Local Conservation Research Articles

A Seascape Genomics Perspective on Restrictive Genetic Connectivity Overcoming Signals of Local Adaptations in the Green Abalone (Haliotis fulgens) of the California Current System.

Seascape genomics facilitates integrative research on eco-evolutionary forces, such as migration and natural selection, which shape genomic connectivity and structure and provide critical insights for conservation strategies. The green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) is distributed from California, United States, to Baja California Sur, Mexico, and exposed to a latitudinal environmental gradient in the California Current System. This study aimed to investigate genomic population structure and potential local adaptations of green abalone across its distribution. The green abalone exhibits a distinctive neutral genetic structuring influenced by geographic distance and marine currents rather than local adaptations. Analyses using 9100 neutral and 17 outlier SNPs revealed three distinct populations: the North group (California to Ensenada, Baja California), a population on Guadalupe Island, and the South group (coastal locations of the Baja California peninsula). The research underscores the significance of life history traits and larval dispersal in shaping genetic connectivity. Connectivity appears to be influenced by geographic distance on neutral genetic structure, overshadowing natural selection's role. Furthermore, no genome-environment associations to sea surface temperature values were found. Future research should integrate genetic data with ocean circulation modeling to better understand the mechanisms and outcomes of larval dispersal and genetic connectivity. This study emphasizes the importance of both local and binational (USA-Mexico) conservation efforts, suggesting the development of SNP marker panels for traceability and management. Collaborative strategies could serve as models for binational conservation initiatives in other ecoregions, promoting sustainable management and conservation of green abalone populations and other exploited species across national borders.

Vanishing Voices: Tracing the Trade Networks and Distribution Pathways of Songbirds in Banda Aceh Markets

Tracing the trade and distribution pathways refers to the systematic analysis of the origins, movement routes, and distribution patterns of a commodity, such as songbirds, from its source to the final market or end consumer. This study explored the dynamics of bird trade in the markets of Banda Aceh city, focusing on species diversity, conservation status, species origin, and trade patterns. The study was conducted in nine sub-districts, covering 18 bird shops, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through direct observation, market surveys, and structured interviews with traders. Species identification was conducted using the Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago guide, while conservation status was evaluated based on the IUCN Red List and CITES Appendices. In addition, Geographic Information System (GIS) software was used to map bird trade distribution channels. The results showed the presence of 54 bird species with a total of 638 individuals, mostly from the Passeriformes order. The most commonly traded species was Acridotheres javanicus (kerak kerbau), with 132 individuals, reflecting its high demand due to its adaptability and affordability. Conservation analysis showed the vulnerability of species such as Gracula religiosa (Nias parrot), which is listed in Appendix II of CITES, and Rubigula dispar (yellow finch), which is categorized as Vulnerable. This research highlights the complex relationship between the local bird trade and conservation efforts, and the importance of stricter regulation and increased public awareness to protect threatened species. The findings make an important contribution to policy recommendations in order to promote sustainable bird trade and biodiversity conservation in Banda Aceh.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of human activity and land use on ecosystem service functions in mountainous areas of Northeast Guizhou, Southwest China

With the rapid advancement of urbanization and industrialization, intense land utilization in mountainous areas has led to ecological and environmental issues, and also causing a gradual degradation of ecosystem services. Investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of human activities on land use and ecosystem services in mountainous areas holds significant practical importance for local ecological conservation and land management. This study utilizes human activity and land use models to evaluate the complex relationship between humans and land in the northeastern Guizhou, employs the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) and the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) models to conduct an in-depth investigation into the spatiotemporal distribution of soil conservation (SC), water yield (WY), carbon sequestration (CS), habitat quality (HQ), and landscape aesthetics (LA). Besides, we utilized the Pearson correlation coefficient and spatial bivariate models to scrutinize the spatial heterogeneity and interactions among these ecosystem services. The results revealed a significant escalation in the intensity of human activity and land use within the study area, with values rising from 0.483 and 316 in 2000 to 0.695 and 351 in 2020, respectively. For 2000–2020, the added value of SC and WY experienced a change of 1.179 t‧hm−2 and 118.503 mm, respectively, while the CS, HQ, and LA have largely remained stable. The spatial distribution of ecosystem service functions exhibited distinct patterns of trade-offs and synergies. The ecosystem's multifunctional benefits were predominantly concentrated in the northern sector of the study area, with the maximum migration distance of class IV hotspots recorded at 70.431 km. Over time, the impact of human activities and land use on ecosystem services has been escalating. Studying the interactions between human activities and land use and their impact on ecosystem services can help us develop land use policies and ecological management strategies.

Forest Trade on the Amazon Frontier and Its Interaction with the EUDR

Abstract This article analyzes how the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) could affect the production of forest goods in Mato Grosso (MT), a Brazilian state whose economy depends on commodity exports. The text is divided into five topics: the first discusses the context of forestry products in the Brazilian state; the second analyzes the trade in forestry goods in the EU, its regulation, and the prospects for its application in MT; the third offers a conceptualization of the Brussels Effect and its manifestation in Brazil; the forth one presents the results of field research with actors in the forestry sector in the state, exploring their perceptions about the EU Brussels Effect; and the last one analzyes which Mato Grosso’s municipalities are more exposed to the EUDR in their timber exports. The results obtained through semi-structured interviews highlight the diversity of knowledge of the different groups interviewed about European regulations in the country’s timber forestry industry. State authorities show a clear awareness of the influence of EU regulations, mainly concerning local public policies and international pressure on deforested areas in the Amazon. Stakeholder perceptions reveal a complex intersection between environmental, economic, and social concerns, highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue between different actors to mitigate conflicts and promote sustainable practices in the forestry sector, in line with global and local conservation demands for environmental and sustainability. Additionally, more than 80 Mato Grosso municipalities will be directly impacted by the EUDR, given their export profiles.

Breeding Motives and Attitudes Towards Stakeholders: Implications for the Sustainability of Local Croatian Breeds

Understanding how breeders of local breeds view different social actors can be of great importance to the process of local breed conservation. The same goes for the motives in farming local breeds. However, there is little research that provides insight into these perspectives. The aim of this study was to investigate motives for farming and attitudes of Croatian breeders of two local cattle breeds (Istrian cattle and Buša), two local donkey breeds (Istrian donkey and Littoral Dinaric donkey), and one local horse breed (Croatian Posavina horse) towards consumers, the local population and the regional and national administration. In addition, the influence of motives, attitudes, and the socio-economic characteristics of the breeders on the planned scope of breeding over the next five years was investigated. The study was conducted on a sample of 204 breeders of selected local breeds. The results of the study show that the most important motive for keeping a local breed is the attractiveness (beauty) of the breed followed by its emotional and sentimental value. Around one-third of farmers have a relatively positive attitude towards all stakeholders, with the role of the local population and consumers being viewed most positively. Almost half of the farmers (49%) plan to increase the size of their herd and only 8% plan to reduce it or to stop farming. The planned farming volume over the next five years is significantly influenced by the importance of economic and traditional motives and the change in the number of animals over the last five years. This study represents a valuable contribution to understanding the views of farmers of local breeds towards key societal stakeholders, and the findings can be used in campaigns to promote the keeping of these valuable breeds.

Quantifying the human wellbeing of the national wetland park: gross ecosystem product accounting of Shandong Mata Lake National Wetland Park

National wetland parks, characterized by robust ecological functions, distinctive natural landscapes, and abundant cultural resources significantly enhance human wellbeing, serve as crucial providers of ecosystem products, and exert substantial influence on local socioeconomic development and ecological conservation. There is an urgent need to carry out the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) accounting and monetize the value of ecosystem products. Taking the Shandong Mata Lake National Wetland Park (SMTNWP) in China as the example, and considering the characteristics of wetland parks, this research constructed the GEP accounting index system comprising 11 secondary subjects from the perspectives of regulation and socio-cultural functions. Taking the year 2021 as the research period, the monetary value was assessed based on biophysical value accounting, and the GEP level was determined. The results showed that the GEP of SMTNWP in 2021 is CNY 74.8317 million, with a unit area GEP of 73,200 CNY/hm2. Regulating ecosystem products constitute the core component of GEP, facilitating the sustainable development of wetland conservation and restoration, as well as eco-cultural tourism. Moving forward, efforts in wetland protection, restoration and maintenance should be sustained, and the platforms for promotion, education and scientific research should be proactively established. The research results can offer support and references for the establishment of unified accounting subjects and systems for similar ecosystems and national wetland parks, and translate the human wellbeing of national wetland parks into visual monetization, providing theoretical basis for the government to realize the value of ecosystem products, and further promoting the conversion of ecological value into economic benefits.

Tourism Entrepreneurship in Latin America: A Systematic Review of Challenges, Strategies, and Post-COVID-19 Perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the global tourism industry, forcing tourism entrepreneurs to adapt and innovate in order to recover. This systematic review aims to identify scientific evidence on tourism entrepreneurship experiences in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the review seeks to uncover key challenges faced by tourism entrepreneurs, the locations and types of tourism most affected, and to draw lessons from these experiences. The authors followed the PRISMA protocol, identifying 15 research studies on tourism entrepreneurship in Latin America. The review analyzed articles from seven key databases—Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, EBSCO, Proquest, Gale Academic Onefile, and LA Referencia—focusing on studies that examined tourism entrepreneurship within the context of COVID-19. These studies employed diverse methodologies, including case studies, surveys, and data analysis. The results show tourism entrepreneurs in Latin America faced challenges like economic crises, business closures, and unemployment. They responded with biosecurity protocols, domestic tourism, and digital tools such as online platforms and QR codes. A shift toward sustainable models like ecotourism highlighted local development and conservation. The pandemic spurred innovation and resilience, with adaptability, digital transformation, and collaboration, driving recovery. Sustainable practices and authentic experiences are key to long-term success.

Coastal wetland resilience through local, regional and global conservation

Coastal wetland resilience through local, regional and global conservation

A Pedagogical Approach Towards Ameliorating the Global Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic Through Forest Restoration and Environmental Sustainability

This study investigated a pedagogical approach towards ameliorating the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through forest restoration and environmental sustainability. This research is considered apt and timely as it underscores the urgent need for forest restoration and environmental sustainability solutions in our fragile ecosystems amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges, such as forest degradation and the complexities of forest conservation. The study was conducted using a systematic review of the COVID-19 pandemic and its imminent challenges towards achieving forest restoration and environmental sustainability, drawing insights from renowned international academic journals, electronic publications, Google Scholar, and other academic websites. Pedagogically, integrating these findings into rural education curricula can significantly enhance students' understanding of environmental issues and the importance of sustainability. By incorporating concepts of forest conservation and environmental sustainability into classroom teachings, educators can foster a sense of environmental stewardship among students. Specifically, in rural education, equipping students with knowledge about sustainable practices and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic empowers them to engage in local conservation efforts and advocate for sustainable development within their communities. This approach not only prepares students to address environmental challenges but also promotes holistic development and improved quality of life in rural areas. Suggested strategies for curbing the adverse effects of COVID-19 include reforestation, preservation of wildlife habitats, and controlling human population growth and urbanization. This study provides recommendations on forest conservation and environmental sustainability to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A well-balanced lattice Boltzmann method based on quasi-incompressible phase-field theory

Compared with the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) model based on incompressible phase field theory, the LBE based on quasi-incompressible phase field theory has the advantage of local mass conservation. However, previous quasi-incompressible phase-field-based LBE model does not satisfy the well-balance property, resulting in spurious velocities in the vicinity of interface and density profiles inconsistent with thermodynamics.<br>To address this difficulty, a novel LBE model is developed based on the quasi-incompressible phase-field theory. First, numerical artifacts in the original LBE for the Cahn-Hilliard are analyzed. Based on this analysis, the equilibrium distribution function and source term are reformulated to remove the numerical artifacts, which makes the new LBE realize the well-balance property at discrete level.<br>The performance of the proposed LBE model is tested by simulating a number of typical two-phase systems. The numerical results of the planar interface and static droplet problems demonstrate that the present model can remove spurious velocities and achieve well-balanced state. Numerical results of the layered Poiseuille flow demonstrate the accuracy of the present model in simulating dynamic two-phase flow problems. The well-balance properties of the LBE model with two different formulations of surface tension ($\boldsymbol{F}_s=-\phi \nabla \mu$ and $\boldsymbol{F}_s=\mu \boldsymbol{\nabla} \phi$) are also investigated. It is found that the formulation of $\boldsymbol{F}_s=\mu \boldsymbol{\nabla} \phi$ cannot eliminate the spurious velocities, while the formulation of $\boldsymbol{F}_s=\mu \boldsymbol{\nabla} \phi$ can achieve the well-balance state. The influences of viscosity formulations of the fluid mixture are also compared. Particularly, four mixing rules are considered. It is shown that the use of step mixing rule gives more accurate results for the layered Poiseuille flow. Finally, we compare the performance of the present quasi-incompressible LBE model and the original fully incompressible LBE model by simulating the phase separation problem, and the results show that the present model can ensure the local mass conservation, while the fully incompressible LBE can yield quite different predictions.

Scale effects of supplementary nature reserves on biodiversity conservation in China's southern hilly region.

The Southern Hilly Region (SHR) of China plays a critical role in maintaining national ecological security and supporting global biodiversity. However, intensified human activities, such as urbanization and excessive land exploitation, have led to significant ecological degradation, posing threats to both local and global biodiversity. The current nature reserve system in SHR no longer meets the demands for local biodiversity conservation. To address these challenges, this study proposes a strategic framework aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation in the SHR by establishing Supplementary Nature Reserves (SNRs). Using the Systematic Conservation Planning method, we identified 80 additional SNRs based on existing reserves, focusing on watersheds as the unit of analysis. We evaluated their conservation effectiveness at regional, watershed, and sub-watershed scales. The results indicate that while SNRs significantly improved habitat quality and reduced human impacts at local and smaller scales, their effectiveness varied across spatial scales. The study underscores the importance of multi-scale conservation planning and the need to integrate local and regional strategies to optimize biodiversity protection. These findings provide a foundation for policymakers to develop more targeted and effective conservation measures, ensuring the long-term sustainability of biodiversity in the SHR.

Origins and conservation of topological polarization defects in resonant photonic-crystal diffraction.

We present a continuative definition of topological charge to depict the polarization defects on any resonant diffraction orders in photonic crystal slab regardless they are radiative or evanescent. By using such a generalized definition, we investigate the origins and conservation of polarization defects across the whole Brillouin zone. We found that the mode crossings due to Brillouin zone folding contribute to the emergence of polarization defects in the entire Brillouin zone. These polarization defects eventually originate from the spontaneous symmetry breaking of line degeneracies fixed at Brillouin zone center or edges, or inter-band coupling caused by accidental Bloch band crossings. Unlike Bloch states, the polarization defects live and evolve in an unbound momentum space, obeying a local conservation law as a direct consequence of Stokes' theorem, but the total charge number is countless.

Local conservation action requires ethical investments in global digital equity

Summary Satellite remote sensing is vital for monitoring anthropogenic changes and for alerting us to escalating environmental threats. With recent technological advances, a variety of satellite-based monitoring systems are available to aid conservation practitioners. Yet, documented knowledge of who uses near-real-time satellite-based monitoring and how these technologies are applied to inform conservation decisions is sparse. Through an online survey and semi-structured interviews, we explored how developers and users leverage conservation early-warning and alert systems (CEASs) for enhanced conservation decisions. Some 167 developers and users of near-real-time fire and forest monitoring systems from 40 countries participated in this study. Globally, respondents used 66 unique CEASs. The most common applications were for education and awareness, fire/disaster management and law enforcement. Respondents primarily used CEASs to enforce land-use policies and deter illegal activities, and they perceived these tools as underutilized for incentivizing policy compliance or conservation. Respondents experienced inequities regarding system access, exposure and ability to act upon alert information. More investments in capacity-building, resources and action plans are needed to better link information to action. Implementing recommendations from this research can help us to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of CEAS applications to unlock their powerful capabilities for achieving conservation goals.

PairK: Pairwise k‐mer alignment for quantifying protein motif conservation in disordered regions

AbstractProtein–protein interactions are often mediated by a modular peptide recognition domain binding to a short linear motif (SLiM) in the disordered region of another protein. To understand the features of SLiMs that are important for binding and to identify motif instances that are important for biological function, it is useful to examine the evolutionary conservation of motifs across homologous proteins. However, the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in which SLiMs reside evolve rapidly. Consequently, multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of IDRs often misaligns SLiMs and underestimates their conservation. We present PairK (pairwise k‐mer alignment), an MSA‐free method to align and quantify the relative local conservation of subsequences within an IDR. Lacking a ground truth for conservation, we tested PairK on the task of distinguishing biologically important motif instances from background motifs, under the assumption that biologically important motifs are more conserved. The method outperforms both standard MSA‐based conservation scores and a modern LLM‐based conservation score predictor. PairK can quantify conservation over wider phylogenetic distances than MSAs, indicating that some SLiMs are more conserved than MSA‐based metrics imply. PairK is available as an open‐source python package at https://github.com/jacksonh1/pairk. It is designed to be easily adapted for use with other SLiM tools and for diverse applications.

Analisis Pohon Cingkam (Bischofia javanica Blume) sebagai Aset Biodiversitas dalam Pembelajaran Ekologi Di SMAN 1 Tanoh Alas Aceh Tenggara

The cingkam tree (Bischofia javanica Blume) is a type of tree that can be found in various areas of Sumatra and Java. Cingkam trees have the potential to be developed regarding biodiversity assets and the ecosystem that surrounds them. The existence of this tree is threatened due to human activities such as habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution and climate change. Therefore, conservation efforts and sustainable use of Cingkam trees are needed. This research aims to determine data on the concept of the cingkam tree as a biodiversity asset in ecological learning. This study is a descriptive qualitative research. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews and documentation. The data obtained was then analyzed using coding themes, identifying themes and drawing conclusions. The results showed that (1) cingkam trees (Bischofia javanica Blume) have unique characteristics and ecological roles, and can improve students' understanding of ecological concepts such as adaptation, symbiosis, and ecosystem services; (2) the integration of cingkam tree characteristics in learning was proven to foster greater awareness and appreciation of biodiversity conservation among students; (3) cingkam trees can make a significant contribution to ecological education to encourage students to actively participate in local biodiversity conservation efforts.

Characterization of the Rhizobiome of the Yellow Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia flava) in Wild and Restored Habitats of Virginia

The yellow pitcher plant, Sarracenia flava, is an insectivorous perennial distributed extensively in southeastern North America. In Virginia, it is restricted to a few wetland ecosystems, with only one natural site known to remain. To uncover whether there were microbial differences in the rhizospheres across natural and reintroduced sites of pitcher plant restoration, shotgun metagenome sequencing was undertaken to characterize the microbiomes of the healthy rhizosphere in the last remaining natural stand in Virginia compared to rhizospheres sampled in two restored habitats where pitcher plants were reintroduced and a nearby control habitat without pitcher plants. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in rhizobiome communities among the natural, reintroduced, and control sites. Comparison of test rhizobiomes with those of other soil types revealed no significant difference in S. flava habitats versus wildland soil types but significant difference from agricultural soils. Indicator species analysis found Pseudomonas was a significantly more abundant genus in the S. flava habitats. The control site was enriched with iron-reducing bacteria compared to the rest of the sites. Further studies based on gene expression could better facilitate an understanding of the role of Pseudomonas in S. flava rhizosphere specific to habitats, which will provide better knowledge for local conservation of this plant.

Concrete Repair in Heritage Preservation. A Review of Opposite Approaches at Antoniuskirche Basel and Liederhalle Stuttgart

ABSTRACT Since the 1980s, two general approaches to concrete repair have emerged in the field of heritage preservation in German-speaking countries. They were first widely discussed during the work on Antoniuskirche in Basel (repair 1987–1991) and Liederhalle in Stuttgart (repair 1991–1993). The latter was recognized as a best practice example of localized repair and careful conservation, while the former was discussed as an exemplary case of renewal, imitating the original surface appearance. Although diametrically opposed in terms of conservation of material substance and appearance, both concepts are approved by official preservation authorities to this day. After some 30 years, we have revisited these two prominent cases of early concrete repair in heritage preservation to understand their genesis and to discuss their long-term consequences, also in the light of contemporary approaches. As our recent building survey and archival research show, their representation in the literature, and thus in public perception, has not yet taken into account the variety of repairs actually carried out. Despite their differences, the Antoniuskirche and Liederhalle projects suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach is rarely the best solution. Finally, our comparative analysis points to the potential of a history of architectural repair that is also relevant to building practice.

Análise da paisagem urbana visando a implantação de corredor ecológico entre os dois maiores fragmentos florestais do município de Campinas (São Paulo, Brasil): a Mata de Santa Genebra e a Mata Ribeirão Cachoeira

The forests of the Atlantic Forest biome are becoming increasingly rare due to various factors that lead to the degradation of forest areas, such as uncontrolled urban expansion, the intensification of agricultural and industrial activities, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and the introduction of exotic species. An effective strategy to mitigate the effects of fragmentation is to enhance landscape connectivity through restoration actions, facilitating the movement of organisms between remaining fragments. In this context, the present research aims to plan the landscape to support the implementation of an ecological corridor connecting the two largest forest fragments in the municipality of Campinas: the Mata de Santa Genebra and the Mata do Ribeirão Cachoeira. The methodology included land cover mapping, the definition of Puma concolor (cougar), a threatened species, as the target species, and the analysis of landscape connectivity and resistance metrics. In addition, least-cost paths were used to define the corridor. The proposal resulted in a corridor with a width of 100 meters, covering an area of 248.86 hectares. The corridor was validated through camera traps installed at six strategic points, where Puma concolor, the target species of this research, was recorded. This ecological corridor has the potential to significantly improve landscape connectivity, allowing the movement of organisms between fragmented natural areas and playing a crucial role in local biodiversity conservation, as well as contributing to the urban planning of Campinas.

Density correlations under global and local charge conservation

This work presents a formalism to compute spatial n-point correlations of a conserved charge density in a large thermal system in the canonical ensemble, with explicit results presented up to fourth order. The resulting correlators contain local and balancing terms expressed through the grand-canonical susceptibilities for any equation of state. The new formalism is used to introduce a Gaussian local baryon number conservation in (spatial) rapidity in heavy-ion collisions at CERN Large Hadron Collider conditions through a modulation of the balancing term. Connection to the conservation volume Vc approach is established, indicating that the latter is appropriate for observables within a limited range around midrapidity. Quantitative analysis of the experimental data of the ALICE Collaboration on net proton cumulants in central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV shows significant evidence for local baryon conservation. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Development in Guwang, Gianyar Regency

This study aims to examine how sustainable community-based tourism (CBT) is being implemented in Guwang Village, Gianyar Regency to improve the tourist visits in Guwang Village. The study uses qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. The study highlights the factors that are important to the success of community-based tourism (CBT) projects and offer suggestions for enhancing the sustainability of tourism in the area. Research Methods: Data on the current state of CBT in Guwang Village are gathered through observation, document study, interviews with key stakeholders, and focus group discussion. The objectives of the study center on steps 5 to 9 of the 9 steps in the APEC Handbook of CBT, which include developing partnerships, adopting an integrated approach, planning and designing quality products, identify market demand and develop marketing strategy, and implement and monitor performance. Findings: The implementation of sustainable community-based tourism development in Guwang, Gianyar Regency, involves a series of strategies that focus on the active participation of local communities, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. The sustainable community-based tourism development model in Guwang, Gianyar Regency, emphasizes the active involvement of local communities in every stage of tourism planning and implementation. Implication: The study is important because it provides insights in to applying CBT, which helps Guwang Village establish sustainable tourism.