Habitat Research Articles

Bacterial and fungal contamination of healthcare workers’ mobile phones in a provincial hospital in Centre-West of Morocco

ABSTRACT The widespread use of mobile phones by healthcare workers makes them a breeding ground for microorganisms. The aim of this study is to investigate microbial contamination on cell phones of healthcare workers and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility. The study was conducted at Provincial Hospital Hassan II in Settat. Swabs were collected from 72 mobile phones of healthcare workers, samples were rolled over the phone screens and cultured in suitable media. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the disk diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar. Of the 72 mobile phones, 68 showed microbial growth. Among these 55 were Gram-positive bacteria and 13 were Gram-negative bacilli. One Staphylococcus aureus strain was Methicillin-Resistant, and one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain produced Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase. Four samples were contaminated with Candida albicans, Imipenem and Amikacin were active against all Gram-negative bacilli. Only 21 out of 72 phones were occasionally cleaned. Regular decontamination and emphasis on hygiene measures are recommended.

PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF CHANGE AT THE RESURRECTION IN 1 CORINTHIANS 15:42‐44a

AbstractThe following article discusses Paul's conception of change regarding the resurrection body in 1 Cor 15:42‐44a. Our thesis is that Paul uses a popular Hellenistic cosmology and account of change to explain how the transformation of the body is possible. He uses seed imagery to contrast the pre‐and‐post‐resurrection bodies … the mortal and immortal bodies. Using rhetorical accommodation techniques, he resolves the Corinthian confusion regarding physical resurrection using popular Hellenistic ideas. Whereas some interpreters think that the resurrection body is terrestrial, others find a rarefied extraction of matter like the Stoic material soul or a holistic transformation into a rarefied and/or celestial element fitted to a polarized heavenly environment. Our interpretation is characterized by material continuity and integrative rather than absolute polarity. Though Paul conceives of material continuity, he says nothing of rarefied bodies or their natural habitat. Jesus's resurrection and anticipated return suggest a transformation of the ‘flesh’ into a body capable of traversing both heavenly‐earthly spheres. Some think this view is incoherent, because it combines two incompatible conceptions of resurrection. Paul's solution seems to be that the resurrection body changes its properties as needed, depending on its environment. Hence, it never exemplifies incompatible properties at the same time.

Assessing the impact of human activities and land use change on livestock depredation by large carnivores in Mexico

Human-carnivore conflicts, arising from the predation of domestic animals, contribute to global declines in carnivore populations, primarily due to retaliatory and preventative killings. Understanding the contextual factors that commonly lead to such conflicts is crucial for developing policies and strategies that mitigate economic losses for individuals and reduce human-caused mortality of carnivores. In this study, we used livestock predation insurance claim records filed in Mexico from 2017 to 2020, alongside potentially significant anthropogenic and landscape variables, to explore the relationship between the occurrence of livestock predations and the degree of disturbance or transformation of natural habitats across the country. Our findings reveal that predation sites were widespread throughout Mexico, but their distribution varied in relation to the degree of anthropogenic transformation of habitats. The occurrences of predation by jaguar, puma, and black bear were associated with landscape attributes indicative of anthropogenic changes, including urbanization, deforestation, habitat conversion to intensive agriculture, roads, cultivated pastures, and livestock density. We propose that classified model of anthropic variables can serve as an effective planning tool to identify, prioritize, and address the vulnerability of livestock to carnivores, providing a strategic framework for managing and mitigating human-carnivore conflicts.

State of the population of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. on the territorу National Nature Park «Podilski Tovtry»

The population of Pulsatilla patens has been described in the NNP «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park on the territory of the «Ivakhnovetskiy» protected area. The article analyzes the data from the literature on the possible systematic position of P. patens and its range. Literary sources and herbarium specimens stored in local herbaria were processed, and probable localities in the territory of the national park were described. The only place of growth on the «Ivakhnovetskiy» of the NNP «Podilski Tovtry» has been confirmed. The ecological and coenotic relationships are characterized, and the biological features of the studied species are discussed. The geobotanical descriptions within the «Ivakhnovetskiy» protected area are carried out. The habitats and communities from the Green Book of Ukraine with P. patens were identified. The physical and geographical features of the habitat of the studied species are characterized. The results of statistical processing of morphometric parameters of P. patens, which were analyzed within the NNP «Podilski Tovtry», are processed and presented. It was found that the population on the «Ivakhnovetskiy» is predominantly homogeneous. The largest coefficient of variation was determined for the number of flowers and the height of the pedunculate shoot, which is due to the biological characteristics of the species. Based on the results of accounting for the age structure of the P. patens population in this locality, it was found that the recovery index is moderate. The factors of influence on the population of Pulsatilla patens on the «Ivakhnovetskiy» were determined. The conservation measures for the restoration and conservation of the rare species P. patens in the territory of NNP «Podilski Tovtry» and in Ukraine in particular at the eastern limit of its distribution are proposed. It is proposed to propagate the germinated seeds at the collection site with further return to the natural habitat of «Ivakhnovetskiy» and other localities identified during the study of literary and herbarium materials – to reintroduce it. Controlled spontaneous succession in abandoned and/or still active limestone quarries with large areas devoid of dense vegetation can be an effective tool for population recovery.

Innovative and polygonal trend analysis of temperature in agro climatic zones of India

Understanding the long-term trends in temperature is crucial for assessing the impacts of climate change on agriculture, human and animal health, and natural habitats. An in-depth analysis of long-term spatio-temporal trends of monthly maximum and minimum temperatures along with Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) from 1951 to 2022 in various Agro-Climatic Zones (ACZs) of India was performed using newly introduced Innovative Polygonal Trend Analysis (IPTA) and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) along with traditional Mann-Kendall (MK) or modified Mann-Kendall (m-MK) tests. The MK/m-MK and IPTA assessments detected significant trends in 44.6% and 86% of the time series data, respectively, while the ITA method detected significant trends in every time series data. The southern, western, and central parts of India are consistently experiencing rising monthly maximum and minimum temperatures. The western dry region, Central Plateau & Hills, East Coast Plains & Hills, Gujarat Plains & Hills, West Coast Plains & Hills, Southern Plateau & Hills, Western Plateau & Hills and Eastern Himalayan Region predominantly show increasing trends in both maximum and minimum temperatures in all months. The Indo-Gangetic Plains (Middle, Trans, Upper and Lower) exhibit decreasing trends in maximum temperatures during January, February, May, and June. The DTR showed increasing trends in the northern and western parts, while it has increasing trends in the central and southern parts of the country. The results of this study provide valuable information to assist in precise and informed decision-making on agricultural resource management and socio-economic policies.

The effects of commercial diets on the growth of diamondback terrapins Malaclemys terrapin in head-start programmes

Populations of diamondback terrapins Malaclemys terrapin are declining. Consequently, head-start programmes, in which hatchling terrapins are reared in captivity for 6–9 months and then released into their natural habitat, are needed to help stabilise wild populations. As a contribution to the development of optimal husbandry conditions for future generations of diamondback terrapins in head-start programmes, we examined the effects of two widely available commercial turtle foods (Reptomin® and Mazuri®) on the growth of juvenile terrapins over a period of 12 weeks. While terrapins did well on both diets, we show that terrapins consuming the Mazuri® diet had a significantly greater increase in mass and carapace length compared to terrapins on the Reptomin® diet.

Recent Progress in Isolating and Purifying Amide Alkaloids from their Natural Habitats: A Review

: Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing chemical compounds found in nature. Many alkaloids are heterocyclic in nature. They are nitrogen-based organic compounds with the nitrogen atoms enclosed in a heterocyclic ring. The chemical "pro alkaloid" is derived from the alkyl amines in it. Many ancient people, long before the advent of organic chemistry, recognized that many of these substances have measurable effects on the body's physiological functions. Alkaloids are a type of natural substances that are classified as secondary metabolites. Many different types of organisms create alkaloids, which are a class of natural products. Alkaloids showed antifungal, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, neuropharmacologic, antimicrobial, and many other activities. Amines, as opposed to alkaloids, are the more common classification for naturally occurring compounds that contain nitrogen in the exocyclic position (such as mescaline, serotonin, and dopamine). An amide molecule has a nitrogen atom that is chemically bound to a carbon atom in the carbonyl group. The -oic acid ending of the corresponding carboxylic acid is converted to -amide to form the correct nomenclature for an amide. This article offers an overview of numerous techniques for extracting, separating, and purifying alkaloids for use in natural medicine.

Increased antibiotic resistance gene abundance linked to intensive bacterial competition in the phyllosphere across an elevational gradient.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are ancient and widespread in natural habitats, providing survival advantages for microbiomes under challenging conditions. In mountain ecosystems, phyllosphere bacterial communities face multiple stress conditions, and the elevational gradients of mountains represent crucial environmental gradients for studying biodiversity distribution patterns. However, the distribution patterns of ARGs in the phyllosphere along elevational gradients, and their correlation with bacterial community structures, remain poorly understood. Here, we applied metagenomic analyses to investigate the abundance and diversity of ARGs in 88 phyllosphere samples collected from Mount Tianmu, a national natural reserve. Our results showed that the abundance of ARGs in the phyllosphere increased along elevational gradients and was dominated by multidrug resistance and efflux pumps. The composition of bacterial communities, rather than plant traits or abiotic factors, significantly affected ARG abundance. Moreover, increased ARG abundance was correlated with greater phylogenetic overdispersion and a greater proportion of negative associations in the bacterial co-occurrence networks, suggesting that bacterial competition primarily shapes phyllosphere resistomes. These findings constitute a major advance in the biodiversity of phyllosphere resistomes along elevations, emphasizing the significant impact of bacterial community structure and assembly on ARG distribution, and are essential for understanding the emergence of ARGs.

Sharing the ocean: fostering blue synergies for sustainable whale-watching

Whale-based tourism activities offer unique opportunities for humans to observe cetaceans in their natural habitats. Well-planned experiences can provide educational value and promote respectful enjoyment of marine wildlife. Conversely, poorly managed activities can negatively impact cetaceans by injuring or killing them (through collisions with boats) or altering their behavior, such as resting time, nursing or diving. This study presents an example of designing and implementing a whale-based tourism activity in the Canary Islands (Spain), with the participation of researchers, whale-watching operators and tour guides, public policy-makers, and civil society, with a strong focus on educational values. The coastal communities are crucial in promoting sustainable whale-watching practices through educational initiatives, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. The paper employs a process-monitoring approach to evaluate the whole procedure of whale-watching activity implementation. We assume that the success of any tourism activity depends on the process that leads to its creation. The analysis emphasizes the need for careful planning and execution to design and implement marine tourism experiences. Concerns for tourism satisfaction and safety and the need for environmental sustainability challenge the management of whale-watching operations. In this regard, engaging local communities, addressing safety and conservation concerns, and promoting responsible tourism practices are essential for mitigating these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of whale watching as a sustainable and educational activity.

Determination of body length regression formulas for the golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus, Risso 1810) based on otoliths found in the feces of the Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica Gmelin, 1788)

The Caspian Seal, the sole mammal endemic to the Caspian Sea, is listed in the IUCN Red List as a species facing the threat of extinction, a status similarly recognized and/or assigned in all countries in the Caspian region.The study of seal nutrition using caprological methods is of great interest for understanding animal adaptation to deteriorating habitat conditions and assessing the adequacy of their food base in the sea. This method involves analyzing the contents of feces from ichthyophages to detect undigested fish otoliths.The results of studying the seal's diet during periods of haulout on breeding grounds showed that the frequency of occurrence of Chelon auratus otoliths ranged from 2-3% to 27.7% of all fish otoliths detected in feces.This study aims to assess changes in Chelon auratus otoliths as they pass through seals' gastrointestinal tracts and estimate formulas for recovering the linear dimensions of fish consumed by these seals.The research indicates that otolith growth slows with fish growth but does not cease entirely. Allometry is evident in the different ratios of otolith length and width to fish length in various size groups and the change in otolith shape as fish grow.To recover the body length of fish consumed by seals based on otoliths found in their feces, applying inverse calculation formulas obtained when studying the relationship between otolith growth and fish body growth using collection material obtained directly from fish is possible.Further research should focus on refining the recovery formula for the length of large fish by dividing the length into several segments, each described by separate formulas describing the relationship between fish body length and otolith length and width growth.

The location of solar farms within England's ecological landscape: Implications for biodiversity conservation.

A global energy transition to using sustainable renewable sources is being driven by global agreements. Simultaneously there is a call for increased biodiversity conservation. This creates a green-green dilemma, where the expansion of renewables could lead to the demise of biodiversity if not carefully assessed, managed and monitored. Recognition of the dilemma is central to the development of Sustainable Development Goals. It is therefore important to understand whether renewable energy sources such as solar farms are being sited in areas where they have minimal impact on biodiversity. If solar farms were sited with minimal impacts on biodiversity, we hypothesised that they would be less likely to be sited close to ecologically sensitive areas than near random points. We used Geographic Information System methods to explore the density of solar photovoltaic (PV) farms in England and assessed their siting relative to sensitive ecological features, including priority habitat types, designated sites, and land conservation initiatives. We compared the area of 25 sensitive ecological features around solar farms and random points across three spatial scales (100m, 1000m, and 6000m radius scales). Solar farms were distributed throughout England, with the highest concentration in South West England. Solar sites were primarily surrounded by habitats with anthropogenic influences, such as agricultural and urban settings. Priority habitats, such as woodland, grassland, wetland and heathland, were more extensive around random points across spatial scales (except for woodland at the largest scale). Most designated sites were significantly more extensive around random points. We conclude that, under current planning regulations, solar sites in England are being placed appropriately with regard to sensitive ecological habitats, and are often sited in areas already impacted by farming and development. Adaptive planning should be implemented to ensure that the evolving research around biodiversity and solar farms is incorporated into decision making, and monitoring is completed across the lifespan of solar farms to assess impacts and effective mitigation.

Linking the Flow Regime of Papyrus‐Dominated Wetlands to Biologically Relevant Hydrologic Attributes

ABSTRACTThe dominant plant species in many African wetlands is Cyperus papyrus. Its adaptation to saturated and low‐oxygen conditions and its dense structure and height provide breeding and feeding grounds for unique flora and fauna. As a keystone species adapted to local hydrology, the flooding regime of papyrus offers the full range of hydrologic conditions and events essential to ecosystem health. However, no study has attempted to link papyrus wetlands' flow regimes to their biologically relevant hydrologic attributes. This study assesses hydrologic alterations of a papyrus wetland's flow regime due to rice irrigation. We develop a conceptual ecological model linking papyrus to hydrologic attributes to determine the consequences of changed environmental flow components (EFCs) on papyrus as a habitat. We find that agricultural water management considerably alters the magnitude, duration, timing and rate of change of EFCs, which could affect productivity (seed dispersal, germination and establishment; rhizome spreading; papyrus distribution across transects; and dispersal of floating mats) in papyrus wetlands. However, the effect on the papyrus wetlands' natural pulsed regime is negligible when the ratio of irrigated area to catchment area is no greater than 1:150. Overall, a better understanding of the threats of water diversion for agriculture is made by linking papyrus' flow regimes to biologically relevant hydrologic attributes. Knowledge of the roles of the various EFCs could provide opportunities for conserving and protecting papyrus wetlands, especially for systems at risk of altered flows.

Adapted RCP 4.5 and 8.5 climate change scenarios for invasive Sus scrofa in Mexico

Climate change is a common factor that contributes to the growth or decline of animal populations. The present study, conducted using the Species Distribution Model, highlights the fact that despite the recognized negative impact of wild boar (Sus scrofa) on semi-natural areas and agricultural systems worldwide, the species remains poorly studied. According to projections for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5, increased clusters of wild boar abundance are expected to emerge around fragmented species assemblages by 2070. Sus scrofa is an extremely destructive and rapidly spreading invasive species whose movement appears to be facilitated by humans. As a consequence, many endemic plants are threatened with extinction. Biological corridors between fragments with poor conservation status should be linked to priority areas for adequate protection. The creation of preserved landscapes in territories separated from semi-natural ecosystems is recommended. Additionally, these measures can help mitigate the negative impact of S. scrofa on local biodiversity. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies will be crucial for long-term conservation of the affected areas. Environmental protection efforts must prioritize the restoration of natural habitats and the implementation of strict regulations to control the spread of this invasive species. Collaborations between conservation organizations, governments, farmers, and local communities are essential to ensure effective wild boar management and the preservation of arable land and forests. Moreover, public awareness campaigns about the environmental impact of wild boar and the importance of conservation efforts are critical for garnering broader support.

Application of the River Habitat Survey Method in the Assessment of the Human Pressure Within the Lowland River Catchment: The Mollusc Biodiversity Versus Habitat Features

The objectives of our study were to analyse the degree of human pressure within the lowland river catchment in relation to the mollusc communities and to assess the usefulness of the River Habitat Survey as a field method in determining the human pressure in the mollusc biodiversity context. The River Habitat Survey (RHS), an essential method for hydromorphological studies of rivers under the requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive, was applied. This study showed that the diversity of molluscs was impacted by several environmental factors acting simultaneously, including pH, concentration of ammonium nitrogen in water, and the habitat features depending on the degree of human pressure on the river. The result of the RHS method confirmed that the occurrence of molluscs including Unio crassus and Pseudanodonta complanata, the endangered species on a global scale, was associated with the extensive presence of several natural habitat features in the river channel. The RHS method proved to be an indispensable tool for assessing the relationships between the diversity of aquatic organisms and the degree of habitat anthropogenic modification of river environments. It seems innovative and necessary, especially in restoring the natural character of rivers.

Multi-scale forest heterogeneity promotes occupancy of dusky-footed woodrats in the Sierra Nevada

Forested landscapes are naturally heterogeneous, with the distribution of resources influencing animal habitat selection at multiple spatial scales. However, anthropogenic activities and changing disturbance regimes have reorganized how forests are structured from fine- to landscape-scales, generally with unknown consequences for forest-associated wildlife. For instance, fire suppression and selective logging in the western US has led to more homogeneous forests with fewer small patches of early-successional vegetation. As forest management aims to improve forest resilience to extreme fire and drought by restoring historical disturbance regimes and modifying forest structure through fuel management, there is a need for studies that evaluate how animals respond to forest heterogeneity at multiple scales. Here, we estimated occupancy for the dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes), an important prey species for many forest predators including the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis), relative to forest structure and composition at site-, patch-, and landscape-scales within landscapes where forest heterogeneity was created by even-aged timber management. Woodrats were more likely to occupy sites with greater canopy cover, understory cover, and hardwoods – particularly tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) – and smaller patches of young forest. Woodrats were also more likely to occupy mature forests in close proximity to younger forests, suggesting that young forest patches with more favorable local conditions can produce populations that recruit into adjacent, lower-quality mature forests. Our results suggest that creating small (∼2 ha) patches of high-quality woodrat habitat (i.e., young forests with dense understory and hardwoods) could provide “fishing holes” for spotted owls and other predators by supporting higher woodrat densities in surrounding mature forests managed for fuels – thus helping to meet both spotted owl conservation and forest resilience objectives. More broadly, we highlight the benefits of multi-scale studies and demonstrate that restoring landscape heterogeneity, including the creation of small early-successional forests, may benefit species conservation without compromising efforts to improve resilience in forest ecosystems globally.

Understanding the home range characteristics of the first naturally bred pair of crested ibis(Nipponia nippon) released into the natural habitat

BackgroundThe crested ibis, a species that relies on wetland ecosystems for survival, was once found throughout East Asia but has declined to near extinction in Korea, Russia, and Japan, except China. Artificial propagation of seven individuals found in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, China has resulted in a stable population. Furthermore, South Korea and Japan are working on restoring populations through donations from China. Artificial propagation began in 2008, and in 2019, 40 individuals born between 2014 and 2018 were released into the natural habitat for the first time. We conducted this study to analyze the habitat environment, home range, and habitat usage patterns of a 2016-born male and a 2017-born female who attempted to reproduce naturally for the first time.ResultsAfter forming a breeding pair on April 3, 2020, the pair made two breeding attempts, built a nest in Pinus densiflora, and succeeded in hatching the chicks, but failed to raise them. The home range analysis showed that the area was 1.777–2.425 km² for MCP 100%, and 0.347–2.085 km² for 95% KDE. Meanwhile, the core habitat ranged from 0.007 to 0.296 km² (KDE 50%), indicating differences depending on the time of year and the individual being studied. Breeding pairs were estimated to spend over 50% of their recorded occurrences within 50 m during nesting for incubation, resting, and other activities. They mainly used in paddy fields, but from April to June, when onions and garlic were growing, they searched for food in fields, cemeteries, reservoirs, and other areas.ConclusionBreeding pairs have increasingly become more active near the nest, and Changnyeong-gun, where they were released, has large agricultural land suitable for crested ibis habitat. However, there is a problem that during the breeding season from April to June, most paddy fields are maintained as garlic and onion fields, which are then converted back for rice cultivation from May to June through double-cropping. Accordingly, for stable laying and rearing, it is necessary to contemplate how to maintain rice paddies, which serve as feeding grounds in the core habitats.

Modeling of the Habitat Characteristics and Ecological Niche of the Asian Tiger Mosquito in a Fine-Scale Area of a Primate Research Center Using the Maximum Entropy Model.

Aedes-borne diseases, such as Zika and Chikungunya, originate from an enzootic cycle in which non-human primates (NHPs) function as reservoirs. This study aimed to analyze the characteristic habitat and ecological niche models of Aedes albopictus within the confines of a Primate Research Center (PRC), to assess its potential as a site for zoonotic arbovirus transmission. Additionally, this study aimed to construct a comprehensive map to delineate the risks of arbovirus transmission. A 1-year direct field survey was conducted from January to December 2022 in the PRC to obtain comprehensive data on the presence of larvae, including their conditions, habitat types, and physicochemical characteristics. Larval collection was meticulously performed at potential breeding sites using a 350 ml dipper and pipette. Information on the ecological niche was compiled based on a combination of general environmental variables and mosquito presence data obtained from direct field surveys using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. In total, 120 presence points for Ae. albopictus larvae were obtained from the PRC area, with 23.02% of the larvae found in buckets as artificial habitats, and 18.25% found in bromeliad plants as natural habitat types. Larvae of Ae. albopictus occupy artificial habitats that are not turbid, exposed to direct sunlight, and devoid of predators. The abundances and occurrences of Ae. albopictus larvae was found to be significantly influenced by pH and total dissolved solids. This study showed that the PRC was a suitable habitat for breeding Ae. albopictus larvae, with the distance to buildings emerging as a significant environmental variable in the species distribution model CONCLUSIONS: The fine-scale empirical model developed for Ae. albopictus and its habitat characteristics not only provide insights into the suitability of vector habitats, but can also be used assess the risk of arbovirus transmission, potentially informing strategies for controlling mosquito breeding sites within the PRC.

Impact of Nature Conservation Resources of Agroecology: Insights from Hungarian Farmers and Consumer Perspectives

This study investigated the implementation of agroecological principles on three organic farms in Hungary, focusing on four resource-focused, nature conservation-related agroecological basic elements identified by the FAO: biodiversity, interactions, recycling, and resilience. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilising in-depth interviews as a technique to explore farmers’ practices and a questionnaire survey as a tool to assess consumer perspectives (with 63 respondents). The interviews facilitated a qualitative exploration of how agroecological practices are applied on farms, providing rich insights into the farmers’ experiences. Meanwhile, the questionnaire survey served as a structured instrument to measure consumer awareness and motivations concerning environmentally friendly farming methods. NVivo 12 software was employed for qualitative data analysis, assisting in coding and organizing responses to better understand recurring themes and patterns. The researchers found that all farms exhibited high biodiversity levels, facilitated through practices such as companion planting, crop rotation, and maintaining natural habitat patches. Agroecological farmers focus on practices suited to the landscape, fostering beneficial organisms and enhancing interactions between nature and agriculture. Integrating farm components (e.g., crops, livestock, water) promotes synergies that improve productivity and reduce reliance on external inputs. Recycling resources (like organic waste) within the farm increases efficiency, while resilience is strengthened through biodiversity, allowing farms to better withstand environmental stress. Direct marketing builds connections between producers and consumers, raising awareness of conservation practices. Consumer awareness regarding environmentally friendly agricultural practices was notably high, with findings indicating that health and ecological conservation motivations drive their purchasing decisions. This study highlights the context-dependent nature of agroecological practices, revealing that while implementation is robust, economic sustainability constraints may limit the extent to which all elements can be effectively applied. Since this research has certain limitations due to the limited sample size, expanding the study to include more farms would strengthen the findings. Nonetheless, these findings underscore the importance of integrating agroecological principles in organic farming to enhance biodiversity and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Are Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) the Family Scapegoats? A Systematic Review of Canine Distemper Virus in African Wildlife, 1978-2021.

Free-living wildlife across Africa is found across expansive rangelands, frequently interacting with pastoral communities, their livestock, and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). African wildlife populations are threatened by development, poaching and disease. Infectious diseases have caused significant declines, sabotaging conservation efforts. Canine distemper virus (CDV) infections have increased in incidence in wildlife over the past four decades. Sympatric domestic dogs have been presumed to be the reservoirs of the virus for wildlife. A systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines was carried out to investigate CDV infections in wildlife in Africa, to 1) analyze the conservation concerns associated with the disease, 2) identify the dynamics of the virus across different ecoregions, and 3) ascertain the source of the virus for free-living wildlife. The database searches identified 65 articles relevant to the study questions and an additional 43 valuable for wider discussion of the topic area. Canine distemper outbreaks were reported to occur in wildlife in six African countries, with mortality rates between 30% and 94% across all species affected. Eleven wildlife species were identified as susceptible, 64% of which (7/11) are classified as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Disease dynamics varied between ecoregions because of differences in land use; virus strains; climate change and concurrent infections; ecotones; domestic and wildlife population densities; wildlife monitoring capacity; and wildlife movement. Nine countries reported outbreaks in domestic dog populations in or near wildlife habitats, but none reported confirmed transmission to wildlife. Of 23 reports investigating the role of domestic dogs as CDV reservoirs, 14 (61%) concluded that domestic dogs acted as either reservoirs or sources of CDV for wildlife, four (17%) did not identify dogs as reservoirs, and five (22%) were not sure of the role played by domestic dogs. This review highlights the importance of integrating active CDV surveillance in wildlife conservation programs.

Post-nesting migrations of green turtles from Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles: satellite tracking, flipper tag returns and marine protected areas

To effectively implement protective measures for migratory species such as marine turtles, knowledge of their breeding grounds, foraging areas, migratory pathways and possible threats encountered is required. Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Seychelles, hosts and protects one of the largest nesting populations of green turtles Chelonia mydas in the Western Indian Ocean. We satellite tracked 21 post-nesting green turtles during 2011-2014 (n = 8) and in 2022 (n = 13). Nineteen turtles were tracked beyond Aldabra and took 8-49 d to reach their final recorded locations, travelling 743-2552 km along distinct routes, each taking a unique path to widely dispersed coastal sites in Tanzania, Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, Mozambique and Seychelles, highlighting the connectivity of the region through one large rookery. When compared to the locations of 54 international flipper tag returns from Aldabra females recorded since the 1980s, there was consistency in the use of Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia and Madagascar as foraging destination countries for Aldabra turtles. However, satellite tracking expanded the countries used as foraging sites to include Seychelles and elevated the relative importance of remote sites for which fishermen were unlikely to report intercepted flipper tags—especially Somalia, northern Madagascar and distant offshore foraging habitat within Seychelles. The end points for >40% of the turtles were within or nearby marine protected areas (MPAs) in Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Seychelles, 5 (26.3%) within MPAs and 3 (15.8%) <25 km away from MPAs. Eleven (57.9%) turtles travelled through MPAs after leaving the Aldabra protected zone. There is further opportunity to increase the protection and connectivity of foraging areas by expanding existing MPAs. Identifying foraging hot spots within the region by pooling data from other important breeding grounds should be a priority to focus conservation efforts on migratory corridors and the status and state of those foraging areas.