Habitat Loss Research Articles

Non-linear homogenization of small mammal communities following habitat loss in a biodiversity hotspot

Non-linear homogenization of small mammal communities following habitat loss in a biodiversity hotspot

Osteobrama sps.: A promising high-value fish for diversification in freshwater aquaculture

The genus Osteobrama represents a diverse and ecologically significant group of fish species found throughout the freshwater systems of the Indian subcontinent. Despite facing numerous conservation challenges, such as habitat degradation and overfishing, these species offer promising opportunities for sustainable aquaculture. Their adaptability to different environmental conditions and compatibility with multi-species farming systems make them valuable candidates for aquaculture diversification, particularly in rural regions. Continued research and conservation efforts focused on these species can play a vital role in preserving their ecological functions while promoting economic benefits through aquaculture. Strengthening habitat protection and integrating aquaculture with conservation efforts will ensure the long-term sustainability of Osteobrama species.. KEYWORDS :

Future climate change increase species vulnerability and present new opportunities for biodiversity conservation in China.

Future climate change increase species vulnerability and present new opportunities for biodiversity conservation in China.

Advancing oyster habitat mapping: Integrating satellite remote sensing to assess coastal development impacts in northern United Arab Emirates.

Advancing oyster habitat mapping: Integrating satellite remote sensing to assess coastal development impacts in northern United Arab Emirates.

Land use effects in trace element concentrations and bird biodiversity in mangrove environments within a Natural Protected Area.

Land use effects in trace element concentrations and bird biodiversity in mangrove environments within a Natural Protected Area.

A stitch in time: integrating energy infrastructure into the fabric of conservation habitats.

A stitch in time: integrating energy infrastructure into the fabric of conservation habitats.

Home Range and Habitat Use of the Endangered Flores Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus floris) in Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara

The Flores hawk-eagle (Nisaetus floris) is an endangered raptor endemic to the Lesser Sunda region and remains understudied, hindering effective conservation planning. This study investigates the species’ home range, habitat use, and threats at two active nesting sites in Ende District, Flores Island. Home range estimates varied between 8.439 km² (using minimum convex polygon/MCP) and 23.38 km² (using hypothetical-circular home range/HCHR) in Wolojita and from 6.385 km² (MCP) to 23.38 km² (HCHR) in Mbuli. Intensive use areas were relatively small, measuring 0.449 km² in Wolojita and 0.494 km² in Mbuli. Habitat use analysis revealed that in Wolojita, the eagles favored secondary forests, settlements, and shrublands, while in Mbuli, they primarily utilized grasslands and secondary forests, actively avoiding agricultural lands, rice fields, and areas near sulfuric rivers. Secondary forests appear to provide essential resources such as nesting trees and prey availability. However, competition with other raptor species, coupled with anthropogenic threats such as habitat degradation, land-use change, and persecution driven by livestock predation, poses significant risks to the species’ survival. Conservation should focus on preserving secondary forests, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict to ensure the long-term viability of the population.

An analysis of environmental and occupational health impacts of denim manufacturing and exploration of sustainable production alternatives

Denim is an important subset of the world textile industry. This study aims to explore the possible health impacts as well as the environmental risks caused by different processes of denim production. The present study deals with wide-ranging consequences related to the chemical processes involved in denim manufacturing, including the overconsumption of water, destruction of natural habitats, pollution, and adverse health effects on workers. It also deals with the pollution created during various steps of denim production and the subsequent carbon emissions released into the environment. This study investigated the health effects of chemicals used at different stages of denim production on workers and residents in the vicinity. This study analysed published works and literature to highlight the lack of attention given to sustainable practices in the denim industry. It also deals with the negative consequences of production of denim on the environment.

Caracal’s Comeback – First photographic record of Caracal in the Ramgarh Visdhari and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, India

Caracals (Caracal caracal) were once widely distributed in India’s semi-arid regions but lost more than 90% of their range due to habitat loss in the past century. Herein, we present the first photographic evidence of caracal in Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Visdhari and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserves, beyond the two known caracal populations in Kachchh (Gujarat) and Ranthambhore landscape (Ranthambhore, Kailadevi, Dholpur in Rajasthan). This finding indicates return of caracal in Ramgarh and Mukundara, and revived the hope for the species’ conservation in the semi-arid western Indian landscape. The record also highlighted the importance of rigorous scientific monitoring through camera traps in order to record the presence of rare and elusive species in the landscape. Dedicated surveys for caracals, focusing on their ecology, behaviour, and conservation needs, are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of India’s most endangered cat.

Evaluation of machine learning and deep learning algorithms for fire prediction in Southeast Asia

Vegetation fires are most common in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries, causing biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and air pollution. Accurately predicting fire occurrences in SEA remains challenging due to its complex spatiotemporal dynamics. Improved fire predictions enable timely interventions, helping to control and mitigate fires. In this study, we utilize Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellite-derived fire data alongside six machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models, Simple Persistence, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), CNN-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM), and Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) to determine the most effective fire prediction model. We evaluated model performance using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and R2 (coefficient of determination). Our results indicate that the CNN performs best in regions with strong spatial dependencies, such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Thailand. Conversely, the ConvLSTM excels in countries with complex spatiotemporal dynamics, like Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The CNN-LSTM hybrid model also performed well in Cambodia, suggesting a need for a balanced approach in areas requiring both spatial and temporal feature extraction. Furthermore, simpler models, such as Simple Persistence and MLP, showed limitations in capturing dynamic patterns and temporal dependencies. Our findings highlight the importance of evaluating various ML and DL models before integrating them into any decision support systems (DSS) for fire management studies. By tailoring models to specific regional fire data, prediction accuracy and responsiveness can be enhanced, ultimately improving fire risk management in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Response of a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) source population following a large-scale progressive translocation harvest

Context Translocation is an important tool for species conservation. However, comparatively few translocation programs have investigated the impacts on source populations. The distribution and size of a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population occupying a rapidly urbanising landscape in south-east Queensland, Australia were investigated before and after progressive removal of koalas. Aims This study investigated how the population responded following translocation of 166 koalas over a 5-year period concomitant with loss of habitat. Methods Baseline surveys conducted in 2006 were compared to post-translocation surveys of the same area in 2017. Survey sites were located on a grid positioned over the study area. Sites were sampled using scat surveys to measure koala activity and fixed-radius searches for koalas to estimate population density. Key results The koala population size estimated in 2017 (440 ± 66 s.e.) was not markedly different to that for 2006 (510 ± 67 s.e.), with koalas occupying remaining habitat at similar density. The analysis did not identify any significant change in occupancy between survey periods. Estimates of the probability of detection were high in both periods with the preferred tree species group having values >0.8. Naïve occupancy estimates from raw field data were consistent with that predicted by modelling. Conclusions The results suggest that relatively large source populations of koalas can cope with a progressive translocation harvest. Implications The population coped better than anticipated. Regardless, monitoring is important as the new town centre is completed. Further management actions may be necessary to support and sustain the remaining population.

Daily Behavior of Javan Bull (Bos javanicus javanicus) in Ragunan Wildlife Park

Indonesia has quite a variety of endemic animals. One of Indonesia's endemic animals is the Javan bull (Bos javanicus javanicus). This animal comes from the island of Java and is now a protected animal. The decline in the Javan bull population in Indonesia is caused by illegal hunting, habitat destruction and exploitation. Conservation efforts are needed to protect and preserve the Javan bull. There is ex-situ conservation as a place to preserve various types of animals with a modern concept. Ragunan Wildlife Park is an ex-situ conservation area created in a way that matches its natural habitat. The aim of this research is to describe the daily behavior of Javan bulls and differences in the percentage of behavior of each individual Javan bull (Bos javanicus javanicus) in the Ragunan Wildlife Park ex-situ captivity. This research was carried out with a total of 12 days of observation on 4 Javan bulls, namely 2 males and 2 females. Observations were divided into 2 sessions. The morning session was held at 08.00-11.00 WIB and the afternoon session was held at 13.00-15.00 WIB using the focal animal sampling method. The parameters measured are temperature and humidity. Based on the results of research that has been carried out, the behaviors of Javan bulls that emerge are eating, drinking, ruminating, moving, resting, sleeping, grooming, urinating, defecating and social behavior. The highest behavior of the Javan bull (Bejo) was social behavior at 32.56% and the lowest was defecation behavior at 0.44%. The dominant behavior of Javan bulls (Raju) is resting behavior at 39.56% and the lowest is urination behavior at 0.22%. The highest behavior of the Javan bull (Amy) was eating behavior at 35.00% and the lowest was drinking and defecation behavior at 0.33%. The highest behavior of the Javan bull (Susi) was eating behavior at 49.44% and the lowest was sleeping behavior at 0.00%.

Dietary Composition of Asian Elephants in Parsa National Park: A Micro-Histological Approach

The endangered Asian elephants face extreme threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching for ivory, trophy hunting, and human-elephant conflicts. These mega-herbivores require ample forage and exhibit seasonal variations in their food intake. To analyze their diet, we collected vegetation samples through direct and indirect observations of signs such as feeding or damage, as well as dung samples from the core area and the buffer zone of Parsa National Park. A total of 30 species showed the most sign and damage categories in the core area, while 5 species were identified in the buffer zone. Micro-histological analysis of dung samples indicated that both monocots (excluding grasses) and dicots contributed significantly in the core area, whereas grasses and debris were comparatively more prevalent in the buffer zone. The availability of diet and nutritional preferences drive elephant movements and generate conflicts with local communities living in the buffer zone, especially when available habitat is shrinking and preferred species are limited in the core area. It is essential to manage the grasslands within the park by focusing on palatable, nutritious, and preferred species to achieve conservation goals for these endangered megafauna and minimize conflicts with local communities.

Functional safeguards for conservation: Identifying climate change refugia for frugivorous and nectarivorous birds in a degraded area of Colombia.

Habitat loss and climate change are major drivers of biodiversity loss, but their synergistic effects and functional perspectives have to be better understood. We employed species distribution models under future contrasting socioeconomic scenarios to assess the impacts of climate change and human footprint on avian frugivore and nectarivore functional groups in the Magdalena Valley, a highly transformed and biodiverse region in Colombia. We constructed the functional groups based on a dissimilarity matrix with 16 anatomical and ecological traits. Two types of future climatic refugia (type 1: areas that will maintain the current climatic conditions and type 2: regions outside the current distribution area that will have the current climatic conditions) were identified to guide conservation efforts for these groups and associated ecosystem services. Of the 27 functional groups identified, 19 are projected to undergo range reductions of 1-75%, with an average upward shift of their climatic niches along the altitudinal gradient of 690 m. Large frugivores from intermediate elevations, such as toucans and cracids, as well as nectarivores with extreme adaptations and specializations, are expected to experience the most severe range reductions. Distributional and altitudinal shifts will lead to spatial reorganization of communities and a reduction or complete loss of functional group richness, particularly in lowland areas. This could impact ecosystem services relevant for degraded area restoration, such as seed dispersal, fruit availability, and pollination of specialized plant species with economic importance. The low representation of future climatic refugia within protected areas highlights the need to incorporate climate change trends into future conservation strategies for these landscapes.

Freshwater Mussels as Multifaceted Ecosystem Engineers: Insights into Their Ecological Importance, Bioindication, and Economic Contributions

Freshwater mussels play a vital ecological role in aquatic ecosystems, serving as effective natural filters that enhance water quality by removing suspended particles and excess nutrients, thereby preventing eutrophication. Their filtration activity supports overall ecosystem stability and promotes biodiversity by providing habitat structure for various aquatic species. Additionally, mussels are valuable bioindicators of environmental health, reflecting water quality changes and accumulating pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and heavy metals, which can offer insights into pollution trends. Freshwater mussels offer considerable economic potential through sustainable aquaculture, particularly in pearl production and jewelry applications, while also contributing nutritionally in controlled and culturally appropriate contexts. Despite these benefits, freshwater mussels face significant threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. These pressures have resulted in drastic population declines and extinctions across various species. Effective conservation and management strategies are essential to protect freshwater mussels, focusing on habitat protection and restoration, ongoing research, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability of these crucial organisms. This review highlights the multifaceted ecological and economic values of freshwater mussels, the challenges they face, and the importance of comprehensive conservation efforts to maintain their populations and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Changes in land cover drove the recent range expansion of a tropical farmland bird

Several bird species associated with agricultural landscapes in the Palearctic and in the Nearctic (i.e. farmland birds) have been experiencing severe population declines since the 1970s, mainly due to habitat loss driven by agricultural intensification. Contrastingly, many farmland birds in the Neotropics are expanding their ranges in recent years. Reconstructing the history of range change of these birds can provide insights into the ecological dynamics of expansion/retraction of bird populations in agricultural lands. In this study we investigated the temporal dynamics of the geographical distribution of a tropical farmland bird, the lined seedeater Sporophila lineola. We used data from the literature, zoological collections, and community science platforms to access the species' range in South America at different timeframes. Additionally, we used historical maps to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of the species and the type of land cover at different timeframes. Our findings suggest that lined seedeaters, which were originally restricted to part of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, expanded their range to southeastern and southern Brazil during the last century. We propose that the lined seedeater was originally associated with naturally disturbed habitats, having expanded its range over human disturbed habitats, benefiting from recent changes in land cover. Documenting range expansion in lined seedeaters allowed us to better understand how changes in land cover can favour opportunistic species into their successful occupation of man‐made habitats.

Age-Dependent Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiome in Endangered Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) Based on 16S rDNA Sequencing Analysis

The Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) is one of the most endangered primates globally, threatened by habitat destruction, genetic diversity loss, and ecological competition. In this study, given the critical role of the gut microbiota in host immune regulation and nutrient metabolism, we investigated the composition of and age-related variations in the gut microbiota in Hainan gibbons. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we systematically investigated the gut microbial diversity of Hainan gibbons. We collected 41 fecal samples from Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, covering three age groups: juveniles (4–6 years), subadults (7–10 years), and elderly animals (≥13 years). This study found that microbiota composition changed significantly with age. Juveniles had higher microbial diversity and complexity, while subadults showed an increased abundance of Fibrobacter and Prevotella in their microbial communities, along with a Tax4Fun-predicted enrichment of functional genes related to energy metabolism, cell motility, and nervous system functions. LEfSe analysis identified statistically significant microbial taxa among different age groups, with Bacteroidota and Firmicutes being the dominant phyla across all groups with varying proportions. These results highlight the critical role of the gut microbiota in the health and adaptability of Hainan gibbons, offering insights for conservation strategies. The findings of this study are significant for understanding the changes in gut microbiota and their ecological functions across different life stages of endangered primates.

Modeling habitat suitability and connectivity for the sole endemic genus of Italian vertebrate: present and future perspectives

BackgroundAmphibians are the most globally threatened vertebrates, facing a particularly high risk of extinction in some regions, such as the Mediterranean basin. Within this region, the genus Salamandrina, comprising two species of notable conservation concerns, managed to persist throughout historical climate changes exclusively along the Italian peninsula. Among the main threats to this genus are habitat loss and climate change, as this salamander is adapted to humid forests and relies heavily on water sources, such as small streams, for reproduction. In this study, we employed fine-scale species distribution models (SDMs) to estimate areas projected to remain suitable for Salamandrina species in the future and areas expected to become unsuitable, incorporating bioclimatic, topographic, and habitat variables. We also evaluated landscape connectivity and identified ecological corridors that could facilitate movement through circuit-theory techniques, analyzing potential changes under different scenarios. Additionally, considering known hybridization events in a contact zone between the two species, we measured connectivity to assess whether this process might change in the future.ResultsWe found several suitable areas that mostly align with the known ranges of both species. Future projections showed an overall decline in habitat suitability, with a northwestern shift. While strong in certain areas, landscape connectivity is expected to decrease overall. Specifically, our results revealed several corridors for S. perspicillata (the northern species), with higher connectivity values in the Central Apennines. For S. terdigitata (the southern species), a crucial corridor in the Catena Costiera Massifs, in the western southernmost region of the Italian peninsula, connects two key conservation areas. In the contact zone, we identified corridors that could favor hybridization between the species, with predictions suggesting an increase.ConclusionsOur findings inform the long-term conservation of a unique salamander genus. Strengthening conservation measures on Salamandrina species in areas predicted to become unsuitable or in areas that could become suitable and serve as ecological corridors will be critical. Furthermore, future monitoring efforts should focus on the corridors identified in the contact zone to assess whether the hybridization process is ongoing and at what rate.

STRATEGIES AND MECHANISMS OF PLANT-MICROBIOME-POLLINATOR COADAPTATION

Plant-pollinator interactions showcase mutualistic coevolution, but the role of microorganisms in these relationships is often overlooked. Nectar-dwelling microorganisms, mainly yeasts and bacteria, significantly influence floral chemistry, pollinator behavior, and plant reproduction. These microorganisms alter nectar’s sugar content, amino acid profiles, pH, and scent emissions, shaping pollinator preferences. For example, the yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii produces fruity esters that attract bumble bees, while some bacteria lower pH, repelling honey bees. Pollinators spread these microorganisms between flowers, creating a feedback loop that shapes microbial communities and drives coevolution. Beyond nectar, microorganisms' impact on thermal regulation through metabolic heat, pollen health, and pollinator gut microbiomes. Specialized bacteria like Rosenbergiella nectarea and Acinetobacter spp. thrive in nectar’s high-sugar environment, while pollinator microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus kunkeei, protect honey bees from pathogens. Microbial diversity varies by region, with tropical flowers hosting richer communities than temperate ones. This review highlights how microorganisms act as key players in plant-pollinator networks, boosting pollinator nutrition, immunity, and foraging efficiency. It explores microbial spread, competition, and chemical influence, calling for studies that blend microbiology, ecology, and evolution. Understanding these interactions is vital for predicting how climate change and habitat loss threaten pollination, affecting agriculture and biodiversity.

From Extinction to Opposition: The Double Threat Facing Zoology in Modern Society through the Lens of Australia

The overarching theme of Science Under Siege: Zoology Under Threat highlights the urgent need to reject the idea that science is optional or dismissible in today’s society. Much of the pushback against science, including zoology, comes from religious groups, political interests seeking short-term benefits, or from philosophical views that oppose the scientific study and management of wildlife. An extreme stance within the animal rights movement also opposes conservation efforts, even though ethical considerations regarding animals and the environment are essential for their sustainable management. Brian Martin, in his insightful piece Breaking the Siege: Guidelines for Struggle in Science, notes that when science comes under attack, opponents often use tactics to minimize public outrage—such as covering up their actions, discrediting the targets, reinterpreting events, or using official channels to create an illusion of fairness. Currently, zoology and zoologists are facing such attacks, and the continued degradation of our ecosystems is a disturbing consequence. In Australia, the accelerating extinction rates, fuelled by invasive species, climate change, and habitat destruction, are steadily erasing the country's rich zoological heritage. This paper has been conducted through the analysis of secondary data sources, including published scientific literature, policy reviews, and ethical critiques. No primary data collection was undertaken. The reliance on secondary data ensures that the arguments presented are rooted in peer-reviewed evidence and authoritative documentation relevant to the intersection of zoology, ethics, and environmental governance. The collected literature was examined to trace common themes, prevailing arguments, and underlying conceptual structures relevant to the research focus.