Implications For Biodiversity Conservation Research Articles

Chronic anthropogenic disturbance mediates the bottom-up influence of plant diversity on arthropods in tropical forests.

Understanding how primary productivity and diversity affect secondary productivity is an important debate in ecology with implications for biodiversity conservation. Particularly, how plant diversity influences arthropod diversity contributes to our understanding of trophic cascades and species coexistence. Previous studies show a positive correlation between plant and arthropod diversity. The theory of associational resistance suggests that plant herbivory rate will decrease with increasing plant diversity indicating feedbacks between primary diversity, productivity, and secondary productivity rates. However, our understanding of how these relations are mediated by anthropogenic disturbance is still limited. We surveyed 10 forest sites, half of which are disturbed by fire, logging, and tree pruning, distributed in two climatic zones in Benin, West Africa. We established 100 transects to record plant species and sampled arthropods using pitfall traps, ceramic plates with bait, and sweeping nets. We developed a structural equation model to test the mediating effect of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on plant diversity and how it influences arthropod diversity and abundance. Arthropod diversity increased but arthropod abundance decreased with increasing intensity of disturbance. We found no significant bottom-up influence of the plant diversity on arthropod diversity but a significant plant diversity-arthropod abundance relationship. Some arthropod guilds were significantly affected by plant diversity. Finally, herbivory rates were positively associated with arthropod diversity. Synthesis. Our results highlight how chronic anthropogenic disturbance can mediate the functional links between trophic levels in terms of diversity and productivity. Our study demonstrated a decoupled response of arthropod diversity and abundance to disturbance. The direct positive influence of plant diversity on herbivory rates we found in our study provides counter-support for the theory of associational resistance.

Positive relationship between bird diversity and human mental health: an analysis of repeated cross-sectional data

An increasing body of research has examined the link between biodiversity of birds and human mental health, but most studies only use cross-sectional data. Few studies have used longitudinal or repeated cross-sectional data to investigate the mental health benefits of bird diversity. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between bird diversity and mental health at the national level using a unique repeated cross-sectional dataset. I used repeated cross-sectional health data from the German National Cohort health study, collected between March, 2014, and September, 2019, and annual bird citizen science data to investigate the effects of bird-diversity exposure on mental health. Mental health was measured using the summary score of the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module 9 (SumPHQ) and the Short Form Health Survey-12 Mental Health Component Scale. As a proxy for bird diversity, I created a unique indicator called reporting-rate richness and combined it with the health data. Reporting-rate richness measures the number of bird species within postcode areas across Germany in probabilities while accounting for variation in survey efforts. Alternative indicators of bird diversity, such as bird-species richness or abundance, were also calculated. Associations between bird diversity and mental health were estimated using linear regression with region and time fixed effects, adjusted for a range of sociodemographic and environmental confounders and spatial autocorrelation. Interaction terms between income levels and reporting-rate richness were also analysed to examine the moderating effect of socioeconomic status. I did the analyses for an unbalanced (n=176 362) and balanced (n=125 423) dataset, with the balanced dataset comprising only regions (postcode areas) in which health data were available for each year. The linear fixed-effects regression analysis indicated a significant negative association between reporting-rate richness and SumPHQ, as observed in both the unbalanced dataset (β -0·02, p=0·017) and the balanced dataset (β -0·03, p=0·0037). Similarly, regression results with both datasets showed a positive relationship between reporting-rate richness and Mental Health Component Scale (MCS; unbalanced β 0·02, p=0·0086; balanced β 0·03, p=0·0018). The moderator analyses revealed a significant influence of socioeconomic status on the relationship between reporting-rate richness and mental health. The robustness of these findings was confirmed through sensitivity analyses. The results suggest that a greater likelihood of having many different bird species in a person's area of residence might positively contribute to mental health, especially for people with lower socioeconomic status. These findings could have implications for biodiversity conservation and health policy decisions, as governments are facing challenges such as global biodiversity loss and growing public mental health problems. None.

Micro and nanoplastics pollution: A review on global concern and its impacts on ecosystems

AbstractIn recent decades, the ubiquity of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has emerged as a global concern due to its potential risks to both ecological and human health. The detrimental effects of MNPs have resulted in significant changes in the physicochemical and biological properties of terrestrial soil and benthic sediment. These alterations have led to a disrupted nutrient cycle, potential future climate hazards, and further impacts on ecosystem services. This review aims to discuss the possible origins, composition, abundance, life cycle, and transport processes of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It seeks to understand the potential ecological and human health risks associated with MNPs pollution and explores their implications for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Moreover, this review highlights the advanced analytical techniques used to detect and quantify MNPs. It further suggests policy frameworks to combat this pollution in natural environments. The findings of this review are intended to assist environmentalists, microbiologists, hydrologists, and policymakers in identifying scientific gaps and pragmatic solutions to reduce MNPs pollution. Future research should investigate the intake mechanism and impact of MNPs on plants in different ecosystems, as well as their effects on food chains and human health. This will ensure that the ecological and human health risks associated with MNPs pollution can be timely mitigated.

Assessing Alien Plant Invasions in Urban Environments: A Case Study of Tshwane University of Technology and Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Preserving the dwindling native biodiversity in urban settings poses escalating challenges due to the confinement of remaining natural areas to isolated and diminutive patches. Remarkably scarce research has scrutinised the involvement of institutions, particularly universities, in introducing alien plant species in South Africa, thus creating a significant gap in effective monitoring and management. In this study, the Tshwane University of Technology in Tshwane Metropole, South Africa serves as a focal point, where we conducted a comprehensive survey of alien plants both within the university premises and beyond its confines. The investigation involved the classification of invasion status and a meticulous assessment of donor and recipient dynamics. Our findings encompass 876 occurrence records, revealing the presence of 94 alien plant species spanning 44 distinct families. Noteworthy occurrences among the dominant plant families are Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Herbaceous and woody plants emerged as the most prevalent alien species, with common representation across both sampling sites. A substantial majority of recorded species were initially introduced for horticultural purposes (51%) before escaping and establishing self-sustaining populations (62%). Furthermore, 43 species identified are listed in South African invasive species legislation, with some manifesting invasive tendencies and altering the distribution of native species in the remaining natural areas. The notable overlap in species observed between the university premises and adjacent areas provides crucial insights into the influence of institutions on the dynamics of plant invasions within the urban landscape. This underscores the prevailing gaps in the management of invasive alien plants in urban zones and accentuates the imperative of an integrated approach involving collaboration between municipalities and diverse institutions for effective invasive species management in urban environments.

Vegetation profile and ecological traits in irrigated plains of semi-arid regions: A case study of Okara, Punjab Pakistan

Comprehensive botanical assessments are pivotal for understanding the intricate world of plant biodiversity. These assessments serve multifaceted purposes, from cataloging significant plant species within a region to aiding in conservation, monitoring protected areas, and providing valuable data for various scientific disciplines. The primary objective was to assess the vegetation profile and ecological traits in this region, conduct a comprehensive floristic inventory, categorize species, and investigate adaptability to semi-arid conditions within the irrigated plains of Okara, Punjab, Pakistan. Comprehensive botanical assessments were conducted to document the floristic composition and ecological characteristics of the region. A total of 135 plant species, belonging to 118 genera and 46 families, were identified. Notably, Poaceae and Fabaceae were the most prominent families. The study revealed diverse growth habits, with herbaceous plants being the most abundant. Life form analysis indicated Therophytes as the dominant category, and Microphylls were the most prevalent leaf type. Flowering phenology analysis highlighted two major flowering periods, primarily influenced by plant habit and size. Habitat-wise distribution demonstrated variations in species preferences, with unique associations observed in forest, vegetable, maize, paddy, and mustard fields. Invasive species accounted for 16.93% of the flora, with several herbs, shrubs, and trees identified as invasive. These findings contribute valuable insights into the botanical diversity and ecological traits of the Okara region, with implications for biodiversity conservation and land management strategies.

Original plant diversity and ecosystems of a small, remote oceanic island (Corvo, Azores): Implications for biodiversity conservation

Remote islands harbour many endemic species and unique ecosystems. They are also some of the world's most human-impacted systems. It is essential to understand how island species and ecosystems behaved prior to major anthropogenic disruption as a basis for their conservation. This research aims to reconstruct the original, pre-colonial biodiversity of a remote oceanic island to understand the scale of past extinctions, vegetation changes and biodiversity knowledge gaps.We studied fossil remains from the North Atlantic island of Corvo (Azores), including pollen, charcoal, plant macrofossils, diatoms and geochemistry of wetland sediments from the central crater of the island, Caldeirão. A comprehensive list of current vascular plant species was compiled, along with a translation table comparing fossilized pollen to plant species and a framework for identifying extinctions and misclassifications.Pollen and macrofossils provide evidence for eight local extinctions from the island's flora and show that four species listed as ‘introduced’ are native. Up to 23 % of the pollen taxa represent extinct/misclassified species. Corvo's past environment was dynamic, shifting from glacial-era open vegetation to various Holocene forest communities, then almost completely deforested by fires, erosion and grazing following Portuguese colonisation. Historical human impacts explain high ecological turnover, several unrecorded extinctions and the present-day abundance of vegetation types like Sphagnum blanket mire.We use Corvo as a case study on how fossil inventories can address the Wallacean and Hookerian biodiversity knowledge gaps on remote islands. Accurate baselines allow stakeholders to make informed conservation decisions using limited financial and human resources, particularly on islands where profound anthropogenic disruption occurred before comprehensive ecological research.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, income of local communities and biodiversity conservation: Evidence from Burunge wildlife management area, Tanzania

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in various negative repercussions worldwide in terms of biological conservation, the tourism sector and socio-economic welfare. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on socio-economic activities, income from the tourism sector, alternative sources of income adapted by the local communities adjacent to the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) as a means of survival, and its implications for biodiversity conservation. To assess tourism status, socio-economic activities and alternative livelihoods, interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informants’ consultations were conducted on 264 respondents, of whom 53 % (n = 140) were men and 47 % (n = 124) were women. Secondary data were obtained from soft and hard copy reports through an extensive literature search in order to comprehend the implications of COVID-19 and alternative livelihoods in biodiversity conservation. 90.5 % (239) of respondents reported being seriously affected by the emergence of COVID-19, while 9.5 % (n = 25) were not affected by it. Some of the impacts of the COVID-19 as pointed out by the respondents included deflation (91.7 %, n = 242), a decline in the number of customers (91.7 %, n = 242), whereas others lost jobs (5.7 %, n = 15). In the case of the Burunge WMA authority, revenue collection (mainly from the tourism sector) declined by 32.5 % and 76.4 % for the years 2019/20 and 2020/21, respectively, as compared to the revenue obtained in the year 2018/19 before COVID-19. During the pandemic, local communities adapted to several alternative sources of income while others intensified their former ones mainly being agriculture, fishing and livestock keeping. It is important for local communities, especially those adjacent to protected areas, to have diversified means of income that are environmentally and socially sustainable, such as fish farming and beekeeping, to reduce the impacts of unanticipated crises such as COVID-19.

Assessing landscape fragmentation and its implications for biodiversity conservation in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana

ContextThis paper discusses the impact of urban expansion on the environment, including its effects on biodiversity conservation. As urban areas develop, natural habitats such as forests and agricultural lands are transformed into industrial, commercial, and residential uses, which alters landscape patterns and can lead to fragmentation. Fragmentation can have negative impacts on biodiversity, such as deforestation, alteration of watercourses leading to flooding, reduced availability of food, and increased pollution. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the urban expansion of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) over time, and its effects on biodiversity. The idea is to capture the changes in land cover and landscape patterns in GAMA from 1991 to 2022 and predict the region’s landscape patterns for 2030. This was achieved by performing a land cover change analysis of GAMA from 1991 to 2022; capturing the evolution of landscape patterns by calculating landscape metrics; and using multiradial fractal dimension as a transition variable to model and predict the land cover and landscape pattern of GAMA for 2030. The landscape metrics revealed extensive fragmentation of the Vegetation land cover type of GAMA, indicating a negative impact on biodiversity conservation, species movements, ecosystem functioning, and long-term ecological resilience. The trends highlight the importance of considering landscape connectivity, habitat fragmentation and spatial arrangement of land cover types for assessing ecological processes and urban development impacts on the environment. Additionally, multiradial fractal dimension of built-up areas is recommended as an explanatory variable for urban growth modelling.

Evaluation of the vulnerability of wild bird populations during heatwave events: implications for biodiversity conservation

Heatwaves, defined as prolonged periods of excessive heat, are becoming more frequent and severe due to global climate change. These extreme heat events can have significant impacts on ecosystems and wildlife, particularly on avian fauna. Birds, as vital components of ecosystems, are highly susceptible to the adverse effects of heatwaves. Impacts directly attributable to adverse weather and changing climate regimes include a higher risk of mortality, reduced breeding success, compromised body condition and immunocompetence, declining populations, range changes, and potentially maladaptive behavioral adjustments in foraging, parental care, and migration. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the loss and degradation of their natural habitats, which hinders their ability to adapt to constantly changing climatic conditions. Understanding the vulnerability of bird populations during heatwaves is essential for devising effective conservation strategies. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving and restoring critical bird habitats, providing access to freshwater sources, and creating artificial shelters. Additionally, public education plays a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of bird conservation during heatwave events and in the broader context of climate change. In analyzing the subject, the study aims to provide more precise information to support the public decisions to be made, as well as to guide awareness for the implementation of conservation actions.

Correction to: Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrates Assemblages in Relation to Environmental Variables in Makuleke Floodplain Pans: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Correction to: Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrates Assemblages in Relation to Environmental Variables in Makuleke Floodplain Pans: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Role of Alternative Food in Controlling Chaotic Dynamics in an Eco-Epidemiological Model with Strong Allee Effects in Prey Populations

This paper explores a predator–prey system with disease in the predator population, focusing on the impact of alternative food sources. Investigating the eco-epidemiological systems with strong Allee effects in prey populations, the study analyzes local stability, introduces ecological and disease basic reproduction numbers, and observes the community structure. Extensive numerical simulations reveal varied global behaviors, including stable focus, limit cycles, period-doubling, and chaos in response to changes in the infection levels. The research emphasizes the role of alternative food in mitigating chaotic dynamics, noting that increased availability promotes stability, while decreased availability leads to a shift from chaos to a stable focus. Overall, the study underscores the significance of incorporating alternative food sources in conservation efforts for ecosystems with predator populations experiencing strong Allee effects, offering insights into the complex dynamics of eco-epidemiological systems and their implications for biodiversity conservation and disease management.

Mapping human pressure in China and implications for biodiversity conservation

Protected areas (PAs) are crucial for supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services, but human pressure increasing within PAs, which remain poorly understood, will undermine this. Here, we used the human modification model to map the comprehensive human pressure for China and analyze its changes in nature reserves (NRs, the primary category of PAs in China) during 2000–2020. We found that human pressure within NRs showed decreasing trends with fluctuations, far lower than the whole country. But in eastern and northeastern China, human pressure within NRs has been increasing since 2000. NRs in China can be classified into the national, provincial, prefectural, and county levels, and an individual NR can be further classified into strictly protected core zones, buffer zones allowing limited human use, and experimental zones that examine different land uses. The stricter the management level of the NRs, the lower the human pressure. Our results show substantial progress in China's NRs management, but existing conservation actions are not enough for conservation targets. Strictly conservation areas must be expanded to promote conservation planning and complimented by multi-coordinated regional policy for biodiversity conservation.

Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrates Assemblages in Relation to Environmental Variables in Makuleke Floodplain Pans: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrates Assemblages in Relation to Environmental Variables in Makuleke Floodplain Pans: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

From broadleaves to conifers: The effect of tree composition and density on understory microclimate across latitudes

Forest canopies buffer the macroclimate and thus play an important role in mitigating climate-warming impacts on forest ecosystems. Despite the importance of the tree layer for understory microclimate buffering, our knowledge about the effects of forest structure, composition and their interactions with macroclimate is limited, especially in mixtures of conifers and broadleaves. Here we studied five mixed forest stands along a 1800 km latitudinal gradient covering a 7°C span in mean annual temperature. In each of these forests we established 40 plots (200 in total), in which air and soil temperatures were measured continuously for at least one year. The plots were located across gradients of forest density and broadleaved proportions (i.e. from open to closed canopies, and from 100% conifer to 100% broadleaved tree dominance). Air minimum, mean and maximum temperature offsets (i.e. difference between macroclimate and microclimate) and soil mean temperature offsets were calculated for the coldest and warmest months. Forest structure, and especially forest density, was the key determinant of understory temperatures. However, the absolute and relative importance of the proportion of broadleaves and forest density differed largely between response variables. Forest density ranged from being independent of, to interacting with, tree species composition. The effect of these two variables was independent of the macroclimate along our latitudinal gradient. Temperature, precipitation, snow depth and wind outside forests affected understory temperature buffering. Finally, we found that the scale at which the overstory affects soil microclimate approximated 6-7 m, whereas for air microclimate this was at least 10 m. These findings have implications for biodiversity conservation and forest management in a changing climate, as they facilitate the projection of understory temperatures in scenarios where both forest structure and macroclimate are dynamic. This is especially relevant given the global importance of ongoing forest conversion from conifers to broadleaves, and vice versa.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Acacia nilotica and Coffea arabica Using Protein Sequences from the Chloroplast RBCL Gene

The genus Acacia is important economically to local communities in sub-Saharan Africa for its medicinal and beverage usage. The bark extract is used for making a coffee-like concoction, which is named by locals as ‘Wild coffee’ due to its brown color. The objective of this study was to compare the evolutionary analysis of A. nilotica and C. arabica -based amino acids sequence of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase. The results showed that A. nilotica and C. arabica are polyphyletic and the subspecies A. nilotica and A. n. hemispherica formed the sister group, same as the species C. arabica, C. salvatrix, and C. racemosa. The chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene, which encodes the large subunit of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), is a valuable marker for investigating the evolutionary relationships between plant species. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of two economically and ecologically significant plants, Acacia nilotica and Coffea arabica, using protein sequences derived from the chloroplast rbcL gene. A multiple sequence alignment of the rbcL protein sequences was performed, and a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed using the RAxML algorithm. The tree was rooted using a Thiotrichales bacterium as an outgroup sequence to establish the evolutionary context. Branch support values were calculated to assess the statistical robustness of the inferred relationships. The results of the phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationship between Acacia nilotica and Coffea arabica within the context of other plant taxa. The phylogenetic tree provided insights into their shared ancestry, divergence time, and taxonomic placement within the larger plant kingdom. We identified conserved regions in the rbcL protein sequences, reflecting functional importance, as well as divergent regions, suggesting potential adaptive evolution. The significance of our study lies in understanding the evolutionary history and taxonomic position of these economically important plant species. This knowledge has implications for biodiversity conservation, crop improvement, and ecosystem management. The study also highlights the utility of the rbcL gene as a valuable tool for investigating plant phylogenetics. In conclusion, our phylogenetic analysis using the rbcL protein sequences provides valuable insights into the evolutionary relationship between Acacia nilotica and Coffea arabica. This research contributes to our understanding of plant evolution and has practical applications in various fields, from agriculture to conservation.

Biochar may alter plant communities when remediating the cadmium-contaminated soil in the saline-alkaline wetland

It is thought remediating cadmium pollution with biochar can affect plant traits. However, the potential impact of this practice on plant communities is poorly understood. Here, we established natural-germinated plant communities using soil seed bank from a saline-alkaline wetland and applied a biochar treatment in Cd-polluted wetland soil. The outcomes illustrated that Juglans regia biochar (JBC), Spartina alterniflora biochar (SBC), and Flaveria bidentis biochar (FBC) promoted exchangeable Cd transform into FeMn oxide bound Cd. Additionally, most biochar addition reduced species abundance, root-shoot ratio, biomass, diversity, and community stability, yet enhanced community height. Among all treatments, the 5 % SBC demonstrated the most significant reduction in species abundance, biomass, species richness and functional richness. Specifically, it resulted in a reduction of 92.80 % in species abundance, 73.80 % in biomass, 66.67 % in species richness, and 95.14 % in functional richness compared to the CK. We also observed changes in root morphological traits and community structure after biochar addition. Soil pH, salinity, and nutrients played a dominant role in shaping plant community. These findings have implications for biodiversity conservation, and the use of biochar for the remediation of heavy metals like cadmium should be approached with caution due to its potential negative impacts on plant communities.

Under-Appreciated Phylogroup Diversity of Escherichia coli within and between Animals at the Urban-Wildland Interface.

Wild animals have been implicated as reservoirs and even "melting pots" of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of concern to human health. Though Escherichia coli is common among vertebrate guts and plays a role in the propagation of such genetic information, few studies have explored its diversity beyond humans nor the ecological factors that influence its diversity and distribution in wild animals. We characterized an average of 20 E. coli isolates per scat sample (n = 84) from a community of 14 wild and 3 domestic species. The phylogeny of E. coli comprises 8 phylogroups that are differentially associated with pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance, and we uncovered all of them in one small biological preserve surrounded by intense human activity. Challenging previous assumptions that a single isolate is representative of within-host phylogroup diversity, 57% of individual animals sampled carried multiple phylogroups simultaneously. Host species' phylogroup richness saturated at different levels across species and encapsulated vast within-sample and within-species variation, indicating that distribution patterns are influenced both by isolation source and laboratory sampling depth. Using ecological methods that ensure statistical relevance, we identify trends in phylogroup prevalence associated with host and environmental factors. The vast genetic diversity and broad distribution of E. coli in wildlife populations has implications for biodiversity conservation, agriculture, and public health, as well as for gauging unknown risks at the urban-wildland interface. We propose critical directions for future studies of the "wild side" of E. coli that will expand our understanding of its ecology and evolution beyond the human environment. IMPORTANCE To our knowledge, neither the phylogroup diversity of E. coli within individual wild animals nor that within an interacting multispecies community have previously been assessed. In doing so, we uncovered the globally known phylogroup diversity from an animal community on a preserve imbedded in a human-dominated landscape. We revealed that the phylogroup composition in domestic animals differed greatly from that in their wild counterparts, implying potential human impacts on the domestic animal gut. Significantly, many wild individuals hosted multiple phylogroups simultaneously, indicating the potential for strain-mixing and zoonotic spillback, especially as human encroachment into wildlands increases in the Anthropocene. We reason that due to extensive anthropogenic environmental contamination, wildlife is increasingly exposed to our waste, including E. coli and antibiotics. The gaps in the ecological and evolutionary understanding of E. coli thus necessitate a significant uptick in research to better understand human impacts on wildlife and the risk for zoonotic pathogen emergence.

Maintenance of biodiversity in multitrophic metacommunities: Dispersal mode matters.

Although metacommunity models generally formulate dispersal as a random, passive process, mounting evidence suggests that dispersal can be an active process depending on species fitness over the landscape, particularly in multitrophic communities. How different dispersal modes (i.e. from random to increasingly fitness-dependent dispersal) modulate the effect of dispersal on biodiversity remains unclear. Here, we used a metacommunity model of food webs to investigate the effects of dispersal and habitat heterogeneity on biodiversity and how these effects may be dependent on dispersal mode. Our results showed that compared to isolated systems, random dispersal increased local food web diversity ( diversity) but decreased across-community dissimilarity ( diversity) and regional food web diversity ( diversity), consistent with findings from competitive metacommunity models. However, fitness-dependency could alter the effects of dispersal on biodiversity. Both and diversity increased with the strength of fitness-dependency of dispersal, while diversity peaked at intermediate fitness-dependency. Notably, strong fitness-dependent dispersal maintained levels of and diversity similar to those observed in isolated systems. Thus, random dispersal and isolation (i.e. no dispersal) can be considered as two extremes along the continuum of fitness-dependent dispersal, in terms of their effects on biodiversity. Moreover, both biodiversity-habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity-habitat connectivity relationships depended on the dispersal mode. Strikingly, under random dispersal, diversity decreased with habitat heterogeneity and connectivity, but under strong fitness-dependent dispersal, it increased with habitat heterogeneity and remained unchanged as habitat connectivity increased. Our study highlights the context dependence of dispersal effects on biodiversity in heterogeneous landscapes. Our findings have useful implications for biodiversity conservation and landscape management, where management strategies should account for different modes of dispersal across taxa, thus different responses of biodiversity to habitat heterogeneity and connectivity.

Land use change and forest patch analysis as a decision‐making tool to sustainably develop plantation agriculture and optimize biodiversity conservation

AbstractEstablished for biodiversity conservation, protected areas (PAs) have been downsized, downgraded, and/or degazetted for socioeconomic development including plantation agriculture. Although studies have highlighted causes, implications for biodiversity conservation, and the need for policies governing Protected Area Downsizing, Downgrading, and Degazettement (PADDD), no study has proposed a methodology to inform PADDD events to help decision making that balance economic growth pursuit with ecological and environmental commitments. A methodology based on land use change and forest patch analysis has been applied to Buvuma Island to guide the choice of PAs that can undergo PADDD as well as identification of new areas that can be declared as PAs. Our results revealed that, over the last decade, natural vegetation of Buvuma Island has been highly degraded with forest depletion from 45.0% in 2007 to 15.8% in 2016. About 65% of the initial forest cover were lost. The average yearly forest loss rate was 3.2% or 712.8 ha. A total number of 19 PAs covering 3103 ha including 2816 ha of existing PAs and 287 ha of identified forest patches were selected for biodiversity conservation. This flexible methodology can be applied at various spatial and temporal scale to ensure sustainable plantation agriculture development.

Black coral forests enhance taxonomic and functional distinctiveness of mesophotic fishes in an oceanic island: implications for biodiversity conservation

The degradation of shallow ecosystems has called for efforts to understand the biodiversity and functioning of Mesophotic Ecosystems. However, most empirical studies have been restricted to tropical regions and have majorly focused on taxonomic entities (i.e., species), neglecting important dimensions of biodiversity that influence community assembly and ecosystem functioning. Here, using a subtropical oceanic island in the eastern Atlantic Ocean (Lanzarote, Canary Islands), we investigated variation in (a) alpha and (b) beta functional (i.e., trait) diversity across a depth gradient (0–70 m), as a function of the presence of black coral forests (BCFs, order Antipatharian) in the mesophotic strata, a vulnerable but often overlooked ‘ecosystem engineer’ in regional biodiversity. Despite occupying a similar volume of the functional space (i.e., functional richness) than shallow (< 30 m) reefs, mesophotic fish assemblages inhabiting BCFs differed in their functional structure when accounting for species abundances, with lower evenness and divergence. Similarly, although mesophotic BCFs shared, on average, 90% of the functional entities with shallow reefs, the identity of common and dominant taxonomic and functional entities shifted. Our results suggest BCFs promoted the specialization of reef fishes, likely linked to convergence towards optimal traits to maximize the use of resources and space. Regional biodiversity planning should thus focus on developing specific management and conservation strategies for preserving the unique biodiversity and functionality of mesophotic BCFs.