Conservation Management Strategies Research Articles

Management of osteonecrosis of the humeral head in the pediatric population: A systematic review

Purpose: Humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric patients most often occurs in patients with underlying hemoglobinopathies, exposure to chronic corticosteroids, or after trauma. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review evaluating the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management of humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric population. Methods: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus were screened with the terms “osteonecrosis,” “avascular necrosis,” “pediatric,” and “proximal humerus” on January 10, 2024. A total of 218 studies were screened, and 74 studies were evaluated for eligibility. Studies that reported on the prevalence and/or management of pediatric humeral head osteonecrosis were included. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria: four retrospective case series, three prospective case series, one retrospective cohort study, one retrospective case-control study, and three case reports. A majority of the studies (67%) discussed chemotherapy-induced osteonecrosis of the humeral head. A total of 77 patients (106 shoulders) with humeral head osteonecrosis were identified. The overall prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head across eight studies examining at-risk populations (underlying hemoglobinopathies or undergoing chemotherapy) was 2%. Intra-articular steroid injections, physical therapy, and activity modification are effective conservative management strategies. Additionally, core decompression and hemiarthroplasty are surgical treatment options. Conclusions: The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head is low even among at-risk populations with associated medical conditions. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options have been described, but no comparative evaluations of these modalities has been conducted. Level of evidence: IV.

Deciphering genetic diversity in conserved cattle bulls to achieve sustainable development goals

The primary objective of Sustainable Development Goal target 2.5 established by the United Nations is to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity in domesticated animals. The ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in India has been actively engaged in the conservation of cattle and buffalo bull semen for long-term storage. This present study aimed to assess the genetic diversity present in the conserved cattle bull semen, which would aid in determining the most suitable strategy for future conservation management. A total of 192 bull semen belonging to 19 cattle breeds were selected to evaluate genetic diversity using 17 pairs of FAO recommended microsatellite primers. Total 267 alleles were detected across all the samples which indicates substantial amount of allelic variation is being maintained in conserved bulls. Further, all cattle bulls semen conserved showed higher observed heterozygosity than expected heterozygosity which indicates excess genetic diversity in all the populations. The FST, F IT and FIS value across the loci and population is 0.146 ± 0.009, 0.054 ± 0.038, and − 0.105 ± 0.035, respectively, which suggests lack of inbreeding in conserved cattle bull semen. This study has established genetic diversity in conserved cattle semen samples to achieve sustainable development goals. In addition, it provides compelling evidence that the current approach for conserving cattle bull semen is heading in the correct direction.

Living on the edge: Insights into habitat patterns of forest-dwelling mammals in the buffer zone of Melghat Tiger Reserve, India

Buffer zones surrounding protected areas act as interfaces between humans and wildlife, providing sustainable resource utilization while minimizing negative interactions. This study analyzed data from camera trap sampling to understand habitat use and the effects of anthropogenic impacts on medium and large-sized forest-dwelling mammals in the buffer zone of Melghat Tiger Reserve in Central India. The human population in this region is increasing at a rate of 15 % in a decade. There are instances of human death and injury and frequent cattle lifting by carnivores. Crop damage by wild herbivores is common. These factors impede long term conservation goals in the tiger reserve. Camera trap sampling was carried out in the buffer zone for a period of 33 to 46 days. Camera trap data were analyzed using occupancy modeling to estimate habitat use probability (Ψ) and detection probability (p). Naïve estimates of habitat use ranged from 0.11 to 0.64, while Ψ values based on occupancy modeling ranged from 0.23 to 0.71. The study showed a fairly high level of habitat use by mammals in the buffer zone of the tiger reserve. Leopards were found to be associated with abundance of large prey species and human presence. Hyena, gaur, and sambar showed an association with forest cover, while nilgai showed association with scrubland. Chausingha and langur showed an association with sloping terrain. Overall, the study showed that the buffer zone plays an important role as a wildlife habitat and provided insights for prioritizing conservation efforts and management strategies in the study area.

Orchid trade at the source: Epiphytic species with conspicuous flowers in low‐elevation forests are more locally collected in a Philippine key biodiversity area

AbstractOrchids are the most heavily traded plant group globally, putting pressure on wild populations in many source countries like the Philippines. Despite its rich orchid diversity, there remains a notable gap in understanding the factors driving orchid trade within the country. To address this knowledge gap and support orchid conservation efforts, we utilized a 5‐year orchid diversity dataset extensively collected through floristic field and village garden surveys in one of the largest key biodiversity areas in the southern Philippines. We employed a trait‐based approach to investigate ecological drivers of local orchid collection within this source area. Our results show that around 36% of local orchid diversity have predicted collection risks of ≥50%. Notably, locally collected orchid species exhibited multiple, large, and conspicuously colored flowers that are found in low‐elevation forests and higher up in forest stratum. Elevational distribution and flower size emerged as the strongest predictors, potentially influencing collection preferences. Our analysis of predicted collection risks underscores the vulnerability of both threatened and non‐threatened orchid species to local collection pressures. Moreover, we highlight the practical utility of our trait‐based approach in predicting risks and informing management strategies for local orchid conservation. This research marks a significant step toward identifying ecological drivers influencing orchid trade at its source, providing insights that can inform targeted conservation strategies across many key biodiversity areas for this highly diverse, charismatic, and threatened plant family.

Enhancing tree species conservation in Burkina Faso through indigenous knowledge

Natural resources such as plant plays an important role in the livelihood of many local people in Africa. The high anthropogenic pressure on plant resources lead to their disappearance. Assessing ethnobotanical knowledge is useful for development of management and conservation of plant resources. Focusing on woody plants, our ethnobotanical investigations involved 60 randomly selected households across two Sahelian villages. Through semi-structured interviews, we meticulously assessed indigenous knowledge and perceptions related to the conservation of 41 woody plant species spanning 32 genera and 15 families.Our analysis categorized these species based on their diverse uses, encompassing food, medicine, fodder, construction, energy and art. The most dominant families reported Fabaceae and Combretaceae followed by Malvaceae. Notably, fruits, leaves, bark, and seeds emerged as the most valued plant organs.Crucially, our findings pinpointed human activities as the primary threat to species conservation, overshadowing climatic factors. We further identified key species and prioritized those in need of urgent conservation efforts. This study underscores the imperative of incorporating indigenous knowledge and perceptions into the development of effective conservation management strategies for plant resources in Sahelian zone.

When less is more: Updates in active surveillance and watchful waiting in the management of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men globally. A range of management options are available for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or surveillance. Conservative strategies include active surveillance and watchful waiting, which differ in their intent. We provide a targeted instructive management algorithm for improving understanding of conservative strategies inprostate cancer. Active surveillance involves close monitoring with curative intent when there is evidence of disease progression. Incontrast, watchful waiting is palliative in intent and focuses on delaying treatment until symptoms or complications develop. Conservative approaches have demonstrated similar long-term oncological outcomes toradical treatment, while reducing harm from overtreatment, and maintaining quality of life by avoiding potential side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The decision to employ a conservative approach is determined by both patient and disease factors. Conservative management strategies play a vital role in the management of prostate cancer.

Salvage procedures for infected penile implants: A comprehensive review and analysis of functional outcomes

BackgroundThe salvage procedure for infected penile implants (IPs) has been a subject of interest since its inception in the late 1980s, yet its widespread adoption remains limited. The aim of this study was to realize a systematic literature review to provide a comprehensive analysis of salvage techniques for IPs and assess their efficacy, specifically focusing on functional success. MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, employing Mesh terms related to penile prosthesis, penile implant, infection, and salvage procedures. Articles in French or English were considered for the final analysis, with exclusion of literature reviews. ResultsFifteen articles detailing various salvage techniques for IPs were identified. Mulcahy's initial technique was described in 1996, and consisted of complete removal of infected components, extensive lavage, and subsequent replacement with a similar implant. Success rates ranged from 80% to 100%, with emerging trends favoring the use of malleable implants during salvage. Unfortunately, functional data remained limited. When salvage penile prosthesis placement involved a malleable prosthesis, between 20% and 33% of patients underwent conversion to hydraulic prosthesis. ConclusionThe salvage procedure for infected penile implants is a reliable method, with success rates surpassing 80%. The need for comparative studies assessing the type of implant used during salvage is required to tailor conservative management strategies for optimal patient outcomes. Finally, few data have been published regarding subsequent conversions from malleable penile implants to hydraulic penile implants after salvage.

Empirical Analysis of Factors Influencing Elephant Population Increases: A Case Study of Tanzania National Park

This study employs empirical analysis through linear regression to investigate the determinants of elephant population increases (EP). Utilizing a dataset comprising 255 observations, the research evaluates the impact of various predictor variables such as Elephant crime decrease (ECD), Elephant death decrease (EDD), Elephant poaching decrease (EPD), Elephant conflict increase (ECI), Elephant tracking improved (ETI), Patrol coverage increase (PCI), GIS coordination (GC), and Communication improves (CI) on Elephant population dynamics. The regression model's overall significance (F (8, 246) = 41.4, Prob > F = 0) indicates a robust explanation of variance in EP by the combined effect of predictors. Notably, Elephant death decrease, increased patrol coverage, and improved communication emerge as statistically significant predictors of EP. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions in reducing elephant mortality, enhancing patrolling efforts, and strengthening communication strategies for wildlife conservation management. This research contributes to the understanding of factors influencing elephant population dynamics, thereby assisting stakeholders such as wildlife conservation agencies, government bodies, and researchers in informed decision-making.

Manual therapists’ appraisal of optimal non-pharmacological conservative management of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. An international Delphi study

BackgroundLumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a slow progressive degenerative disorder associated with chronic pain and disability. Although consensus-based international guidelines for invasive treatment of patients with LSS exist, few consensus-based guidelines for optimal conservative management strategies have been published. ObjectiveTo achieve manual therapists’ consensus on optimal physiotherapeutic management strategies for LSS. MethodsThe study employed a three-round, email–based International Delphi survey. All qualified members of the International Maitland Teacher Association (IMTA) (n = 30) were invited to participate. ResultsTwelve IMTA teachers participated in the study. Eight essential physiotherapy management strategies were identified, as follows: 1. Detailed assessment with in-depth interview; 2. Recognition of red flags, contraindications and precautions; 3. Neurological examination; 4. Postural and movement analysis with related ergonomics; 5. Functional analysis; 6. Individualized treatment based on assessment findings and research evidence; 7. Aerobic training and 8. Patient education. ConclusionThis Delphi survey provides a foundation for physiotherapists to individualize and optimise management approaches for patients with LSS. With a growing elderly population, there is an increasing need for evidence-based conservative management guidelines based on high quality research.

Factors Associated With Coronary Angiography Performed Within 6 Months of Randomization to the Conservative Strategy in the ISCHEMIA Trial.

ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches) did not find an overall reduction in cardiovascular events with an initial invasive versus conservative management strategy in chronic coronary disease; however, there were conservative strategy participants who underwent invasive coronary angiography early postrandomization (within 6 months). Identifying factors associated with angiography in conservative strategy participants will inform clinical decision-making in patients with chronic coronary disease. Factors independently associated with angiography performed within 6 months of randomization were identified using Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazard models, including demographics, region of randomization, medical history, risk factor control, symptoms, ischemia severity, coronary anatomy based on protocol-mandated coronary computed tomography angiography, and medication use. Among 2591 conservative strategy participants, angiography within 6 months of randomization occurred in 8.7% (4.7% for a suspected primary end point event, 1.6% for persistent symptoms, and 2.6% due to protocol nonadherence) and was associated with the following baseline characteristics: enrollment in Europe versus Asia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81 [95% CI, 1.14-2.86]), daily and weekly versus no angina (HR, 5.97 [95% CI, 2.78-12.86] and 2.63 [95% CI, 1.51-4.58], respectively), poor to fair versus good to excellent health status (HR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.23-3.32]) assessed with Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and new/more frequent angina prerandomization (HR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.34-2.40]). Baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <70 mg/dL was associated with a lower risk of angiography (HR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.46-0.91) but not baseline ischemia severity nor the presence of multivessel or proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis >70% on coronary computed tomography angiography. Among ISCHEMIA participants randomized to the conservative strategy, angiography within 6 months of randomization was performed in <10% of patients. It was associated with frequent or increasing baseline angina and poor quality of life but not with objective markers of disease severity. Well-controlled baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a reduced likelihood of angiography. These findings point to the importance of a comprehensive assessment of symptoms and a review of guideline-directed medical therapy goals when deciding the initial treatment strategy for chronic coronary disease. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Revealing hidden diversity and community dynamics of land snails through DNA barcoding: implications for conservation and ecological studies

IntroductionLand snails play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem sustainability within their habitats. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of their communities is vital for ecological studies and the development of effective conservation strategies. In this study, land snail communities inhabiting the Hyrcanian forest were identified and the variations in their community composition along elevational gradients were investigated.MethodsSnail samples were collected from three distinct elevations in three different forest locations within the Hyrcanian area of Iran. This study utilized DNA barcoding to identify land snail species. By employing statistical analyses such as ANOVA and PERMANOVA, significant differences in the features of snail communities across different elevations were examined. Concurrently, soil samples were collected from each site to assess soil physicochemical parameters about snail presence.ResultThrough this comprehensive analysis, a total of 10 OTUs, were further classified into seven families, and nine genera were identified. Five of these genera had never been reported in the study region before. We observed a decline in OTU richness with increasing elevation; however, the maximum abundance of snails was found at higher elevations. CCA demonstrated that Ca, Mg, and moisture saturation predominantly shape snail community composition.DiscussionThe unique climatic conditions and spatial distribution of precipitation from lowlands to highlands, as well as from west to east, make the Hyrcanian forests an ideal case study area for understanding the dynamics of land snail communities. In summary, this study provides new insights into the land snail communities thriving in the Hyrcanian forests. The findings from our research can contribute to the development of effective conservation management strategies for forest ecosystems. By understanding the factors influencing the distribution and composition of land snail communities, we can make informed decisions to protect and preserve land snails and the balance they maintain within their habitats.

Broad-scale pesticide screening finds anticoagulant rodenticide and legacy pesticides in Australian frogs

Pesticide contamination poses a significant threat to non-target wildlife, including amphibians, many of which are already highly threatened. This study assessed the extent of pesticide exposure in dead frogs collected during a mass mortality event across eastern New South Wales, Australia between July 2021 and March 2022. Liver tissue from 77 individual frogs of six species were analysed for >600 legacy and contemporary pesticides, including rodenticides. More than a third (36 %) of the liver samples contained at least one of the following pesticides: brodifacoum, dieldrin, DDE, heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide, fipronil sulfone, and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). Brodifacoum, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, was found in four of the six frog species analysed: the eastern banjo frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii), cane toad (Rhinella marina), green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) and Peron's tree frog (Litoria peronii). This is the first report of anticoagulant rodenticide detected in wild amphibians, raising concerns about potential impacts on frogs and extending the list of taxa shown to accumulate rodenticides. Dieldrin, a banned legacy pesticide, was also detected in two species: striped marsh frog (Limnodynastes peronii) and green tree frog (Litoria caerulea). The toxicological effects of these pesticides on frogs are difficult to infer due to limited comparable studies; however, due to the low frequency of detection the presence of these pesticides was not considered a major contributing factor to the mass mortality event. Additional research is needed to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure on amphibians, particularly regarding the impacts of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. There is also need for continued monitoring and improved conservation management strategies for the mitigation of the potential threat of pesticide exposure and accumulation in amphibian populations.

Phenotypic and genetic divergence in a cold‐adapted grasshopper may lead to lineage‐specific responses to rapid climate change

AbstractAimSpecies responses to global warming will depend on intraspecific diversity, yet studies of factors governing biogeographic patterns of variability are scarce. Here, we investigate the evolutionary processes underlying genetic and phenotypic diversity in the flightless and cold‐adapted grasshopper Sigaus piliferus, and project its suitable space in time.LocationTe Ika‐a‐Māui Aotearoa—North Island of New Zealand.MethodsWe used mitochondrial sequences to investigate population connectivity and demographic trends using phylogeographic tools and neutrality statistics. Metric data were used to document phenotypic variation using naïve clustering. We used niche metrics to assess intraspecific niche variation, and niche modelling to investigate suitability under past and future scenarios. Multiple matrix regressions with randomization explored the processes contributing to phenotypic differentiation among grasshopper populations.ResultsNiche models and demographic analyses suggest suitable space for this grasshopper was more restricted during glacial than interglacial stages. Genealogical relationships among ND2 haplotypes revealed a deep north–south split partly concordant with phenotypic and niche variation, suggesting two ecotypes that have mixed during recolonisation of the central volcanic region. Multiple matrix regressions with randomization indicate a link between climate and phenotypic differentiation inferred from leg and pronotum dimensions but not pronotum shape. Niche projections predict severe habitat reduction due to climate warming.Main conclusionsThe current distribution and intraspecific diversity of S. piliferus reflect complex biogeographical scenarios consistent with Quaternary climates and volcanism. Phenotypic divergence appears adaptive. Current levels of genetic and phenotypic variation suggest adaptive potential, yet the pace of anthropogenic warming over the next 50 years could result in small populations that may collapse before adapting. Differences in niche features between diverging intraspecific lineages suggest distinct responses to climate change, and this has implications for prioritising conservation actions and management strategies.

Fast-track knee pathway – A cost effective, quality improvement initiative for knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis is increasing due to population growth, ageing and other risk factors. However, the majority of patients can successfully manage their symptoms using conservative management strategies with only a minority requiring surgery. In 2019, a patient waited four years to be seen if deemed routine for an elective orthopaedic out-patient appointment in a large acute hospital in Ireland. OBJECTIVE: To establish a Fast-Track Knee Pathway in an Irish healthcare setting, creating a more efficient channel into elective orthopaedics for patients requiring surgical intervention whilst providing community-based care for those with non-surgical needs. METHODS: – Establishment of a dedicated community-based physiotherapy and dietetic service for knee osteoarthritis. – Implementation of a Rapid Access Knee Clinic in elective orthopaedic clinics. – Economic evaluation of the Fast-Track Knee Pathway’s cost effectiveness compared with the traditional pathway. RESULTS: 403 patients with knee osteoarthritis were removed from physiotherapy waiting lists with 9 patients requiring referral onwards to the Rapid Access Knee Clinic. On average there was a 64% reduction in wait time to access an orthopaedic consultant across 4 pilot sites. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of € 22,535.03 per QALY was estimated. Comparing this to the national accepted threshold of € 45,000 per QALY the Fast-Track Knee Pathway can be considered cost-effective. CONCLUSION: The Fast-Track Knee Pathway provides a fully integrated pathway of care for patients with knee osteoarthritis, facilitating earlier access to orthopaedic intervention. An economic evaluation concluded that this model of care is more cost-effective than the traditional pathway.

Urological complications caused by inferior vena cava filters: a systematic review.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters act in preventing pulmonary embolisms (PE). Various complications have been reported with their use. However, a credible urological complication rate, filter characteristics, and clinical presentation has yet to be summarized. Thus, we reported these complications in the form of a systematic review. A search strategy was designed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE on February 10th, 2022. The design of this search strategy did not include any language restrictions. The key words (and wildcard terms) used in the search strategy were urolog*, ureter*, bladder, kidney coupled with filter, inferior vena cava, and cava*. Inclusion criteria were: patients older than 18, with previous IVC filter placement, and urologic complication reported. Exclusion criteria were: patients younger than 18, no IVC filter placement, and no urologic complication reported. Other case series and reviews were excluded to avoid patient duplication. Thirty-five articles were selected for full-text screening. Thirty-seven patient cases were reviewed, and the median age was 53 (range: 21-92 years old). Abdominal and or flank pain was reported in 16 (43%) patients, hematuria was seen in eight (22%) and two (5%) patients died due to acute renal failure resulting from the urologic complications of the IVC filter. Indications for IVC filter placement were recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE), contraindication to or noncompliance with anticoagulant therapy. The IVC filters were infrarenal in 29 (78.4%) patients, suprarenal in five (13.5%) patients, not reported in two patients, and misplaced into the right ovarian vein in one patient. Three or more imaging modalities were obtained in 19 patients (51%) for planning. IVC filter removal was not performed in 17 (45.9%) patients, endovascular retrieval occurred in nine (24.3%) patients, and open removal was performed in seven (18.9%) patients, and tissue interposition was performed in two (5.4%) patients. One patient did not have the management reported. Urological complications caused by IVC filters although rare, are likely underreported, require extensive workup, and pose surgical challenges. Due to their complex management, filter retrieval should be planned for as soon as feasible, and plans should be made as early as during the IVC filter implant. For those that do develop complications, clinical judgement must be exercised in management, and open surgical, endovascular or even conservative management strategies can be viable options and should be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting.

Tall, large-diameter trees and dense shrub layer as key determinants of the abundance and composition of bird communities in oak-dominated forests

Increasing human activity is altering the structure of forests, which affects the composition of communities, including birds. However, little is known about the key forest structure variables that determine the richness of bird communities in European temperate oak forests. We, therefore, aimed to identify key variables in these habitats that could contribute to the design of management strategies for forest conservation by surveying 11 oak-dominated forest sites throughout the mid-mountain range of Hungary at 86 survey points to reveal the role of different compositional and structural variables for forest stands that influence the breeding bird assemblages in the forests at the functional group and individual species levels. Based on decision tree modelling, our results showed that the density of trees larger than 30 cm DBH was an overall important variable, indicating that large-diameter trees were essential to provide diverse bird communities. The total abundance of birds, the foliage-gleaners, primary and secondary cavity nesters, residents, and five specific bird species were related to the density of high trunk diameter trees. The abundance of shrub nesters was negatively influenced by a high density of trees over 10 cm DBH. The density of the shrub layer positively affected total bird abundance and the abundance of foliage gleaners, secondary cavity nesters and residents. Analysis of the co-dominant tree species showed that the presence of linden, beech, and hornbeam was important in influencing the abundance of various bird species, e.g., Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris), Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) and Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix). Our results indicated that large trees, high tree diversity, and dense shrub layer were essential for forest bird communities and are critical targets for protection to maintain diverse and abundant bird communities in oak-dominated forest habitats.

Microbial contribution to the carbon flux in the soil: A literature review

ABSTRACT Carbon flows into and out of the soil are important processes that contribute to controlling the global climate. The relationship between soil organisms and the climate is interdependent since the organisms that contribute to carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes are simultaneously affected by climate change and soil management. Temperature, soil moisture, pH, nutrient level, redox potential and organic matter quality are key elements affecting the microorganisms involved in organic carbon flows in the soil. Climate, topography (slope and position in the landscape), soil texture, soil mineralogy and land-use regulate those key elements and, thus, the C fluxes in the pedosphere. Soil microbes can increase carbon influx and storage by promoting plant growth, mycorrhizal establishment, and particle aggregation. Conversely, microorganisms contribute to carbon efflux from the soil via methanogenesis, rhizospheric activity, and organic carbon mineralization. Nevertheless, strategies and management practices could be used to balance out carbon emissions to the atmosphere. For example, carbon influx and storage in the soil can be stimulated by plant growth promoting microorganisms, greater plant diversity via crop rotation and cover crops, cultivating mycotrophic plants, avoiding or reducing the use of fungicides and adopting organic farming, no-tillage crop systems and conservative soil management strategies. Therefore, this review aimed to shed light on how soil microorganisms can contribute to increase C influxes to the soil, and its significance for climate change. Then, we also seek to gather the practical actions proposed in the scientific literature to improve carbon sequestration and storage in the soil. In summary, the review provides a comprehensive basis on soil microorganisms as key to carbon fluxes and helpers to lessen climate change by increasing carbon fixation and storage in agroecosystems via stimulation or application of beneficial microorganisms.

Preserving the spots: Jaguar (Panthera onca) distribution and priority conservation areas in Colombia.

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is a charismatic species considered Vulnerable in Colombia but yet largely unknown in the country. The species is mostly threatened by the continuous decline in its habitats, mostly derived from deforestation and habitat loss, additional to hunting and conflicts with humans. Thus, the future of jaguars in Colombia depends on protecting and recovering existing habitats. The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate jaguar distribution and identify the remnant patches of habitat in Colombia, 2) define an ecological connectivity network within the country, and 3) propose a priority areas portfolio for the conservation and recovery of jaguars. We used a presence background model for estimating species potential distribution and subsequently identified remaining habitat patches across the country based on land cover and species-specific ecological attributes. We then created an ecological connectivity network based on circuit theory and following a multi-criteria approach identified jaguar priority areas for conservation (JPCA) and recovery (JPRA). Jaguar potential distribution comprises 1103122.43 km2, from which 56.71% maintain suitable patches of potential habitat. We identified 960 corridors between remnant patches of natural or semi-natural vegetation. Based on the criteria, JPCAs with greater importance were identified in each of the five Colombian regions. JPRAs were located mainly towards the Andean and Caribbean regions. These JPCAs and JPRAs could serve as a guide for designing and implementing management strategies for the long-term conservation and recovery of the species in Colombia.

Admixture and reproductive skew shape the conservation value of ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino

AbstractSmall populations of endangered species risk losing already eroded genetic diversity, important for adaptive potential, through the effects of genetic drift. The magnitude of drift can be mitigated by maximising the effective population size, as is the goal of genetic management strategies. Different mating systems, specifically those leading to reproductive skew, exacerbate genetic drift by distorting contributions. In the absence of an active management strategy, reproductive skew will have long-term effects on the genetic composition of a population, particularly where admixture is present. Here we examine the contrasting effects of conservation management strategies in two ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli), one managed as a semi-wild population in South Africa (SAx), and one managed under a mean-kinship breeding strategy in European zoos. We use molecular data to reconstruct pedigrees for both populations and validate the method using the zoo studbook. Using the reconstructed pedigree and studbook we show there is male sex-specific skew in both populations. However, the zoo’s mean-kinship breeding strategy effectively reduces reproductive skew in comparison to a semi-wild population with little genetic management. We also show that strong male reproductive skew in SAx has resulted in extensive admixture, which may require a re-evaluation of the population’s original intended role in the black rhino meta-population. With a high potential for admixture in many ex situ populations of endangered species, molecular and pedigree data remain vital tools for populations needing to balance drift and selection.

Population parameters and heterogeneity in survival rates of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in a heavily urbanized coastal region of southeast China: implications for conservation

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) region on the southeast coast of China is among the largest and most populated metropolitan regions of the world, subjecting the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) inhabiting coastal waters of this region – apparently the largest population of this species – to intense anthropogenic pressure. In this 5-year study (2011-2015), we applied mark-recapture techniques to quantify population parameters of humpback dolphins in the main body of the extensive estuarine system of the Pearl River, the Lingding Bay (LB), the most urbanized and industrialized part of PRD. The super-population size was estimated at 928 individuals (95% CI=823-1046), which however over-represents the latest number of extant animals. Annual estimates fluctuated between 708 and 750 dolphins, and likely reflect most accurately the latest/current number of humpback dolphins in waters of LB. Both the overall and annual estimates generated by our study are considerably lower than previously published abundance estimates. Apparent survival rates were generally low, estimated at 0.943 (SE = 0.008, 95% CI = 0.929-0.958) and 0.815 (SE = 0.025, 95% CI = 0.766-0.866) for adults and juveniles, respectively. In conjunction with limited recruitment, they may have led to a substantial decline in population numbers over the past two decades. Notably, dolphins exhibited heterogeneous apparent survival rates across the complex anthropogenic seascape of LB. Adult individuals that use Hong Kong waters as their primary habitat exhibited 6.2% higher survival rates than those in other parts of LB. This difference tripled (19.2%) for juveniles, a likely expression of their susceptibility to environmental and/or anthropogenic stresses. We suggest that the difference in survival is largely due to heterogeneous anthropogenic stressors that vary spatially across the estuary, among which habitat loss, pollution, and declining prey resources appear to be the primary threats. Based on our latest findings, we call for a strategic conservation planning with the highest priority given to preserve the remaining key dolphin habitats in Hong Kong waters, and to quantify and mitigate the impacts of major stressor(s) in Guangdong (mainland China) waters. Given the encroachment of ever-more-intense human activities on the coastal habitats of humpback dolphins, understanding their demographic response and the underlying mechanisms of the population processes may prove instrumental in the formulation of a conservation management strategy that can secure their continuous survival.