Integrated Conservation Programs Research Articles

Exploration and Assessment on the Agronomic Requirement of Taverniera abyssinica A. Rich: A Critically Endangered Medicinal Plant of Ethiopia

We determined the distribution and abundance of Taverniera abyssinica A. Rich in the Shewa floristic region, Ethiopia. We also carried out a mesh-house experiment to know whether T. abyssinica is able to survive and grow in any soil. From the nine potential locations we made exploration, T. abyssinca populations were found only in the two, Lemen and Mojo. The abundance of mature individuals was estimated to be more than 600/hectare. The one-way ANOVA results indicated that soil does not have a significant (p>0.05) effect on seedlings survival rate. However, it was found to have significant (p<0.05) effects on seedlings growth, root nodulation, and root arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization. Seedlings grown on the soil collected from Lemen and Mojo produced significantly (p<0.05) more number of leaves and grew better than those grown on Addis Ababa (where the species was never reported to grow) soil. The root fresh weight of seedlings grown on Addis Ababa soil was found to be significantly (p<0.05) and 38.89% and 54.17% lower than the root fresh weight of seedlings grown on Lemen and Mojo soils respectively. We report that T. abyssinica is N-fixer and arbuscular mycorrhizal. Seedlings grown on the Addis Ababa soil were not colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi while those grown on Lemen and Mojo soils were. Although the estimated abundance of mature T. abyssinica individuals was high, there is continued exploitation of the species and habitat loss is imminent. Therefore, integrated conservation program by way of ex situ conservation, in situ conservation, and cultivation should be implemented. Taverniera abyssinica could be cultivated in areas with leptosol and degraded vertisol soils with slightly acidic to basic pH. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could play key role in future conservation and cultivation efforts of the species.

Eco-Geographical, Morphological and Molecular Characterization of a Collection of the Perennial Endemic Species Medicago tunetana (Murb.) A.W. Hill (Fabaceae) from Tunisia.

In order to characterize and conserve the endemic pastoral species Medicago tunetana, many prospecting missions were carried out in mountainous regions of the Tunisian ridge. Twenty-seven eco-geographical and morphological traits were studied for six M. tunetana accessions and followed by molecular analysis using seven Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR). Only five markers were polymorphic and reproductible in the six M. tunetana populations. A total of 54 alleles were observed with an average of 10.8 bands/primer/genotype. Mean Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), Nei gene diversity (h) Shannon’s information index (I) indicated the high level of polymorphism. The generated dendrogram with hierarchical UPGMA cluster analysis grouped accessions into two main groups with various degree of subclustring. All the studied accessions shared 57% of genetic similarity. Analysis of variance showed high significant difference between morphological traits among M. tunetana populations where MT3 from Kesra showed different morphological patterns regarding leaf, pod and seeds traits. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed two principal groups of M. tunetana populations based on potassium, total and active lime contents in soil. Our results suggest that SSR markers developed in M. truncatula could be a valuable tool to detect polymorphism in M. tunetana. Furthermore, the studied morphological markers showed a large genetic diversity among M. tunetana populations. This approach may be applicable for the analysis of intra specific variability in M. tunetana accessions. Our study could help in the implementation of an effective and integrated conservation programs of perennial endemic Medicago.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Fragile Balance of a Small Zoo: the Case of Pistoia Zoo in Italy

Abstract Zoos and aquaria have progressively evolved into conservation centres aimed at conserving biodiversity through educational, recreational, research and integrated conservation activities. Their work is based on a strong cooperation at national and international level, that enables the collaborative management of hundreds of thousands of animals and the protection of endangered species through integrated conservation programmes. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated health, social and economic crisis have greatly impacted the zoological community, leading to multifaceted consequences especially for small private institutions. Here, we present the operational and ethical challenges, as well as the opportunities, arisen from the on-going crisis, focusing on Pistoia Zoo (Italy) as a case study. We finally discuss ethical and operational constraints and perspectives which could characterize the upcoming future of zoological facilities.

Binturong Arctictis binturong conservation: the relationship between the zoo community and ABConservation for an integrated conservation programme in Palawan, Philippines

Zoological institutions play an ever‐greater role in awareness of biodiversity and are increasingly involved in conservation initiatives. The Binturong Arctictis binturong is an elusive and poorly known carnivore of the family Viverridae, found in South East Asian ecosystems. This species, affected by diverse human‐related threat processes, is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. This paper reports on the collaborative efforts involving the Binturong European Endangered Species Programme, the French non‐governmental organization ABConservation, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, the zoo community and researchers at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris (France), all aimed at the conservation of Binturongs. The resulting multidisciplinary initiatives allow the development of an integrated conservation programme for this species in Palawan (Philippines), including community awareness, education programmes, research projects and empowerment of range communities in nature conservancy. Zoos contributed significantly to the development of the field initiatives of ABConservation. Participation of zoos in field programmes for conservation is beneficial for both parties, because zoos support conservation through funding, raising awareness and expertise, and at the same time they acquire increased knowledge about the species they have in their care, and gain relevance in defining their role and missions.

<i>Paris polyphylla</i> in Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh: Need for an Integrated Conservation Program in the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot

<i>Paris polyphylla</i> in Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh: Need for an Integrated Conservation Program in the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot

Pervasive human disturbance on habitats of endangered red panda Ailurus fulgens in the central Himalaya

Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) live in the dense forests of mid-hills of the Himalaya and feed almost exclusively on bamboo. They are vulnerable to extinction due to human induced disturbances. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation along with poaching are the most pressing anthropogenic threats to red panda conservation. The extinction risk to red pandas is further compounded by their life history traits. However, there is a paucity of information regarding human impact on red panda habitats. We have used presence and absence data collected from entire red panda range in Nepal, including habitat both inside and outside the Protected Areas (PAs) to examine the impact of human disturbance on their distribution. Our findings indicate that red panda prefer less disturbed habitats but will occupy human disturbed areas. Signs of poaching and cattle trails were significantly associated with red panda presence throughout Nepal while livestock faeces and landslides were negatively associated. Plant disturbance, presence of solid waste and proximity to herders' shed were significantly associated with presence of red panda in PAs whereas landslides and livestock faeces were significant disturbance variables outside the PAs. The findings show that red panda habitats are invariably disturbed and that integrated conservation programs such as awareness, livelihood support that reduces human dependency on forests, and regulations are must.

Bosque Pehuén Park's Flora: A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Andean Montane Forests in the Araucanía Region, Chile

In Chile, most protected areas are located in the southern Andes, in mountainous landscapes at mid or high altitudes. Despite the increasing proportion of protected areas, few have detailed inventories of their biodiversity. This information is essential to define threats and develop long-term integrated conservation programs to face the effects of global change. Consequently, the objectives of this study were to (1) describe the richness, conservation status, and species composition of the vascular flora found in Bosque Pehuen Park; and (2) analyze the relationships among altitude, species richness, and growth forms. Bosque Pehuen is one of the largest privately protected areas located within the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve, in southern Chile (39°S). The park is dominated by secondary forests that grew after intensive exploitation in the 1970s, with some remnant old-growth forests. Fifteen regularly distributed plots, 150 m in radius, were sampled. At each plot, all vascular plant species were recorded; 101 species were found, of which 79% are endemic, 10% are introduced, and 13% are currently listed in IUCN conservation categories. The highest richness was concentrated within the plots associated with riparian zones. The total richness tended to decrease with altitude. Epiphytes and climbers were only recorded at lower altitudes, making them the growth forms most influenced by altitude. The background information reported here is essential for effective park management and conservation of the vascular flora species found within this Andean montane forest.

Integrating In-Situ and Ex-Situ Data Management Processes for Biodiversity Conservation

There is an increasing need for a “one plan approach” for conservation strategies that integrate in-situ and ex-situ management processes. Zoological institutions contribute directly to threatened species conservation through paradigms such as reintroduction, head-starting, supplementation, or rescue/rehabilitation/release. This in-situ/ex-situ integration necessitates collaboration at all levels of conservation action including planning, implementation, monitoring and finally assessment to drive adaptive management processes. Each component is dependent on the availability and accuracy of data for evidence to facilitate evaluation and adaptive management processes. The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), managed by Species360, is a centralized web-based information system used in zoological institutions worldwide to pool life history, behavior and health data and facilitate animal husbandry, health, and breeding management processes. Currently used for few integrated conservation programs, ZIMS is an innovative tool that offers a new opportunity to link data management processes for animals that spend a part of their lives under human care and part in their natural environment and great potential for use for managed wild populations.

Combining Econegotiations and Threat Reduction Assessments to estimate success of conservation: lessons learned in the black-faced lion tamarin conservation program

This study shares the experience of the Integrated Conservation Program for the black-faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, on measuring its conservation success. We present the program history and evaluate its impact from 2005 until 2014 in the Ariri region, at Cananeia, São Paulo, Brazil. To assess impact we combined an evaluation of the Econegotiation, a strategy that looks for involve various social segments into conservation through participative forums, with the Threat Reduction Assessment. Econegotiations analysis made possible to estimate the reduction of direct threats, which is considered the most difficult step in the application of Threat Reduction Assessment. We identified a 20–30% reduction in threats, expressed by better political coherence and use of natural resources within the region. Our study revealed two factors that influence the success of integrated conservation and development projects: (i) the ability to integrate in the local context and influence it to make biodiversity conservation an interest shared by diverse actors and leaders, and (ii) the weight of our biocentric vision in defining the target condition constrains the calculation of Threat Reduction Assessment. As lessons learned, we highlight vital aspects to consider in conservation and sustainability: (i) initial effort to know the territory's social, cultural, and economic profile; (ii) clarity of direction and focus on the program's mission; (iii) consolidation of partnerships at all levels; and (iv) strategy to discuss, understand, and overcome conflicts, such as Econegotiations in the black-faced lion tamarin program, can act on critical threats and identify approaches and partnerships to reduce them.

A longitudinal evaluation of the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign for the Philippine crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis in northern Luzon, Philippines

The Philippine crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis is Critically Endangered and its range is restricted to a few localities in human‐dominated landscapes. Therefore, the survival of this species in the wild depends strongly on the support of local people. Communication and education are prerequisites for successful in situ conservation. Over a 12 year period, the Mabuwaya Foundation distributed posters, calendars and comic books, organized theatre shows, gave school lectures, facilitated community meetings and established a crocodile rearing station/visitor centre to mobilize local support for the conservation of the Philippine crocodile in the northern Sierra Madre in Luzon. This paper documents changes in people's awareness of and attitudes towards the conservation of the Philippine crocodile, and changes in people's behaviour in ten barangays (villages) in the municipality of San Mariano. Most people living in crocodile habitat now know that the Philippine crocodile is protected by law and support the conservation of the species in the wild. Hunting, the destruction of nests and the use of destructive fishing methods have all significantly declined in these areas. As a result of the integrated conservation programme, the Philippine crocodile population is slowly recovering.

Germination capacity and seed storage behaviour of threatened metallophytes from the Katanga copper belt (D.R.Congo): implications for ex situ conservation

Background and aims – Plant species adapted to metalliferous soil are of high conservation value, and actions for preserving these species (some of them are endemics) are urgent given the threat of mining activities. In the framework of an integrated conservation programme of cuprophytes (plants that tolerate a soil with a high level of copper) in Katanga (D. R. Congo), this study aims at: (1) providing new data on species whose germination has never been studied so far; (2) gaining new insight into the storage behaviour of these species; (3) discussing implications for ex situ conservation of these highly threatened species. Methods – Germination tests were conducted on fresh seeds of nineteen species. These tests were repeated after 6, 12 and 24 months of storage in dry-cold conditions. Key results – Most species kept or increased their germination capacity after 2 years storage in dry-cold conditions. Nine species showed a slight decrease in their viability (from 100% to > 80%) after 2 years storage in dry-cold conditions. The present study gives evidence that at least six of the 19 studied species are desiccation-tolerant (orthodox). Among these, two are strict endemics, Haumaniastrum robertii and Faroa malaissei, and two are broad endemics, Diplolophium marthozianum and Gladiolus robiliartianus . This means that ex situ seed banking of these species could form a useful part of a more comprehensive conservation strategy. Only two species have been identified as desiccation-sensitive (recalcitrant), i.e.inappropriate for conservation in standard seed bank conditions. An orthodox behaviour has not been ruled out for the other species tested, but their response was less clear and needs further investigation.

Troublesome neighbours: Changing attitudes towards chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in a human-dominated landscape in Uganda

Long-term human–wildlife sympatry depends on the willingness and capacity of local people to coexist with wild animals. With human population growth and deforestation for agriculture, farmers increasingly live in proximity to wildlife, including large mammals of conservation concern. Understanding local perspectives and concerns regarding wildlife is essential for informing appropriate management strategies that reduce conflicts and promote sustainable coexistence. Social science approaches therefore have a critical role in integrated conservation programmes. We undertook an attitude survey to understand residents’ perspectives about sharing a landscape with chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in an unprotected forest–agriculture mosaic in Uganda. Interviews (n=134) in 12 villages demonstrate residents’ ambivalence towards living alongside these protected yet potentially troublesome mammals. Chimpanzee behaviour is reported to have undergone recent changes. Residents claim apes increasingly enter villages for food, threaten people, and pose a particular threat to children's safety. Chimpanzee numbers are believed to have increased locally. Most interviewees fear chimpanzees, considering them dangerous. Crop losses to chimpanzees were widely reported. Farmers tolerate raiding of domestic fruits, but not cash-crops. Results demonstrate that attitudes towards wildlife are not fixed. Reported changes to chimpanzee behaviour are challenging villagers’ traditionally benign attitude towards them. Even so, residents acknowledge benefits to chimpanzees because they reportedly displace other crop-raiding wildlife which, unlike chimpanzees, damage important staple food crops. Survey findings are contextualised with respect to recent, major land-use changes in Uganda (clearance of unprotected forest for timber and agriculture) that have precipitated a sharp rise in farmer–chimpanzee interactions. We discuss the study's broader implications for protected mammal management and conflict mitigation in human-dominated landscapes, and ask whether it is appropriate to expect impoverished rural farmers to accommodate large-bodied mammals that pose a potential threat to their safety and livelihoods.

Safeguarding China′s Botanical HeritageFoundation item: BGCI′S Program in China——BGCI′s integrated conservation programme in China

Safeguarding China′s Botanical HeritageFoundation item: BGCI′S Program in China——BGCI′s integrated conservation programme in China

Mangrove conservation in Singapore: A physical or a psychological impossibility?

The coastal habitats in Singapore, in particular the mangrove and the adjacent wetland areas, are rapidly being destroyed and degraded due to development and its side effects. For successful securing of the future of the mangroves, public awareness of mangroves and politically and publicly supported, integrated conservation programmes are needed. However, due to the lack of public awareness about the pressing issue of nature conservation and the insufficiency in the understanding of the importance of mangroves by decision-makers, plans and actions for the conservation of the remaining mangroves have been scarce and inadequate. This manuscript will give a brief introduction to mangroves in Southeast Asia, and summarise the history of the development of mangrove areas in Singapore and the current situation pertaining to natural habitats and conservation in Singapore. It will point out the inadequacy of mangrove conservation thus far in Singapore, highlight the paucity of baseline data pertaining to mangroves in Southeast Asia, dis- cuss the problems stemming from the lack of public awareness, argue for the conservation of Singapore's remaining mangroves and propose conservation strategies and local and regional research directions.

Some important variables related to conservation knowledge and interest

This study was an attempt to isolate and identify some important variables related to conservation knowledge and interest in high school age youth. The major goal of this study was to establish some basic variable groups that could provide additional meaning and direction for reintroducing an integrated conservation program into the secondary school curriculum through a more appealing instructional approach. Findings indicated that the assumption of a direct relationship between knowledge and interest does not necessarily hold. Findings also contradict popular assumptions regarding rural-urban, male-female, and age differences in levels of conservation knowledge and interest. Open-ended program approaches based on the variables identified could lead to improved methods for increasing conservation knowledge and interest.