Conservation Of Native Species Research Articles

Estimates of life-history and growth parameters of exploited fish species in lakes Edward and George: Implications on exploitation status, population dynamics, management, and conservation of native species.

Adequate knowledge is essential for responsible inland fisheries. However, many inland fisheries lack monitoring, and therefore, decision-making for fisheries management is not reliable. In this paper, we used data from surveys and literature to estimate the life-history and growth parameters of 16 exploited fish stocks in the Ugandan part of Lake Edward and Lake George (East Africa). The estimated parameters are pivotal indicators of fish stock status, particularly in data-poor fisheries. The estimated parameters included maximum length (Lmax) and mean length (Lmean) as indicators of size structure in experimental and commercial catches, coefficients of length-weight relationships, length at 50% maturity (Lm50), fecundity, von Bertalanffy parameters, total mortality (Z), and natural mortality (M). These parameters were estimated using empirical formulae, statistical methods, and analyses of length frequencies. Only two stocks of semutundu Bagrus docmak exhibited significant and increasing trends in Lmax (Lake Edward) and Lmean (Lake George). The estimates for the remaining parameters were consistent with those in FishBase and other literature resources, either for the same species or related species. This consistency indicates their reliability for application in decision-making and further assessments. Some parameters showed evidence of unsustainable fishing. For example, estimates of Lm50 for four of the assessed stocks belonging to two species (Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and marbled lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus) were lower than baseline estimates in the studied waterbodies. Furthermore, the Lmean in catches for all the stocks were less than the optimum lengths (Lopt), which maximize catches with a minimal impact on biomass and size structure. No significant changes in Lmean, length-frequency distributions, and size at maturity could be attributed to the management changes implemented in 2018, probably because it is too early to observe changes in these parameters. However, there are positive signs attributable to the changes in management as shown by a high proportion of mature individuals in commercial catches for most of the stocks for which the proportion was calculated, and an increase in Lmean and Lmax for some stocks, such as B. docmak, in commercial or experimental catches. New estimates from this study will enhance decision-making and further assessments of fisheries. Routine monitoring is recommended to update and improve the estimates.

Preservation of Biodiversity and Sustainability of Ecosystem

Sustainable agriculture and biodiversity have a significant impact on human well-being, ecological resilience, and food security. They are closely related aspects of the future of our planet.It promotes the stability and functioning of ecosystems, providing numerous ecosystem services vital for agriculture, including pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, and genetic resources for crop breeding. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience. For instance, pollinators like bees and butterflies facilitate the reproduction of many crops, while natural predators help control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, seeks to meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. However, modern agricultural practices have often led to the degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and the erosion of genetic diversity in crops and livestock. These problems have been exacerbated by deforestation, overuse of agrochemicals, and monocropping. In the long term these practices harm the environment and endanger food security by reducing the system's ability to adapt to changing conditions. Sustainable agricultural practices, by enhancing farming methods such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming, can support and enhance biodiversity by preserving habitat diversity. Conservation of native species, implementation of agro-ecological practices, and support for small-scale farmers are important steps towards achieving a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and biodiversity. There is a need of collaboration across all sections of society from intergovernmental agreements down to local community action for tackling the biodiversity catastrophe. People may learn more about local ecosystems and develop a greater regard and appreciation for them by reestablishing a connection with nature and inspiring others to do the same. UNDP sustainable development goal-15 aims to protect the biodiversity by sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystem.

Agroforestry Contribution to Native Woody Species Conservation, Carbon Sequestration, and Livelihood Benefits in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Agroforestry Contribution to Native Woody Species Conservation, Carbon Sequestration, and Livelihood Benefits in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Characterization of transcriptome changes in saline stress adaptation on Leuciscus merzbacheri using PacBio Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq.

Leuciscus merzbacheri is a native fish species found exclusively in the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang. It exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in varying water conditions such as the saline waters, the semi-saline water, and the freshwater. Despite its significantly economic and ecological value, the underlying mechanisms of its remarkable salinity tolerance remain elusive. Our study marks the first time the full-length transcriptome of L. merzbacheri has been reported, utilizing RNA-Seq and PacBio Iso-Seq technologies. We found that the average length of the full-length transcriptome is 1,780bp, with an N50 length of 2,358bp. We collected RNA-Seq data from gill, liver, and kidney tissues of L. merzbacheri from both saline water and freshwater environments, and conducted comparative analyses across these tissues. Further analysis revealed significant enrichment in several key functional gene categories and signaling pathways related to stress response and environmental adaptation. The findings provide a valuable genetic resource for further investigation into saline-responsive candidate genes, which will deepen our understanding of teleost adaptation to extreme environmental stress. This knowledge is crucial for the future breeding and conservation of native fish species.

Diversity and conservation of native Argentine species of Gratioleae (Plantaginaceae)

The tribe Gratioleae is the richest in species of the family Plantaginaceae, with 30 genera and more than 300 species growing mainly in South America, which could be considered a center of diversity. Argentina is one of the countries with the largest number of species (35 belonging to 6 genera) of the tribe. Although the Argentinean Flora and a checklist have been published, both are outdated. With this background, we presented an updated summary of the diversity of species belonging to the tribe Gratioleae in Argentina, with detailed analysis of their geographic distribution, their conservation status according to the categories established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as an exhaustive study on the distribution of their richness and threat patterns in different ecoregions of the country. In addition, an evaluation of the proportion of threatened species in relation to Argentina’s Protected Areas (PAs) was evaluated. The results showed that species of Gratioleae were present in 14 ecoregions, distributed predominantly in the Humid and Dry Chaco, and the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest. Eighteen species of the 37 Argentine taxa, including two endemic taxa, are categorized as threatened (VU, EN, or CR) (47%). Although some of these species are partially protected due to their distribution in PAs, others lack this protection. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the geographic distribution of Gratioleae within the Argentine flora, and its conservation status.

Diversity of Freshwater Mollusks from Lake Pampulha, Municipality of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The artificially created Lake Pampulha, within the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, lacks detailed information about its freshwater mollusks, representing a challenge for the assessment and conservation of this ecosystem. In this study, conducted during June and August 2021, we collected specimens on four different occasions and at five sampling points around the lake, using different sampling equipment, such as a shovel and a scoop. During these collections, we identified, enumerated and measured 1538 species of mollusks and additionally examined the presence of trematode larvae. We identified twelve species of fresh water bivalves and gastropods: Biomphalaria straminea, Biomphalaria kuhniana, Biomphalaria occidentalis, Drepanotrema cimex, Pomacea maculata, Stenophysa marmorata, Physa acuta, Gundlachia ticaga, Melanoides tuberculata, Pseudosuccinea columella, Omalonyx matheroni and Corbicula largillierti. Echinostome and strigeocercaria types of larval trematodes were detected in B. straminea. Notably, some species of mollusks have not previously been recorded at Lake Pampulha. The analyses revealed differences in the composition and abundance of species, highlighting the higher number of mollusk species in areas more impacted by human actions. This study expands our understanding of mollusk diversity at Lake Pampulha, and provides valuable data for longitudinal comparisons of water quality and considerations of the conservation of native species. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of choosing appropriate sampling equipment, depending on the research objectives. The presence of invasive species of medical and veterinary relevance as intermediate hosts of parasites reinforces the need for efficient environmental protection strategies to preserve this artificial, aquatic environment widely used by the local population and by tourists.

Gardens as drivers of native plant species dispersal and conservation

Abstract Gardens hold untapped potential for participatory biodiversity conservation. Conservation gardening has recently emerged as a way to foster declining native plant species in urban and rural green spaces. But the impact of cultivating these species on population trends in the broader landscape remains underexplored. This study examines the effects of cultivating herbaceous native plants on their long‐term population trends and endangerment, using Rothmaler's ‘Herbaceous Ornamental and Crop Plants’ in Germany, along with the German Red List of 1998 and 2018. It investigates whether native plants under cultivation are less endangered, examines the long‐term population trends relative to cultivation frequency and assesses the potential role of cultivation in improving Red List status. The findings reveal that cultivated species, especially those commonly grown in gardens, were less likely to be endangered. Moreover, commonly cultivated species had fewer declining and more positive long‐term population trends compared to non‐cultivated species. Some evidence suggests that commonly cultivated plants recorded on the 1998 Red List as threatened are more likely to improve their status, yet still a considerable proportion is in decline. These findings hint at a promising role of gardens as a means to support native species populations, but they also underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of which species are most likely to benefit from cultivation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Can intensive trapping to reduce the abundance of an invasive crayfish benefit an imperiled congener?

Abstract Management aimed at reducing the population sizes of established invasive species can be beneficial for the conservation of native species. Crayfish are some of the most widespread and impactful invasive species in freshwater ecosystems. This study evaluated the efficacy of intensive baited trapping as a tool to reduce the abundance of an invasive crayfish (Procambarus spiculifer) in small streams and benefit an imperiled congener (Procambarus pictus). The invasive crayfish was captured and removed from a 1‐km stream reach through three rounds of intensive trapping conducted over a 16‐month period. The abundance of the invasive species declined significantly in the trapping reach after the initial round of trapping. Throughout the year following the onset of trapping, its abundance within the trapping reach was less than half of that at control sites. The sex ratio of invasive crayfish collected in traps was approximately 1:1, and 31% of captured individuals were likely to be immature based on size class. The abundance of the imperiled species did not change significantly over the study period, but 1 year may not be long enough to detect a response. Overall, the data suggest that periodic intensive trapping can effectively reduce the abundance of this invasive crayfish in small streams, and the extent to which this benefits the imperiled species remains an open question. Future research examining how trapping can best be applied to achieve lasting effects (including trap type, season and barriers to immigration) would be valuable for understanding the conservation potential of this management technique.

How do different concentrations of aluminum and zinc affect the survival, body size, morphology and immune system of Physalaemus cuvieri (Fitzinger, 1826) tadpole?

ABSTRACT The assessment of amphibian responses as bioindicators of exposure to chemical pollutants is an important tool for conservation of native species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) exposure on survival, body size, morphology (malformations), and immune system (leukocyte profile) in P. cuvieri tadpoles. Ecotoxicological analyses were performed utilizing chronic toxicity tests in which 210 tadpoles at the 25th Gosner developmental stage were exposed to Al and Zn. Individuals of P. cuvieri were maintained in glass containers containing various concentrations of aluminum sulfate (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mg/L) and zinc sulfate (0.18, 0.27 or 0.35 mg/L), and tests were performed in triplicate. After 14 days, amphibians were weighed, measured and survival rate, malformations in the oral and intestine apparatus, leukocyte profile, and ratio between neutrophils and lymphocytes determined. The differing concentrations of Al and Zn did not produce lethality in P. cuvieri where 95% of the animals survived 326 hr following metal exposure. Individuals exposed to Zn achieved greater body growth and weight gain compared to controls. Aluminum increased weight gain compared controls. These metals also produced malformations of the oral and intestine apparatus and enhanced occurrence of hemorrhages, especially at the highest doses. Lymphocytes were the predominant cells among leukocytes, with lymphopenia and neutrophilia observed following Al and Zn treatment, as evidenced by elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, an important indicator of stress in animals. Data suggest that further studies need to be carried out, even with metal concentrations higher than those prescribed by CONAMA, to ensure the conservation of this species.

An evaluation of the relative size, body condition, and survival of triploid Walleye in the wild

AbstractObjectiveNatural dispersal or unauthorized introductions of nonnative predatory sport fish can undermine native species conservation and other fisheries management objectives. The use of reproductively sterile triploid fish may provide a lower risk stocking option (i.e., genetic and reproductive containment) for diversifying angling opportunities while possibly reducing angler motivation to illegally transplant fish. Management interest in triploid Walleye Sander vitreus is growing, and these fish are currently stocked by several fisheries agencies. However, little is known about the poststocking growth, body condition, and survival of triploid Walleye—information that is important for calibrating expectations and guiding policy regarding their use.MethodsWe compared the age‐specific size, body condition, and survival of subadult (i.e., ages 0–3) triploid Walleye to those of normal diploid conspecifics in two eastern Colorado reservoirs. Paired stockings of triploid and diploid Walleye occurred over 3 years. Both fry and fingerlings were stocked each year.ResultTriploids were generally smaller in length (6.6% smaller on average) and weight (20.6% smaller) compared to diploids across all age‐classes. Despite being smaller, triploids had similar body condition relative to diploids. On average, the survival of triploids from spring stocking to their first fall was 6.3× lower than that of diploids, but no differences in survival were observed beyond this early life stage. This pattern was consistent across cohorts and reservoirs.ConclusionThe present work provides a foundation for future studies that are designed to clarify patterns of survival from spring to the first fall by accounting for size at stocking and natural‐origin fish and studies that are planned to assess the poststocking performance of triploid Walleye independent of diploids.

The Polydrusus weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of the United States of America and Canada: identification and insights into the ecology of two nonnative species in hazel (Corylus spp.)

Abstract Seven species of Polydrusus Germar weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) occur in the United States of America and Canada, three of which are introduced from Europe, are polyphagous, and may be displacing native weevil fauna in select areas of North America. We review host plant information for these species and provide distributional maps for each. We also present results on the seasonal phenology and sex ratios of two nonnative species, Polydrusus impressifrons (Gyllenhal) and Polydrusus formosus (Mayer), recorded in 2020 and 2021 in two orchards of hybrid hazelnuts (Betulaceae) in Minnesota, United States of America. These two species may present an episodic threat to the burgeoning hybrid hazelnut industry due to their ability to damage buds, foliage, and roots of hardwoods. We found that adults of these two species began emerging in late May of each year and remained present until mid-July. We found higher numbers of P. formosus than of P. impressifrons on hazel plants. Sex ratios of both species were generally between 50–60% male. We supply a compendium of species descriptions that (1) distinguishes between native and nonnative species and (2) identifies the sex of nonnative species. This research contributes to work on the ecology of Polydrusus, conservation of native species, and the management of tree crops.

Conservation of native tree species in the agroforest of rice-based agroecosystems will contribute to sustainable agriculture

Conservation of native tree species in the agroforest of rice-based agroecosystems will contribute to sustainable agriculture

Headwater refuges: Flow protects Austropotamobius crayfish from Faxonius limosus invasion

This study explores the geospatial relationship between the invasive crayfish species Faxonius limosus and the native Austropotamobius bihariensis and A. torrentium crayfish populations in Eastern Europe, identifying the environmental factors which influence the invasion. We used species distribution modelling based on several climatic, geophysical and water quality variables and crayfish distributional data to predict sectors suitable for each species within the river network. Thus, we identified the sectors potentially connecting invasive and native population clusters and quantified the degree of proximity between competing species. These sectors were then extensively surveyed with trapping and hand searching, doubled by eDNA methods, in order to assess whether any crayfish or the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci are present. The predictive models exhibited excellent performance and successfully distinguished between the analysed crayfish species. The expansion of F. limosus in streams was found to be limited by flash-flood potential, resulting in a range that is constrained to lowland rivers. Field surveys found neither crayfish nor pathogen presence in the connective sectors. Another interesting finding derived from the screening efforts, which are among the most extensive carried out across native, apparently healthy crayfish populations, was the existence of a latent infection with an A. astaci strain identified as A-haplogroup. Our results provide realistic insights for the long-term conservation of native Austropotamobius species, which appear to be naturally protected from F. limosus expansion. Conservation efforts can thus focus on other relevant aspects, such as ark-sites establishment for preventing the spread of more dangerous invasive crayfish species and of virulent crayfish plague pathogen strains, even in locations without direct contact between crayfish hosts.

Non-native and native tree species plantations and seasonality could have substantial impacts on the diversity of indigenous soil fauna in a semi-arid forest ecosystem.

The temporal and spatial dynamics of soil fauna in many terrestrial ecosystems are still not fully understood, while soil fauna is one of the most critical characteristics in assessing soil quality. Therefore, the effects of native [Quercus brantii (QP) and Amygdalus scoparia (AMP)] and non-native [Cupressus arizonica (CUP) and Pinus eldarica (PIN)] plantations and natural trees [Quercus brantii coppice trees (QNC), standard (QNS), and Amygdalus scoparia (AMN)] on diversity and abundance of macro- and mesofauna were done in the semi-arid forest of Zagros, Iran. Samples were collected beneath the canopy of woody species and the outer edge of the canopy in spring and summer seasons. For this purpose, soil samples [(7 samples per woody species + control) × 2 seasons × 3 replicates] were taken from 0 to 20 cm depths. Each soil sample was a mix of three soil cores. For the macrofauna, 15 species belonging to four families (in spring) and 17 species in nine families (in summer) were collected and identified. For the soil mesofauna, 14 species belonging to 14 families (in spring) and 13 species in 13 different families (in summer) were identified, respectively. The fauna diversity indices under the canopy of studied species were higher in summer season than in spring. The result showed that the macrofauna diversity was affected by tree species, while mesofauna was affected by seasonal changes. Macrofauna biodiversity was higher under the canopy of PIN and CUP than other trees. Principle component analysis showed that the diversity of the macrofauna was higher under the canopy of PIN and CUP, and influenced by soil characteristic properties, soil properties did not influence them. Yet the diversity of the mesofauna was affected by soil characteristics and was higher in areas with higher organic carbon, nitrogen, substrate-induced respiration, basal respiration, microbial carbon biomass, and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, mesofauna biodiversity had a significant positive correlation with the soil quality index (SQI). SQI was higher under the canopy of natural stands, especially the QNS. Conservation of native species (QNS, QNC, and AMN) and plantation with native deciduous species (QP and AMP) seem to moderate environmental conditions and increase soil macro- and mesofauna diversity and SQI.

Asymbiotic and symbiotic seed culture of Polystachya concreta (Jacq.) Garay & H.R. sweet from Ecuador

The Orchidaceae is the most numerous and diverse family in Ecuador with more than 4200 species. Information on the interaction between these neotropical orchids seed and mycorrhizal fungi during germination and seedling development in situ is very limited. Symbiotic seed germination culture allows screening for compatible mycobionts resulting in mycorrhizal associations to develop under sterile and controlled environmental conditions. A previously developed symbiotic seed culture protocol was used to screen seed germination and seedling development in the neotropical orchid Polystachya concreta. Mature seeds collected from native populations in the northwest Andes Mountains of Ecuador display high viability (92%) and germination percentage (96%). Light was not a limiting factor for gemination and seedling development in this orchid species. Tulasnella isolates from roots of different orchid species in situ facilitated seed germination only, whereas Tulasnella calospora (UAMH 9824), isolated from Spiranthes brevilabris in Florida, facilitated both seed germination and seedling development in P. concreta. Ceratobasidium strains, isolated from roots of different orchid species in Ecuador, neither promoted seed gemination or seedling development. Symbiotic seed culture did not significantly improve germination compared to that observed in the absence of fungi. Higher germination rates and percentages of more advanced seedling development were observed on asymbiotic PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium (P723). However, significantly larger seeds seedlings were observed when seeds were cocultured with certain fungal isolates. Information obtained from this study confirm that this symbiotic seed culture application will be both beneficial for screening potential mycobiont isolates and seedling production for conservation of native orchid species in Ecuador.

Changes to fish assemblage following the selective removal of black bullhead (Ameiurus melas)

Abstract Black bullhead is among the most abundant and successful non‐native fish species in European fresh waters. A number of studies have indicated that its physical removal might be a potential solution to minimize possible adverse impacts; however, so far there have been no field studies to confirm this. This study quantified the population dynamics of both native and non‐native fishes in a small slow‐running lowland river within the Ponjavica Nature Park in Serbia before and after the black bullhead removal with fyke nets. The removal of black bullhead resulted in statistically significant changes in the abundance of two native species – an increase in rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) (by 5.3 times) and a decline in bleak (Alburnus alburnus) (by 2.3 times). A significant increase was observed in three non‐native fish species – the abundances of topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) increased 25.5, 4.9 and 4.2 times, respectively. There were also substantial changes in the diversity of the fish assemblage after the black bullhead removal, illustrated by changes in diversity indices: Shannon's index doubled, while the Simpson's dominance index decreased threefold. The catch‐per‐unit‐effort and the biomass‐per‐unit‐effort values indicated the dominance of the black bullhead in the fish assemblage during the mass removal phase of the study. The young‐of‐the‐year/adult ratio did not vary in relation to abundance, which confirmed that black bullhead might not compensate for fishing mortality with increased recruitment. The results suggest that black bullhead plays a significant role in structuring the fish assemblage and that its removal may have both positive and negative effects on species abundance and diversity. These findings can contribute to the conservation of native fish species and improvement of future management programmes.

Dynamic connectivity analyses to inform management of the invasive American mink and its native competitor, the European mink

Forecasting habitat suitability and connectivity can be central to both controlling range expansion of invasive species and promoting native species conservation, especially under changing climate conditions. This study aimed to identify and prioritize areas in Spain to control the expansion of one of the most harmful invasive species in Europe, the American mink, while conserving its counterpart, the endangered European mink, under current and future conditions. We used ensemble habitat suitability and dynamic connectivity models to predict species ranges and movement routes considering likely climate change under three emission scenarios. Then, using habitat availability metrics, we prioritized areas for invasive mink control and native mink conservation and classified them into different management zones that reflected the overlap between species and threat from American to European minks. Results suggest that both species are likely to experience declines in habitat and connectivity under climate change scenarios with significantly larger declines by the end of the century for European minks (72 and 80% respectively) than for American minks (41 and 32%). Priority areas for management of both species varied over time and across emission scenarios, with a general shift in priority habitat towards the North-East of the study area. Our findings demonstrate how habitat suitability and dynamic connectivity approaches can guide long-term management strategies to control invasive species and conserve native species while accounting for likely landscape changes. The simultaneous study of both invasive and native species can support prioritized management action and inform management planning of the intensity, extent, and techniques of intervention depending on the overlap between species.

DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetics Relationship of Pangasiid Catfishes in Peninsular Malaysia Revealed the Impacts of Aquaculture on the Native Species Conservation

Pangasiids are an economically significant group of catfish, and many pangasiids are threatened in the wild from anthropogenic pressures, including increases in fishing pressure, habitat degradation, and improperly managed aquaculture practices. This study demonstrates the usage of DNA barcoding of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as an identification tool in detecting potentially threatening invasive pangasiid species by establishing the diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Pangasiidae catfishes in Peninsular Malaysia. A neighbour-joining (NJ) dendrogram (Kimura-2-parameter model) generated five clades to represent distinct genera. Pangasius was further subdivided into two clades (Clade A: Pangasius bocourti-P. djambal and Clade B: P. nasutus-P. conchophilus). Given the marginal genetic divergence, indigenous and non-native species should be treated cautiously in allopatrically distributed species. The analysis used Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) and revealed barcode gaps between the intraspecific and interspecific distances. The sequences were partitioned into five groupings, corresponding with the species delineation based on the distribution of pairwise differences, which could not be differentiated using the NJ dendrogram. ABGD allows the recognition of one or two additional species using the recursive approach, but other taxonomic methods should be considered for a solid conclusion. DNA barcoding demonstrates the identification of closely related species, thus justifying its application towards the conservation of these fish.

A cost assessment of intensive wild quail management on private lands in the southeastern United States

AbstractPrivate landowners who operate multifunctional landscapes play a critical role in the conservation of native and imperiled species, and the restoration of native ecosystems. In the southeastern United States, both northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and pine savanna ecosystems are imperiled and heavily reliant on conservation efforts by private landowners. Engaging private landowners in the restoration and management of pine savannas and grasslands is essential to the recovery of northern bobwhite, which is also managed as a game species. Since the early 1900s, the cultural tradition of wild bobwhite hunting has motivated landowners to manage their properties to increase bobwhite populations. However, the costs and revenues associated with intensive wild bobwhite management and hunting are imperfectly understood. From May 2021 to February 2022, we conducted semistructured interviews with landowners and land managers of 37 wild bobwhite hunting properties (total of 65,317 ha in bobwhite management) in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina to enumerate the costs and revenues associated with intensive wild bobwhite management. Landowners spent an average of $154/acre/year (~$381/ha/year; median of $142/acre/year or ~$352/ha/year) to manage for northern bobwhite. These costs included salaries and benefits for labor, depreciated equipment and infrastructure expenditures, and other supplies (e.g., fuel, seed) needed to maintain wild bobwhite populations and their habitat. Few properties offset their bobwhite management costs with revenues generated on the property, including hunting revenues. Non‐financial motivations for owning a bobwhite property included a strong land stewardship ethic, the desire to maintain rural lifestyles and family heritage, and securing hunting and recreational opportunities. Through wild quail management, private landowners are helping to secure critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and increasing the landscape's overall resilience to climate change without the use of public funding.

Evaluation of the multiplication of three native potato (Solanum sp.) varieties for the conservation of native species

Evaluation of the multiplication of three native potato (Solanum sp.) varieties for the conservation of native species