroalgae, representing one of the main threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in coastal habitats. This study presents a monitoring pilot of beached R. okamurae and fresh R. okamurae down to 5 m depth in Tarifa (Cadiz, Spain), combining multispectral remote sensing data collected by sensors on-board Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellites, and how this information can be used to support decision-making and policy. We used an UAV flight carried out at Bolonia beach (Tarifa, Spain) on 1st July 2021 and Sentinel-2 (S2) and Landsat-8 (L8) image acquisitions close to the drone flight date. In situ data were also measured on the same date of the flight, and they were used to train the supervised classification Super Vector Machine (SVM) method based on the spectral information obtained for each substrate cover. The results obtained show how multispectral images allow the detection of beached R. okamurae, and the classification accuracy for water, land vegetation, sand and R. okamurae depending on the image resolution (8.3 cm/pixel for UAV flight, 10 m/pixel for S2 and 30 m/pixel for L8). While the UAV imagery precisely delimited the area occupied by this macroalgae, satellite data were capable of detecting its presence, and able to generate early warnings. This study demonstrates the usefulness of multispectral remote sensing techniques to be incorporated in continuous monitoring programmes of the marine IAS R. okamurae in coastal areas. This information is also key to supporting regional, national and European policies in order to adapt strategic management of invasive marine macrophytes.

Diversity and Population Status of Tree Species in Bakin-Dutse of Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria

Nigerian forest resources are constantly threatened due to many anthropogenic activities and considering their importance in recycling oxygen, preventing erosion, biodiversity habitats etc. This study was carried out to determine the diversity and population status of trees. A 50km2 plot was studied using the line transect method, and the Point Centered Quartet technique was deployed to enumerate standing tree biomass. Total Height, Diameter at Breast Height and Crown cover were also measured and recorded. The results showed that 200 trees spread across fifteen (15) families and forty (40) species were identified. The Fabaceae Family had more representatives 12 (30%) while Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Sapotaceae, Rutaceae and Olecaceae had 1 (2.5%) representation each. Parkia biglobosa had highest abundance 37 (18.5%) while Anacardium ocidentale, Brachystegia eurycoma, Ceiba pentandra, Cocos nucifera, Combretum molle, Ficus thoninngii, Khaya senegalensis, Haematostaphis barterii, Lannea microcarpa, Limonia. acidissima, Mangifera indica, Mitragyna inermis, Nauclea latifolia, Newbouldia laevis, Psidium guajava and Tamarindus indica all recorded the least abundance of 1 (0.5%). Diversity indices of Hʹ=2.65 (North), Hʹ=2.49 (South), Hʹ=2.72 (East) and Hʹ=2.37 (West) were recorded. The results also showed that 90% of the tree species enumerated are in need of serious conservation efforts. Parkia biglobosa had the highest Importance Value (46.84%) while Psidium guajava recoded the least (2.21%). It was then concluded that trees in Bakin-dutse community of Ardo-kola LGA needs conserving, hence, we suggest that a concerted effort from Governmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organization and the Local Community to curtail the rapid decline in the population of these important biodiversity resources.

Establish of important habitats for dryland mountain biodiversity by their lichen species

The study of lichens, which are species sensitive to environmental changes, is of great use. As a result of our analysis of lichen biodiversity, it is shown that the habitats of dry grass meadows from the Baraat ridge of the village Hujirt-Bagh from the somon Must, Khuvd Aimak are extremely rare in the Altai-Sayan region and are important habitats for the gene pool and habitat of the rare genetic resources of lichens.
 As a result of the research, 52 species from 32 genera of 17 families were registered, of which 7 species were found for the first time in the mountainous dry steppe vegetation of the geographical region of Mongolia Altai. And also found extremely rare and Altai-Sayan endemics Evernia terrestris and another 12 species with the status of rarity. According to available data, this mountainous area can be considered the southernmost boundary of the lichen range, for which a question of protection should be raised. The study also determined that the diversity of substrate habitats is more important than the size of the area of the species range, taking into account, all known lichen species as referring to the environment and the availability of moisture on the surface of the growth, and how they adapt. In the modern era of climate change, local protection of this unique ecosystem of habitats isolated in dry and arid mountainous areas will help the Bodonchu River, which is important for the diversity of extremely rare and rare vascular and nonvascular (cryptogam) plant species also small mammals of reptiles and birds. The protection of the habitat of one of the main sources of the Bodonça River Basin and the livelihoods of pastoralists must be valued.
 Хуурай гандуу уулархаг нутгийн биологийн олон янз байдалд чухал амьдрах орчинг хагийн төрөл зүйлээр тогтоох нь(Ховд аймгийн Мөст сум, Хужирт багийн Бараат уулын жишээн дээр)
 Хураангуй: Орчны өөрчлөлтийн мэдрэг төрөл зүйл болох хагийн судалгаагаар Ховд аймгийн Мөст сум, Хужирт багийн Бараат уулын алаг өвст бушилзат нугажуу хээрийн амьдрах орчинг Алтай-Соёны бүс нутгийн хувьд нэн ховор, ховор хагийн генетик нөөцийн удмын сан, амьдрах орчны хувьд чухал газар нутаг болохыг нотлов. Судалгааны үр дүнд 17 овгийн 32 төрлийн 52 зүйл бүртгэснээс Монгол-Алтайн уулын хээрийн тойрогт шинээр 7 зүйл, Алтай-Соёны эндемик бөгөөд нэн ховор Evernia terrestris, мөн ховор статустай 12 зүйл хагийн тархацын хамгийн өмнөд хязгаартаа орших уулархаг бүс нутаг гэж үзэн Ховд аймгийн орон нутгийн хамгаалалтад авах асуудлыг хөндөж байна. Мөн судалгаагаар мэдэгдэж буй нийт зүйл хагийг хүрээлэн буй орчны болон ургах гадаргуун хур чийгийн хүртээмжтэй хэрхэн холбогдож, хэрхэн дасан зохицож буй шинжийг тус тус харгалзан зүйлийн тархцад талбайн их багаас илүүтэй амьдрах орчны субстратын олон янз байдал чухал гэдгийг тогтоов. Уур амьсгалын өөрчлөлтийн өнөө цаг үед хуурай гандуу уулархаг нутагт тусгаарлагдсан энэхүү өвөрмөц амьдрах орчны экосистемийг орон нутгийн хамгаалалтад авснаар нэн ховор, ховор цэцэгт гуурст болон спорт гуурсгүй (криптогам) ургамлын төрөл зүйлийн олон янз байдал, жижиг хөхтөн, хэвлээр явагчид болон шувуудад ач холбогдол бүхий Бодонч голын ай савын нэг томоохон эх ундрагын амьдрах орчныг хамгаалах, малчдын амьжиргааг тэтгэх зэрэгт үнэлж баршгүй ач холбогдол өгөх учиртай.
 Түлхүүр үгс: Бараат уул, нэн ховор, ховор хаг, үйл ажиллагааны мэдрэг шинж