National Park Research Articles

Body size modulates the extent of seasonal diet switching by large mammalian herbivores in Yellowstone National Park.

Prevailing theories about animal foraging behaviours and the food webs they occupy offer divergent predictions about whether seasonally limited food availability promotes dietary diversification or specialization. Emphasis on how animals compete for food predominates in work on the foraging ecology of large mammalian herbivores, whereas emphasis on how the diversity of available foods generally constrains dietary opportunity predominates work on entire food webs. Reconciling predictions about what promotes dietary diversification is challenging because species' different body sizes and mobilities modulate how they seek and compete for resources-the mechanistic bases of common predictions may not pertain to all species equally. We evaluated predictions about five large-herbivore species that differ in body size and mobility in Yellowstone National Park using GPS tracking and dietary DNA. The data illuminated remarkably strong and significant correlations between body size and five key indicators of diet seasonality (R 2 = 0.71-0.80). Compared to smaller species, bison and elk showed muted diet seasonality and maintained access to more unique foods when winter conditions constrained food availability. Evidence from GPS collars revealed size-based differences in species' seasonal movements and habitat-use patterns, suggesting that better accounting for the allometry of foraging behaviours may help reconcile disparate ideas about the ecological drivers of seasonal diet switching.

Diversity, vertical stratification and detection of Leishmania DNA in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in the Mapinguari National Park, Brazilian Amazon

Diversity, vertical stratification and detection of Leishmania DNA in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in the Mapinguari National Park, Brazilian Amazon

Understanding Factors Affecting Tourist Distribution in Urban National Parks Based on Big Data and Machine Learning

Understanding Factors Affecting Tourist Distribution in Urban National Parks Based on Big Data and Machine Learning

Acquisition of elemental sulfur by sulfur-oxidising Sulfolobales.

Elemental sulfur (S8 0)-oxidising Sulfolobales (Archaea) dominate high-temperature acidic hot springs (>80°C, pH <4). However, genomic analyses of S8 0-oxidising members of the Sulfolobales reveal a patchy distribution of genes encoding sulfur oxygenase reductase (SOR), an S8 0 disproportionating enzyme attributed to S8 0 oxidation. Here, we report the S8 0-dependent growth of two Sulfolobales strains previously isolated from acidic hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, one of which associated with bulk S8 0 during growth and one that did not. The genomes of each strain encoded different sulfur metabolism enzymes, with only one encoding SOR. Dialysis membrane experiments showed that direct contact is not required for S8 0 oxidation in the SOR-encoding strain. This is attributed to the generation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from S8 0 disproportionation that can diffuse out of the cell to solubilise bulk S8 0 to form soluble polysulfides (Sx 2-) and/or S8 0 nanoparticles that readily diffuse across dialysis membranes. The Sulfolobales strain lacking SOR required direct contact to oxidise S8 0, which could be overcome by the addition of H2S. High concentrations of S8 0 inhibited the growth of both strains. These results implicate alternative strategies to acquire and metabolise sulfur in Sulfolobales and have implications for their distribution and ecology in their hot spring habitats.

Symbiosis between the Javan rhinoceros and slender-billed crow: A novel inferred cleaning mutualism.

Over the past century, the Javan rhinoceroses' (Rhinoceros sondaicus) secluded nature and low population size have led to a gap in knowledge of their ecology. With fewer than 80 individuals surviving in a single population in West Java, Indonesia, the Javan rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world. As part of a pilot bioacoustics study of the Javan rhinoceros in 2019, we systematically reviewed camera trap footage from the core Javan rhinoceros range in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). In doing so, we discovered a previously unknown interaction between the Javan rhinoceros and the slender-billed crow (Corvus enca), in which the crow finds and eats ectoparasites from the rhinoceros (Figure1). We describe this interaction and suggest that it may represent a cleaning mutualism with benefits for both the crow and the rhinoceros.

Oribatid Mites in a Humid Mediterranean Environment under Different Soil Uses and Fertilization Management

Measuring soil quality and the use of indicators for its evaluation is a worldwide challenge. In Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (northeastern Spain), different parameters related to oribatid mites as indicators of soil quality were evaluated under different land uses: forest, pasture, and a biennial double-crop rotation of forage crops. In forage crops, previous fertilization management (one based on mineral fertilizers, three on cattle manure, and one using both types) was also evaluated. Three samplings (April, June, and September) were performed over one season. Fifty-four oribatid species belonging to 28 families were identified. Abundance was the lowest in June for all land uses (average of 1184 individuals m−2). In the study period, abundance, diversity (Shannon index, H’), and dominance (Berger–Parker index, d) varied with different land uses, with the highest values of abundance and H’ in forests (9287 individuals m−2 and 2.19, respectively) and the lowest dominance in forests (d = 0.29) without differences between the other uses. Additionally, in the studied parameters, no differences were associated with previous fertilization management in forage crops. Hypochthoniella minutissima, Xenillus (X.) tegeocranus characterized the forest system, Epilohmannia cylindrica minima the forage crops, and Tectocepheus sarekensis the pasture. In pasture, the dominance of the parthenogenetic species Tectocepheus sarekensis raises concerns about potential management constraints.

The role of protected areas in the Balkan freshwater biodiversity conservation: The case of Blidinje Nature Park (Southwestern Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Freshwaters of the Balkan Peninsula show high levels of endemism and relict species, which are still little studied and are threatened by numerous anthropogenic stressors. Protected areas could give special opportunities to improve knowledge of their biodiversity and develop proper conservation measures for the most at-extinction risk species. The aims of this research were to: i) fill the knowledge gap regarding fish and crustaceans occurring in the main water bodies of the Blidinje Nature Park (Southwestern Bosnia-Herzegovina); ii) assess the population abundance and growth, for the species of conservational interest; iii) identify fish biodiversity hotspots in Bosnia-Herzegovina; iv) identify anthropogenic pressures and suggest proper conservation measures. Fish and crayfish data were collected in four sampling sites located on the main water bodies, using electrofishing and gillnets, in three sampling phases over the period July 2022-August 2023. The presence of three species at high extinction risk has been detected: Squalius tenellus, Aulopyge huegelii and Astacus astacus. Their populations were abundant, with balanced age structure and good growth performance. A spatial analysis allowed to quantify the fractions of the endemic species range covered by the Blidinje Nature Park, which were 6.1% and 2.3% for S. tenellus and A. huegelii, respectively. The presence of invasive Atlantic trout and overharvesting of crayfish seem to represent the main anthropogenic pressures on freshwater biota. The obtained information allowed to expand the knowledge on the distribution and population status of threatened species and to highlight diversity hotspots as valuable tools for their conservation and management.

Advancing Sustainable Tourism: A Study on Eco-Tourism Policies in Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam

The global tourism industry has suffered significant losses due to the impact of global pandemic Covid-19. This paper examines the policies and efforts adopted by the local authorities of Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam to support their sustainable tourism industries and it seeks to draw lessons from both countries. The research will primarily focus on ecotourism issues and challenges in specific areas such as national parks, natural landscapes, and historical sites in both countries. Specific destinations within these eco-tourism categories for Indonesia’s; Bogor Botanical Garden, Onrust Archeological Park in Thousand Island Jakarta, and North Sulawesi Mountain Landscape. For Brunei Darussalam’s; Kampong Ayer, Sumbiling Eco-Village, and Ulu Temburong National Park. This study reveals challenges in tourism industry stakeholders’ participation level, inadequate and improper tourism infrastructure, a lack of skilled workforce employment. and insufficient public education on eco-tourism in both nations. Recommendations emphasize the importance of capacity building for stakeholder collaboration, infrastructure acquisition, and technology-driven knowledge transfer. The limitations of this study lie in the scarcity of research on empirical study and the unavailability of high-level official interviews. Therefore, for future research, it is important to assess the effectiveness of Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam government’s direct response such as funding mechanism policy, infrastructures development policy, and the utilization of digital platform policy. Besides, it is also important to assess the Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam government’s response to and anticipation of ecotourism issues for both countries.

공공문화콘텐츠로서의 산림교육과 자연해설에 대한 해석적 연구: 프리먼 틸든의 ‘해설’ 개념을 중심으로

This study is an interpretive research on the philosophical orientation of forest education, a public cultural content utilizing forest resources. Forest education professionals such as ‘forest interpreters’, ‘early childhood forest guides’, and ‘forest trail and mountain guides’ are trained to provide public cultural content services that mediate between citizens and nature. This practice originated in the historical context of nature preservation and management through state-led national parks, which began in the West, particularly in the United States. Forest education in Korea, such as forest interpretation, is equivalent to ‘nature interpretation’ in the West. The various literatures produced on nature interpretation have had a significant impact on Korean forest education policy, and this study aims to identify the ideological roots of nature interpretation, which have been largely unexplored. The study first approached nature interpretation activities by collecting examples from Europe, Northern Europe, and Canada, confirming that nature preservation is a common goal and purpose. Through a historical approach, the researchers examined the preservationism that influenced the introduction of nature interpretation in the West and realized that the philosophical origin of nature interpretation is the idea of combining nature preservation and spirituality. To understand nature interpretation, we examine Freeman Tilden's concept of interpretation, which continued this early preservationist spirit but constructively transformed it and shaped nature interpretation today. The study explored the core concept of ‘the Thing Itself’ in the context of Romantic texts such as those by Novalis and Carl von Linné, centering on Kant's influence on Romanticism. Most importantly, the researchers interpreted Tilden's concept of ‘interpretation’ as a theory of the sublime to explore the philosophical roots of nature interpretation. Through this study, it is argued that the essential meaning of the field of nature interpretation is the unity of nature and human beings and the love of nature through personal experience and recognition of the sublime in nature.

VEGETATION COVER DYNAMICS OF THE ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS OF MAYO-KEBBI WEST IN CHAD FROM 2009 TO 2019

This study highlights the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in monitoring vegetation formations in the Mayo-Kebbi West province. The general objective of this study is to contribute to better management and conservation of vegetation formations in the Lere-Binder wildlife reserves, Sena-Oura National Park, and the Yamba Berte forest formation. The spatio-temporal evolution of vegetation was analyzed using Sentinel imagery from 2009 and 2019. The results and matrix analyses showed that 42.86% of the land cover units (grassland, shrubland to woodland, and flood zone) experienced a regression of 7.6 ha per year, while 57.14% (water bodies, fields, gallery forest, and open forest) showed progression. It is noteworthy that the main factors driving vegetation degradation are agriculture, livestock farming, logging, charcoal production, and gold mining.

Elemental composition of post-wildfire biomass ashes and partly burned woody species in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic.

The study explored the post-wildfire elemental composition of parts (wood, bark, branch, cone, trunk, litter, twig, needle, sward, fallow, sapling, etc.) and by-products (biomass ashes, partly burnt parts, and char) of different woody species in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic, and considered their effects on soils. Multi-elemental analysis of the fire by-products of the woody species was determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry and compared with control biomass samples unaffected by wildfire. Most fire by-products were slightly alkaline, with acidic ashes obtained from blueberry wood. The by-products of the wildfire were characterized by varied total contents of macro (P, Ca, K, Mg, and S), micro (Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn), and other elements (B, Co, Mo, and V) vital to soil fertility and plant growth. The mean content of macro elements in the biomass ashes was up to 4.16 P, 23.5 Ca, 2.48Mg, 63K, and 5.57 S g kg-1. These values were comparatively lower than published data for ashes obtained under optimized conditions, e.g., those combusted in power generation facilities. Conversely, partly burnt parts-an indication of incomplete combustion-had higher 9.22 P, 79 Ca, and 5.99Mggkg-1 contents in spruce needles than in biomass ashes and the control. Variations in woody species and anthropogenic activities in areas of wildfires produced varied As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb contents above EU fertilizer regulation. Caution in applying biomass ashes from wildfires on fields is required due to risk/toxic elements input from anthropogenic activities. Wildfire effects on the elemental composition of woody species can provide information on plant parts most suitable for biomass ashes for soil and ecosystem safety.

Microalgal Diversity and Molecular Ecology: A Comparative Study of Classical and Metagenomic Approaches in Ponds of the Eifel National Park, Germany

While molecular methods have begun to transform ecology, most algal biodiversity is still studied using the classical approach of identifying microalgae by light microscopy directly in sample material or using cultures. In this study, we compare both approaches (light microscopy and metagenomics as a molecular approach) using the freshwater ponds of the Eifel National Park in Germany as a case study. The ponds were found to be rich in desmids by light microscopy. A total of 299 species representing 81 genera were identified by light microscopy. While the molecular method does not currently allow species identification in most cases, we were able to identify 207 different algal genera. In total, 157 genera were detected only by metagenomics, 50 genera were found with both methods, and 31 genera were found by light microscopy, highlighting the need to continue using light microscopy in addition to a molecular approach. The metagenomics method has several advantages over the light microscopy method: (1) deeper assessment of alpha biodiversity, (2) better abundance numbers, and (3) complete coverage of all living matter. The latter is also a significant improvement over metabarcoding, as universal PCR primers are not available.

제주곶자왈도립공원 이용가치 제고를 위한 방문객 인식 연구 - 중요도-만족도 분석(IPA)의 적용을 통해

This study was conducted to prepare a plan to improve the value of use through an IPA on the perception of visitors at the Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park. Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park is operated by establishing a basic plan for efficient use based on a legal management system for conservation. It is managed as an important environmental asset of Jeju Island, and 200,000 visitors visit Gotjawal every year to enjoy its vegetation and environment. In this study, considering the variables related to the use of natural parks in previous studies, we extracted items to prepare measures to improve the characteristics and use value of Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park and constructed a scale by dividing them into playfulness, comfort, convenience, and economic factors. IPA was implemented through a survey, and implications were derived for each matrix. Currently, Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park's playfulness as a natural resource showed high satisfaction, and it was found that it was necessary to prepare improvement measures to improve convenience. In addition, it was found that additional research in terms of economic feasibility was necessary to improve the value of use. If future research is conducted to overcome the fact that the data collection period of this study is limited to a specific period, it is expected that field applicability will be further increased.

Celebrating cultural heritage within national parks

No abstract available.

Linking soil health and carbon dynamics to conservation measures: Evidence from nematode communities in Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco

Global environmental policies have effectively designated 17 % of the Earth's surface as protected areas and implemented robust measures to address climate change. However, the importance of soils as critical reservoirs of biodiversity and carbon is often overlooked in global policy making. In the present study, we used nematodes as indicators to assess the impact of conservation strategies on soil food web connectance. We explored nematode metabolic footprints and their carbon budget, and evaluated soil health by identifying factors that influence nematode functional diversity. We collected 180 soil samples from three zones in the Souss Massa National Park in Morocco: transitional zone (organic cropping and grazing activities), buffer zone (grazing activity), core zone (strictly protected area), and a nearby intensively farmed non-protected area. We noted a consistent decline in diversity within all trophic groups from the core zone (56 taxa) to the non-protected zone (18 taxa). A notable increase in total nematode abundance and herbivore diversity was observed in the organic soils of the transitional zone. In contrast, nematode abundance and diversity were lower in non-protected zones. Meloidogyne, a sedentary endoparasite, was prevalent in conventional crops outside the park but was not reported within the park. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were the major soil parameters affecting nematode food webs. The functional metabolic footprints of nematodes were enhanced by nature conservation, highlighting the crucial role of nematodes in generating carbon influxes in protected areas. Our results show that 3.11× 1012 nematodes (with a total biomass of 330.47 tonnes) inhabit surface soils across the park, which is 14.38 times greater than the same area in the non-protected zone. Daily production and storage of biomass and carbon budget were 43.85 and 48.93 % higher in the park top soils than in the non-protected zone, respectively. This knowledge is significant for decision makers when formulating nature conservation programs, planning sustainable land use strategies, and addressing the challenges of rising CO2 emissions.

Precipitation and temperature primarily determine the reptile distributions in China

Reptiles make up one‐third of tetrapods, however they are often omitted from global conservation analyses. Understanding the determinants of reptile distribution is the foundation for reptile conservation research. We assembled a dataset on the distribution of 231 reptile species (nearly 50% of recorded species in China). We then investigated the association of species range filling (the proportion of observed ranges compared to species potential climate distributions) with climate, range size, topography and human activity, using three regression methods. At the species level, we found the most primary factors influencing the recent distribution pattern of reptiles across China were the mean annual precipitation (MAP) and the mean annual temperature (MAT). In contrast, human activity came in last. Similarly, at a spatial level, MAP and MAT were still the most important factors. Geographically, the south and east of China support the highest reptile diversity, partially due to high precipitation. Contrary to the prevailing notion that reptile distributions are primarily shaped by human activities, our study re‐emphasizes the importance of climate in determining reptile distribution. It accentuates the necessity of integrating climate variables into future animal conservation strategies in China. Our findings also offer valuable insights for informing conservation practices, including the site planning of natural reserves and national parks, as well as monitoring of environmental factors in protected areas.

Geochemical characterisation of archaeological sites in Mapungubwe, National Park, South Africa

Geochemical characterisation of archaeological sites in Mapungubwe, National Park, South Africa

Water availability and biological interactions shape amphibian abundance and diversity in Mediterranean temporary rivers

Amphibians, the most threatened vertebrates globally, face risks due to climate change, habitat loss, and fragmentation. Their sensitivity to environmental changes highlights their importance as ecological indicators. Temporary rivers, influenced by geological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors, play a critical role in shaping biodiversity and community structure. Some species of amphibians may be adapted to these temporary waters, a fact reflected in their life cycles and various biological traits. However, to develop effective conservation strategies for amphibians, it is essential to address the knowledge gaps surrounding the complex interactions between biological dynamics and fluvial habitat conditions. In this study, we investigated how trophic interactions between amphibians and other aquatic organisms (diatoms, macroinvertebrates, and fish), coupled with environmental factors (water availability and riparian structure), can affect amphibian abundance and diversity in temporary rivers. The study was conducted in a Mediterranean river network located in Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park (Catalonia, Spain). Our expectations were that habitats suitable for egg deposition, lacking predators (e.g. tadpole-predators and fish), and abundant in food sources would likely support higher amphibian abundance and diversity. However, water availability was identified as a crucial factor shaping abundance and diversity in the studied amphibian communities, even if it correlated with fish presence, and especially impacting amphibian species usually linked to permanent water bodies. Concerning biotic interactions, while our results suggested that amphibian populations in temporary rivers are more dependent on top-down than bottom-up interactions, the presence of aquatic predators was not as conclusive as expected, suggesting that in temporary rivers the fish-avoiding amphibian species can survive using microhabitats or breeding opportunities linked to natural river dynamics. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of considering multi-trophic interactions, hydroperiod and habitat heterogeneity in temporary river ecosystems for effective amphibian conservation.

Survey of Invasive Plants at Hin Nam No National Park, Khammoune Province, Laos

Survey of Invasive Plants at Hin Nam No National Park, Khammoune Province, Laos

Birds and mammals assemblages assessment in sub-Antarctic channels of the Kawésqar National Park and Reserve, southern Chile

Clarence Island and its inland channels are part of the Kawésqar National Park and Kawésqar National Reserve, an extensive wilderness area dominated by pristine sub-Antarctic environments and high marine biodiversity. During the summer and winter of 2020, the assemblages of birds and mammals were recorded in 10 sites, and these data, the following aspects were evaluated: 1) the sampling effort used with species accumulation curves and 2) the community structure of the assemblages with alpha and beta diversity. The total richness was 35 species of birds and 6 species of mammals, representing 17% of both groups documented for the sub-Antarctic Ecoregion of Magellan. During summer and winter, low and high values of species richness and abundance were registered, which modulated low and medium values of diversity. The moderate diversity was consistent with the beta diversity values from the Whittaker index, which on average indicates low species replacement in response to seasonal change. By considering that 20 % of the recorded species have high conservation risks, it can be concluded that this type of fauna survey contributes to improve the knowledge and dissemination of the current distribution of these species, and in future scenarios it will be useful to help predict local extinction events for anthropogenic or natural reasons.