Low Population Density Research Articles

Understanding risk factors associated with perceived and objective neighborhood environments is critical for community-level interventions to prevent falls. This is a cross-sectional design to explore how perceived and objective neighborhood environment are related to falls among community-dwelling older adults in densely populated urban areas. Building upon identified neighborhood environment risk factors, this study proposes preliminary community-level interventions tailored to each determinant. This study analyzed data of 400 community-dwelling older adults (age = 70.9 ± 8.0 years; 49.8% female) in central urban areas of Guangzhou, China. Five categories of variable, perceived neighborhood environment, objective neighborhood environment, socio-demographics, health status, and physical activity, were incorporated. Objective neighborhood environment comprised accessibility to ten types of facilities within 500-meter residential buffers and 1km² grid-level population density, measured by ArcGIS using geospatial data. Univariate analyses were employed to select variables and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to establish the adjusted model. Older adults who perceived low accessibility to service facilities (OR = 2.502, 95%CI: 1.230 - 5.088), unsatisfying streetscapes (OR = 1.814, 95%CI: 1.001 - 3.286), and unsafety neighborhood (OR = 2.614, 95%CI: 1.103 - 6.192) had higher probabilities of reported falls. Surprisingly, having parks (OR = 0.524, 95%CI: 0.319 - 0.861) or subway stations (OR = 0.556, 95%CI: 0.326 - 0.951) within the 500-meter residential buffer, and living in neighborhoods with relatively low population density (OR = 0.842, 95%CI: 0.731 - 0.972) were associated with an increased risk of falls. Young age (OR = 0.927, 95%CI: 0.887 - 0.970), low income (OR = 2.449, 95%CI: 1.476 - 4.064), using walking aids (OR = 1.789, 95%CI: 0.960 - 3.337), and self-rated good health (OR = 0.392, 95%CI: 0.175 - 0.879) were risk factors of reported falls. Engaging in physical activity for over 30 minutes per day (OR = 2.148, 95%CI: 1.111 - 4.154) was identified as a protective factor. Integrating multi-source perceived and objective environmental data, this study found out neighborhood environment risk factors for falls among older adults in high density urban communities. Our findings contribute to community-level interventions regarding neighborhood environment to reduce falls in older adults in urban areas of developing countries.

Despite the importance of plethodontid salamanders and their vulnerability to ongoing environmental change, they are inherently difficult to monitor due to their cryptic nature. Recent advances in genomics have created new opportunities for monitoring of populations and their responses to environmental perturbations. In this study, we developed a new target capture-based genomic panel for the purposes of genetic monitoring in plethodontid salamanders. We demonstrate its utility in several distantly related species and present an example application in two representative species with co-occurring distributions but different ecological attributes and expected patterns of population structure: Plethodon jordani and Desmognathus wrighti. Although the number of successfully assembled loci declined with phylogenetic distance from the original reference species (Desmognathus spp), we obtained high-quality data from thousands of loci from species in all four genera tested (Desmognathus, Plethodon, Eurycea, and Gyrinophilus), which span the deepest split in Plethodontidae. Landscape genetic analyses detected weak but statistically significant geographic structure in P. jordani, and much stronger geographic structure in D. wrighti, as expected based on the lower population density and likely lower dispersal ability of D. wrighti. Our target capture panel is broadly applicable across salamanders in Plethodontidae and has the potential to provide data for a wide range of phylogenetic, biogeographic, and population genetics research questions.

A nematode survey was conducted from 30 vineyards in Missouri and Arkansas (USA) comprising 107 samples among 21 grape cultivars (Vitis aestivalis, Vitis labruscana, Vitis vinifera, Vitis hybrids, and Muscadinia rotundifolia). All the samples tested positive for nematode presence. Eleven different nematode taxa were isolated and identified, five of which have economic importance to grapevines: Xiphinema americanum, Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp., Criconemoides spp., and Tylenchulus spp. Xiphinema americanum was detected at all but two sites, with 58% of sites having populations at or above levels with expected biological and economic impact. This is primarily a concern because of the ability of X. americanum to transmit Tomato ringspot virus and other viruses. The other four nematode taxa of concern were present in fewer samples and at much lower population densities. Xiphinema index, known to vector Grapevine fanleaf virus was not identified in any of the samples collected.

Reliable estimates of abundance are crucial for informing wildlife management strategies for small populations. However, this is particularly challenging for rare, elusive, and wide-ranging species that occur in low-visibility habitats. Such conditions demand intensive and carefully designed surveys or combining multiple methods to enhance the reliability of population estimates. Using the Knysna elephant (Loxodonta africana) as an example of a small population, we combined a mark-recapture approach, based on data from an intensive, nine-year (July 2014–December 2023) camera trap survey, with data from a dung survey. The latter included dung bolus circumference measurements, which we used as a proxy for age class. We also compared spatial data from both methods to assess whether elephant camera trap detections aligned spatio-temporally with fresh dung. We identified a single adult female elephant, with no evidence of additional individuals. All measured dung bolus sizes fell within the range typical of adult females, with no signs of larger and smaller boli characteristic of mature males or calves, respectively. Fresh dung was found only in areas where the elephant was recorded on camera, reinforcing the conclusion that a single elephant remains. Our findings validate camera trapping as a reliable stand-alone method for surveying low density populations of individually identifiable species, provided it is applied intensively and with carefully considered sampling design.

The impacts of land-use change and climate change on biodiversity are significant, leading to substantial range contractions for many species globally. This effect is particularly pronounced in endemic species like the four-horned antelope (FHA), native to the Indian subcontinent. These species are vulnerable due to their low population densities and limited dispersal abilities. To understand the future habitat suitability for the FHA, we employed an ensemble modeling framework. This approach integrated landscape composition and climatic variables to predict current and future habitat changes. The FHA shows a preference for hot, dry climates and is mainly found in areas with extensive forest and grassland coverage. They avoid regions with large diurnal temperature variations. Our study revealed contrasting outcomes under different future scenarios. Under climate-only change projections, the FHA's habitat is expected to expand, with minimal range contractions across all scenarios. However, under land-use change and combined scenarios, a significant decline in suitable habitats was observed. By the 2050s, climate-only models predict an 11.3% and 7.8% increase in FHA habitat under low (SSP1-2.6) and high (SSP5-8.5) emission scenarios, respectively. In stark contrast, land-use change models projected a 51.2% and 54.5% reduction in suitable habitats under low (SSP1-2.6) and high (SSP5-8.5) development scenarios, respectively. These findings highlight the critical impact of land-use change on FHA habitat loss, emphasizing the need for comprehensive conservation strategies. Our study provides valuable insights into habitat suitability factors for the FHA, which are crucial for conservation and land-use management. The results underscore the urgency of implementing measures to mitigate habitat loss due to land-use changes, as they pose a more immediate and substantial threat to the FHA's survival. Therefore, protecting and restoring forest and grassland areas is vital for conserving this species across its range.

Japan faces demographic challenges with rapid population aging and decline, especially in rural areas with low population density, high proportions of older adults, and limited medical accessibility. Home-based medical care has emerged as a potential solution to expand healthcare capacity and reduce health disparities in these areas. To quantify regional variations in home-based medical care utilization and to examine their association with Rurality Index for Japan (RIJ), a composite measure incorporating population density, geographical distance, and climatic factors. Ecological study using open data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) for 2019-2020. In total, 335 secondary medical areas (SMAs) and 47 prefectures across Japan. Standardized Claim Ratio (SCR) for four indicators of home-based medical care: regular home visits, emergency house calls, death certificates, and end-of-life care; and their correlation with RIJ. Significant regional disparities were observed with maximum/minimum ratios of 82.0, 210.3, 33.2, and 29.5 for regular home visits, emergency house calls, death certificates, and end-of-life care, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between SCR and RIJ were -0.619 for regular home visits, -0.518 for emergency house calls, 0.225 for death certificates, and -0.541 for end-of-life care (all P < 0.001). Several dozen-fold regional disparities exist in home-based medical care utilization across Japan, with higher rurality associated with lower utilization of most services. These findings suggest geographical barriers significantly influence access to home-based medical care. Our findings highlight the utility of RIJ as an effective measure to identify and address these healthcare disparities, informing targeted policy interventions to improve equitable access to home-based medical care in rural Japan.

The European hare is a rapidly declining farmland specialist, particularly sensitive to changes in landscape structure and agricultural management. Previous studies had found that agricultural landscape diversity can affect population densities; however, this evidence came from distant locations with different environmental and climatic conditions. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the differences in European hare population densities between two neighboring locations (1.1 km apart) in Czechia, with contrasting landscape structures and compositions (heterogeneous versus homogeneous study areas), and to compare these with a control study area featuring small‐scale farming in Lower Austria. The European hare population densities were determined using infrared thermography in regular squares with fixed line transects during two spring monitoring periods in Czechia and one in Austria (2023–2024). We found significantly higher adult densities in the Czech heterogeneous landscape during two spring monitoring periods in 2023 and 2024 (117.3 ± 68.1 to 179.0 ± 95.4 ind. 100 ha −1 ). A comparable population density was found in Austria (90.6 ± 50.0 to 113.8 ± 48.6 ind. 100 ha −1 ). In contrast, we found an incomparably lower population density in the Czech neighboring homogeneous landscape (25.0 ± 29.7 to 38.3 ± 44.1 ind. 100 ha −1 ), and an even more contrasting pattern was found for subadults and juveniles. Detected population density of juveniles was 7.0 ± 10.6 to 24.3 ± 24.7 ind 100 ha −1 in the Czech heterogeneous landscape, 8.1 ± 10.6 to 11.9 ± 12.0 ind. 100 ha −1 in Austria, but only 0.4 ± 1.6 to 2.1 ± 5.6 ind. 100 ha −1 in the Czech homogeneous landscape, which may indicate a lower survival rate in homogeneous agroecosystems. Our findings, based on pair comparison of neighboring areas with comparable environmental and climatic factors but with contrasting farmland structures and agricultural practices, suggest that population density is primarily driven by agroecosystem quality (i.e. heterogeneous small‐scale farmland with a higher share of non‐agricultural vegetation).

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the most important pulse crops cultivated during the zaid season for its high nutritional value and short growth duration. However, its productivity is often constrained by the incidence of insect pests at different growth stages. In 2024 and 2025, an experiment was conducted at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology’s Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Identified Twelfth species of insect pest and their natural enemies, among seven species of insect pests five species occurred regularly were noticed to both vegetative and reproductive crop stage, while remaining two species occurred occasionally on mungbean with low population density and considered as a minor insect pest of mungbean agro-ecosystem in the Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Based on the number of species, orders Lepidoptera (three species), order Coleoptera (one species), order Hymenoptera (two species), order Hemiptera (three species), order odonata (one species), Thysanoptera (one species) and order Dictyoptera (one species) from mungbean agroecosystem were observed. According to their economic importance. Among five species of natural enemies (four species of predators and one species of parasitoid) Coccinella septumpunctata, was a major predator were observed in mungbean crop occasionally in low population density and designated as a minor status. Whitefly had the highest relative abundance in both the year. Simpson’s index was 0.29 and 0.27, respectively. The Simpson’s Index of Diversity was 0.71 and 0.73 in 2024 and 2025.

Abstract This article critically examines the ways in which transport and mobility sustainability regulation causes transport poverty and what can be done to reduce this impact in the Finnish Arctic region (Lapland). It explores how regulatory changes under the European Union’s Green Deal policy may either mitigate or exacerbate transport poverty in this sparsely populated area. Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant EU and Finnish legislation, the article identifies key legal factors that influence accessibility, affordability, and reliability of transport. These factors are examined in the context of Lapland’s unique characteristics, including its low population density and high dependence on private cars. The analysis reveals that most regulatory measures – except for the Social Climate Fund – are likely to worsen transport poverty for vulnerable groups in Lapland. While the Social Climate Fund may offer short-term relief, it is not sufficient on its own to provide a sustainable long-term solution. To promote a fair and inclusive transition to sustainable transport, the article recommends that Member States prioritise the use of Social Climate Fund resources in remote areas to support alternative transport options such as mobility-on-demand and shared mobility services. While financial support or fiscal incentives for purchase of EV are possible, the prices of EV may still turn out to be too high for low-income households and many residents affected by transport poverty are likely to remain unable to afford electric vehicles in the near term. Despite this, only the minimum necessary should be allocated to direct income support, as it risks prolonging reliance on fossil fuels. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that effectively address the distinct challenges faced by vulnerable populations in remote regions, ensuring an equitable transition to sustainable transport.

The escalating environmental crisis and the threat posed by environmental crime demand more effective prevention strategies. The predictive mapping of environmental crimes can address this challenge by improving monitoring and response. This study proposes an analysis and modelling of the occurrence of environmental crimes in the Canary Islands, a territory of exceptional ecological value and strong tourism and urban sprawl pressures. Four types of illegal activity were examined: buildings and constructions, mining and tilling, solid waste dumping, and liquid waste discharging. A predictive modelling framework based on Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithms was applied to identify spatial patterns and environmental crime potential. A colour-based environmental crime potential map was generated for each island, showing the likelihood of 0, 1, 2, 3, or all 4 types of environmental crime. Findings reveal that 43.2% of the surface area of the islands could potentially be affected by at least one crime type. Potential occurrences are lower in protected natural areas, in islands with lower population densities and in inland areas compared to coastal regions. The methodology provides a foundation for future research which could assist policymakers and environmental protectors in combating and preventing environmental crimes more effectively and contribute to the preservation of their ecosystems.

Microplastics are a ubiquitous contaminant, and their movement through freshwater systems is an understudied part of the "plastic cycle." We collected monthly surface water samples from 16 sites in an agriculturally dominated watershed, the Flint River, in southwestern Georgia to assess spatial and temporal variation in the composition and concentration of microplastics in a river system. The samples were sieved, digested in H2O2, and vacuum filtered onto filters for microplastic counting and morphological classification. Generalized linear models were built to investigate relationships among plastic concentration and morphology, land use variables, discharge, and physiochemical properties. All sites had detectable concentrations of microplastics, and the mean concentration (No./L±SD) was 1.64±2.17. Soluble reactive phosphorus was our strongest predictor of microplastic concentration, with measures of suspended particles also significantly explaining microplastic concentration. This research builds upon the findings of others to suggest that plastic may behave similarly to other particles. This work also documents that microplastics can be commonly found in agriculturally dominated rural watersheds with low human population densities.

Design of microcompartments capable of self-organization via consumption of energy or fuel to power opposable short-range forces is a step toward realization of adaptive cellular materials capable of intelligent behaviors. Here, we report active microgel compartments (a-MC) containing urease capable of self-organization at the water-oil interface via the regulation of short-range interparticle interactions consisting of urease-powered repulsive solutal flows and attractive capillary forces. The conversion of urea into denser products of ammonia and bicarbonate by urease within the a-MC causes density-driven outward flows leading to repulsive interactions with neighboring a-MCs at the water-oil interface. The modulation of repulsive solutal flows allowed the a-MCs to self-organize into nonclose-packed 2D lattices at high urease activity and 1D chains at low urease activity and high population density. These repulsive solutal flows are fueled by urea, so by limiting the supply of urea, we could achieve disassembly of 2D clusters at high urea concentration and reassembly upon a drop in urea levels. In binary mixtures of active and passive (no urease) microgel compartments, the passive microgel compartments showed increasing orthogonal assembly with a rise in their population density. Immobilization of 2D clusters of a-MCs allowed us to set up long-range collective solutal flows to execute microcompartment cargo logistics and to form fluidic traps for controlling assembly and position of binary/ternary microcompartment clusters for enhanced chemical signaling. Our work presents opportunities for the development of autonomous soft microbots, precision microscale cargo logistics, and intelligent matter.

Grapevines are essential to Iraq's horticultural economy, as the Salah Al-Din region is considered the leading producer. However, grapevines are susceptible to arthropod pests, which threaten yield and quality. This study evaluated the infestation levels on Shada, Beadh Al-Hamam, and Faranci Asoud grape varieties, focusing on pest populations, associated predators, and the role of leaf nutrient content in pest resistance. Biweekly leaf samples were taken using a microscope for pest and predator checks and counts. Leaf NPK content was determined using standard chemical methods. The highest population peak of the mite Tenuipalpus granati was recorded at the end of August, reaching 100.27 and 156.87 individuals/leaf on the Shada and Beadh Al-Hamam varieties, respectively. Meanwhile, the Faranci Asoud variety exhibited the highest density, with 385.80 individuals/ leaf in early September. For the black vine thrips Retithrips syriacus, infestations occurred at the end of July, reaching 17.33, 19.07, and 26.00 insects/leaf on the Shada, Beadh Al-Hamam, and Faranci Asoud varieties, respectively. The citrus mealybug Planococcus citri reached 4.00, 11.67, and 7.33 insects/leaf on the same varieties by the end of September. Predators such as Amblyseius sp., Chrysoperla carnea, and Scolothrips sexmaculatus correlated significantly with mite and thrips populations, but not with mealybugs, this could be due to the low population density of mealybugs. Nutrient analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between nitrogen content and pest density, a non-significant positive correlation with phosphorus content, and a negative correlation with potassium content. These findings suggest that varietal differences in pest susceptibility are influenced by leaf nutrient composition and predator presence. The study demonstrates an approach to vineyard management by leveraging natural plant defenses and natural enemies to mitigate pest damage without relying on harmful chemicals. Keyword: Grapevine, pests infestation, Retithrips syriacus, Tenuipalpus granati, biological pest control, sustainable agriculture.

A growing scientific literature acknowledges the difficulty to apply the ‘smart city’ concept to rural and remote areas. Whereas the emergence of the ‘Smart Villages’, a term endorsed by the European Commission, seeks to promote a more place-based approach, it remains unaddressed whether a unique ‘Smart Villages’ concept can accommodate the wide plethora of rural territories. Through recent initiatives like the ‘Smart Islands’ and the ‘Smart Mountains’ Sila Declaration, rural communities themselves have attempted to define rural ‘smartness’ based on their territorial features. This article examines the ongoing attempts to tailor smartness to diverse rural territories. Specifically, through the analysis of EU-level documents, this article investigates how territories covered under Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – for which the European Cohesion Policy devote a ‘special attention’ (i.e. ‘northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions’) – conceptualize smartness applied to the unique specificities of these territories and what this implies for territorial development.

Rural communities face persistent transport disadvantages due to low population density, limited-service availability, and high operational costs, restricting access to essential services and exacerbating social inequality. Autonomous public transport systems offer a transformative solution by enabling flexible, cost-effective, and inclusive mobility options. This study investigates the operational determinants for autonomous road-based transit systems in rural and peri-urban South-East Queensland (SEQ), employing a structured survey of 273 residents and analytical approaches, including General Additive Model (GAM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The findings indicate that small shuttles suit flexible, non-routine trips, with leisure travelers showing the highest importance (Gain = 0.473) and university precincts demonstrating substantial influence (Gain = 0.253), both confirmed as significant predictors by GAM (EDF = 0.964 and EDF = 0.909, respectively). Minibus shuttles enhance first-mile and last-mile connectivity, driven primarily by leisure travelers (Gain = 0.275) and tourists (Gain = 0.199), with shopping trips identified as a significant non-linear predictor by GAM (EDF = 1.819). Standard-sized buses are optimal for high-capacity transport, particularly for school children (Gain = 0.427) and school trips (Gain = 0.148), with GAM confirming their significance (EDF = 1.963 and EDF = 0.834, respectively), demonstrating strong predictive accuracy. Hybrid models integrating autonomous and conventional buses are preferred over complete replacement, with autonomous taxis raising equity concerns for low-income individuals (Gain = 0.047, indicating limited positive influence). Integration with Mobility-as-a-Service platforms demonstrates strong, particularly for special events (Gain = 0.290) and leisure travelers (Gain = 0.252). These insights guide policymakers in designing autonomous road-based transit systems to improve rural connectivity and quality of life.

ABSTRACTLarge carnivores have profound regulatory effects on ecosystems and provide substantial socio‐economic benefits. However, mounting anthropogenic pressures are driving their global decline, threatening many species with extinction. Leopards, in particular, face challenges due to their wide‐ranging behavior, which exposes them to conflict with people and bycatch snaring, highlighting the importance of understanding their spatial ecology to develop more effective conservation strategies. This study aimed to estimate the home‐range size of female leopards (n = 4) within the Zambezi Delta, a unique mesic landscape undergoing broad‐scale ecological recovery in central Mozambique. Home‐range sizes ranged from 46 to 365 km2, falling within the range of global estimates. Surprisingly, these home‐range sizes, along with additional parameter estimates such as daily distance moved and home‐range overlap, were most comparable with those reported in arid environments. With female leopards appearing to occupy larger areas than theoretically required based on energetic needs, it is plausible that their spatial ecology is likely influenced by low population density. As the population recovers, we anticipate a re‐structuring of socio‐spatial dynamics driven by dispersal‐regulated processes, with females likely contracting their home‐range and partitioning them to their philopatric daughters. This study provides the first robust estimation of leopard home ranges in Mozambique and provides critical insights into the spatial ecology of leopards in a post‐war landscape. We recommend long‐term monitoring to track changes in population demographics and socio‐spatial dynamics as restoration efforts continue across central Mozambique.

Halyomorpha halys (Stål), an invasive species of Asian origin, has become a key pest of tree fruit in areas of the Eastern and Pacific Northwest United States. This study used a 5-yr dataset of pheromone trap captures from 4 ecoregions (Mountains, Piedmont, Southeastern Plains, and Atlantic Coastal Plain) of North Carolina to validate temperature-driven phenology models previously reported for oviposition by overwintering adults and eclosion of F1 adults using semi-field cage studies. Cumulative proportion of pheromone trap captures of F1 adults and nymphs over cumulative degree days was compared to predictions based on the previously reported models' quadratic equation curves for adult eclosion (y = -0.0000015x2 + 0.004736x - 2.664) and oviposition (y = 0.0000032x2 - 0.010853x + 9.050). The oviposition model was validated using projected oviposition curves to predict nymphal populations over time by using life stage-specific development and mortality rates. Analysis of coefficients of determination (R2) for all regressions showed that F1 adult model predictions varied by region and year. Mean R2 values in the Mountain, Piedmont, and Southeastern Plains ecoregions for F1 adults were 0.88, 0.93, and 0.93, respectively. Nymphal regressions also varied by ecoregion, with mean R2 values of 0.95, 0.86, and 0.88 in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Southeastern Plains, respectively. Differences among regions were mostly associated with lower R2 values at sites with low population densities. Results are discussed in relation to the value of these models in studying the ecology of invasive species and in informing pest management decisions.

Solid waste management plays a vital role in enhancing public health and protecting the environment by minimizing ecological hazards and social impacts. This study aims to determine optimal landfill sites in the Tal Afar district using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. Six key factors were analyzed: land cover, road network, soil type, slope, elevation, and wind direction. Each factor was weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and spatial analysis was performed using a weighted overlay in a GIS environment. The resulting suitability maps identified highly appropriate areas for landfill development, primarily located in the southwestern part of the Tal Afar district, characterized by low population density, moderate slope, and road accessibility. The study concludes that integrating GIS and MCDM provides a reliable framework for sustainable site selection. It also recommends ongoing environmental monitoring and long-term waste management planning.

Multispecies sensory networks, where different species prioritize different sensory modalities and then use heterospecific information in a likely noncooperative fashion, may allow animals to improve foraging over large areas for cryptic prey. We test this hypothesis in procellariiform seabirds that forage in mixed flocks, where both prey odors and visual cues provided by other foraging hetero- and conspecifics might improve success rates. Using agent-based models, we explored the impact of social strategies on olfactory foraging for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). Our results suggest that social foraging enables species with different sensory adaptations to achieve similar success rates. Additionally, our results indicate that foraging is more successful in mixed-species rather than single-species flocks, where individuals can monitor the activity of other birds that are using different sensory foraging strategies than themselves to find prey. These results suggest that sensory-based foraging networks may be more critical to their survival than previously assumed. Finally, we show that success rates decrease at low population densities. As seabird populations continue to decline, understanding and preserving these social foraging networks may be essential for their conservation and ecological success. Overall, our study provides insights into the critical role of multispecies sensory networks to foraging success, wherein different species have different sensory adaptations for locating prey. While we used empirical anatomical and behavioral data specific to procellariiforms to inform our models, our approach and results may have broader implications for other species as well.

The critically endangered African wild ass is found in low population densities and there may be as few as 600 individuals in the Danakil Desert of Ethiopia and Eritrea. An understanding of suitable habitats is important for prioritizing the conservation and management of the African wild ass. In this study, we recorded presence locations of the African wild ass and independently prepared environmental covariates to identify suitable habitats using the maximum entropy (Maxent) model. Model performances were high, with the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.927 and 0.950 for wet and dry seasons, respectively. The predicted moderately suitable habitat area extent was greater during the wet season (15,223 km2) than during the dry season (6052 km2). Precipitation, temperature, and distance from water sources were vital variables for the wet season, while distance from water sources and distance from the settlements were important determinant covariates for the dry season. This information prioritizes where protected areas should be established for African wild ass conservation and also indicates potential new undocumented locations to guide surveys in the Danakil Desert of the Afar Region, Ethiopia.