Implications For Conservation Research Articles

Avian influenza: A new threat to wild bird conservation?

<p>Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, significantly threatens wild bird populations and global biodiversity. As wild birds are natural reservoirs for various strains of the influenza virus, they have a crucial role in the epidemiology of the disease, which has profound implications for both wildlife conservation and public health. The emergence and dispersion of highly pathogenic avian influenza strains, particularly H5N1, have resulted in large-scale mortality events in wild bird populations, disrupting ecosystems and threatening endangered species. The conservation of wild birds in the context of avian flu involves several critical actions, including surveillance, rapid response to outbreaks, habitat management, and minimizing human-wildlife interactions that facilitate virus transmission. Studying avian influenza’s impact on wild bird populations is crucial due to its dual importance in wildlife conservation and public health. Wild birds, as natural reservoirs of the virus, play a central role in its spread, with highly pathogenic strains like H5N1 causing devastating mortality events that disrupt ecosystems and endanger species. Effective management, including monitoring, rapid outbreak response, and habitat protection, is essential to mitigate these effects. Collaboration among experts is vital to protect biodiversity, sustain ecological balance, and reduce risks to human health, ensuring the long-term survival of wild bird populations.<strong></strong></p>

Forest and Isolation Determine Bat Species Richness on Mediterranean Islands: Conservation Implications

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe study of island species richness has gone far beyond traditional theories, as more and more studies attempt to include new predictor variables besides island area. Despite the rich bat diversity of Mediterranean islands, no studies have examined the factors influencing chiropteran species richness in such a geographic context.AimsWe used Greek islands as a model to detect drivers of bat species richness based on a broad species occurrence dataset from islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, which was explored using 10 potential predictor variables.Materials and MethodsInitially, we comprehensively evaluated all available data and sources for 53 Greek islands, deemed essential. This resulted in a reduced set of 28 islands. Predictors were grouped into three categories: island area, landscape diversity and island isolation. Generalised linear models were employed to identify the most significant factors explaining bat species richness in the 28 islands.ResultsTree cover and the distance between the islands and their nearest coast (mainland or island) best performed to predict bat species richness on Greek islands.DiscussionWe show the important role of landscape composition and degree of isolation in influencing the distribution of bat species on islands.ConclusionWe highlight the importance of forest habitats and the vital role of their management and protection, especially in the insular systems of the Mediterranean basin, where the risk of forest degradation or loss due to wildfires and land use change is especially high.

The global population status and distribution of the Indian Swiftlet: Implications for Conservation

Abstract The current study aims to comprehend the population status and distribution of the Indian Swiftlet (Aerodramus unicolor, family: Apodidae) using primary and secondary data. We acquired the population data from the secondary literature and presence data from open source (GBIF.org). We conducted surveys to document the breeding and foraging locations of the species in the Western Ghats, West Coast and Offshore islands of Maharashtra. After estimating the population, we used the presence data to create a model predicting species distribution in current and future scenarios. The Indian Swiftlet’s current distribution is from Southwest Maharashtra to Kerala and Sri Lanka. In future, the changing climate might restrict it to the southern Western Ghats and some pockets in Sri Lanka. Burnt Island, home to the largest known colony, deserves conservation attention. We recommend population surveys and immediate conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the Indian Swiftlet endemic to India and Sri Lanka.

Modeling the potential distribution and shift of an Algerian endangered endemic species (Cedrus atlantica) under climate change scenarios: Implications for conservation

Algeria is distinguished by its geographical and climatic diversity, which contains a varied flora and endemic species, being recognized as one of the biodiversity hot-spots of the Mediterranean region. Among its endemic species, the renowned Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is particularly notable as it exclusively grows in the Atlas Mountains. Classified as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, because of its endemism and also because dramatic declining populations over the past four decades. Forecasting the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of this species might help in devising effective conservation strategies. Under this backdrop, this study aimed to simulate the current distribution of suitable habitat for C. atlantica in Algeria and investigate the influence of climate change on its distribution range by the years 2050, 2070 and 2090. The distribution was modeled using Maximum Entropy (Maxent) based on locality information of 103 occurrence sites of the species and nine different environmental variables. The model showed that annual mean temperature and elevation were the most important environmental factors affecting the distribution of C. atlantica in Algeria. Currently, the total suitable habitats for this species, including both medium and high suitability habitats, cover a total area of 1,837 km2, yet its distribution is relatively narrow and fragmented. This area would obviously decrease under all future climate change scenarios, shifting northwestward and to higher elevations, where conditions conducive to the species’ expansion will exist. Our results showed that at lower elevations and latitudes the species is highly prone to the effects of climate change, and they are confronted with an augmented risk of extinction across diverse climatic scenarios. This research provides valuable information for the more effective conservation and sustainable management of C. atlantica in the face of climate change challenges.

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.

Importance of the interplay between land cover and topography in modeling habitat selection

Anthropogenic land cover change is one of the greatest threats to the persistence of organisms. Therefore, identifying and safeguarding optimal land covers for declining organisms is a major challenge of the Anthropocene. Priority land covers are typically identified through habitat selection studies. These traditionally use land cover and/or topographic features as separate, additive predictors of organismal occurrence, despite the fact that each land cover is superimposed on specific topographic features, such as elevation or slope, which may affect its attractiveness. Here, we tested the importance of considering the largely overlooked interplay between land cover and topography, using as a model a golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos population which is sharply declining due to human-induced land cover alteration. We found that the overlay of a key land cover type (old-growth forest) on underlying terrain known to be favorable for the population (steep slopes at higher elevations than the nest) dramatically increased its attractiveness. Conversely, the matching of the same land cover with unfavorable topography (gentle slopes at lower elevations) deteriorated its attractiveness for the population. Thus, underlying topography acted as the major determinant of land cover suitability for the eagle population. The conservation implications could be profound, because modeling land cover per se could waste conservation resources on low quality sites (old-growth forest on gentle terrain at low elevations) with unlikely benefits for the threatened eagle population. We expect topographic modulators of land cover quality to be more common than previously appreciated in many or most study systems, as numerous organisms inhabiting terrestrial and aquatic environments, regardless of taxonomic group, exhibit selectivity for specific topographic features and specific land cover types. In conclusion, we encourage modelers to take more into account underlying modulators that may drive differences in quality within the same land cover. This would make wildlife-habitat models more realistic, improve their applicability, and enhance the cost-effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Conservation implications of habitat selection by nesting diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) investigated via an automated radio telemetry system

BackgroundDespite considerable research on nest site selection of diamondback terrapins and the risks that coastal roads pose to populations of this obligate estuarine turtle, there are gaps in our understanding of movements and habitat use by female terrapins during the nesting season. In particular, movements within salt marshes, shallow water habitats, and nest site-adjacent developed habitats remain relatively understudied. To investigate habitat use and risk exposure of this semiaquatic species, we employed an automated radio telemetry system featuring 31 passive receivers. In 2021, concurrent with annual nest surveys, we tracked 60 telemetered female terrapins near a nesting area in southern New Jersey subject to impacts from road mortality. We triangulated terrapin locations based on the relationship between radio signal strength at each receiver and distance, generated utilization distributions using kernel density estimation, and classified habitat using multispectral imagery.ResultsWe detected differences in habitat use versus relative availability within general (95% KDEs) and core (50% KDEs) use areas at a population level. Core use areas suggested more frequent use of salt pools, marsh, and upland habitats and less frequent use of developed and wide tidal creek habitats than expected based on availability alone. To further characterize variability in habitat use, we compared selectivity between terrapins grouped by proximity of their capture location to a road. Terrapins nesting closer to the road showed relatively more frequent usage of developed habitats and less frequent usage of narrow creeks and regularly flooded marsh throughout the nesting season.ConclusionsPatterns of habitat selection across all terrapins underscore the importance of shallow water habitats such as salt pools near nesting areas. Individuals tended to spend more time in habitat types close to their nesting locations, such that terrapins initially captured near roads spent more time in high-risk developed areas throughout the study period. Road mortality risk may not be homogenous within this nesting population, which may be a critical consideration for demographic modeling. This study expands our understanding of terrapin movements while demonstrating the effectiveness of a novel radio telemetry approach, and contributes to conservation planning in a rapidly changing salt marsh landscape.

Dynamics of Zinder’s Urban Landscape: Implications for Sustainable Land Use Management and Environmental Conservation

Unplanned urban expansion poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability and urban planning. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of Zinder’s urban landscape using Landsat satellite imagery from 1988, 2000, 2011, and 2022. The study applied remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS) techniques, and urban growth models. The random forest classifier, a machine learning algorithm, was used to classify three land use/land cover categories: “vegetation”, “built-up”, and “others”. Zinder’s arid environment is characterized by sparse vegetation, which constitutes a limited but vital component of its landscape. Despite the already sparse vegetation in the area, the findings reveal a 3.5% reduction in vegetation cover between 1988 and 2022, alongside an 11.5% increase in “built-up” areas and an 8% decrease in the “others” category. This loss of already minimal vegetation raises significant concerns about environmental degradation and the exacerbation of desertification risks. Interestingly, urban expansion showed no significant correlation with population growth (r = 0.29, p > 0.5), suggesting that other factors, such as economic activities, infrastructure development, and land use policies, drive land conversion. Edge expansion emerged as the dominant growth type, with a significant directional preference (Chi-Square = 2334.41, p < 0.001) toward major roads and areas with higher accessibility to public services. These findings emphasize the need for strategic urban planning and land management policies to address the drivers of unplanned expansion. Prioritizing sustainable infrastructure development, enforcing land use regulations, and conserving natural landscapes are critical to balancing urban growth with environmental preservation, ensuring resilience and sustainability in Zinder.

Sensitivity of the impact of aeolian sand cover on permafrost degradation in the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau

Abstract Environmental transformations and intensifying desertification across the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau significantly influence permafrost degradation, heightening risks associated with carbon emissions, thermal hazards, and infrastructural damage. However, the specific response of permafrost to desertification remains insufficiently understood. Here, we employed numerical modelling to examine the sensitivity of the impact of aeolian sand cover (ASC) on permafrost degradation. Our findings reveal that the thickness and moisture content of ASC profoundly affects permafrost degradation. Moreover, permafrost thermal stability and the rate of climatic warming modulate this degradation process. The simulation results identify two critical thickness thresholds for ASC: 20 cm and 80-120 cm. Specifically, dry ASC thinner than 20 cm accelerates permafrost degradation driven by desertification, whereas ASC thicker than 20 cm mitigates this effect. Furthermore, increased moisture in ASC extends the thickness thresholds to 80-120 cm. These results suggest that climatic variations in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, particularly transitions towards either warming-drying or warming-wetting, will markedly influence the response of permafrost to desertification. Notably, a warming-drying climate may reduce the potential degradation of permafrost caused by desertification. This study provides a critical reference for understanding the impact of aeolian desertification on permafrost in regions beyond the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. It holds significant policy implications for environmental conservation and infrastructure development within the plateau.

Shrinking horizons: Climate-induced range shifts and conservation status of hickory trees (Carya Nutt.)

Understanding the intricate interplay between the geographic distributions of species and the dynamics of environmental factors is crucial for effective biodiversity management. Crop wild relatives are important resources for the improvement of cultivated plants. However, our understanding of how these species might respond to future climatic changes and their implications for conservation remains incomplete. In this study, we focus on the ecologically and economically significant hickory trees to address this knowledge gap. We employed the Biomod2 ensemble model to predict the potential distributions of 12 North American Carya species and five East Asian based on 13,643 occurrence points and 26 environmental variables. We analyzed the distribution range dynamics of hickory trees across the past, present, and future emission scenarios (2090; SSP126 and SSP585), assessed their conservation status, and conducted a preliminary threat assessment. Our results indicate that most Carya species expanded their habitat range from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present, with substantial contraction projected under both future scenarios. A northward migration shift to high elevations was observed for most species from the LGM to the future. Sixteen species were categorized as “medium priority” for further conservation action, and only one (C. tonkinensis) as “high priority”. Preliminary threat assessment classified one species (C. luana) as critically endangered, eight endangered, four vulnerable, and five as least concern. This study underscores the potential effects of climate change on the distribution of Carya species, providing crucial insights for their conservation and highlighting the broader impacts of climate change on crop wild relatives.

Ritualistic hunts: exploring the motivations and conservation implications in West Bengal, India

Ritualistic hunts: exploring the motivations and conservation implications in West Bengal, India

Wildlife mammal communities in post‐war Angola are depleted and simplified: Implications for biodiversity conservation

Wildlife mammal communities in post‐war Angola are depleted and simplified: Implications for biodiversity conservation

The higher abundance of host plant and suitable management recommended as the important elements in the conservation of Phengaris (Maculinea) teleius (Bergsträser, 1779) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in the Hradné lúky SAC meadows (Slovakia)

This article presents a study of the isolated population of the scarce large blue butterfly, which is facing a significant threat in the meadows of the central part of Slovakia. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of management, the presence of great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis (L.)), and the host ants on the abundance of Phengaris teleius in the Hradné lúky Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in Slovakia. The study area was divided into six study plots. The abundance of S. officinalis host plant and ant communities, with emphasis on host ants (Myrmica scabrinodis (Nylander, 1846) and M. rubra (Linnaeus, 1758)), were analysed at each study plot. A generalized linear model (GLM) identified the significant relationships among three variables. Specifically, a relationship was confirmed between the number of P. teleius individuals and the abundance of the host plant S. officinalis, as well as between the number of P. teleius individuals and the current type of management at the specific biotope. The most important conservation recommendations regarding this study have been presented. Implications for insect conservation: Our results indicate that in the protection of P. teleius, it is important to support the abundance of S. officinalis as highly as possible. In addition, we confirm that targeted management with the absence of mowing in the critical phase of the year, especially in the Molinia meadows, is important for maintaining a healthy butterfly population.

Characterization of the sex determining region and development of a molecular sex identification method in a Salangid fish

BackgroundThe short-snout icefish, Neosalanx brevirostris, a member of the Salangidae family, is an economically important fishery species in China. Understanding the mechanisms underlying sex determination in this species has crucial implications for conservation, ecology and evolution. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of rapid and cost-effective genetic methods for sex identification, which poses challenges in identifying the sex of immature individuals in sex determination mechanism studies and aquaculture breeding applications.ResultsBased on whole genome resequencing data, sex-specific loci and regions were found to be concentrated in a region on chromosome 2. All sex-specific loci exhibited excess heterozygosity in females and complete homozygosity in males. This sex determining region contains seven genes, including cytochrome P450 aromatase CYP19B, which is involved in steroidogenesis and is associated with 24 sex-specific loci and two W-deletions. A haploid female-specific sequence was identified as paralogous to a diploid sequence with a significant length difference, making it suitable for rapid and cost-effective genetic sex identification by traditional PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, which were further validated in 24 females and 24 males with known phenotypic sexes.ConclusionsOur results confirm that N.brevirostris exhibits a female heterogametic sex determination system (ZZ/ZW), with chromosome 2 identified as the putative sex chromosome containing a relatively small sex determining region (~ 48 Kb). The gene CYP19B is proposed as a candidate sex determining gene. Moreover, the development of PCR based method enables genetic sex identification at any developmental stage, thereby facilitating further studies on sex determination mechanisms and advancing aquaculture breeding applications for this species.

SNP Polymorphisms Are Associated with Environmental Factors in Sockeye Salmon Populations Across the Northwest Pacific: Insights from Redundancy Analysis.

The SNP variation in sockeye salmon across the Asian part of its range was studied in 23 samples from 16 lake-river systems of the West Pacific Coast to improve understanding of genetic adaptation in response to spawning watersheds conditions. Identification of candidate SNPs and environmental factors that can contribute to local adaptations in sockeye salmon populations was carried out using redundancy analysis (RDA), a powerful tool for landscape genetics proven to be effective in genotype-environment association studies. Climatic and hydrographic indices (7 indices in total), reflecting abiotic conditions in freshwater habitats of sockeye salmon and characterizing the temperature regime in the river basin, its variability during the year, the amount of precipitation, as well as the height of the maximum tide in the estuary, were used as predictor factors. Among the 45 analyzed SNPs, several loci (ALDOB-135, HGFA, and RAG3-93) correlated with predictors gradients along the northwest Pacific coast were identified. The putative candidate loci localized in genes involved in the immune and inflammatory responses, as well as genes encoding temperature-sensitive enzymes and some hormones regulating ion homeostasis in fish during the anadromous migration and smoltification, were potentially associated with environmental conditions in natal rivers. The findings could have implications for aquaculture, conservation, and resource management in the context of global climate change.

First record of a white phenotype Egyptian weasel (Mustela subpalmata) in Tahta, Sohag, Egypt

Abstract Aberrant pelage colourations have been occasionally detected in carnivores, including mustelids. However, to our knowledge, no cases of leucism have been reported in the genus Mustela to date. On May 1, 2024, an Egyptian weasel (Mustela subpalmata) killed by locals was discovered and photographed in the town of Tahta, Egypt. The specimen exhibited predominantly white fur on its left side and head. Although eye colour was not inspected, the normal lip colouration, dirty white fur hue, and dark brown tail tip suggest a case of leucism rather than albinism. Leucism is often linked to inbreeding caused by population isolation or size reduction, which could arise through urban development, considering that roads can act as social and physical barriers to gene flow. Genetic studies are needed to elucidate the population dynamics and conservation implications for urban Egyptian weasels.

Fan Mussel (Pinna nobilis L.) Spat Collection, Monitoring of Early Growth and Conservation Implications by Deploying Conventional Aquaculture Methodology

Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, has been experiencing a gradual population decline over recent decades due to anthropogenic pressures on its ecosystems. However, since 2016, its populations have suffered significant reductions because of pathological issues affecting the species across all its habitats. Aquaculture techniquesto support the limited natural recruitment P. nobilis efforts is examined. Artificial substrates for larval attachments in aquaculture infrastructures promote the survival of the juveniles that is further enhanced through protected pre-growing “nursery” farming conditions. Specific spat collectors were placed in 2 cage-fish farms in SW Amvrakikos Gulf. The harvested spats from were transferred to pre-grow in trays hanged on a long line farm mussel that is acting as a protected “nursery”, avoiding predation and any human accidentally disturbance. The survival and growth of 12 juveniles P. nobilis spat (shell length 38.1 ± 9.2 mm) in captivity (31 October 2023–15 March2023) was investigated. Out of the 12 individuals collected, 3 were examined for the presence of pathogens; only 7 survived, exhibiting enhanced growth (shell length 54.3 ± 11.6 mm) after 134 days in the nursery. The results highlight the significant role of aquaculture techniques in efforts to conserve a threatened species as well as the need for the creation of a protocol to ensure the conservation of P. nobilis.

Ecological Assessment and Conservation Implications for Ulmus wallichiana (Planch.) in Kullu Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh

Ecological Assessment and Conservation Implications for Ulmus wallichiana (Planch.) in Kullu Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh

Wildlife trade dynamics: exploring bushmeat market with a view toward social and ecological justice in Ibadan Metropolis Nigeria

This study examines the bushmeat trade in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, through the lens of environmental justice, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and wildlife conservation. Environmental justice in this context seeks to ensure fair economic opportunities for bushmeat marketers, predominantly women (93%), while protecting vulnerable wildlife species. The surveyed marketers—90% of whom were married—face social inequalities, with only 50% having secondary education and 10% lacking formal education. Most marketers sell bushmeat to household consumers and travelers, raising concerns about the potential spillover of wildlife products beyond Nigeria’s borders, with implications for conservation and zoonotic disease risks. ANOVA results show that greater experience leads to higher profits from species like grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus; P = 0.005) and nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus; P = 0.001). As key species such as West African crocodile (Crocdylus suchus), African leopard (Panthera pardus), and ground pangolin (Manis temminckii) decline in availability in traditional hunting grounds, this study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation policies that promote sustainable trade practices and provide alternative livelihoods. These strategies would advance the science of environmental justice by reducing pressure on wildlife (ecological justice) while ensuring stable incomes for marketers (social justice).

Exploring the influence of intensive management practices on recreational hunter satisfaction: a case study of red deer trophy hunting in Spain

ABSTRACT Recreational hunting, especially big game trophy hunting, has a significant impact on large areas and requires specific wildlife management strategies. However, because the pursuit of maximum hunter satisfaction can jeopardize species conservation, it is crucial to identify the factors that determine recreational trophy hunter satisfaction. We investigated these factors in southern Spain by attending 21 dog-driven Iberian red deer hunts over seven hunting seasons. We collected geographic and biometric data from 556 hunted specimens and conducted 159 face-to-face surveys with hunters. Based on partial least squares path models, our findings indicate that overall satisfaction is positively related to the dimensions of achievement, appreciation, and service. Contextual variables, including hunter experience, hunting scenarios, and individual and group hunting bags, showed varying effects on these satisfaction dimensions. Management decisions significantly influenced multiple dimensions of hunter satisfaction, with potential implications for conservation in our study system and broader considerations for natural game management versus canned hunting practices.