International Union For The Conservation Of Nature Research Articles

Analyzing the Distribution Patterns of Endemic Quercus vulcanica (Boiss. et Heldr. ex) Kotschy in Türkiye Under Climate Change Using Ensemble Modeling

Quercus vulcanica (Boiss. et Heldr. ex) Kotschy (Kasnak oak), one of the 18 Quercus species naturally distributed in Anatolia, is an endemic species with a restricted distribution range. In accordance with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species classification, Quercus vulcanica is designated as a species of low risk (LC: Least Concern). However, it is predicted that the habitat of Quercus vulcanica will narrow and that the species will become endangered as a result of potential climate change scenarios in the future. The aim of this study was to estimate the temporal and spatial distribution of Quercus vulcanica in Anatolia during the LGM, as well as to examine the impact of present and future climate changes on the species. In this context, principal component analysis was applied to 19 bioclimatic variables of the Community Climate System Model Version 4 (CCSM4) climate model, with nine variables identified for use in modeling. Habitat suitability was estimated using the Biodiversity Modeling (BIOMOD) ensemble modeling method, which combines the results of nine different algorithms through the R package ‘biomod2’, applying both committee averaging and weighted average approaches. To evaluate the performance of the models, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC), True Skill Statistics (TSS), KAPPA and Boyce Index were calculated. The contributions of the environmental variables were determined on a per-algorithm-model basis. The results of the analyses show that the bioclimatic variables that contribute the most to the distribution of the species are Bio8. The modeling results show that Quercus vulcanica is capable of occupying suitable habitat areas across the majority of Anatolia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). It is anticipated that future projections will indicate a notable reduction in the extent of suitable habitat for the species, with the remaining areas confined to the vicinity of the Ilgaz Mountains, Köroğlu Mountains and Bolkar Mountains. Given the increasing destruction that Quercus vulcanica, an endemic plant, will be adversely affected by as a result of human impacts and climate change, it is of the highest importance to develop adaptation strategies with a view to protecting the species’ habitat and the sustainability of the species.

First Law a gift to healing and transforming climate and just us!

PurposeThese words of introduction locate me on my tribal ancestral lands, and centres me as belonging to the Martuwarra, Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. My family and community’s inter-generational lived experiences of colonisation are grounded in the characteristics and learnings of “conflict, manipulation, dived and rule” as invasive unjust strategies of oppression and anti-dialogic action. These characteristics of oppression reflect invasive and unjust developments, colonialism continues to impact on our daily lives and threaten our cultural heritage, lifeways and livelihoods (Freire, 2005).Design/methodology/approachI understand the Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action is a first of its kind, a capacity development project that aims to use Indigenous knowledge to develop integrated strategies for disaster risk reduction, climate action and peacebuilding (Jarillo and Crivelli, 2024). Importantly, one of the aims of the Net Zero Project is to enhance risk reduction and coping capacities of vulnerable heritage communities. In this way, my video story speaking directly to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the interconnected issue of heritage safeguard, upholding cultural rights and sustainable development of our people who are vulnerable cultural bearers, importantly, how we are working to effect change locally, while strengthening efforts globally, as we see ourselves as planetary citizens with a duty of care to Mother Earth and humanity (Redvers et al., 2020).FindingsThe opportunity for freedom is being created through the growing coalitions of hope (Poelina, 2020). Organisations with a regenerative focus are connecting, networking, collectively thinking and transforming our world by being brave and challenging legal systems to recognise “rivers” as the lifeblood of our planet and our survival co-dependent on “a declaration of peace with Indigenous Australians with natures laws and first law” (RiverOfLife et al., 2024). Together we are decolonising our thinking; uniting and bringing together a pluriverse of ideas and actions to right size our planet and give humanity and Mother Earth a climate chance (RiverOfLife et al., 2024).Research limitations/implicationsThe final question, I ask my country and the world to sustain my culture, my home, my lifeways and my livelihood “can we achieve peace, harmony and balance”? Can we shift from business as usual, to the new economies, through intentional communities, through bicultural and bioregional planning and development? If the answer is yes, then there is hope for humanity, and the young ones yet to be born. Let us adopt the values, ethics and virtues found in First Law as a gift to healing our lands, our people and climate.Practical implicationsIt is clear from the voices of Yi-Martuwarra people, “If [our] River Dies, We Die” (Moore et al., 2023). When we stand united, we hold the dreaming time, from past, present and future, and we sing together a new “Martuwarra River Time” song. Through this moral and ethical partnership of hope the Net Zero Project Heritage for Climate Action ignites the opportunity to transform climate change, climate chaos and provide the climate chance through just us!Social implicationsYi-Martuwarra people highlight the need for dialogue, unity, cooperation and multiple forms of evidence, to understand the cumulative impacts of development. It is clear from the voices of Yi-Martuwarra people, “If [our] River Dies, We Die” (Moore et al., 2023). When we stand united, we hold the dreaming time, from past, present, and future, and we sing together a new “Martuwarra River Time” song. Through this moral and ethical partnership of hope the Net Zero Project Heritage for Climate Action ignites the opportunity to transform climate change, climate chaos and provide the climate chance through just us!Originality/valueAs the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, it is imperative to centre Indigenous well-being in adaptation efforts by enabling bottom-up approaches via community-led solutions, promoting land rights, protecting traditional heritage and cultural practices and cultivating social connections. Given the increasing recognition of well-being as a fundamental marker of successful adaptation, it should be central to climate change research and policymaking, but for this to be of benefit to Indigenous Peoples and local communities context-specific understandings of health and well-being are necessary (Jarillo and Crivelli, 2024).

Karyotypic description and comparison of Litoria (L.) paraewingi (Watson et al., 1971), L.ewingii (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) and L.jervisiensis (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) (Amphibia, Anura).

The karyotype of Litoria (L.) paraewingi (Watson et al., 1971) (Big River State Forest, Victoria) is described here for the first time. It is prepared following tissue culture of toe clipping macerates, cryopreservation, reculture and conventional 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The L.paraewingi karyotype is then compared to similarly processed IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) least concern members L.ewingii (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) (southern Victoria) and L.jervisiensis (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) (Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales), all members of the same L.ewingii complex/group. The L.paraewingi diploid number is 2n = 26, the same as for the other two species. Litoriaparaewingi chromosomes 1, 2, 6 and 7 are submetacentric, chromosomes 3 and 5 are subtelocentric and the remainder are metacentric. No secondary constriction or putative nucleolus organiser region (NOR) was readily identifiable following conventional DAPI staining in any scored L.paraewingi metaphase spread. Conversely, a putative NOR was readily identifiable on the long arm of chromosome 1 in all examined metaphase spreads for the other two species. The karyotypes of L.ewingii and L.jervisiensis here further differ from L.paraewingi with chromosome 1 being metacentric and chromosomes 8 and 10 being submetacentric for both former species. The L.jervisiensis karyotype differs from those of L.ewingii and L.paraewingi by DAPI staining with: (i) apparent relative length inversion of subtelocentric chromosome 3 and metacentric chromosome 4 and (ii) chromosome 6 being metacentric rather than submetacentric. All three species have a highly conserved chromosome morphology with respect to chromosomes 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13. The greatest gross morphological difference karyotypically is observed between L.paraewingi and L.jervisiensis. These karyotype data support the previous phylogenetic separation of these three species based upon genetic compatibility and behavioural, biochemical and molecular genetic analyses.

Inferring the extinction risk of marine fish to inform global conservation priorities.

While extinction risk categorization is fundamental for building robust conservation planning for marine fishes, empirical data on occurrence and vulnerability to disturbances are still lacking for most marine teleost fish species, preventing the assessment of their International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status. In this article, we predicted the IUCN status of marine fishes based on two machine learning algorithms, trained with available species occurrences, biological traits, taxonomy, and human uses. We found that extinction risk for marine fish species is higher than initially estimated by the IUCN, increasing from 2.5% to 12.7%. Species predicted as Threatened were mainly characterized by a small geographic range, a relatively large body size, and a low growth rate. Hotspots of predicted Threatened species peaked mainly in the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea, the Celebes Sea, the west coast Australia and North America. We also explored the consequences of including these predicted species' IUCN status in the prioritization of marine protected areas through conservation planning. We found a marked increase in prioritization ranks for subpolar and polar regions despite their low species richness. We suggest to integrate multifactorial ensemble learning to assess species extinction risk and offer a more complete view of endangered taxonomic groups to ultimately reach global conservation targets like the extending coverage of protected areas where species are the most vulnerable.

Composition, Conservation Status, and Market Value of Fish Landed at the Labuhan Haji Fishing Port, Aceh, Indonesia

Labuhan Haji Fishing Port (PPP) is the only type C port in the South Aceh. Several types of fish categorised as near threatened and vulnerable, including sharks and rays, are still caught and traded at Labuhan Haji PPP.. This research aims to determine the species composition, species conservation status, and economic value of fish landed at Labuhan Haji PPP South Aceh. This research was conducted in July-August 2022 at the Labuhan Haji Coastal Fishing Port (PPP), Pasar Lama Village, Labuhan Haji District, South Aceh Regency. Identification of fish types is carried out by matching the morphological characteristics of the fish with the morphological characters referring to https://www.fishbase.se/se/search.php. The conservation status of fish species refers to the red lists from IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered of Wild Flora and Fauna), and KEPMEN-KP/1/2021 regarding protected fish species. The economic value of fish was obtained through brief interviews with fish traders at the research site. Besides, the data collected includes the selling price range for fish at Labuhan Haji PPP. The research results showed that Perciformes was the most frequently found order at 37% (26 species, 10 families), and Carangidae was the most frequently found family at 19% (13 species). Based on the IUCN red list, 64% Least concern, 9% Not evaluated, 7% Data deficient, 7% Vulnerable, 6% Near Threatened, 4% Endangered, and 3% Critically endangered. Based on CITES, 7% is recorded as Appendix II, and 93% is not evaluated. Based on Ministerial Decree No.1 KEPMEN-KP/2021 concerning Protected Fish Types, no species are listed as protected fish species in Indonesia. The fish with the highest economic value are from the Serranidae family, with an average price of IDR. 63,333 /Kg and the type of fish with the lowest selling price is from the Mobulidae family, which has an average price of Rp. 8,500/Kg. The types of fish landed at Labuhan Haji PPP are caught using purse seines, gill nets, fishing rods, and floating charts (fish aggregating devices).

PEMODELAN DISTRIBUSI KUCING TANDANG (Prionailurus planiceps) DI KAWASAN RESTORASI EKOSISTEM RIAU DI SEMENANJUNG KAMPAR, RIAU

The flat-headed cat is categorized as a threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As the beginning of a conservation strategy for species that are difficult to find in nature, knowing the actual distribution of species in the field is important. Maximum entropy (Maxent) has emerged as an accurate prediction method for species distribution. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of flat-headed cats and important variables affecting their distribution in the Riau Ecosystem Restoration (RER) area on the Kampar Peninsula, Riau. A total of 6 finding points and 17 environmental variables were used in the modeling of this study. The Area Under Curve (AUC) value of the flat-headed cats was 0.890, indicating that the model performance was categorized as satisfactory. High habitat suitability was predicted ≥ 19% or (24,736.83 ha) of the total area. Environmental variables that influenced their distribution were distance from trails, distance from canals, and distance from rivers. The high suitability of the flat-headed cats’ habitat in the PT GCN concession is potentially along the Sangar River. In the PT SMN concession in the central and northwestern parts of the concession. PT TBOT concession is in areas adjacent to the Turip and Serkap Rivers. Although not detected in previous surveys, PT GAN has the potential to detect the presence of flat-headed cats in the eastern part and adjacent to the Serkap River.

Distribution and Conservation Status of Plants’ species in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum domiciled in University of Uyo, Nigeria

This research assessed the plant species composition, distribution and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status of plants in University of Uyo botanical garden and arboretum using systematic sampling technique. The species were sampled in 10 x 10 m quadrats spaced at least regular intervals of 20 m from each quadrat. Thirty-one and thirty-eight species were encountered in the arboretum and botanic garden respectively. In terms of the frequency, Chromolaena odorata and Nauclea diderichii had the highest values (75%), while Acanthus montanus, Anthocleista djalonensis, Anthonotha macrophylla, Baphia nitida, Barteria nigritiana, Carpolobia lutea, Ceiba pentandra, Cnestis ferruginea, Entandrophragma utile, Hura crepitans, Lonchocarpus griffoneonus, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Senna siamea, Tamarindus indica, Tectona grandis and Treculia africana had the least frequency (25% each). For the density, Nauclea diderichii had the value of 250±15.30 st/ha. In the botanic garden, Ageratum houstonianum, Alchornea cordifolia, Chromolaena ordorata and Croton hirtus had the highest frequency (100%) while Allamanda cathartica, Asystasia gangetica, Bambusa vulgaris, Caladium bicolor, Centrosema virginianum, Cnestis ferruginea, Culcasia scandens, Cyathula prostrata, Desmodium scorpiurus, Emilia sonchifolia, Heliconia psittacorum, Ipomea involucrata, Lagenaria sphaerica, Mimosa pudica, Nephrolepis bisserata, Panicum sp., Pentaclethra macrophylla, Plumeria rubra, Polyalthia longifolia, Pteridium aquilinum, Scoparia dulcis, Senna siamea, Sesamum radiatum and Sida acuta had the least frequency (33.33%). The vegetation of both sites indicated variation in composition of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and ferns. These heterogeneities may be a pointer to their varying adaptation levels and differential responses of plant species to pedological and anthropogenic influences.

Salvia josetta (Nepetoideae; Lamiaceae), a new species from Lebanon

Salvia josetta, a new species of Lamiaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2018 from the district of Danniye, North Lebanon. We collected samples each year and prepared herbarium specimens. By comparing our samples with the already known taxa in the genus Salvia, through morphological descriptions and herbarium specimens, we established that they belong to a species new to science. This new species grows in openings within pine woodlands on brown soil developed from limestone and sandy bedrocks. Following the guidelines and criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is assessed as critically endangered, based on its limited distribution area (0.02 km²) and the threats impacting the site where it was found, namely illegal logging, forest fires, and quarrying. The morphological characters are compared with two similar species, Salvia fayruziana from Lebanon and Salvia veneris from Cyprus.

Animal migration in the Anthropocene: threats and mitigation options.

Animal migration has fascinated scientists and the public alike for centuries, yet migratory animals are facing diverse threats that could lead to their demise. The Anthropocene is characterised by the reality that humans are the dominant force on Earth, having manifold negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Considerable research focus has been given to assessing anthropogenic impacts on the numerical abundance of species/populations, whereas relatively less attention has been devoted to animal migration. However, there are clear linkages, for example, where human-driven impacts on migration behaviour can lead to population/species declines or even extinction. Here, we explore anthropogenic threats to migratory animals (in all domains - aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial) using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threat Taxonomy classifications. We reveal the diverse threats (e.g. human development, disease, invasive species, climate change, exploitation, pollution) that impact migratory wildlife in varied ways spanning taxa, life stages and type of impact (e.g. from direct mortality to changes in behaviour, health, and physiology). Notably, these threats often interact in complex and unpredictable ways to the detriment of wildlife, further complicating management. Fortunately, we are beginning to identify strategies for conserving and managing migratory animals in the Anthropocene. We provide a set of strategies that, if embraced, have the potential to ensure that migratory animals, and the important ecological functions sustained by migration, persist.

The foraging ecology of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in New Caledonia

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) face many threats from anthropogenic activity and are listed as Endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. They spend the majority of their lives in coastal foraging areas, and show strong fidelity to narrow foraging ranges. Understanding the foraging ecology of green turtles is therefore important for their management and conservation. Using stable isotopes analysis (n = 200) and identification of stomach contents (n = 21), this study investigated the foraging ecology of four distinct green turtle foraging aggregations (Goro, Isle of Pines, Ouen Island and Uo/Mato Islands) within the Grand Lagon Sud. This World Heritage Area located in New Caledonia supports regionally important nesting and foraging green turtle populations. The δ13C and δ15N values of skin samples ranged from − 19.3 to − 7.3‰ and 2.8–15.9‰, respectively. Metrics of isotopic niche and regression analyses were used to assess the degree of omnivory, trophic diversity and potential ontogenetic diet shifts in the different aggregations of foraging green turtles in this location. Each of the four sites and four age-classes had distinct isotopic niches, with evidence of omnivory and ontogenetic shifts, particular in new recruits and juveniles, and at Goro and Uo/Mato Islands. This was generally supported by the stomach contents analyses of a small number of green turtles opportunistically sampled from traditional ceremonies. This study provides important information on the foraging ecology of green turtles in New Caledonia, supporting management outcomes in this region. This collaboration with the tribes of the Grand Lagon Sud is also the first step towards the integrated management of the resource.

Coupling state‐of‐the‐art modelling tools for better informed Red List assessments of marine fishes

Abstract In the face of biodiversity loss worldwide, it is paramount to quantify species' extinction risk to guide conservation efforts. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List is considered the global standard for evaluating extinction risks. IUCN criteria also inform national extinction risk assessments. Bayesian models, including the state‐of‐the‐art JARA (‘Just Another Red List Assessment’) tool, deliver probabilistic statements about species falling into extinction risk categories, thereby enabling characterisation and communication of uncertainty in extinction risk assessments. We coupled the state‐of‐the‐art VAST (‘Vector Autoregressive Spatio‐Temporal’) modelling tool and JARA, for better informed Red List assessments of marine fishes. In this framework, VAST is fitted to scientific survey catch rate data to provide indices to JARA whose uncertainty is propagated to JARA outcomes suggesting extinction risk categories (under the population reduction criterion). In addition, VAST delivers a valuable habitat assessment to better understand what may be driving extinction risk in the study region. Here, we demonstrate the coupled VAST‐JARA modelling framework by applying it to five contrasting North Sea species, with or without a quantitative stock assessment and with different conservation statuses according to the latest global Red List assessments. The North Sea application coupled with previous assessments and studies suggest that, among the three elasmobranchs, starry ray is in most need of urgent research (and conservation actions where appropriate), followed by spurdog, while lesser‐spotted dogfish is increasing in biomass. Moreover, both the VAST‐JARA modelling framework and previous research indicate that, while European plaice is not of conservation concern, cod has likely met the IUCN criteria for being listed as Endangered recently. Synthesis and applications. The predictions of the VAST‐JARA modelling framework for North Sea species, including JARA output and VAST habitat assessment, constitute valuable supporting information to make interpretations based on Red List guidelines, which will help decision‐makers in their next North Sea Red List assessment. We foresee applications of the modelling framework to assist Red List assessments of numerous marine fishes worldwide. Our modelling framework has many potential advantageous uses, including informing resource management about climate change impacts on species' extinction risks.

Using IUCN Best Practice Principles to Evaluate National Park Management: A Zambia Case Study

Over the last three decades, a series of best practice principles have been advanced by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to guide national park management policy and practice. This study investigates how these best practice principles have informed the management of Zambia’s national parks. We performed qualitative and quantitative thematic content analysis on 23 park management documents and found that, for the most part, the reported performance of Zambia’s national parks is not well aligned with IUCN best practice principles. We argue that improved alignment with IUCN principles can provide a realistic and positive foundation to increase opportunities for national parks to meet their local and international conservation goals. Improved data collection, along with meaningful public access to information will enhance decision making and public participation in national park management. Strengthened public participation will ensure consideration of multiple perspectives and adoption of processes that enable national park authorities to address conservation challenges that span socio-ecological boundaries. Improved capacity building will provide the necessary technical skills and knowledge to ensure effective coordination and implementation. The results show that park management plans are duly submitted with little expectation of implementing them. More often than not, performance reality does not match policy rhetoric. The study highlights the urgent need for national park management to articulate clear goals and action steps with mechanisms to implement them.

Assessment of birds trade in urban Kano

The bird trade puts pressure on both wild and domesticated populations, and several speciesare at risk of extinction due to this activity. The aim of this work was to find out the extent ofthe bird trade in urban Kano, Nigeria. A total of six markets were surveyed. The data wasobtained through interviews and observations. The conservation statuses of the traded birdswere assessed using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Listand the Nigeria Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, 2016. A total of 101 birds belonging to 18 species were found to be under trade in various forms inthe places surveyed, with Columba species (20 (19.8 %)) being the most encountered birds,while the least encountered were Balearica pavanina (1 (1.0 %)), Bubulcus ibis (1 (1.0 %)),Pavo muticus (1 (1.0 %)), and Crithagra mozambica (1 (1.0 %)). Most of the bird species aretraded as pets, and the traders source them from different places within and outside thecountry, with the majority (56.8 %) of the traders entering the trade through familyinheritance. Although most of the birds encountered belong to the least concern category ofthe IUCN, legally protected species are openly displayed in the places surveyed. To giveendangered birds a future and to identify species in urgent need of conservation interventions,the authorities concerned should consider regular market monitoring and continuous birdsurveys.

A checklist of dead fishes (Actinopterygii and Elasmobranchii) associated with the algal bloom event of the summer of 2022 on the Yucatan coasts, southern Gulf of Mexico

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are natural phenomena that occur when colonies of microalgae grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on the surrounding fauna. In August 2022, an HAB, dominated by the diatom, Cylindrotheca closterium (Ehrenberg) Reimann et J.C. Lewin, 1964, occurred on the Yucatan coast, southern Gulf of Mexico. In the presently reported study, two photo transects were established along the coastline, one at the onset of the bloom, at Telchac port, and the other at the final phase of the event, at Chixchulub port. The affected fish species were documented photographically and a taxonomic list, with their abundance, density, and biomass is presented, as well as a summary of the affected ecosystems according to the affinity of these species. A total of 54 species were recorded; 48 in Telchac and 21 in Chicxulub, with 15 species occurring at both sites. The affected species have a greater affinity to reef systems, beaches, and estuaries, in that order, between 3 m and 113 m depth. In the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) nomenclature, the majority of the species are in the “least concern” category, however, species were also recorded in the “near threatened”, “vulnerable”, and “endangered” categories. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor these events and report the affected species, since the increase in the frequency of these phenomena due to local and global factors can have significant repercussions on species endemic to the coastal zone.

Integration of transcriptome, metabolome and high-throughput amplicon sequencing to compare the performance of wild and cultivated psammosilene tunicoides to reveal the beneficial plant-microbe interactions for domestication

Psammosilene tunicoides is an herbal medicine with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, and it is listed as an International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) endangered species. The plants have been domesticated in some areas of Yunnan Province, China, for commercial and medical use. However, the performance of domesticated plants and the negative effects of domestication remain unclear. Multi-omics analyses were performed to compare the performance between wild P. tunicoides (WP) and cultivated P. tunicoides (CP). Transcriptomic and metabolomic data were generated from the roots, while microbiome data were obtained from the rhizospheres. The transcriptomic data showed that there were different patterns of gene expression between the WP and CP. The genes HMGS, HMGR, MPD and SQS, which are involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins, were significantly more highly expressed in the WP than in the CP. The metabolomic analysis also found that significantly more triterpenoids were produced in the WP compared with the CP. The microbiome data showed that most of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia and others, were enriched in the WP type, while some pathogenic microorganisms were enriched in the CP type. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the accumulation of triterpenoid saponins positively correlated with the modules of genes that primarily participated in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway and the PGPR in modules. This indicated that the triterpenoid saponins may function as signaling molecules to recruit the functional microbes. The regulatory “plant-microbe” network of microorganisms and the genes associated with triterpenes was detected in P. tunicoides. This suggests that the management of these interactions should be considered as a sustainable tool to enhance the performance of domesticated plants.

Marine wildlife in Brazilian zoohandicrafts: assessing the expansion of an uncontrolled trade

The trade of wild animal parts as souvenirs, hereafter termed zoohandicrafts, has witnessed significant growth in Brazil due to increasing tourism and the associated demand for souvenirs. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of marine wildlife traded as zoohandicrafts along the Brazilian coast, identify the prevalent categories for these products, and assess the extent of this trade across the country. Sampling was conducted in 23 markets at tourist destinations, covering 11 states from the Northern, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern regions of Brazil, between 2017 and 2022. A total of 160 items or voucher specimens were examined, revealing the presence of 68 invertebrate species and two fishes. Statistical analysis indicated significant variations in the number of species across different categories of use and within the visited states and regions. Several species were found to serve multiple purposes. Whole mollusk shells constituted the most frequently traded item, with 58 identified species. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed two distinct groups—one including species with diverse uses in all regions of Brazil and the other encompassing species predominantly associated with decoration and religious purposes—particularly in the Northeastern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. An increasing diversity of species and a lower frequency of use were observed in the Southeastern region, relative to the Northeastern region. Approximately 20% of the species recorded are exclusively from the Indo-Pacific Ocean and are regarded as non-native to Brazil. Only 12 of the species were listed in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and two are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This research sheds light on the status of the zoohandicraft trade in Brazil and highlights the lack of regulatory measures, the potential threats posed to biodiversity loss, and the economic importance of these species for people’s livelihoods. Further investigations are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the actual social, economic, and ecological impacts of the trade in zoohandicrafts in Brazil and to devise strategies that promote both conservation and the socioeconomic wellbeing of all people involved in this commerce, from sourcing, production, distribution, and sale.

Research on the Application of NbS in Watershed Ecological Restoration: A Case Study of Jiulong River Watershed Shan-Shui Initiative

Nature-based solutions (NbS) rapidly develop globally to address societal challenges and provide human well-being and biodiversity. Watershed restoration plays an essential role in enhancing the ecological and socio-economic benefits of the region. The design and implementation of watershed restoration projects are crucial to their effectiveness, and NbS has been applied as a concept in ecosystem-related projects. This paper proposes an evaluation method to assess the implementation of the Shan-Shui Initiative in the Jiulong River Watershed restoration projects based on the eight criteria proposed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-Based Solutions. The aim is to standardize the implementation process of watershed restoration projects to achieve more significant benefits and practically apply the concept of NbS in watershed restoration. The implementation scheme of the Shan-Shui Initiative in the Jiulong River Watershed is designed to evaluate and improve the design and implementation scheme of ecological restoration projects in the actual basin. According to the assessment results, the degree of matching based on NbS for the implementation scheme of the Jiulong River Watershed Shan-Shui Initiative is 73%, which meets the criteria of NbS but needs to be improved in terms of monitoring and assessment, synergistic management, and benefit trade-offs.

Distribution, conservation assessment and management perspectives of Chilean micro-snails of the family Charopidae

The biodiversity of molluscs is highly threatened in marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. This research aimed at studying the distribution and conservation status of eight poorly-known micro-snails of the genera Stephacharopa and Stephadiscus in Chile. We performed a comprehensive review of literature and databases to determine the occurrences of the species, which were mapped on vector layers containing protected areas and human development infrastructure to find potential threats. Conservation status assessment was performed following the criteria and tools implemented by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and NatureServe. We also conducted species distribution models, based on maximum entropy, to identify areas that should be prioritised for conservation. Two species meet the criteria for IUCN listing as Critically Endangered (CR), four Endangered (EN), one Vulnerable (Vu) and one Least Concern (LC). This classification is rather coincident with equivalent categories obtained under the NatureServe standard, in which two species were ranked as Critically Imperiled (N1), five Imperiled (N2) and one Vulnerable (N3). We found that Stephacharopa paposensis is the most at-risk species, with only one occurrence not included in a protected area, followed by Stephadiscus stuardoi, with two occurrences, one of them within a protected area. Stephadiscus lyratus was the species with the greatest geographic range, accounting for 17 occurrences, seven matching a protected area. We found wider potential ranges in modelled species that may be useful for prioritising conservation measures. Considering distributional data, protected areas and more than 20 plausible threats identified, we propose potential in situ and ex situ conservation actions to protect these neglected micro-snails.

Using automated content analysis to monitor global online trade in endemic reptile species

AbstractAimOnline reptile trade poses new challenges to species conservation and requires automated monitoring. Range‐restricted and endemic reptile species are especially vulnerable to wildlife trade and unsustainable exploitation. In this study, we investigated the magnitude and geographic distribution of online trade of 96 endemic and range‐restricted reptile species from the Lesser Antilles.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe developed methods for automated collection, filtering and processing of wildlife trade content for the targeted species from publicly accessible online platforms.ResultsWe identified 599 relevant advertisements originating from 231 different advertisers and 41 websites focusing on 43 species. Species advertised included threatened species according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices. Among threatened species, five are Critically Endangered, three are Endangered and two are Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. Moreover, three of the six most advertised species were classified as Near Threatened. Germany was the country with the highest number of advertisements (N = 124), followed by the United States (N = 55), the Netherlands (N = 15) and United Kingdom (N = 15). Based on data from sale advertisements that included price and currency data, prices ranged from one to over a thousand Euros.Main ConclusionsWe present a framework for automated analysis of online trade in reptiles that can be extended to other taxonomic groups. Our results highlight countries, such as Germany and the United States, where enhanced monitoring actions would be important to assess the origin (i.e. captive bred or wild sourced individuals) and the legality of the trade. Immediate conservation actions, such as population monitoring, are also needed to ensure wildlife trade is not threatening the persistence of endemic reptile populations in the wild.

Extinction risks and threats facing the freshwater fishes of Britain

Abstract Extinctions occur naturally in all environments, but rates have accelerated rapidly during the Anthropocene, especially in fresh water. Despite supporting many fish species of conservation importance, there has never been a formal assessment of their extinction risks in Britain, which has impeded their inclusion in relevant legislation and policy. This study therefore used the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™ Categories and Criteria to conduct the first systematic assessment of the extinction risks and threats facing the native freshwater and diadromous fishes of Britain. In addition, national assessments were produced for England, Scotland and Wales, reflecting the level at which environmental policy decisions are taken in Britain. Seven species were categorized as being threatened with extinction at the regional level, with European eel Anguilla anguilla and allis shad Alosa alosa classified as Critically Endangered, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, vendace Coregonus albula and European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus classified as Endangered, and Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus and twaite shad Alosa fallax classified as Vulnerable. In addition, burbot Lota lota was classified as Regionally Extinct, ferox trout Salmo ferox was categorized as Data Deficient, and 25 species were categorized as Least Concern. European sturgeon Acipenser sturio and houting Coregonus oxyrinchus, although probably native, qualified as only vagrants in fresh water, so were categorized as Not Applicable. The assessments provide objective baselines against which future changes can be determined, and a key evidence base to support policy and management decisions for the conservation of freshwater and diadromous fish species and their habitats in Britain. It is recommended that the assessments are repeated every 10 years, which would enable changes in conservation status, the effectiveness of policies and where targeted interventions may be required to be examined using the Red List Index.