Integrate Biodiversity Conservation Research Articles

Land use intensification causes the spatial contraction of woody-plant based ecosystem services in southwestern Ethiopia

Integrating biodiversity conservation and food production is vital, particularly in the tropics where many landscapes are highly biodiverse, and where people directly depend on local ecosystems services that are linked to woody vegetation. Thus, it is important to understand how woody vegetation and the benefits associated with it could change under different land-use scenarios. Using a comprehensive, interdisciplinary study in southwestern Ethiopia, we modeled current and future availability of woody plant-based ecosystem services under four scenarios of landscape change. Land-use scenarios with intensified food or cash crop cultivation would lead to the contraction of woody-plant based ecosystem services from farmland to forest patches, increasing pressure on remaining forest patches. This raises questions about the viability of conventional intensification combined with land sparing—where conservation and production are separated—as a viable strategy for conservation in tropical landscapes where woody-plant based ecosystem services are vital to the lives of local communities.

A safe agricultural space for biodiversity

Agriculture is the main driver of the rapid collapse of biodiversity, upon which all life on Earth, including agricultural production, depends. As we face the challenge of feeding a growing human population under a changing climate regime, the pressure on biodiversity is expected to further intensify. While the potential to expand and improve natural habitats for biodiversity conservation has been widely explored in large-scale scenarios of agricultural systems, the critical role of agricultural landscapes’ management on halting the loss of biodiversity remains unexplored at this scale. We argue that, to achieve an effective conservation of biodiversity (both natural and agricultural), the combined multivariate effects of agriculture on biodiversity must be accounted for, including its surface area as well as its management. Based on a literature review, we identified the main biodiversity pressures stemming from agriculture: land-use change, contribution to climate change, water withdrawal, pesticide pollution, nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) pollution, and landscape and farm-scale simplification (of croplands and pastures). For each one, we proposed a critical boundary, based on reviews of studies covering a range of taxa, biodiversity metrics, and biomes, below or above which negative impacts on biodiversity are minimized or positive effects arise. Implemented simultaneously, the identified boundaries would integrate biodiversity conservation within and across farmlands and minimize agriculture’s far-reaching impacts on biodiversity. We present a framework called “agricultural boundaries for biodiversity” that will allow to explore the potential of developing agricultural systems that effectively reconcile food production and biodiversity conservation at large scales.

Estimating the Value and Benefits of Revenue Sharing Projects and Their Contribution to Community Development Around Nyungwe National Park

This study aimed at estimating the value and benefits of the projects that were funded by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through the revenue sharing program around Nyungwe National Park (NNP) for its conservation. To achieve the study objectives, a cross sectional research design was used, combined with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Primary data was collected from community members living around Nyungwe National Park, community leaders and RDB staff through questionnaires and interviews. Microsoft Excel was used for the data analysis. Results showed that the revenues contributed to community development through the construction of infrastructures that are used by communities around NNP. But, lack of regular monitoring has also resulted in the failure of some projects. We realized that the value of revenue sharing (RS) projects plus the value of ecosystem services from Nyungwe are a golden opportunity for local communities to have access to finance and improved livelihoods. We realized that through Revenue Sharing Program RwF 649,186,778 were invested in infrastructures around (NNP) since 2005. Looking at their impact value after one year, we realized that actual net profit provided by them is valued to RwF 66,789,571. The impact value in 20 years from those infrastructures was estimated to RwF 14,319,526,980. It is recommended that RDB increase the revenue sharing funding and include a special guarantee fund to support a framework for integrated biodiversity conservation and human well-being.

Over 1/4 of China's terrestrial area significantly contributed both to biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality, requiring protection

Protected areas (PAs) play a crucial role in halting biodiversity loss and mitigating climate change. However, research on the advantages of integrating biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation within PAs remains limited, and there is a deficiency in holistic, scientifically supported management strategies. To address these gaps, we conducted a case study in China, comparing the conservation effectiveness of designating conservation priorities considering either single or multiple objectives, including biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality. The results showed that integrating multiple values could truly increase the effectiveness of PAs compared to a single value considered. Over 1/4 of China's terrestrial area had a significant contribution for both biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality, yet remained unprotected. Expanding PAs in these areas holds tremendous win-win biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality opportunity. We delineated different conservation priorities for comprehensive management and outlined strategies for different types of areas. The framework presented in this study can serve as a reference for other places with comparable scales or management objectives.

Microclimate variation and recovery time in managed and old-growth temperate forests

Microclimate is a key driver of forest dynamics and shapes the response of forest organisms to global warming. The spatial and temporal variability of microclimate is strongly affected by forest management, so it is important to know how microclimate varies along successional gradients of managed forests, and how microclimatic dynamics in managed forests differ from those in old-growth forests.We measured forest understorey microclimate along successional gradients in regularly harvested forests and old-growth beech forests affected only by natural disturbances in the Western Carpathians (Central Europe) over a period of three years. We analysed how temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) depended on forest structure and stand age, and how microclimate of managed stands differed from natural old-growth forests.Across forest landscapes we found that microclimatic conditions in managed forests were much more variable than in old-growth forests. Threshold analysis indicated that it takes approximately 54 years after clearing for microclimate to recover to conditions typical of old-growth and mature managed stands.Current forest management cycles create a microclimate landscape that is more dynamic in both space and time than the conditions to which many forest organisms are adapted in old-growth temperate forests in Europe. Adopting a harvesting approach inspired by temporal dynamics of old-growth forests, such as small-scale clearings with remnant trees providing microclimate refugia, is a suitable strategy for climate smart forestry to maintain microclimate buffering in managed forests. By increasing thermal habitat continuity, such options may help integrate biodiversity conservation targets into forest management programmes under climate change.

Taxonomic Structure and Diversity of Benthic Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) in the Northern Shelf of the Black Sea

The key role of benthic diatoms in coastal ecosystems highlights the relevance of studying their biodiversity and developing integrated biodiversity conservation measures. Benthic diatom richness in the northern part of the Black Sea was estimated based on both published data and our own data. The checklist of benthic diatoms includes 1100 species and intraspecific taxa, 953 species, 149 genera, 61 families, 32 orders, and 3 classes of Bacillariophyta. More than 280 species and intraspecific taxa, as well as 8 genera new to the diatom flora of the Black Sea and 7 species new to science, were revealed. An interregional analysis of the diversity of benthic Bacillariophyta along the coasts of Bulgaria, Romania, and Crimea, as well as the northwestern and northeastern parts of the Black Sea shelf, was carried out using the Taxonomic Distinctness Indices (TaxDI). The lowest TaxDI value for Crimea was closest to the average value expected for the Black Sea diatom flora, indicating a large proportion of polyspecies branches in the taxocene structure, which resulted in the maximum species richness (species/genus = 7) and led to a decrease in the vertical evenness of hierarchical tree. On the contrary, the highest TaxDI value was detected off the Romanian coast, which was caused by the significant proportion of mono- and oligospecies branches and minimal species saturation in the taxocene structure (species/genus = 4). We also identified some species with a high taxonomic exclusivity rank. If these species disappear, the entire architectonics of the Black Sea hierarchical tree of Bacillariophyta may be significantly altered. Such region-specific species are given the highest protection priority since they have great importance for gene pool conservation.

Pioneer tree species accelerate restoration of tree‐related microhabitats in 50‐year‐old reserves of Białowieża Forest, Poland

AbstractRetention of structural elements such as deadwood and habitat trees at the level of forest stands has been promoted to integrate biodiversity conservation into multiple‐use forest management. The conservation value of habitat trees is largely determined by the presence, richness, and abundance of tree‐related microhabitats (TreMs). Since TreMs are often lacking in intensively managed forests, an important question of forest conservation is how the abundance and richness of TreMs may be effectively restored. Here, we investigated whether the strict protection of forest through cessation of timber harvesting influenced TreM occurrence at tree and stand levels. For that purpose, we compared four managed and four set‐aside stands (0.25 ha each) in the Białowieża Forest, with identical origin following clear‐cuts approximately 100 years ago. We found that the abundance and richness of TreMs on living trees were not significantly different between stands that were either conventionally managed or where active forest management ceased 52 years ago. Yet, our analysis of TreMs on tree species with contrasting life‐history traits revealed that short‐lived, fast‐growing species (pioneers) developed TreMs quicker than longer‐lived, slower‐growing species. Hence, tree species such as Populus or Betula, which supply abundant and diverse TreMs, can play an important role in accelerating habitat restoration.

Examining Participation in and Supply of Private Land for Voluntary Conservation in Australia’s Tropical Savannas: A Discrete-Continuous Choice Experiment

Australia’s tropical savannas are a vast landscape of grasslands with high biodiversity value. Effective biodiversity conservation in this landscape requires private contributions to complement the under-sized formal conservation estate. The landscape is dominated by rangelands, in particular extensive cattle grazing on pastoral stations which typically measure hundreds or thousands of square kilometers. The paper reports the results of a discrete–continuous (or “two-stage”) choice experiment conducted with savanna pastoralists. A discrete choice experiment explored the stated willingness to participate in two long-term conservation strategies: (i) total exclusion of cattle from designated parcels of land with management of that land for biodiversity, and (ii) the implementation of rotational grazing systems governed by the requirements of biodiversity, among other contractual attributes. An extension question asked about the area that respondents were willing to supply and a contract they were willing to accept. Double-hurdle (type II tobit) modelling was used for combined data analysis. The results show that potential participation in voluntary conservation contracts by pastoralists is primarily influenced by contract attributes, namely, the conservation action required, the stewardship payment received, contract length and whether the contract contains flexibility provisions. Land productivity is also significant. The level of stewardship payment required to incentivize participation in the conservation of grasslands is in line with opportunity costs, in particular option value. The amount of land that pastoralists are willing to supply is determined by the conservation payment as well as farm size and intrinsic motivation. This research illustrates strategies for integrating biodiversity conservation into cattle grazing operations in Australia’s tropical savannas, which are applicable to grasslands globally. It provides data of an economic nature to inform the development of multi-tenure biodiversity conservation strategies.

Integrating biodiversity conservation and local community perspectives in China through human dimensions research

Abstract Biodiversity in China coexists alongside large ethnically diverse rural human populations within linked ‘biocultural’ social–ecological systems. Cumulative and changing local anthropogenic pressures linked to human population growth and economic development are driving unsustainable resource exploitation, habitat loss and extensive species declines. However, these pressures vary between species and systems, and efforts to conserve regional biodiversity may also have unintended negative impacts on local communities and their long‐term relationship with nature. Based on our extensive experience working across China's diverse but vulnerable biocultural landscapes, we showcase a series of case studies that illustrate the differing interactions between biodiversity and local community use of natural resources, and the differing consequences of conservation management on local livelihoods. We highlight that some social–ecological relationships in China can maintain and support biodiversity, and we advocate for management underpinned by interdisciplinary conservation research that engages local communities, associated with robust evidence‐based assessment and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective monitoring and optimization of impacts. We frame a series of steps required to understand and mitigate local pressures on threatened species in China and identify potential ‘win–win’ approaches for the regional maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods, with directions proposed for future research, engagement and management. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Understanding Policy Coherence and Interplay Governing Biodiversity Conservation and Associated Livelihood Practices in Karnali Province, Nepal

One of Nepal's most significant strategies for biodiversity protection is biodiversity conservation policy. Despite a significant paradigm shift in Nepalese policies and huge success in community-based conservation, conservation efficiency and proficiency remain low in Karnali. This pause results in ineffective policy implementation. Through a literature analysis, this study seeks to assess policy coherence and challenges within three levels of government conservation policies. The findings show that the components of central top-down non-participatory biodiversity conservation policies share consistent characteristics, such as the use of multiple policy tools, which can be either macro or micro, as well as short-term or long-term policies involving multiple actors at multiple levels. These policies often complement one another regarding the ownership, use, and management of natural resources, particularly forests. However, various findings have highlighted discrepancies, overlaps, and shortcomings in biodiversity protection and commonly shared resources. Despite global recognition as Important Bird Areas and the growing ecological concern of global and national conservation societies in Jajarkot, Jumla, Humla, Dolpa, and Kalikot, it is still not reflected fully in relevant federal policies. There is a lack of a specific policy agenda and responsive policies with federal, provincial, and local governments to promote its conservation. Hence, the paper's discussion considers active community participation as the applicable measure for integrated biodiversity conservation and development strategies with greater conservation impact.

Response of endangered bird species to land-use changes in an agricultural landscape in Germany

Land-use intensification in agroecosystems has led to population declines in many taxonomic groups, especially farmland birds. Two contrasting conservation strategies have therefore been proposed: land sharing (the integration of biodiversity conservation in low-intensity agriculture) and land sparing (the spatial separation of high-yielding agriculture and areas for conservation). Despite the large academic interest in this field, only few studies have taken into account stakeholders’ perspectives of these strategies when assessing conservation implications. We modeled the effects of three land-use scenarios (a business-as-usual, a land-sharing, and a land-sparing scenario), developed together with regional stakeholders, on the habitat area of 13 regionally endangered bird species in the Middle Mulde River Basin (Saxony, Germany). We used random forest models based on environmental variables relating to land-use/cover, climate and soil characteristics, occurrence of linear landscape elements (hedges and tree rows), and distance to water and major roads. Responses to the three land-use scenarios were species-specific, but extensively managed permanent grassland and the density of forest edges were positively associated with the occurrence of most bird species. Overall, the land-sharing scenario provided the largest breeding habitat area: 76% of the species had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in breeding habitat, and none showed a significant decrease. Our findings confirm that balancing the different, often contrasting habitat requirements of multiple species is a key challenge in conservation and landscape management. Land sharing, which local stakeholders identified as the most desirable scenario, is a promising strategy for the conservation of endangered birds in agricultural landscapes like our study region.

STRENGTHENING POLICY OF EX-SITU BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT CONSERVATION PREVENTING BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN CIBINONG SCIENCE CENTER BOTANICAL GARDEN

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as international system for biodiversity conservation stated that all botanical garden should conserve endangered biodiversity. In this context, the IUCN publish the IUCN’s Red List every year; in the year 2021 for example only around 35,765 species or 28% out of 75% conserved in ex-situ conservation or botanical garden. Indonesia has been developed further the notion through Presidential Decree No. 93/2011 that accommodated Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). Target 8 stated that at least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex- situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 percent available for recovery and restoration programs. From previous study, two out of six botanical gardens managed by the Government implemented the Target varied. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate others including The Cibinong Science Center Botanical Garden (CSCBG). The study used qualitative method combined with policy approach through interview and observation with Miles and Hubermen approach for analysis. The result shows that the Gardens has not accommodated the policy yet, however the Garden has introduced technology with more than 6.000 species equipped with barcode. The collection is mainly Indonesia tropical plants specifically flora at lowland. Therefore, to strengthening policy of ex-situ conservation in the CSBG needs further policies: (a) coordination among and within related actors, (b) integration of biodiversity conservation into socio-economic sectors, (c) adequacy and sufficiency of funds, and (d) governance and stakeholder participation.

Securing Biodiversity, Functional Integrity, and Ecosystem Services in Drying River Networks (DRYvER)

River networks are among Earth’s most threatened hot-spots of biodiversity and provide key ecosystem services (e.g., supply drinking water and food, climate regulation) essential to sustaining human well-being. Climate change and increased human water use are causing more rivers and streams to dry, with devastating impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Currently, more than a half of the global river networks consist of drying channels, and these are expanding dramatically. However, drying river networks (DRNs) have received little attention from scientists and policy makers, and the public is unaware of their importance. Consequently, there is no effective integrated biodiversity conservation or ecosystem management strategy of DRNs. A multidisciplinary team of 25 experts from 11 countries in Europe, South America, China and the USA will build on EU efforts to assess the cascading effects of climate change on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services of DRNs through changes in flow regimes and water use. DRYvER (DRYing riVER networks) will gather and upscale empirical and modelling data from nine focal DRNs (case studies) in Europe (EU) and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to develop a meta-system framework applicable to Europe and worldwide. It will also generate crucial knowledge-based strategies, tools and guidelines for economically-efficient adaptive management of DRNs. Working closely with stakeholders and end-users, DRYvER will co-develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts in DRNs, integrating hydrological, ecological (including nature-based solutions), socio-economic and policy perspectives. The end results of DRYvER will contribute to reaching the objectives of the Paris Agreement and placing Europe at the forefront of research on climate change.

Predicting the biodiversity hotspots of macrozoobenthos in the Yangtze river basin

Identifying the biodiversity hotspots could enrich our understanding for biodiversity conservation. The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is seriously threatened by multiple stressors leading to rapid biodiversity declines, thus urgently requires an integrated biodiversity conservation. Based on field samplings and the literatures, we described the macrozoobenthos compositions in different reaches and water bodies. We then predicted suitable habitat areas for the main groups, and linked those distributions with key environmental variables. Finally, we analyzed biodiversity hotspots (BHs) of macrozoobenthos and compared them with BHs of large aquatic animals (including fishes, Waterfowls, Yangtze finless porpoise, etc.), and discussed the applicability of selecting macrozoobenthos as biodiversity surrogate for biodiversity conservation. A total of 1033 taxa were recorded. From the upper to lower of YRB, genera number of Oligochaeta and Mollusca increased, of EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) decreased, and of Chironomidae barely changed. In different water bodies, genera number of Oligochaeta, Mollusca, Chironomidae are the highest in lakes of the mid-lower YRB, while that of EPT are the highest in tributaries. Key environmental variables were water body types, elevation and max temperature of the warmest month. The total BHs areas of macrozoobenthos and large aquatic animals in the upper, and mid­lower YRB were 3.54 × 105 km2 and 2.95 × 105 km2, 2.95 × 105 km2 and 1.70 × 105 km2, respectively. The overlapping BHs were 2.0 × 105 km2 and 1.1 × 105 km2, respectively. The BHs of macrozoobenthos had a wider range, and included most BHs of large aquatic animals. Meanwhile, BHs of macrozoobenthos could indicate some habitats those were difficult to cover by selecting large aquatic animals as conservation targets, e.g., seasonal streams and water bodies that suffered from human disturbances. Based on these results, we argue that macrozoobenthos is a good biodiversity surrogate for biodiversity conservation.

Large scale propagation and in vitro weaning for the restoration of Viola palustris to support assisted colonisation of a threatened butterfly

Abstract The distribution and abundance of Boloria selene (small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly, SPBF) declined over recent decades in many parts of the UK. Availability of food plants, especially marsh violet (Viola palustris), for the caterpillars of the SPBF has been identified as one of the major causes of this decline. To achieve augmentation of existing colonies and develop new populations of SPBF large numbers of marsh violet propagules were required specifically to feed the larvae. The main objectives of the study were to produce thousands of good quality marsh violet propagules to restore selected habitats in the Heart of Durham, Northern England, using in vitro methods. Preliminary trials showed that in vitro multiplication of seedlings from wild collected seeds through conventional agar-based cultures was lengthy, expensive and turned out to be a non-viable route to achieve the objectives. This study explored the potential of bioreactor-based cloning and cost-effective one step rooting and weaning. Robust propagules, ready for transplantation following rapid propagation and one step rooting and weaning in vitro, were raised in a plug system for transplantation and establishment under field conditions. This was achieved by using simple and cost-effective methods to support the large-scale restoration exercise using 14,000 propagules. Application of high throughput micropropagation and low cost one step weaning systems for time-bound conservation and restoration projects are discussed in detail. This research highlights the important role of in vitro methods to support integrated biodiversity conservation of a native larval host plant and threatened butterfly.

Role of the countryside landscapes for sustaining biodiversity in karst areas at a semi centennial scale

Large-scale anthropic conversion of natural ecosystems into human-dominated countryside ecosystems has led to biodiversity loss worldwide. However, how countryside landscapes affect biodiversity is still controversial, especially in karst regions lack of relevant studies. To answer this question, we analyzed the impact of countryside landscapes on biodiversity changes in the South China Karst, featured as a World Natural Heritage site of subtropical karst landscape and rich biodiversity. We presented a new framework to examine the impact of countryside landscapes on biodiversity change at a semi centennial-scale using three indicators: biodiversity cluster characteristics, the barrier of villages to biodiversity, and the barrier of arable land to biodiversity. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images, satellite remote sensing data, and field survey data were combined during the process. Results revealed that plant biodiversity was positively correlated to vegetation restoration, and vegetation took approximately 80 years to recover to a stable state. Plant biodiversity spatial points are densely distributed at karst peaks, with an average distance of only 420 m–480 m. Small villages create no apparent barriers to biodiversity, with an average barrier distance of about 450 m–530 m. Arable land intersecting with forest patches connects biodiversity spatial points. Hence, the expansion of countryside landscapes in karst depressions was restricted by karst peaks, and patches of artificial arable land and forest connect the natural reserved forest at karst peaks, which both promote local spatial heterogeneity and sustain local biodiversity. This study enriches the application of countryside biogeography theory in karst regions and provides evidence for integrating biodiversity conservation into sustainable planning in broader areas. We strongly recommend that a heterogeneous landscape pattern similar to karst peak forests, such as the distance between biodiversity spatial points and the barrier distance to villages both around 450–500 m, would be conducive to biodiversity preservation.

Policy forum: Sacred forests – An opportunity to combine conservation management of threatened tree species with cultural preservation

Sacred forests are natural forests conserved on the basis of religious beliefs and cultural practices of local communities. As deforestation and land use change threatens the remaining habitats of many tree species, sacred forests rose in importance as a refuge beyond the protected area network. Despite their conservation and cultural value, sacred forests are often sidelined in the main dialogue on forest governance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for policy reform in forest management that is directed towards a better integration of biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation. Here, we discuss the cultural landscape that led to the conservation of threatened tree species in sacred forests, drawing insights for good governance from Bali, Indonesia. We present five policy recommendations to fully maximize the potential of sacred forests as a tool for the conservation of threatened tree species, including (1) prioritization based on biodiversity conservation value, (2) clear stewardship and legal ownership, (3) reaffirm traditional values in younger generation, (4) propagate and reintroduce threatened tree species and (5) evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of forest management strategies. Ensuring the sustainable management of sacred forests will strengthen their role in biodiversity conservation and as a symbol of human's reverence of nature.

Conservation practiced by private forest owners in Southwest Germany – The role of values, perceptions and local forest knowledge

Policies aiming to integrate biodiversity conservation into forest management rely on the engagement of local forest owners. This requires the mobilization of their experiences and site-specific knowledge, which is not only factual knowledge, but deeply connected to individual values, attitudes and practices adapted to local contexts. Although the objectives, attitudes, and motivations of private forest owners (PFO) have been analyzed extensively, few studies focus on how biodiversity conservation can be integrated into their forests. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the interrelation between conservation practices, perceptions, and locally held forest knowledge, we conducted a survey of PFOs in southwestern Germany. Using a logistic regression analysis, we sought to identify predictors of respondents' conservation practices, defined by the retention of deadwood and non-use of forest areas. Perceptions about positive conservation impacts increased the likelihood of implementing conservation practices, while forest-related variables such as property size and frequency of timber harvest had no significant effect. Our results show that PFOs' perceptions of biodiversity conservation affect their management approaches, which can provide ecologically valuable stepping-stones for conserving biodiversity on a landscape-scale. This may complement officially protected forest areas and formal conservation programs. Forest policy needs to consider that forest ownership entails not only economic values, but others such as identity, family heritage and personal responsibility for conserving natural resources. Both extension services and conservation incentives should be adapted accordingly.

Livestock income and household welfare for communities adjacent to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, South Africa

Conflicts in protected areas often result from contestations around benefit-sharing arrangements. Integrating biodiversity conservation and livelihood goals in protected areas can be aided by quantitative assessments of the contribution of surrounding land-use options and trade-offs between conservation and use. Using household surveys, this study examines the contribution of livestock income (cash and subsistence) to household welfare among livestock-owning households living adjacent to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, South Africa. Across all households, livestock income contributed about 28% to total household income but the distribution of and dependence on livestock income varied across groups of people. Livestock income had little effect on income inequality but poverty incidence and depth were tied to livestock income especially for the poor and less-poor households. The potential livelihood and conservation benefits for increased support for livestock production are discussed, including how this could reduce conflict levels between conservation agencies and local communities and in a broader sense, improve the relationship between the state and its citizens.

Evaluating the effectiveness of retention forestry to enhance biodiversity in production forests of Central Europe using an interdisciplinary, multi-scale approach.

Retention forestry, which retains a portion of the original stand at the time of harvesting to maintain continuity of structural and compositional diversity, has been originally developed to mitigate the impacts of clear‐cutting. Retention of habitat trees and deadwood has since become common practice also in continuous‐cover forests of Central Europe. While the use of retention in these forests is plausible, the evidence base for its application is lacking, trade‐offs have not been quantified, it is not clear what support it receives from forest owners and other stakeholders and how it is best integrated into forest management practices. The Research Training Group ConFoBi (Conservation of Forest Biodiversity in Multiple‐use Landscapes of Central Europe) focusses on the effectiveness of retention forestry, combining ecological studies on forest biodiversity with social and economic studies of biodiversity conservation across multiple spatial scales. The aim of ConFoBi is to assess whether and how structural retention measures are appropriate for the conservation of forest biodiversity in uneven‐aged and selectively harvested continuous‐cover forests of temperate Europe. The study design is based on a pool of 135 plots (1 ha) distributed along gradients of forest connectivity and structure. The main objectives are (a) to investigate the effects of structural elements and landscape context on multiple taxa, including different trophic and functional groups, to evaluate the effectiveness of retention practices for biodiversity conservation; (b) to analyze how forest biodiversity conservation is perceived and practiced, and what costs and benefits it creates; and (c) to identify how biodiversity conservation can be effectively integrated in multi‐functional forest management. ConFoBi will quantify retention levels required across the landscape, as well as the socio‐economic prerequisites for their implementation by forest owners and managers. ConFoBi's research results will provide an evidence base for integrating biodiversity conservation into forest management in temperate forests.