Human Pressure Research Articles

Native diversity buffers against severity of non-native tree invasions

Determining the drivers of non-native plant invasions is critical for managing native ecosystems and limiting the spread of invasive species1,2. Tree invasions in particular have been relatively overlooked, even though they have the potential to transform ecosystems and economies3,4. Here, leveraging global tree databases5–7, we explore how the phylogenetic and functional diversity of native tree communities, human pressure and the environment influence the establishment of non-native tree species and the subsequent invasion severity. We find that anthropogenic factors are key to predicting whether a location is invaded, but that invasion severity is underpinned by native diversity, with higher diversity predicting lower invasion severity. Temperature and precipitation emerge as strong predictors of invasion strategy, with non-native species invading successfully when they are similar to the native community in cold or dry extremes. Yet, despite the influence of these ecological forces in determining invasion strategy, we find evidence that these patterns can be obscured by human activity, with lower ecological signal in areas with higher proximity to shipping ports. Our global perspective of non-native tree invasion highlights that human drivers influence non-native tree presence, and that native phylogenetic and functional diversity have a critical role in the establishment and spread of subsequent invasions.

Payment for environmental services: Forest conservation and poverty alleviation in a tropical region of Mexico

Payment for environmental services (PES) is a scheme that seeks to reduce human pressure on forest ecosystems by financially rewarding forest landowners for conserving their forests. However, in Mexico, the program is questioned because it prioritizes communities in the poorest regions over areas with a high risk of deforestation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the PES program for forest cover conservation and poverty alleviation in a tropical region of Mexico. Deforestation and forest cover maintenance was determined by land use/cover change analysis using GIS. Effect on poverty alleviation was analyzed qualitatively in two communities. In the study area, 4738 ha of tropical and temperate forests were deforested during 2007–2017. The deforestation rate is similar in ejidos and private properties with and without PES. Most ejidos where deforestation occurred correspond to areas with higher economic development. Deforestation and the percentage of the population living in poverty are negatively correlated. Compared to other subsidies, the PES represents very low income, nevertheless, the social perception of the program is positive. Based on the lower percentage of deforestation avoided in the poorest areas and the minimal impact on livelihoods, the current PES approach is not highly effective.

Chemical element distribution in Arctic soils: Assessing vertical, spatial, animal and anthropogenic influences in Elsa and Ebba Valleys, Spitsbergen, Svalbard

The Arctic region is threatened by climate change and pollution caused by human activities which potentially influence the elemental concentrations available to and from the biota. To better understand this delicate balance, it is crucial to investigate the role of several factors. Therefore, we quantified the level of 43 chemical elements in soils from Elsa and Ebba Valleys, Petunia Bay, Spitsbergen, a region that has experienced lasting environmental impacts from historical mining activities. We evaluated the a) vertical sampling influence by examining the variation in element distribution between the soil upper and deeper layers, b) animal influence by verifying the role of native animals, particularly vertebrates, in introducing thought faeces elements to the soil and c) anthropogenic influence by studying the spatial geographical differences in element distribution based on the degree of human pressure between the valleys. Our analysis also includes data on soil organic matter (SOM) and mineral composition. Both valleys exhibited similar mineralogical composition, but Elsa Valley had higher concentrations of most analyzed elements compared to Ebba Valley. Despite the contribution of vertebrate feaces, no increase in element concentrations was observed in the animal-influenced soils. The sampled soil layers had similar chemical element profiles for most elements. SOM content tended to be higher in superficial soils and showed a strong positive correlation with most quantified elements. The higher concentrations in Elsa Valley reflect its past mining and mineral exploration, making this area more significantly impacted than Ebba Valley. Surprisingly, vertebrate animals do not appear to influence the concentrations of chemical elements or organic matter in soils. Our findings provide valuable insights into the legacy of past mining activities and mechanisms driving environmental change in the Arctic.

Depopulation and ecological degradation, two dimensions of marginalization, and peripheralization. Ecosystem integrity as an assessment factor in local revitalization

AbstractAddressing the pressure that population growth puts on the environment has become a high‐level policy priority. Less discussed is the role of population decline in either enhancing or degrading the natural environment, and how the its reshaping can help new forms of de‐peripheralization and de‐marginalization. A long‐term trajectory of marginalization and peripheralization of depopulating places can be reversed in certain situations by adopting a more holistic and sustainable analytical and policy framing. To do this, here we integrate different types of diagnosis frameworks. The first, based on factors that the literature indicates as factors leading to negative effects of depopulation, for which the revitalization of such places is suggested, and the second, proposed in this paper, which adds the integrity of the ecosystems involved in places undergoing depopulation processes. Our findings suggest that as we add ecosystem integrity factor to observations, in some cases, revitalization is possible even in the localities displaying the potentially negative effects of depopulation decrease. This suggests that whereas in some places a policy‐managed abandonment may be appropriate to release human pressures over such degraded ecosystems, in other cases, revitalization may be a viable alternative for such settlements.

A dataset and template for assessing the ecological status of marine sediments and waters, based on microbial taxa.

Microbes have often been overlooked as indicators of how the ecological status is affected by human pressures. Recently, the biotic index microgAMBI was proposed to assess the status of marine sediments and waters, and it has been tested under different pressures and biogeographical areas. This index is based on the assignation of microbial taxa to one of two ecological groups: sensitive or tolerant to pollution or disturbance. The resulting taxa list has grown significantly since its first publication. Given the growing use of microgAMBI, it is crucial to make it more FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. Hence, this work provides the calculation template, the updated taxa list (1,974 taxa currently), and instructions on how to access and use them for assessing marine microbial ecological status.

Soil erosion and hydroclimatic hazards in major African port cities: the case study of Tangier

Land degradation and soil erosion are becoming increasingly problematic in Africa's rapidly developing urban areas, particularly in Major Port Cities. Uncontrolled expansion and human pressures are hindering planning, adaptation, and conservation efforts. To understand the extent of these issues, this study combined morphometric analysis, soil loss calculation, field monitoring, and remote sensing and GIS tools to assess soil erosion in the Metropolis of Tangier (Morocco) located at the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean at the Strait of Gibraltar. The study relied on data from 13 rain gauge stations, official reports, and remote sensing acquisitions, as well as field observations. Results showed an average soil erosion rate of 24.2 t/ha/year, equivalent to an annual soil loss of 588,051 t/year. This high rate was largely due to areas with a high erosion risk (99.8%), covering only 8.3% of the territory, which were characterized by recently burned topsoil, fallow land, and steep slopes. These areas included both uncontrolled neighbourhoods and areas for planned urban and industrial expansion, posing a threat to the landscape's sustainability and socio-economic prospects. The morphometric analysis revealed its high vulnerability to erosion and degradation, with the highest soil loss rates observed in the eastern and western regions. The study also found that flash floods caused by hydroclimatic hazards can lead to significant damage to infrastructure and equipment, particularly in western sub-basins and mountainous regions. In conclusion, the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies provided valuable insights into the physical characteristics and vulnerability of the Tangier Metropolis to land degradation and soil erosion. These findings emphasize the need for effective land management practices and conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of land degradation and soil erosion in the face of climate change. This information is crucial for decision-makers and stakeholders to develop strategies to address these pressing issues.

Human Impact on Water Circulation Patterns in Raised Bogs of the Baltic Type, Northern Poland

Raised bogs of the Baltic type are unique because of their geomorphologic structure and hydrologic conditions. There are about 80 bogs of this type in Poland. All are affected by human impact, and their water circulation patterns are disrupted by artificial outflows. The aim of the study was to show the effects of human impact on water circulation patterns in raised bog on an example of the Wielkie Bagno peat bog. The main work consisted of field studies, during which measurements of groundwater fluctuations, flows at main outflows, and hydrographic mapping were performed. Data on precipitation and evaporation were also obtained from state institutions. Research has shown that fluctuations in groundwater levels in the Wielkie Bagno bog average 78 cm per year (hydrological years 2018–2019) and the bog is in poor condition. This is mainly due to climate change, which manifests itself in too little precipitation in summer and an increase in evaporation, a too dense drainage network causing the lowering of the groundwater level in the peat bog, and the close proximity of a peat mine causing significant drainage of water from the examined peat bog, as well as too large fluctuations of groundwater during the year and in individual months. In some areas, a near-surface layer of the bog was also detected, about 30 cm thick, which is a sign of bog desiccation (especially in summer). Water balance data were used to show that the quantity of water available in the bog is determined by atmospheric precipitation, which is too small in the warm period. As a consequence, there are months with a negative climatic balance. It was also observed that factors such as physical location in different parts of the bog and the degree of degradation also affect water circulation patterns in the study area. At the moment, the most important task in the peat bog is to raise the groundwater level, reduce its fluctuations, and reduce human pressure on the bog.

Recognising Indigenous plant-use histories for inclusive biocultural restoration

Indigenous Peoples have manipulated environments and species for millennia. However, restoration science often overlooks ancient human plant dispersal, niche construction, and selection pressures that may have resulted in plant ‘cultural traits’. Concerted efforts to acknowledge Indigenous plant-use histories in restoration could help to abate the coextinction of species and cultures.

Ecosystem-Based Blue Growth: The Case of the Semi-Enclosed Embayment of the Inner NE Ionian Sea and Adjacent Gulfs

Ecosystem-based Blue Growth reflects the need to develop human activities taking place in the marine environment, under the scope of protecting marine ecosystems. To this end, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive identifies the specific ecological characteristics of a marine area, the human activities taking place in it and the main pressures induced thereof. The present work focuses on the semi-enclosed embayment of the Inner Ionian and adjacent gulfs (the Gulf of Corinth and the Gulf of Patras) in Western Greece, in order to present the type of environmental data and information required to be considered in the framework of ecosystem-based Blue Growth. Such data may include oceanographic and physical environmental features, biological and ecological distributions, areas of importance for species, communities, and habitats, along with spatial and temporal information regarding human activities and pressures caused. Data interpretation shows that future economic development in the study area should follow an ecosystem-based approach to maintain/achieve the Good Environmental Status and regulate existing and immerging anthropogenic activities within the framework of marine spatial planning.

Towards achieving a twenty-fold increase in the coverage of freshwater species distributions within protected areas in Europe

Freshwater ecosystems are threatened worldwide, with 1/3 of freshwater species being under extinction risk. Yet, systematic conservation planning has received little attention as a means to prioritize freshwater conservation areas. Here, we develop a comprehensive approach to spatially delineate key areas for freshwater conservation across Europe, considering directed-connectivity, climate change and human-related disturbances. We assess the adequacy of the current reserve network in protecting European freshwater ecosystems and provide guidelines for expansion. We conducted 13 prioritization scenarios for 18,300 sub-basins across Europe, accounting for the distribution of 1,668 freshwater species. Connectivity properties, metrics of climatic stability and human induced pressures were incorporated into the spatial prioritization framework. We highlight the critical importance of specific regions in Central and Southern Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and parts of the Balkan Peninsula for future freshwater conservation efforts. However, our analysis also reveals the complete inadequacy of the current reserve network, as protected sub-basins only cover 4 % of the study area and encompass on average only 3 % of freshwater species distributions. In contrast, expanding current reserves to cover the top 17 % of high priority areas across Europe could substantially improve the overall coverage of species distributions, reaching an average of 61.5 % for all freshwater species and even exceeding 93.1 % for species of conservation interest (critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable species). The priority freshwater conservation network derived from the analysis provides specific spatial recommendations to help achieve conservation goals if the current reserve network is appropriately expanded.

Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Vegetation Diversity of Tropical Highland in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has undergone a substantial shift in land use and land cover (LULC), which is home to the majority of the human and animal population. Land degradation has occurred in the Ethiopian highlands as a result of modifications in LULC caused by poor farming methods, high livestock population, and human pressures. Most researchers identified the many LULC drivers and their impact on floristic composition. All of these manifestations have the potential to have major consequences for land users and individuals whose livelihoods rely on the products of a healthy environment. This change in LULC type, combined with poor land management practices in Ethiopia, puts land in jeopardy of erosion, resulting in accelerated soil degradation. All LULC variables, such as the spread of various agricultural activities, the production of fuelwood and charcoal, cutting trees for construction resources, settlements, and revenue growth, are associated with population increase and resettlement. In Ethiopia, the lack of a relevant forest policy implementation on the ground is recognized as a cause pushing deforestation and other landscape changes. This review paper aimed to compile the effects of land use land cover changes on Ethiopian vegetation.

Performance of real evapotranspiration products and water yield estimations in Uruguay

Real evapotranspiration (ETR) is a key variable in socio-ecological systems since it is related to the food supply, climate regulation, among others. Additionally, ETR plays a significant role in determining water yield (WY) at the catchment level, which directly impacts water availability for consumption and irrigation. Therefore, it is essential to quantify ETR and WY fluctuations in response to various human pressures to enable comprehensive water planning. In recent decades, remote sensing has become increasingly employed worldwide for hydrological monitoring and estimating ETR. In Uruguay, several approaches have been attempted to quantify ETR. However, there is still a lack of assessments concerning the performance of different products, particularly those using remote sensing. The main objectives of this article were twofold: a) to evaluate the performance of various spatial explicit approaches for estimating real ETR and b) to estimate and analyse the variability in WY derived from the different ETR products for three climatically contrasting years. To achieve these objectives, we utilized four remote sensing ETR products: the Penman–Monteith–Leuning model (PMLv2), the MODIS product, the Simplified Jackson Model based on Landsat images and INTA-SEPA model based on NOAA-AVHRR images. We also employed two water balance models at two scales: national (derived from the National Institute for Agricultural Research of Uruguay, INIA) and micro-watershed level. Our results indicate that MODIS and PMLv2 remote sensing products exhibited better performances compared to the other approaches. These products provided the highest spatial (500 m) and temporal (8 days) resolution, effectively capturing seasonal differences between land-covers. Moreover, they showed positive and strong correlations with annual precipitation and productivity. The discrepancies observed between products have direct implications on the estimation of WY, not only in terms of quantity but also in terms of spatial patterns. Future studies should explore the application of MODIS and PMLv2 ETR estimations for understanding hydrological and ecological processes, conducting climate change research, detecting and mitigating agricultural drought, and managing water resources effectively.

Taxonomy, distribution, and contemporary exposure of terrestrial mammals to floods and human pressure across different areas for biodiversity conservation in China.

A significant research focus is placed on identifying animal species and areas at future risk to human-induced alterations of the environment and long-term changes in climatic conditions. Yet, the extent to which exposure to extreme climatic events and intense human pressure can increase the risk of harmful impacts on species remains poorly investigated. Focusing on terrestrial mammals in China, one of the world's megadiverse countries, we investigated patterns of contemporary exposure to floods and human pressures and determined their taxonomic representation and distribution across three major area-based conservation schemes, namely, national nature reserves (NNRs), priority areas for biodiversity conservation (PABCs), and key biodiversity areas (KBAs). Among the 440 species assessed with moderate or high exposure to floods, 327 (∼75%) also qualified as moderate or high in exposure to intense human pressure. These species mainly belong to the orders Chiroptera, Eulipotyphla, and Rodentia. Likewise, there were 305, 311, and 311 species with moderate or high exposure to flood and intense human pressure represented across NNRs, PABCs, and KBAs, respectively. Our findings support the prioritization of KBAs for expansion of site-based protection efforts such as NNRs in China, considering threats to species from exposure to adverse effects from both extreme climate and human pressure.

Is resident fauna underappreciated? A systematic approach to identify sandy beach flagship species

Intense human pressure in coastal areas is challenging the conservation of sandy beach biodiversity. In fact, beaches are regarded by society mainly for their tourism and recreational values, while biodiversity is theoretically underappreciated. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of preference of people for various species, including sandy beach resident macroinvertebrates and transitory vertebrates. It is believed that species with the highest preference by people have the highest potential to be used as flagships in the beaches of southeastern Brazil. After seeing high-resolution photographs of 10 species, participants ranked their three preferred species (most preferred = 3, second most preferred = 2; and third most preferred = 1), and their three least preferred ones (least preferred = -3, second least preferred = -2; and third least preferred = -1). A flagship value of the species was calculated (each interviewee as sampling unit) based on this ranking and was compared using ANOVA. Sea turtles and dolphins had the highest preference, while tiger-beetles and sandhoppers were the least preferred species. Ghost crabs were the resident species with the highest flagship value. Our results corroborate the so far not tested idea that beach macrofauna is underappreciated. Animals with the largest body sizes and the shortest evolution divergence time in relation to humans presented the highest “charisma”. However, some macroinvertebrates as ghost crabs seemed to have the potential for being prioritized in popularization activities, with the objective to increase popular engagement for biodiversity conservation in specific actions for sandy beaches.

The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Human Wildfire Ignitions in the Pacific Northwest, USA

Historical land and fire management practices coupled with climate change and modern human development pressures are contributing to larger, more frequent, and more severe wildfires across Western U.S. forests. Human ignitions are the predominant cause of wildfire throughout the United States, necessitating wildfire management strategies that consider both the causes of human ignitions and the factors that influence them. Using a dataset of over 104,000 ignitions from 1992 to 2018 for Oregon and Washington (U.S), we examine the major causes of wildfire ignitions and build regression models to evaluate the potential influence of both biophysical and socioeconomic factors on human and natural ignitions across distinct fire regimes west and east of the Cascade Range. Our results corroborate prior findings that socioeconomic factors such as income, employment, population density, and age demographics are significantly correlated with human ignitions. In the Pacific Northwest, we found that the importance of socioeconomic factors on human ignitions differs significantly between the west and east sides of the Cascade Range. We also found that most human ignitions are linked to escaped fires from recreation or debris and open burning activities, highlighting opportunities to tailor wildfire prevention efforts to better control higher risk activities and reduce accidental ignitions.

Benthic foraminifera as proxies for assessing the effects of a pier marina construction: A case study in the naturally stressed environment of the Saco da Ribeira (Flamengo Bay, SE Brazil)

Brazilian coastal areas have been exposed to various anthropic influences including physical alteration such as marina construction. To assess the impact of the pier marina construction in the Saco da Ribeira cove (Flamengo Bay, SE Brazil), sedimentological (grain size), geochemical (organic and trace elements) parameters and benthic foraminifera were analyzed on a 50-cm-long dated sediment core covering the last century. The multiproxy approach applied to a numerical hydrodynamic model shows that the circulation in the study area underwent an overall reduction (ca. 30 %) after the pier marina construction in the 1970s, promoting an increase of mud accumulation and higher concentrations of total organic carbon and trace elements (i.e., Enrichment Factor Cu from 0.80 to 1.4) as well as a shift in the benthic foraminiferal assemblages (i.e., foraminiferal density from 63 to 23.20 specimens per 10 cm3 and dominance from 0.13 to 0.73). On the basis of these integrated data, better environmental conditions occurred before the 1970s, then an overall increase in environmental stress took place after the pier's marina construction. Our results provide a baseline for future biomonitoring projects in a stressed region and exemplify the strong capability and reliability of benthic foraminifera as bioindicators of paleoenvironmental changes in coastal environments and for understanding how human pressure might induce such changes.

Analysis of Comfort during Transfer by a Dual-Arm Care Robot Based on Human Body Pressure and Surface Electromyographic Signals.

In-home elderly care faces a crucial challenge regarding mobility among essential assistive devices, for which dual-arm care robots present a viable solution. However, ensuring human comfort in human-robot interactions necessitate quantifiable standards. Currently, the field lacks accurate biomechanical model solutions and objective comfort evaluation. In response to this need, this study proposes a method for solving human-robot statics models based on real-time pressure and position information. Employing the Optitrack motion capture system and Tekscan pressure sensors, we collect real-time positional and pressure data. This information is then incorporated into our human-robot statics model, facilitating the instantaneous calculation of forces and moments within the human body's sagittal plane. Building on this, comprehensive research literature review and meticulous questionnaire surveys are conducted to establish a comprehensive comfort evaluation function. To validate this function, experiments are performed to enable real-time assessment of comfort levels experienced during the process of transferring the human body. Additionally, the Noraxon surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors are utilized to capture real-time sEMG signals from the erector spinae, adductor muscles and quadratus lumborum, thereby providing objective validation for the comfort evaluation function. The experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed methodology for evaluating comfort achieves an accuracy rate of 85.1%.

Urban population impact on CO² emission: 1961-2014 panel data analysis

In this paper we get empirical evidence to development impact on pollution in a long run perspective, 1961-2014, using five years average World Bank countries annual information for CO2 emissions (a proxy for pollution), population growth and urban population (proxy for human natural resources pressure) and life expectancy at birth (proxy for development). We also considerer regional, income levels and time effects. We found that only urban population has robust positive effect on pollution. It makes sense once the world population and urban concentration increased a lot in 20th century. This spectacular human concentration in a consider carbon-based society had strong environment impact.

Why Consider Geomorphology in River Rehabilitation?

River rehabilitation and ecological engineering are becoming critical issues for improving river status when ecological habitats and connectivity have been altered by human pressures. Amongst the range of existing rehabilitation options, some specifically focus on rebuilding fluvial forms and improving physical processes. The aim of this contribution is to illustrate how geomorphological expertise and process-based thinking contribute to river rehabilitation success. This semantic contribution is intended to feed the rehabilitation debate, particularly concerning the design of actions and the proposed references for monitoring target reaches and evaluating rehabilitation effects empirically. This article is also based on lessons learned from practical cases, mainly in gravel-bed rivers. Geomorphic understanding is needed at a local level to achieve an adequate diagnosis of river functioning, estimate human impacts and potential remnant river responsiveness, and to assess the gains and risks from rehabilitation, as well as to appraise success or failure through several pre- and post-project assessment strategies. Geomorphological studies can also be upscaled in a top-down manner (from high-order controls to small-scale processes, understanding detailed processes in their regional or basin-wide context), providing large-scale information at the regional, national, or even global level, information that can be used to diagnose the health of riverscapes in relation to local site-specific contexts. As such, geomorphological studies support strategic planning and prioritization of rehabilitation works according to specific contexts and river responsiveness, so as to move from opportunistic to objective-driven strategies.

Identifying the drivers of silky shark distribution and an evaluation of protection measures

The silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) has experienced a significant population decline associated with intense targeted and incidental fishing pressure. Large marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation of oceanic species like silky sharks, recognising that the benefits of MPAs to such species depend on a comprehensive understanding of their distribution, abundance and life history. We combined mid-water stereo-baited remote underwater video system (BRUVS) records with environmental, geographic and anthropogenic variables to document the distribution and abundance of silky shark populations, identify the most important predictors of their presence, abundance and body size, and determine if their abundance is greater within MPAs than in locations not designated as MPAs. From 1418 deployments of mid-water BRUVS across three ocean basins, 945 silky sharks were identified at 18 locations, with young-of-year (< 87 cm TL) observed at four of these. Our study revealed generally low abundances of silky sharks as recorded on mid-water BRUVS across their cosmopolitan distribution, although our models identified seamounts as hotspots of abundance. Human pressure was a significant variable within our models, with proximity to human populations and ports being key drivers of silky shark abundance and body size. We did not observe a higher abundance of silky sharks inside MPAs compared to locations not designated as MPAs, suggesting that these MPAs have not been placed in areas where silky sharks remain relatively abundant. We therefore recommend expanding the current MPA network in line with the 30 × 30 initiative to more effectively protect key habitats such as seamounts.