Management Plans For Protected Areas Research Articles

Progress towards the control of invasive alien species in the Cape Floristic Region’s protected areas

This paper assesses progress towards the control of biological invasions in 18 protected areas (PAs) covering 677 584 ha in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), and whether progress has been sufficient to achieve Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We used eight indicators for assessing the inputs (quality of the regulatory framework, money spent and planning coverage for species and protected areas), outputs (species and protected areas treated), and outcomes (effectiveness of species and protected area treatments) of management. The estimated money spent over 13 years (2010–2022) was ZAR 976 million, or ZAR 75 million per year. Management plans for PAs were assessed as adequate over 78.5% of the area, but only six out of 226 regulated invasive species had species-specific control plans in place. A total of 567 alien species occurred in the CFR’s PAs, 226 of which were regulated species (i.e. species that had to be controlled), 126 (55.8%) of which received some management. Spending was highly skewed, with over 60% of all funding spent on trees and shrubs in the genus Acacia. Management efforts reached 24% of the land within the CFR’s protected areas, with higher coverage in national parks (60%) than in provincial nature reserves (9%). Management effectiveness was assessed as either permanent, effective or partially effective for 29 species (20 due to biological control), and ineffective for 25; for the remainder, there was either no management or effectiveness could not be evaluated. We conclude that some progress has been made with respect to controlling invasive alien species in the CFR, but that insufficient and declining funding remains a significant barrier to effective management. To increase efficiency, it will be necessary to secure additional funding from more diversified sources, make more use of biological control and prescribed fire, and regularly monitor the outcomes of management.

Spatial modelling of large ungulate biomass in the gazetted protected areas and conservancies in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Understanding large ungulate quantities that can be sustained in protected areas (PAs) is key for implementing strategic management plans in PAs. Studies that have estimated LUB and the associated ecological carrying capacity in PAs using spatially-explicit rainfall data are few. Thus, this study aimed to assess LUB in the gazetted protected areas and conservancies in Zimbabwe using the biomass logarithmic models fed with satellite-based rainfall and soil nutrient availability (SNA). Pearson’s correlation was used to establish the spatial relationship between vegetation cover and LUB. Analysis of Covariance was applied to assess LUB model performance across different SNA levels with SNA, vegetation cover, and LUB as the explanatory, covariate, and response variable, respectively. Variation of LUB across different PA categories was assessed using One Way ANOVA. Results showed a significant positive association of vegetation cover with LUB on low SNA (r=0.4, p=0.03), medium SNA (r=0.53, p=0.002), and high SNA areas (r=0.69, p<0.001). Results revealed the significant relevance of rainfall and SNA in determining the spatial distribution of LUB(F(2,86)=51.76, p<0.01). Findings also indicated significant variation of LUB between different PA categories (F(4,145)=67.62, p<0.01). These Findings could guide conservation planning regarding wildlife translocation, stocking, destocking, rangeland monitoring, and ecological integrity maintenance within PAs.

Saurauia decolorata (Actinidiaceae), a new species from Mindanao, the Philippines

Saurauia decolorata from the Mt. Pantaron Range, Bukidnon and Mt. Balatukan Natural Park, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao Island, the Philippines, is illustrated and described as a new species. It closely resembles S. avellana and S. elegans in having branchlets, petioles, and abaxial surfaces of the leaves covered with tomentum and scales, densely clustered flowers, longitudinal anther dehiscence, and 3–4 styles. However, S. decolorata is distinguished from these species by its prominent rusty-colored tomentum and scales on branchlets and abaxial leaf surfaces, cordate leaf bases, crenate margin, 16–21 pairs of lateral veins, fascicled-cymose inflorescences that are both axillary and ramiflorous, and sparsely scaly pinkish green outer sepals. This discovery further emphasizes the unique biodiversity of the forests of the Pantaron Range and Mt. Balatukan which urgently need legislative protection and enhanced protected area management plans, respectively.

Impacts of Land use Land cover dynamics on Ecosystem services in maze national park and its environs, southwestern Ethiopia

This study investigated the impacts of LULC changes on selected ecosystem services in Maze National Park (MzNP) and its environs in southwestern Ethiopia. Landsat images from 1985, 2005, and 2020 were used to examine land use land cover (LULC) changes. Images were classified using the Random Forest (RF) classifier, and their accuracy was computed in QGIS. Ecosystem service values (ESVs) were then estimated using the benefit transfer method employing Ecosystem Service Valuation Database (ESVD) coefficients. Additionally, socioeconomic survey was conducted to understand the local community's perceptions regarding the dynamics of ecosystem services. The findings revealed a significant increase in croplands (103.7 %) and built-up areas (31.32 %), while riverine forests, water bodies, and wooded grasslands declined. The overall ESVs decreased by 20 %, from 2038.42 million USD in 1985 to 1628.72 million USD in 2020, mainly driven by reductions in riverine forests and wooded grasslands. As for the individual ESVs for the period 1985 to 2020, only food production increased by 0.7 million USD, while water supply, climate regulation, raw materials, and recreation and tourism declined by 180.35, 2.67, 45.72, and 481.62 million USD, respectively. The coefficient of sensitivity ranged from 0.01 to 0.94, <1, revealed that our estimates are relatively robust. Ecosystem services such as grazing, recreation, wild food, and firewood are highly valued by local residents, but they are declining over time due to environmental degradation and restrictions on access to the park. Thus, understanding LULC changes and their impacts on ESVs can help decision-makers design effective protected area management plans and reduce potential conflicts over resource uses. Further investigations are suggested to more accurately quantify ESVs using high resolution satellite imageries and different valuation methods.

Gibbon population status and long-term viability: Implication for a newly established protected area management

Effective protected area management is a crucial process for biodiversity conservation, and its effectiveness can be evaluated using the status of indicator species. Monitoring changes over time in the status of indicator species is an essential tool for designing and improving management plans for protected areas. Due to the preference for pristine habitat hoolock gibbon can be considered indicator species for habitat quality. We therefore defined changes in the status of the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) over 16 years (2005–2021) by estimating density changes and population viability in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS), a newly established protected area in western Myanmar. Using the acoustic point count method, we estimated the gibbon density to determine the impacts of selective logging and human disturbances on this species. This survey was conducted between February and March 2021 at 22 sampling sites, covering 352 km2 of evergreen and mixed deciduous forests in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary. We used distance sampling method to estimate an overall gibbon density of 0.97 groups/km2, which appeared to be dramatically lower than a previous estimate of 1.81 groups/km2 from 2005, defined using the same method. We then divided the Sanctuary into three zones and defined the minimum viable population (MVP) for gibbons in each zone to support management policies for the long-term persistence of the species. Moreover, the population viability analysis indicated that the population of eastern hoolock gibbons in the entire study area was seriously declining to lower than 1000 gibbons by the year 2055. By our estimation, around 4400 groups are needed for the long-term persistence of gibbons in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary. Our results highlight the detrimental effects of selective logging and human disturbance on gibbons, and presumably wildlife in general, in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary and the problems of inadequate protection level and management, underscoring the need to address these threats through targeted conservation efforts.

Principles for climate resilience are prevalent in marine protected area management plans

AbstractClimate change is threatening marine systems, and its widespread and dynamic effects are creating challenges for designing and managing marine protected areas (MPAs). The majority of recommendations for climate‐resilient MPAs focus on enhancing ecological resilience to disturbance and updating management strategies to respond as changes occur. Here, we assess how existing recommendations for climate resilience are applied in real‐world MPA management, using criteria from five key management components: objectives, assessments, design, monitoring, and management. Our review evaluates 172 management plans for 555 MPAs across 52 countries and written in nine languages. We find that MPA management plans contain many underlying scientific and management principles for promoting resilience to climate change, even when “climate change” or related terms are not specifically included: plans include long‐term objectives (93.6%), threat‐reduction strategies (99.4%), monitoring programs (97.7%), and adaptive management (93%). However, there is substantial variation in the degree to which plans explicitly incorporate climate change into their strategies, from not mentioning it at all (21.5%) to developing detailed climate change‐specific action plans (20.9%), with most somewhere in between. In addition to identifying common gaps across management plans, we also provide practical examples of activities MPA managers are undertaking to address climate change.

Wildlife restoration in Nepal: tracking the conservation translocations in the country

Negative consequences of human impacts on biodiversity are undisputable and inadequate efforts in managing biodiversity have been realized across the globe. The present biodiversity crisis, including burgeoning effects of climate change, therefore, has warranted restoration actions in place. Conservation translocation, one of the effective measures of restoration, involves the individuals of species deliberate movement from one habitat to another, particularly animal species. Nepal has been practicing the conservation translocations for more than four decades. However, details of conservation translocation events and outcomes are not well documented. This article aims to explore the status and issues of conservation translocation in Nepal. For the purpose, we reviewed seven protected area management plans and nine species conservation action plans available in public domain along with related peer reviewed journal articles. We documented the conservation translocation of Blackbuck, Gharials, Swamp deer, Greater One Horned Rhino, Elongated tortoise, Narrow Headed Soft Shell Turtle, Wild Water Buffalo and Vulture. Adoption of feeble adaptive management framework and ad hoc approach of wildlife translocation has left many rooms for improvement in the translocation strategies of Nepal. This is largely exemplified by the improvement required in Vulture Breeding Center, Swamp deer and Wild water buffalo translocations to Chitwan National Park, and Blackbuck translocation to Bardia National Park. For many species, data and information are limited to evaluate the wildlife restoration outcomes independently.

Assessing and developing improvement strategies for the protected area management (PAM) planning process/effectiveness in Turkey

Designing and implementing an effective protected area management (PAM) plan is a great challenge. This paper develops a conceptual framework with a set of principles for through assessment of the PAM plans for three protected areas in Turkey; Kızılkuyu, Tek Tek Mountains and Karacadağ Steppes and proposes improvements. The assessment showed that the plans are a comprehensive initiative and a reputable model for an integrated PAM planning paradigm, aside from few limitations. A holistic approach based on landscape characterization and vision was used to prepare the management plans simultaneously. A management strategy was formulated to define the vision, targets, policies, objectives and the sub-programs for each thematic area. Baseline condition was determined with a field survey to characterize landscape structure, historical and cultural values and biodiversity focusing on the target species such as Terebinth (Pistacia palaestina Boiss.), crop wild relatives (CWR) and Cream-coloured cursor (Cursorius cursor). Low income, property conflicts, urbanization pressure, habitat loss, land degradation, overuse, food security, climate changes and illegal excavation were identified as major threats and risks. A sound multi-organizational governance model with an appropriate monitoring program was developed and proposed with the defined roles. The lack of scenario analysis with the appropriate decision making tools and methods, lack of common working culture and tools, insufficient representation and characterization of a full spectrum of ecosystem services were identified as major drawbacks. While few, these shortcomings may create a far-sighted design and governance concern and jeopardize the sustainable management of the protected areas. Effective protection and expansion of steppe ecosystems, capacity building on the long-term strategic planning and scenario analysis with a DSS, maintaining the active involvement of stakeholders, development of buffers and stepping stones for creating protected area networks, developing policy documents, and resolving property issues are proposed as improvement strategies for an efficient PAM system.

Soundscapes of the Yungas Andean forest: Identifying the acoustic footprint of an anuran assemblage

Soundscapes are composed by the conjunction of sound patterns in each space and time. The biophony produced by the advertisement calls of anurans are one of the most outstanding features of a soundscape, particularly in subtropical montane areas such as the Yungas Andean forests of NW Argentina. We recorded soundscapes with automated recording units along an altitudinal gradient and throughout a whole year in the Calilegua National Park. Using a novel combination of visual analysis and acoustic indices we have been able to identify the anuran acoustic fingerprint in the soundscapes of a seasonal subtropical montane forest. In addition, we detected a decrement in using the acoustic communication channel along the altitudinal gradient by anuran assemblages, in agreement with a decrement in species richness. Our results showed a seasonal effect of the vocalization patterns, splitting the group of sounds recorded in two main periods along the year. In this study we presented the first description of Argentina's altitudinal strata of the Yungas Andean forests. This information provides a solid basis for monitoring programs of direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts. Additionally, we highlight the importance of understanding how soundscapes are composed in a naturally protected area and, posit them as a novel ecosystem service that could benefit human health. We emphasise that Natural Soundscapes should be protected and must be included as intangible heritage in the management plans of protected areas in the country. Likewise, the methods proposed in this study encourage settling down the basis for implementing long-term acoustic monitoring of anuran species and other acoustic communities in the Yungas ecoregion.

Physical geography trumps legal protection in driving the perceived sustainability of game hunting in Amazonian local communities

A considerable proportion of tropical protected areas are Sustainable Use Reserves (SURs), where socio-biodiversity protection and sustainable resource extraction are the main goals. Subsistence hunting is the most widespread form of subcanopy forest resource extraction, and often depletes game populations within SURs, but the degree to which these extractive activities are sustainable remains questionable. To assess patterns of hunting sustainability within SURs, we systematically examined the local ecological knowledge of 211 resident hunters living in 93 communities located within and immediately outside nine SURs of Brazilian Amazonia. We used mixed models to assess the effects of settlement features (distance to reserve boundaries, size, age, distance to urban centers, and extent of floodplain areas) on local perceptions of game abundance, the prey profile of the most consumed game species, and overall levels of local game depletion. Hunters consistently reported that game populations were less impacted within communal catchment areas containing larger amounts of floodplain habitat and farther from urban centers. In these areas the overall game abundance was perceived to be higher, low-fecundity species were most consumed, and harvest-sensitive species were least depleted. Local SUR communities within this context accrued higher benefits from higher wild-meat availability, but settlement age and size had no effects on hunted species. Evidence-based conservation management plans in tropical protected areas should focus on reducing wild meat demand in urban areas and managing both, the local aquatic animal protein in floodplain areas to relieve pressure on terrestrial game species, and the offtake of game populations at inland sites lacking access to aquatic animal protein.

Motivations as a predictor of satisfaction and loyalty in ecotourism

Ecotourism is a growing sector, which is increasingly important because it promotes the environment as well as activities that bring together humans and nature. This study analyse the motivations of ecotourism and their influence on satisfaction and intentions to return and recommend a protected area. The empirical analysis was carried out in The Fauna Production Reserve “Puntilla de Santa Elena” in Ecuador. It is the most visited protected area in this country, filled with natural and cultural wealth. The sample consisted of 369 surveys obtained in situ, using the convenience method. For the statistical procedure, a factor analysis and a multiple regression analysis were used. The approach was quantitative with simple random sampling. Among the findings, the motivational dimensions “Escape and ego-defensive function,” “Marine nature,” and “Building personal relationships” were found as predictors of satisfaction in this destination. While the motivational dimensions “Escape and ego-defensive function,” “Marine nature,” and “Marine terrestrial” predict the intentions of returning to this protected area. Also, the dimensions “Marine nature” and “Escape and ego-defensive function” predict the intentions of recommending this destination. Therefore, products and services related to the nature and escape of tourists must be developed. This study analyses motivations as important predictors of loyalty in ecotourism, which implies significant results that will serve to create management plans in protected areas. This research examined Ecuador's most visited protected areas, considering their natural and cultural attractions. The findings contribute significantly to the academic literature. Finally, this study's practical and social implications will allow institutions and companies related to ecotourism to have information to plan strategies related to nature, achieving better benefits for their sustainable management. This study analyses motivations as important predictors of loyalty in ecotourism, which implies significant results that will serve to create tailored management plans in protected areas. The management concept should strengthen activities different from the visitors'daily routine and related to the main natural attractions. Ideally, these activities also encourage a socialization among the tourists and/or with local inhabitants.

ANALYZING TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL TRENDS IN MANAGEMENT PLANS OF FEDERAL PROTECTED AREAS IN BRAZIL

Protected areas are the most frequently used tool for the mitigation of threats to biodiversity. However, without effective management, the creation of new protected areas may be ineffective. In Brazil, protected areas must have both a governing body (consultative or deliberative council) and an official management plan. Here, we analyzed general trends and patterns in the approval of the management plans for Brazilian federal protected areas. We considered all federal protected areas, and compiled data on (i) the year the area was created, (ii) the type of protected area (integral protection vs. sustainable use), (iii) year its management plan was approved, (iv) year in which the management plan was revised after its approval, (v) total area (in hectares), and (vi) the biome in which the area is located. We stablished three groups of protected area: 1) Group A: protected areas created prior to 1979, 2) Group B: protected areas created between 1979 and 1999, and 3) Group C: protected areas created between 2000 to the present time. Finally, we tested whether time for the approval of the management plan suffered a simultaneous effect of the type of biome and type of categories of protected area (strictly protected vs. sustainable use areas). We found 211 (63.17% of the 334) protected areas with management plan. On average, the time taken for the creation and approval of a management plan far exceeds the deadlines (5 yrs.) defined under current Brazilian law. All Brazilian biomes are poorly covered by protected areas with effective management plans, with the highest and lowest value observed in the Pantanal (100%) and Caatinga (46.42%), respectively. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of many federal protected areas in Brazil can be reduced considerably by the lack of a management plan, with deleterious consequences for the country’s principal conservation strategies.

Regionalization of hurricane rainfall in the forests, protected and reserved zones of Mexico

AbstractExtreme events such as hurricanes repeatedly affect coastal areas in several tropical regions of the world. The economic and biodiversity losses caused by these extreme events are considerable. Mexico's coasts are exposed to hurricanes annually. A hydrological characterization and regionalization of the storms caused by the rain fields generated by all the hurricanes that touched the Mexican coast from 1966 to 2017 were carried out. Adimensional Huff curves are proposed to get precipitation hyetograms from which the erosion factor of a storm is obtained, using the universal soil loss equation (USLE). The results made it possible to get the typical precipitation hyetograms in the forests and protected areas before, during, and after the impact of a hurricane. The proposed hydrological regionalization made it possible to estimate the rainfall intensity in 30 min to characterize the start of rain erosion. The method proposed in this research was applied in the 177 natural protected areas (25,628,239 ha) as well as in the 370 voluntarily designated areas for conservation (399,643 ha) in Mexico. It is concluded that, with the regionalization and the proposed equations, it is possible to get typical hurricane precipitation hyetograms, which would allow us to detail the forest management plans in forests, ecological reserves, and protected areas of Mexico.

Appraising strategic adaptive management as a process of organizational learning

Adaptive management is a systematic approach for linking learning with implementation to facilitate ongoing improvement in natural resource management. The idea of learning from experience and adapting subsequent policies, strategies and actions, is intuitively appealing. However, application of adaptive management has been hindered by several obstacles, including a paucity of documented lessons from existing adaptive management practices and inadequate attention to the complex social aspects of learning. Here we address these two impediments through (i) a case study of an established version of adaptive management and its application in the context of protected area management plans, and (ii) its critical comparison and conceptual integration with the seminal theory of organizational knowledge creation (TOKC), which emphasizes the social aspects of learning. As case study, we focus on Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM), which has been iteratively developed and implemented by South African National Parks for more than 20 years. We used TOKC as a conceptual sounding board to reflect on and appraise the learning that takes place through SAM. A comparison of the main steps of the SAM cycle with corresponding stages outlined by TOKC revealed remarkable complementarity between these two approaches, but also important differences. The conceptual comparison deepened our understanding of SAM's learning performance as well as potential, revealing strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. Key insights include that valuable and different forms of learning takes place during each step of the SAM cycle. This learning can be enhanced through careful attention to approaches for creating, sharing and making explicit the tacit knowledge of individuals. Furthermore, dialogue and co-learning with stakeholders should be maintained beyond the visioning and objectives setting step of SAM. Based on insights gained, we developed a new and complementary conceptualization of SAM, as a spiraling process of organizational learning enabled by the interplay between tacit and explicit forms of knowledge, which in turn is mediated by different types of social interactions, media and engagement with practice. We believe that this conceptualization can help to better acknowledge and enable learning as one of the most fundamental purposes and outcomes of SAM, and adaptive management more generally.

Implications of unreliable species identification methods for Neotropical deer conservation planning

Deer species play a key role in processes that maintain ecosystem community structure and composition. However, several of the species are considered at risk of extinction. One of the strategies for their conservation is the maintenance of legally protected areas in which administration is prescribed by a management plan. Species inventories form the basis of this instrument as it allows to identify key resources and taxons. We reviewed the management plans of Brazilian protected areas to assess the suitability of methods employed to identify deer species. We reviewed 118 management plans (covering 298,000 km2 of protected area) and checked each occurrence record for information regarding detection methods, which we classified according to their suitability for species-level identification. We found that 38% of the records did not report the species detection method used. Specific identifications were obtained through seven different methodologies, of which 12% were considered suitable, 28% were suitable with caveats, and 60% were unsuitable for species identification. We conclude it is necessary to improve the scientific rigor applied to inventories and data collection to avoid producing further inconsistent information, as this might affect management actions and risks the exclusion of threatened species from public policies on conservation planning.

Evaluating and reflecting on coproduction of protected area management plans

ABSTRACTProtected areas are complex social‐ecological systems, hence their management should be guided by engagement and co‐learning with diverse stakeholders. The challenge of effective stakeholder participation has generated a body of literature on the design and facilitation of coproduction processes. In this study, we used this literature to develop a principle‐based framework for assessing coproduction. We then applied this framework to evaluate how well “adaptive planning” (a sub‐process of adaptive management used for visioning and objective setting with stakeholders), as applied to the Garden Route National Park in South Africa, aligned with the ideals of coproduction. Our analysis revealed shortcomings in the adaptive planning process, which could be improved through broadening the agenda beyond the mandate and control of national parks, empowering collective agency among a wider stakeholder network, and embedding co‐learning with stakeholders as an ongoing journey. A significant finding was that adaptive management does not align well with the ideals of coproduction, which may be better supported by an adaptive co‐management approach. The latter is particularly necessary in complex national parks that are diverse in terms of both ecosystems and stakeholders, and where governance may be contested.

A Global Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation in Marine Protected Area Management Plans

Marine protected area (MPA) efficacy is increasingly challenged by climate change. Experts have identified clear climate change adaptation principles that MPA practitioners can incorporate into MPA management; however, adoption of these principles in MPA management remains largely unquantified. We conducted a text analysis of 647 English-language MPA management plans to assess the frequency with which they included climate change-related terms and terms pertaining to ecological, physical, and sociological components of an MPA system that may be impacted by climate change. Next, we manually searched 223 management plans to quantify the plans’ climate change robustness, which we defined as the degree of incorporation of common climate change adaptation principles. We found that climate change is inadequately considered in MPA management plans. Of all plans published since 2010, only 57% contained at least one of the climate change-related terms, “climate change,” “global warming,” “extreme events,” “natural variability,” or “climate variability.” The mean climate change robustness index of climate-considering management plans was 10.9 or 39% of a total possible score of 28. The United States was the only region that had plans with climate robustness indices of 20 or greater. By contrast, Canada lags behind other temperate jurisdictions in incorporating climate change adaptation analysis, planning, and monitoring into MPA management, with a mean climate change robustness index of 6.8. Climate change robustness scores have generally improved over time within the most common MPA designations in Oceania, the United Kingdom, and the United States, though the opposite is true in Canada. Our results highlight the urgent need for practitioners to incorporate climate change adaptation into MPA management in accordance with well-researched frameworks.

Ensamblajes de anuros y heterogeneidad espacial en un ecosistema de páramo de Colombia

El presente estudio buscó determinar el efecto de la heterogeneidad espacial, producto de los mosaicos vegetales y gradientes ambientales y estructurales del páramo, sobre la estructura del ensamblaje de anuros en un sector del Parque Nacional Chingaza. Se registraron variables ambientales y estructurales en seis mosaicos de vegetación y se calcularon métricas de paisaje en áreas de influencia de 50 y 100 m, a partir de fotografías aéreas tomadas con dron. Al concluir 162 horas/persona de muestreo, se encontraron 45 individuos pertenecientes a cuatro especies. Las variables mayormente relacionadas con la estructura de los ensamblajes de anuros, variaron con el área de influencia, así: (a) a nivel del gradiente ambiental-estructural en los mosaicos de vegetación (escala de microhábitat), el porcentaje de frailejones, número de troncos de frailejones caídos, temperatura del aire y velocidad del viento fueron las más determinantes; (b) a nivel de la unidad de paisaje, el área de influencia de 50 m, se evidenció el efecto del número de clases y en particular la extensión de las clases de turbera y vegetación de turbera. Finalmente, (c) al área de influencia de 100 m, la configuración de las unidades de paisaje fue más importante, principalmente la extensión de las clases de turbera y matorrales bajos entremezclados con pajonales y frailejonales. Los resultados sugieren que los anuros presentan una respuesta dependiente de la escala ante la heterogeneidad espacial, aspecto que se debe considerar en los planes de manejo del área protegida al momento de estructurar esquemas de monitoreo poblacional.

Biodiversity of caridean shrimps on rocky bottoms of two preserved islands on the southeastern Brazilian coast

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the biodiversity of caridean shrimps inhabiting the consolidated sublittoral of two Brazilian biodiversity locals Laje de Santos and Vitória Island. We provide data about species composition, cumulative species curves and ecological indexes. Additionally, we compared different sampling techniques used for cryptic fauna studies. The samples were carried out quarterly for one year, using Artificial Refuge Substrate (ASR) for the passive capture and SCUBA diving for active capture. A total of 323 individuals were sampled with 17 species recorded, 13 in Vitória Island and 12 in Laje de Santos. Alpheus formosus and Cuapetes americanus were dominant in both areas and recognized as key-species for the community. Using two-sampling methods is highly recommended for future studies due to the fact that small and translucent species were obtained with ARS and large and colourful specimens were collected during SCUBA diving expeditions. An alien shrimp from the genus Athanas was registered for the first time in a protected area in Brazil. Additionally, all these results/data are important for future management and work plans in Brazilian protected areas since decapod crustaceans are an extremely important fauna group in any subtidal ecosystem.

Evaluation of conservation status of plants in Brazil's Atlantic forest: An ethnoecological approach with Quilombola communities in Serra do Mar State Park.

The Atlantic Forest is considered the fourth most important biodiversity hotspot. Although almost 96% of its original area has been devastated, a large part of its remaining conserved area is inhabited by traditional communities. This research focused on two Quilombola communities who reside within the Núcleo Picinguaba of the Serra do Mar State Park, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The objective was to use a combination of ethnoecological and ecological approaches to select priority species for which to develop participatory conservation and sustainable management plans in protected areas in Brazil. We collaborated with community members to collect ethnobotanical and ethnoecological data and then measured the abundance of native species in local forests through phytosociological sampling. We used this information to assess the degree of threat to useful species using the Conservation Priority Index, adding an additional layer of analysis based on habitat successional categories. We then overlayed those useful species identified as highest risk locally with those federally listed as threatened or endangered. Based on this, we identified three species as priority for the development of sustainable management plans: Virola bicuhyba, Cedrella fissilis and Plinia edulis.