Road and eco-corridor conflict mitigation through multi-species wildlife crossings around national park

Reintroduction of platypuses to the Royal National Park: Survival and early establishment dynamics

African elephant, Loxodonta africana, behaviours across levels of tourism in Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe

Impact of human-induced disturbances on population abundance of large herbivores in Mago National Park, Southern Ethiopia

Grazing lawns affect vegetation composition and diversity of the endangered silcrete fynbos in the Bontebok National Park

Molecular detection of vector-borne and hemotropic pathogens in raccoons (Procyon lotor) from a tropical ecotourism area in Costa Rica.

Identifying priority conservation areas based on biodiversity and ecosystem services for the proposed Songnen Plain Crane Homeland National Park, China

In recent years, global climate change and changing environmental policy in North America have put forests at an all-time risk for devastating wildfires. Specifically, in 2024, a megafire known officially as the Jasper Complex Fire devastated the town of Jasper and the surrounding national park. The fire burned around 95,000 acres and caused around one billion CAD in damages. This paper primarily focuses on the Jasper Megafire and its causes, specifically dealing with economic changes to Parks Canada. By using information and statistics from climate models in Jasper National Park, wildland policy changes to Parks Canada under the UCP, and residential concerns in the Jasper townsite, this paper analyzes the environmental and political causes of the Jasper Megafire through many years of global environmental change and budget cuts. Moreover, interviews with a resident revealed deep concerns with Parks Canada mentioning ineffective prevention strategies and buildup of fire fuel. The intent of this paper is to call for stronger fire management and policy to protect Canadian forests.

Tracking the impact of PFAS regulations: Long-Term analysis of roe deer livers from 1998 until 2022.

Mountains are visually striking landforms that influence climate, ecosystems, and biodiversity through the steep gradients they create. Their dynamic environments attract diverse life forms, including humans-who depend on mountains for resources, refuge, and inspiration. Human concern with protecting and managing these landscapes has led to legal designations such as national parks, nature reserves, and, increasingly, restoration initiatives. Yet efforts to define mountains universally remain contested: global mapping suggests they cover between 12 and 30% of Earth's land surface, but mountains beneath ice sheets or oceans remain excluded. To explore how perceptions of mountains shape their definition and value, we examine three European cases: Mt. Snøhetta (Norway), the Dolomites (Italy), and Mt. Parnassos (Greece). Each illustrates how science, myth, and culture inform human-mountain relationships. We introduce the "Næss dilemma," highlighting the paradox that while empathy for mountains depends on interaction, such engagement inevitably alters what we seek to preserve.

This study investigated the diversity of trypanosomatids infecting small mammals in a fragmented forest landscape in southeastern Brazil, to gain insight into their role in transmission cycles and to assess potential public health risks. Eighteen small mammals were captured; seventeen were included in laboratory analyses: Didelphis albiventris (n = 4), Marmosops incanus (n = 4), and Nectomys squamipes (n = 9) were captured in the Mata da Tapera Municipal Natural Park, Minas Gerais State. To detect infection and assess host infectiousness, we used xenodiagnoses (Rhodnius neglectus and Lutzomyia longipalpis), 18S rRNA nested PCR, molecular typing, and parasitological culture. Leishmania infantum was identified in three individuals (two N. squamipes and one D. albiventris), L. braziliensis in one M. incanus, Trypanosoma cruzi DTU TcI in two D. albiventris, and T. lainsoni was detected in one D. albiventris and one N. squamipes. This integrated diagnostic strategy illustrates the value of combining parasitological, molecular, and experimental approaches for zoonotic surveillance at the wildlife-urban interface. Our findings document the occurrence of zoonotic trypanosomatids in a human-modified landscape and highlight potential transmission risks to humans and domestic animals, particularly in an area with active ecotourism, emphasizing the need for targeted surveillance within a One Health framework.

This research examines the potential of integrated land-sea spatial planning as a strategic approach to disaster risk reduction in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Specifically, it aims to 1) assess spatial overlaps between terrestrial-marine land-use patterns and hazard zones; 2) evaluate coastal typologies and their corresponding vulnerabilities; and 3) formulate sub-district-specific spatial planning recommendations to enhance regional resilience. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative spatial techniques and qualitative descriptive analysis. Disaster potential in coastal regions is examined through an integrated assessment of terrestrial disaster risks and marine-based Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) analyses. Terrestrial disaster susceptibility was assessed using the Regional Development Planning Agency (RDPA) 2021 disaster risk assessment, while coastal vulnerability was evaluated using CVI parameters and overlaid with terrestrial and marine spatial planning categories. The spatial analysis shows a strong convergence between high terrestrial disaster risk and land-use categories associated with intensive human modification, notably food crop agriculture (23,610.53 ha), plantations (19,718.99 ha), aquaculture, and urban and rural settlements. Protected areas such as mangrove ecosystems, wildlife reserves, and natural tourism parks are located in high-risk coastal belts, while parts of marine conservation reserve areas and capture fisheries areas fall within high and very high CVI classes. Land-rights (LR) overlays demonstrate that high tidal-flood risk coincides with Ownership Rights (OR) and unregistered parcels. Overall, the research demonstrates that sustainable coastal development in Tanah Laut Regency cannot be achieved by treating land and sea as separate planning arenas. Risk-sensitive, typology-based integration of terrestrial and marine spatial plans, supported by ecosystem-based zoning, mangrove restoration, relocation from high-risk zones, and strengthened marine conservation and fisheries management, is essential to enhance disaster resilience and long-term spatial sustainability in Tanah Laut Regency.

Scavengers generally rely on patchily distributed, unpredictable carrion. A long-standing hypothesis suggests scavenging ravens reliably locate such food by directly following large carnivores to their kills. However, by satellite tracking 69 ravens, 20 wolves, and 11 cougars in Yellowstone National Park, we found that following of predators over large distances rarely occurred. Instead, ravens routinely revisited sites where wolf kills were common-returning from distances of up to 155 kilometers to find carrion. Much like navigating to permanent anthropogenic subsidies, ravens appear to remember potential sources of carrion shaped by previous encounters with wolves or their kills. These findings suggest that spatial memory and navigation play a considerably greater role than previously assumed among scavengers, and possibly other wide-ranging species, in search of ephemeral resources.

Ecological resettlement (ER), or conservation-led displacement, is widely implemented to safeguard biodiversity but often produces complex socio-ecological outcomes. This study assessed the environmental justice (both social and ecological) impacts of ER in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) using an enhanced (including social, ecological, and environmental aspects) environmental justice (EJ) framework. Data were collected from 240 households across all resettled villages within the Chitwan and Parsa National Parks (NPs) of Nepal through household interviews, key informant interviews, focus groups, and field observations, supplemented by policy reviews, reports, and unpublished documents. Household demographics indicated an average family size of 5.5, gender parity (664 females, 658 males), and diverse caste/ethnic composition (ethnic: 146 households; higher caste: 64; lower caste: 6). Wealth distribution and literacy were uneven, with disparities in land ownership, assets, and social positions. Social and ecological justice outcomes were analysed using chi-square and McNemar tests. We observed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in substantive justice (food, shelter, clothing, and security) attributes before and after the resettlements. Similarly, significant improvements post-resettlement were observed in procedural and recognition justice: participation in decision-making increased from 43% to 62% (χ2 = 12.34, p < 0.05). However, recognition of Indigenous knowledge and FPIC rights remained low, with 93% of households reporting inadequate acknowledgment (χ2 = 198.5, p < 0.05). Distributive justice indicators, including access to compensation and forest resources, showed mixed outcomes, with 52% reporting fair compensation and 48% citing inequities (p < 0.05). Ecological outcomes also shifted significantly: forest cover decreased in 65% of surveyed areas post-resettlement, while grassland extent increased in 28% (χ2 = 27.4, p < 0.05). Water source accessibility declined for 48% of households (χ2 = 21.6, p < 0.05), and bushfire incidence decreased by 15% (χ2 = 9.8, p < 0.05). Composite scoring revealed strong linkages between social justice deficits and ecological downturn in the resettled areas, suggesting that inadequate participation, recognition, inequitable compensation, and ecological degradation shift the issues from parks to the outside and exacerbate environmental vulnerability. These findings demonstrate that ER can achieve partial ecological objectives inside the parks but often perpetuates social inequities and ecological downturn in the resettled areas, undermining the long-term sustainability of the socio-ecological landscape. The study highlights the critical need to integrate social justice, participatory governance, and ecological monitoring into resettlement planning. Future policies should be grounded in the understanding that conservation effectiveness and social equity are mutually reinforcing, and that ignoring justice dimensions risks undermining both biodiversity outcomes and human wellbeing.

Simulation outputs from forest landscape models are complex, and tools for their visual analysis and effective communication are often limited. In this paper, we present EcoViz, a novel, open‐source visualisation platform designed to complement existing forest models by providing advanced 3D visualisation capabilities. EcoViz facilitates the exploration of simulation results through two primary modes: symbolic rendering, designed for analytical tasks, such as pattern recognition and model evaluation, and photorealistic rendering, leveraging physically based rendering (Mitsuba 3) and a custom library of European 3D tree models for communication purposes. The platform imports spatially explicit individual tree or cohort data and employs a temporally coherent sampling technique to visualise individual trees derived from cell‐based density maps. Key features include: interactive side‐by‐side comparison of different simulation scenarios or time points, with synchronised navigation (viewpoint, timeline, transects), a mini‐map overview, timeline controls with linked ecological metric graphs, and transect analysis tools. The practical application of EcoViz is demonstrated by visualising simulations of the Berchtesgaden National Park under baseline and climate change scenarios exported from a forest landscape model. This case study showcases EcoViz's utility for comparative scenario analysis across spatial scales and how it aids model evaluation through visual inspection. While symbolic views support detailed analysis, the photorealistic output offers a compelling tool for science communication with diverse audiences, including scientific peers, forest managers, and the public.

During a survey of the Vashlovani National Park, Georgia (Sakartvelo), we have collected and identified 25 genera and 43 species of Encyrtidae. The genus Monstranusia Trjapitzin and nine species are new records for the Caucasus, and 7 species are new records for Georgia. Two new species of Anagyrus, A. kvesitadzei Japoshvili, sp. nov. and A. maro, Japoshvili, sp. nov., are described. Total number of encyrtid species distributed in Georgia now reaches 252.

Wildlife crime poses a severe threat to biodiversity conservation, ecological integrity, and sustainable development, particularly in biodiverse developing countries. In Uganda, protected areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) continue to experience persistent wildlife crimes, including poaching, illegal fishing, habitat encroachment, and wildlife trafficking, despite the presence of robust legal and institutional frameworks. Prosecution of wildlife offenders is widely recognised as a central deterrence mechanism and a key pillar of environmental justice and conservation governance. Yet the persistence of these crimes raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of existing prosecution processes. This study assessed the effectiveness of wildlife crime prosecution in QENP, with particular attention to legal, institutional, and operational determinants of enforcement outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to wildlife officers, community members, and law enforcement personnel with key informant interviews involving prosecutors, magistrates, park wardens, and conservation officials. These data were complemented by a systematic review of wildlife legislation, prosecution records, and policy documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings indicate that prosecution effectiveness is undermined by weak investigations, poor evidence management, limited technical and financial capacity, corruption, and judicial delays, resulting in low conviction rates and weak deterrence. Nonetheless, opportunities exist through strengthened legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, community-based intelligence, judicial reforms, and support from conservation partners. The study underscores the need to enhance investigative capacity, professionalise prosecutorial practices, and institutionalise coordinated enforcement mechanisms to improve wildlife crime prosecution and conservation outcomes in QENP

Forest area is a key indicator of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land), yet rapid deforestation, especially in tropical regions, poses a major environmental challenge. In Nigeria, increasing land use and land cover changes (LULCC) are encroaching on protected areas, leading to widespread forest degradation. This study assessed LULC changes in Cross River National Park (CRNP) using remotely sensed data and GIS techniques to monitor forest loss over time. Landsat satellite images from 2003 and 2013, as well as Nigerian Sat-X data from 2023, were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.1 and ERDAS Imagine 2014 for image pre-processing, classification, and accuracy assessment. Five LULC classes were identified within and around CRNP: forest cover, mixed grassland, farmland, built-up areas, and water bodies. Results showed a significant increase in mixed grassland and built-up areas between 2003 and 2013 in both the Oban and Okwangwo divisions. Mixed grassland expanded from 16.71% to 41.51% in Oban and from 15.67% to 38.87% in Okwangwo. Built-up areas also increased steadily, reflecting growing human settlements and activities. Conversely, forest cover declined drastically in both divisions. In Okwangwo, forest area decreased from 823.54 km² (78.48%) in 2003 to 437.10 km² (41.66%) in 2023, while Oban Division experienced a reduction from 1,992.30 km² (56.27%) to 1,069.22 km² (30.16%). The study concludes that population growth and increased dependence on park resources are major drivers of forest loss. It recommends sustainable land management practices, stronger conservation strategies, and strict enforcement of forest protection policies to curb deforestation in Cross River National Park.

This study examines the impact of wild animals on the livelihoods of people living in and around Dallagaon, Bardiya National Park, Nepal. Using interviews, observations, and survey questionnaires, the research explores awareness, safety, economic, psychological, and social effects of wildlife. Findings (mean score 4.3) reveal frequent crop and property damage, financial losses, and widespread fear and stress disrupting daily life. Despite tourism benefits, economic and emotional hardships prevail. A mean score 2.75 indicates community dissatisfaction with government support and compensation. Nevertheless, local awareness and collective efforts show resilience. The study concludes that human–wildlife conflict is a multidimensional issue requiring integrated solutions, improved preventive measures, fair compensation, and community-centered policies for sustainable coexistence.

The sharpshooter genus Cavichiana Mejdalani et al., 2014 previously included three species: C. bromelicola Mejdalani et al., 2014 (type species), C. alpina Quintas et al., 2020, and C. caelivittata Mejdalani et al., 2023. These species occur exclusively on bromeliads in southeastern and southern Brazil. Here we describe a new species, C. coeruleomaculata, from Caparaó National Park, municipality of Ibitirama, state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil (so far, the northernmost known record of the genus). The new taxon can be distinguished by the head with small bluish-white spots; forewings with large bluish-white transcommissural macula with anterior part covering scutellum; and aedeagus with conspicuous posterior projection directed dorsally and lacking apical crown of spines. An updated diagnosis of Cavichiana is presented, considering character variation found in species described after the original genus description. Also, a key to the known species of Cavichiana is provided and the distribution of the genus is discussed.