Relative Abundance Index Research Articles

Unveiling activity patterns of the deer Odocoileus virginianus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) and its predators in Mexico's Arid Region

Introduction: Size, predator presence, and habitat nutritional quality influence herbivorous species' activity patterns and resource utilization. Objectives: This study aims to determine the relative abundance and activity patterns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and their main predators. Methods: The study was conducted in the WMU "Bienes Comunales Santa Cruz Nuevo" in Totoltepec de Guerrero, Puebla, Mexico. Twenty-two quadrants were randomly selected, and camera traps were installed. Over a two-year period (2018-2020), wildlife visits were recorded to estimate the relative abundance index (RAI), activity patterns, and overlap coefficient (Dhat1) of white-tailed deer and their predators based on their activity schedule. Results: The estimated RAI for deer was 7.2%, while it was 3.4% for coyotes (Canis latrans), 2.3% for bobcats (Lynx rufus), and 0.14% for pumas (Puma concolor). White-tailed deer were observed in 31% of the camera traps, while coyotes were captured in 68% of them. The overlap of the activity schedule, Dhat1, between deer and coyotes was 0.18. In contrast, the activity overlap between foxes and deer was higher (Dhat1: 0.2979; EE 0.037) based on the analysis of variance. The activity pattern of coyotes indicated they were crepuscular, with increased activity during the afternoon and night. However, an increase in activity synchronized with deer's patterns was also observed. The bobcat coincided with deer in 10% of the cameras, but due to the limited number of observations, it was not possible to estimate the activity overlap between these species. Conclusions: The activity overlap between white-tailed deer and foxes is more significant than that of deer and coyotes in this region. The activity overlap between deer and coyotes is lower compared to other parts of the world.

Identifikasi Keanekaragaman Jenis Burung di Kawasan Kampus UIN Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris Samarinda Kalimantan Timur

The State Islamic University of Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris (UINSI) Samarinda is a state Islamic campus in East Kalimantan that has good vegetation conditions so there are various types of birds in the area. This research aims to know the different kinds of bird that exist in the region of UINSI Samarinda Campus so as to be a first step towards conservation efforts. The method used in this study is Point Count by observing birds at a specified location. The bird identification was done with the help of MacKinnon's books. The data obtained was analyzed by the diversity index (H’), the relative abundance index (IKR), the redness index (E), the richness index of the species and its conservation status. The results of the study obtained 16 species of birds that are known to have one species endemic to Kalimantan, namely Lonchura fuscans. The analysis of the bird's H’ value of 2.19, the highest IKR is Passer montanus of 25.89%, the E value of 0.76, and the species richness index of 3.22. In addition, the conservation status of the birds found is 14 species of birds with Least Concern status (LC), one Vulnerable status (VU) and one Endangered status. (EN).

Spatial Distribution of Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Selected Wetlands of Colombo Ramsar Wetland City using Camera Traps

The first wetland capital city in the world, Colombo Ramsar Wetland City (CRWC), provides a diverse array of habitat types intermixed with one another to the faunal and floral communities. In this research, the spatial distribution of Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) was studied in Baddagana Wetland Park (BWP), Diyasaru Wetland Park (DWP) and Heen Ela Marsh (HEM) located within the CRWC, from June 2021 to January 2022. Annona (Annona glabra) woodland, mixed woodland, herb dominated high vegetation and herb dominated low vegetation habitat types were selected and camera trap stations were established providing equal trapping effort for each habitat type. Camera trap locations were selected to ensure a sufficient coverage of each wetland. Trap locations were changed every 30 days, and cameras were set to function during both day and night for 24 hours a day. A total number of 2,831 camera trap records belonging to 6 species were identified as meso-mammals. Spatial distribution was determined by the habitat preference of P. viverrinus and Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was used for the analysis of preference in each habitat type. It was evident that P. viverrinus mostly preferred Annona woodlands in both BWP (RAI, 14.4) and DWP (RAI, 12.7). However, the most preferred habitat type in HEM (RAI, 9.1) was mixed woodlands. Herb dominated high vegetation was the least preferred habitat type of P. viverrinus in BWP (RAI, 6.7) while herb dominated low vegetation was the least preferred habitat type in both DWP (RAI, 4.7) and HEM (RAI, 3.6). Mixed woodlands were almost equally preferred by P. viverrinus in all study sites and the preference of herb dominated low vegetation and herb dominated high vegetation was relatively low in all the study sites compared to other habitat types. This study suggests that the preference of P. viverrinus varied among different habitat types and one of the major reasons for Annona woodlands being the most preferred habitat type is that they are directly accessible to water. This increases their prey availability within the Annona woodlands, compared to the other habitat types. Thus, it is greatly important to conserve the wetland habitat types associated with water, in order to protect and conserve the P. viverrinus in Colombo wetlands 
 Keywords: Colombo Ramsar Wetland City, Meso-mammals, Camera trapping, Biodiversity, Carnivores 

Activity patterns and use of artificial water ponds by White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in western Campeche

Artificial Water Ponds (AWP) are widely employed for preserving and managing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in arid, and tropical regions of Mexico. However, there is a significant knowledge gap concerning the impact of these AWP on white-tailed deer activity. To determine the effect of AWP on the ecological aspects of white-tailed deer, we assessed the visitation rates and activity patterns of this species in AWP and compared them with areas devoid of water such as Dirt Roads (DR) using camera traps during the dry season within the seasonal wetland region of Nicte Ha, situated in western Campeche, Mexico. The research was conducted in a highly seasonal tropical wetland area at the Nicte-Ha UMA in southwestern Campeche, México. We established set camera trap stations during the dry season of 2019, 2020, and 2021 in seven AWP and 12 DR that operated for at least 80 days and compared the white-tailed deer visitation rate (measured as the Relative Abundance Index, RAI) and activity patterns among both treatments and across the three studied years. We collected a total of 3,640 independent records of white-tailed deer (2,584 in AWP and 1,056 in DR) for three years, with a combined effort of 3,978 camera days (1,306 camera days in AWP and 2,672 in DR). Our analysis revealed that the Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was consistently higher in the AWP than the DR across the three study years. However, we examined RAI variations over the three years and observed differences in the AWP, while the DR exhibited a relatively stable pattern. In the case of the activity patterns, we observed that white-tailed deer were primarily diurnal, with a significant overlap in activity between the two treatment areas. Nonetheless, within the AWP, the species exhibited continuous daytime activity, whereas, in the PR, distinct activity peaks occurred during sunrise and sunset. The results show that the presence of AWP in Nicte Ha has important effects on the presence of white-tailed deer during the dry season since we observed that there is a higher RAI in the sites where there is AWP compared to the PR sites. In the case of activity patterns, the AWP sites maintain constant activity throughout the day compared to DR, where activity peaks associated with sunrise and sunset occur. Our results show the importance that this type of structure has for the management of the species during the dry season of the year in Nicte Ha and the potential benefits of these structures in tropical seasonal areas, especially under a scenario in which drought during the dry season may be more severe in the near future due to the global change.

Occupancy, relative abundance and activity patterns of three sympatric deer in ponds of Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is one of the largest tropical forests in the Americas, home to three species of deer, the white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, the Yucatan brown brocket deer, Odocoileus pandora, and the Central American red brocket deer, Mazama temama. Important ecological aspects on the conservation of these species have been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to determine the occupancy, relative abundance and activity patterns of these species through 9 years of camera-trapping in ponds of a Neotropical Forest in southern Mexico, contributing to the understanding of the ecological patterns and conservation of Neotropical deer. To determine abundance, occupancy and activity patterns, 18 ponds were monitored from 2014 to 2022. The general relative abundance index was used to calculate abundance and the temporal kernel density was used to evaluate the overlap in daily activity of the species. The dynamic occupancy model was used to obtain the occupancy, colonization, extinction and detection of deer, while species co-occurrence occupancy models were used to assess the interaction of water and species. White-tailed deer were the most abundant (Table 1) during the nine years of the study, with low pond occupancy, but with a high probability of colonization. The brown brocket deer was the one with the highest probability of occupancy, showing a low abundance (Table 1), followed by the red brocket deer, with a very low occupancy and abundance (Table 1). Interaction with water was positive in two of the three analyzed species and activity was diurnal for Odocoileus species and cathemeral for Mazama (Fig. 3). The use of ponds by deer is varied in quantity and activity, but they are important places for their development. The protection of the ponds should be fundamental for the conservation of the species in the area, being one of the few semi-perennial water sources and places of food and shelter for wildlife.

Soil bacterial community is influenced by long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices in a Ferralsol in Western Kenya

AbstractIntroductionSoil bacterial community structure, abundance and diversity, important in biogeochemical cycling, are influenced by several anthropogenic and edaphic factors. Numerous agronomic practices have been promoted to improve soil fertility and crop production in western Kenya, but little is known on their impacts on soil microbial diversity in the region.Materials and MethodsIn this study, conducted in 2019, we assessed the influence of various long‐term (17 years) agronomic management practices, involving application of farmyard manure (FYM) either sole or under different combinations with inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), using 12 treatments, on bacterial community composition, relative abundance and diversity. The bacterial community composition was assessed through amplicon sequencing on an Illumina Miseq platform conducted in MR DNA Laboratory, USA.ResultsThe soil bacterial community composition and diversity were predominantly higher under management practices with application of FYM, either sole or in combination with inorganic fertilisers compared to treatments with either sole NPK fertiliser or no input application. Certain bacterial taxa, involving Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, Fusobacteria, Nitrospinae and Actinobacteria predominated in management practices where FYM was added either solely or in combination with chemical fertilisers. In addition, several soil chemical parameters showed significant influences on bacterial composition, relative abundance and diversity indices. Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), N, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and cation exchange capacity consistently showed strong positive correlation with numerous bacterial phyla. Bacterial phyla were significantly affected by treatments. Some bacterial phyla, like Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria, were mostly dominant in treatments applied with organic inputs but were depressed under carbon‐deficient treatments (no‐input control and sole NPK application treatments).ConclusionThis study revealed that long‐term agricultural management practices that seek to improve SOC content and nutrient availability also stimulated bacterial diversity and shifted bacterial composition.

Diversity of Butterfly Types (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) Based on Altitude Variations in Sibayak II Forest, North Sumatra

Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera which has essential roles such as pollinating insects (pollinators), evaluating environmental quality, and indicators of habitat change. The research aims to determine the types of butterflies, diversity, relative abundance, and dominance index in the Sibayak II Forest area of North Sumatra. This research is a quantitative descriptive research by combining the cruising method and the VES method. Sampling was carried out at three altitudes 1300-1500 masl, 1500-1700 masl, and 1700-1900 masl using insect nets. The results obtained were 31 species of butterflies from 6 families, with the highest number of individuals from three heights, namely Mycalesispatiana in Sibayak II Forest, North Sumatra. The index value of butterfly species diversity in Sibayak II Forest with an average value of 2.67 is included in the medium category. The relative abundance index value of the most abundant butterfly species is the Mycalesis patiana with a discount of 34%. The overall butterfly dominance index value is 0.124. Based on the species diversity index, relative abundance and dominance index indicate environmental conditions in accordance with the life cycle and food sources as well as the distribution of host plants in Sibayak II Forest.

Characterization of Insect–Pollinator Biodiversity in Agrochemical-Contaminated Agricultural Habitats

The extensive application of agrochemicals in agricultural habitats in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania (SHOT) is supposed to negatively impact the biodiversity community of insect–pollinators (INPOs). However, in light of existing knowledge, there are no studies to back up this claim. We carried out field surveys in the SHOT to assess and characterize the INPO biodiversity community in agricultural habitats and compare it with protected habitats. Direct observations, transect counts, sweep netting, and pan trap techniques were used for sampling the INPOs. Overall, the INPOs’ relative abundance (57.14%) and species diversity index in protected habitats were significantly higher compared to agricultural habitats. Similarly, we recorded a higher number of plant–INPO interactions in protected habitats than agricultural habitats. Our results suggest that, in contrast to protected habitats, agrochemicals might have driven out or discouraged INPOs from agricultural habitats, resulting in dwindling species richness, diversity, and abundance. This could be due to agrochemical contamination that impairs the quantity and quality of floral resources (nectar and pollen) required by INPOs. Alternatively, protected habitats seemed healthy and devoid of agrochemical contamination, which attracted many INPOs for foraging and nesting. Thus, in order to maintain healthy agricultural habitats and support INPO biodiversity, conservation agriculture is imperative.

Acoustic assessment of the biomass of aggregated chokka squid Loligo reynaudii on its inshore spawning grounds on the southeast coast of South Africa in the season closed for fishing

Recent attempts to estimate the biomass of chokka squid Loligo reynaudii on the southeast coast of South Africa by acoustic surveys of the inshore jig-fishing area are described. Pilot surveys of aggregations, covering part of the fishing grounds, were conducted in 2019 and 2020, followed by a multiphase survey of the entire grounds within the 50-m depth contour by two vessels in 2021. Biomass estimates were made using previous in situ and ex situ estimates of the target strength of L. reynaudii at 38 kHz, and our knowledge of the physical characteristics of spawning aggregations from acoustic studies over the past two decades. Biomass estimates from the 2021 survey ranged from 343 tonnes (coefficient of variation [CV] 47%) for targets conclusively identified as squid, to 2 365 tonnes (CV 9%) if all targets that could possibly have been squid were included. An estimate of 635 tonnes (CV 20%) is proposed as the most reasonable from the survey, although its worth as an absolute estimate is questionable mainly because of identification and target-strength uncertainties. We conclude that a series of wide-area acoustic estimates could provide an additional index of relative abundance for fitting in the current squid assessment model. This would be useful in managing the jig fishery and for improving our understanding of changes in chokka squid abundance and distribution in response to changes in the environment.

Mammal inventory using camera traps in the Central Forest State Nature Reserve (West of European Russia)

A mammal species inventory by estimating their richness is the first and necessary task of any mammal monitoring programme. This paper presents estimates of species richness of mammals (mostly medium and large body-sized) in the Central Forest State Nature Reserve (European Russia). Based on data collected in 2023 from 55 camera trap locations (19 676 camera days), 59 035 images of wild mammals were obtained. A total of 18 species were recorded. Of these, ten species were representatives of the Carnivora, four – Artiodactyla, two – Rodentia, one – Erinaceomorpha, and one – Lagomorpha. This amounted to 84% of all potentially camera-trapped mammals observed in the Central Forest State Nature Reserve. The relative abundance index (RAI) and naïve occupancy (ψnaive) were calculated for all species. The most common and frequently recorded were Meles meles (RAI = 4.95; ψnaive = 0.96), followed by Ursus arctos (RAI = 4.39; ψnaive = 1) and Lepus timidus (RAI = 4.08; ψnaive = 1), while the most rarely recorded species were Castor fiber (RAI = 0.01; ψnaive = 0.02), Erinaceus europaeus (RAI = 0.02; ψnaive = 0.04), and Lutra lutra (RAI = 0.03; ψnaive = 0.07). Large and medium-sized carnivorous and omnivorous mammal communities were the fastest and most completely captured. According to the constructed single-season multispecies occupancy model with Markov chains Monte Carlo, camera traps failed to record 4–5 more possible species. These species are likely to be Mustela lutreola, M. erminea, and Mustela nivalis, as well as two invasive species, Cervus nippon and Capreolus pygargus. All the captured species were recorded in total in a short period of time, namely from the end of March to the beginning of May during 1869 camera-days. Two of them (Castor fiber and Erinaceus europaeus) were recorded exclusively at this time, and they were not captured further until the end of the year. This emphasises the importance of conducting mammal inventory, with inclusion of the spring season.

Invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) predation in a Washington State estuary revealed with DNA metabarcoding.

Predation by invasive species can threaten local ecosystems and economies. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas), one of the most widespread marine invasive species, is an effective predator associated with clam and crab population declines outside of its native range. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, green crab has recently increased in abundance and expanded its distribution, generating concern for estuarine ecosystems and associated aquaculture production. However, regionally-specific information on the trophic impacts of invasive green crab is very limited. We compared the stomach contents of green crabs collected on clam aquaculture beds versus intertidal sloughs in Willapa Bay, Washington, to provide the first in-depth description of European green crab diet at a particularly crucial time for regional management. We first identified putative prey items using DNA metabarcoding of stomach content samples. We compared diet composition across sites using prey presence/absence and an index of species-specific relative abundance. For eight prey species, we also calibrated metabarcoding data to quantitatively compare DNA abundance between prey taxa, and to describe an 'average' green crab diet at an intertidal slough versus a clam aquaculture bed. From the stomach contents of 61 green crabs, we identified 54 unique taxa belonging to nine phyla. The stomach contents of crabs collected from clam aquaculture beds were significantly different from the stomach contents of crabs collected at intertidal sloughs. Across all sites, arthropods were the most frequently detected prey, with the native hairy shore crab (Hemigrapsus oregonensis) the single most common prey item. Of the eight species calibrated with a quantitative model, two ecologically-important native species-the sand shrimp (Crangon franciscorum) and the Pacific staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus)-had the highest average DNA abundance when detected in a stomach content sample. In addition to providing timely information on green crab diet, our research demonstrates the novel application of a recently developed model for more quantitative DNA metabarcoding. This represents another step in the ongoing evolution of DNA-based diet analysis towards producing the quantitative data necessary for modeling invasive species impacts.

Diversity and Abundance of Edible Wild Fruit and Leaf Plants in Parts of Forest and Savanna Eco-regions, Nigeria.

Wild foods are important sources of nutrition for one out of six people worldwide and it remains an open access source of food and income, especially to vulnerable group such as the resource-poor and malnourished children. Different ecological zones in Nigeria are endowed with diverse edible fruits and leaves and hence their diversity and abundance differ. With the previous and current rate of deforestation particularly in the African continent and specifically in Nigeria, the diversity and abundance of these invaluable forests –derived foods across the forest and savanna ecozones in Nigeria are unknown. An inventory of forest-derived edible fruits and leaves was conducted using a systematic line transect in two (2) selected forest reserves in each ecological zone. Five line transects of 515 m in length, with a distance of at least 150 m between two parallel transects was used. Five sample plots of 25 m x25 m in size were laid in alternate position along each transect at 100 m interval. A total of 25 sample plots were laid in each of the selected forest reserves. In each sample plot, all edible fruits and leaves encountered were identified and their frequency recorded. The frequency of the species per ha was used to compute the relative species abundance and Shannon weiner diversity index. The species diversity across the ecological zones was compared using one-way analysis of variance. Shannon-weiner diversity index (3.49) for the rainforest edible wild fruits and leaves is significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) than in all the other ecological zones. This is followed by Guinea savanna (3.10), Derived savanna (3.02), Sudan savanna (2.91), and Sahel savanna (2.83) while the mangrove forest has the lowest diversity index (2.53). Assessing species diversity helps in understanding the resilience of forest ecosystems. This knowledge is crucial for fostering environments that can withstand and recover from adverse events. Policy makers rely on scientific studies to design regulations and conservation strategies. This research provided evidence-based insight necessary for informed decision-making to protect forest reserves

Modeling the Habitat Suitability of Javan Banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus) Using Geographic Information System in Ujung Kulon National Park

Background: The Banteng population in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) is less than 500 individuals. The habitat of Java Banteng in conservation areas has largely decreased. One approach to assessing the current status of biodiversity at all levels, especially in endangered species, is to use geospatial technology such as remote sensing and geographic information systems combined with spatial data science. This study aims to create a spatial model of the suitability of the Javan Banteng habitat in the TNUK area and identify the use of the Java Banteng habitat and environmental variables that affect the presence of Javan Banteng. Methods: This research data was collected through coordinate data for stool sampling and data from BTNUK using a method called maximum entropy (maximum). The analysis used the Relative Use Index, Maximum Entropy modeling, and Relative Abundance Index. Results: Based on research, the use of habitat by Java Banteng with the value of making a spatial distribution model can be analyzed by analyzing the contribution of environmental variables based on the level of contribution in percent and the results of the jackknife test, namely the percentage of contribution of environmental variables in this study showed that environmental parameters, slope (37.6%) were the highest parameters, followed elevation (25.8%), land cover (25.3%), and NDVI (6%), rivers (5.3%). The analysis of five environmental variables used in making the Javan Banteng distribution model showed that at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level, Java Banteng preferred to show 95%. The graph decreased at an altitude above 45 mdpl, and Java Banteng at 200 meters above sea level looked at 0%. Conclusions: Javan Banteng do not like or do not choose places with altitudes ranging from 200 - 625 meters above sea level.

Evaluation Performance of Three Standardization Models to Estimate Catch-per-Unit-Effort: A Case Study on Pacific Sardine (Sardinops sagax) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) standardization in fisheries is a critical foundation for conducting stock assessment and fishery conservation. The Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) is one of the economically important fish species in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (NPO). Hence, the importance of choosing an appropriate CPUE standardization model cannot be overstated when it comes to achieving a precise relative abundance index for the efficient management of Pacific sardine fishery. This study’s main aim was to assess and compare the efficacy of three models, specifically the General Linear Model (GLM), the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM), and the spatio-temporal GLMM (VAST), in the CPUE standardization for Pacific sardine fishery in the NPO, with the ultimate goal of identifying the most appropriate model. An influence analysis was applied to analyze the impact of individual variables on the disparity among standardized and nominal CPUE, and the main explanatory variables influencing standardized CPUE were identified. A coefficient–distribution–influence (CDI) plot was generated to analyze the impact of the different models on the annual standardized CPUE. Additionally, a simulation testing framework was developed to evaluate the estimated accuracy of the three models. The results indicated that the standardized CPUE and the nominal CPUE exhibited similar trends between 2014 and 2021 for the three models. Compared to the GLM and the GLMM, the VAST demonstrates larger conditional R2 and smaller conditional AIC, indicating a better performance in standardizing the CPUE for Pacific sardines due to its consideration of spatial and temporal variations. The interaction terms within the three models exert significant influences on the annual standardized CPUE, necessitating their inclusion in the model construction. CDI plots indicate that the spatio-temporal influence of the VAST model exhibits a smaller variation trend, suggesting that the VAST is more robust when standardizing the CPUE for Pacific sardines. Simulation testing additionally demonstrated that the VAST model displays smaller model root mean squared error (RMSE) and bias, establishing it as the superior performer for standardizing CPUE. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the scientific management of Pacific sardines in the NPO and can be extended to CPUE standardization for other small pelagic fish species worldwide.

Potential for aquatic cultural services in fresh water for fresh water- based ecotourism, Vawnikulam reservoir, in Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka

Freshwater-based tourism comprises both tourism and an ecotourism component. The current study evaluates the diversity of freshwater fish in water resources that may suffer from freshwater-based tourism (Ecotourism) within the zone and investigates conceivable opportunities for such ecotourism in Vawnikulam major reservoir in Mullaitive district, Sri Lanka. The Mullaitive district has distinctive topographical highlights that have a high potential for fresh water resources. These highlights include three major tanks, sixteen medium tanks, and more than 100 minor tanks. There are just 21,399 land-based freshwater bodies, 8% of the total land area, and no significant perennial rivers that can be used to irrigate crops. This study used a mix of primary (qualitative and quantitative) and secondary information sources. Multi-gillnet rods and hooks were chosen as the material for the particular harvest strategy, which was utilized to gather the sample. From January to December 2022, the Vawnikulam major reservoir within the Mullaitive district was considered. Fish diversity, relative abundance, and diversity indices were determined and applied to analyze the potential for ecotourism based on freshwater resources. During the study period, 28 species including 11 families were recorded. According to national conservation status (NCS) ,7 Endemic (E) species 14 Native species (NA), 6 Introduced species, and 1 species were Near threatened (NT) were identified. In order to disentangle the pathways of fresh water as aquatic cultural services and create fresh water-based ecotourism activities that can develop in Mullaitive district, Sri Lanka, this investigation distinguished the travellers within the considered area. It also analyses appropriate freshwater-based ecotourism activities.

Factors affecting the relative abundance in an overfished stock: red grouper (Epinephelus morio) in the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico.

The most important fisheries are recording catches below their historical averages despite increased effort. This level of overfishing is worrying and requires the establishment of feasible and precise measures to prevent a continuing decrease in biomass. Determining the factors that lead to changes in the abundance and distribution of overfished resources would allow us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of management schemes; this approach would also make it possible to estimate more accurate parameters for their evaluation. We hypothesize that environmental, temporal, spatial, and operational components contribute to the variation in the relative abundance. Thus, we analyzed the red grouper fishery, the most important demersal fishery in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico (SGM); it is locally known as escama. We employed the catch per unit effort (CPUE) as an index of relative abundance recorded by the semi-industrial fleet (kilogram per effective fishing day) and the small-scale fleet (kilogram per effective fishing hour) during the overexploitation phase (from 1996 to 2019). We fitted several variables of the components using generalized additive models (GAM) and used multi-model inference to determine the best GAM for each fleet. For both fleets, the operational and temporal components (fishing gear and year) have had a greater impact on the distribution and abundance of red grouper in the SGM than the spatial and environmental components (the place of origin and sea surface temperature). These findings encourage the exploration of métier schemes for more efficient fishery management. In addition, we have identified several strategies that would support the recovery of the resource, such as restricting fishing in the quadrants located to the northeast or regulating scuba diving. We recommend that in the future, researchers use the indices we have generated in the present study to evaluate the red grouper fishery.

Kelimpahan Jenis Tanaman Pangan Pada Pekarangan Rumah Penduduk Di Desa Mandikapau Barat, Kecamatan Karang Intan, Kabupaten Banjar

The yard plays an important role in meeting the needs of the community, namely by planting in the yard of the house, especially to meet the needs of the household, especially in meeting the needs of the family's home food, can be planted with food crops such as fruit, vegetables, tubers, spices, etc. The aim of the research was to study the types of food plants found and to know the abundance index and dominance index of food plants found in Mandikapau Barat Village. The method of this research is to determine the area of the yard, take samples of the yard, identify the types of food plant categories (fruits, vegetables, tubers, and spices), and calculate the abundance index and dominance index of these food plants. Results Food plants found totaled 25 families 32 genera 40 species (27 fruits; 5 vegetables; 2 tubers; 6 spices). The highest relative abundance index of the three locations was in the category of spices, bulbs, fruits, vegetables with a value of (28%; 6%; 5%; 4%) with galangal, cassava, papaya and cayenne pepper plants. The average dominance index shows a value of 0.131 which is included in the low category.KEYWORDS: Mandikapau; Kabupaten Banjar; food plant; dominance index

EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN ACTIVITY ON THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF LARGE CARNIVORES USING CAMERA TRAPS IN THE CENTRAL FOREST NATURE RESERVE

The possibilities for assessing the impact of human activity on mammals using camera traps are demonstrated in Russia for the first time, three species of large carnivores taken as examples: the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), and the grey wolf (Canis lupus). To do this, a single-season species-level occupancy analysis and an analysis of daily activity were utilized. The study was carried out in 2022 in the territory of the Southern Forestry of the Central Forest Nature Reserve, western European Russia during the period of maximum human activity (July–August). The relative abundance indices of pedestrians, all-terrain vehicles, as well as the distance to villages were used as variables. The maximum predicted occupancy was found for the lynx (ψ = 0.97), vs the minimum for the wolf (ψ = 0.78). The detection probability was the highest for the brown bear (p = 0.18), in contrast to both lynx and wolf (0.08 each). For the lynx and the brown bear, large degrees of overlap of daily activities with pedestrians (\({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.57 and \({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.47) and all-terrain vehicles (\({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.51 and \({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.41) were noted, in contrast to those for the wolf (\({{\hat {\Delta }}_{1}}\) = 0.37 and \({{\hat {\Delta }}_{1}}\) = 0.35, respectively). Human activity had no noticeable effect on either the spatial or temporal distribution patterns of the brown bear and lynx. In contrast, the wolf showed a shift in both patterns away from human activity. The combined use of occupancy and daily activity analyses based on data from camera traps is the optimal method for assessing and regulating the human activity in particularly strictly protected natural areas.

Identification of bacteria associated with canine otitis externa based on 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing.

Bacteria are regarded as predisposing and perpetuating factors causing otitis externa (OE), whereas auricular anatomy is a predisposing factor. This study aims to investigate bacterial populations in the external auditory canals of healthy dogs and dogs with OE. Four categories of ear swabs included healthy erect-ear dogs, erect-ear dogs with OE, healthy pendulous-ear dogs and pendulous-ear dogs with OE. After bacterial DNA extraction, 16S rDNAs were amplified using specific primers within a V3/V4 region. Following DNA library construction, high-throughput sequencing was performed on MiSeq (Illumina). CLC Microbial Genomics Module was used to determine the rarefaction curve, bacterial classification, relative abundance, richness and diversity index. The results demonstrated that healthy dogs had higher bacterial richness and diversity than the dogs with OE. Comparable with culture-dependent methods described previously, this study revealed predominant Corynebacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Proteus spp. in OE cases. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing might disclose some potential emerging pathogens including Tissierella spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Achromobacter spp., which have not been reported in previous canine OE cases. Nevertheless, larger sample sizes are further required for an extensive evidence-based investigation.

Camera trapping reveals habitat overlap between snow leopards and common leopards in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal.

We provide camera trap records of the presence of two large predators: the snow leopard Panthera uncia and common leopard Panthera pardus from the same habitats in Lapchi Valley of Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Camera traps were laid for 2,304 (mean 88.62 Å} SD 103.34) trap nights in 26 locations (elevation range: 2,140 to 4,350 m, area: 141.63 km2). A total of 55, 219 pictures were recorded from November 2022 to May 2023. Out of 26 camera stations, two camera stations captured the images of both species at an altitude of 4,000 m and 4,260 m in Lapchi Valley. The Relative Abundance Indices of snow leopards and common leopards were 7.51 SD 6.35 and 9.84 SD 6.35 per 100 trap days/nights, and independent detection rates were 0.41 and 0.52 respectively. This is the first evidence of habitat overlap between two large vulnerable predators in Gaurishankar Conservation Area. The nature of the coexistence or competition between these predators needs further investigation.