Nature Conservation Research Articles

Detection and monitoring of the fauna of medium and large mammals using camera traps in a forest remnant area in the municipality of Água Fria de Goiás, Brazil – A tool for nature conservation

Despite the growing amount of information available, biodiversity is still under threat. Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance, and it is of logical and strategic importance to promote the further development of fauna recording and monitoring processes, emphasizing the need to strengthen the relationship between humans and nature. The aim was to record the species of medium and large mammals using camera traps. The study was conducted in the EcoCerrado Reserve in the municipality of Água Fria de Goiás, Brazil, between December 2020 and December 2022, using two camera traps in three different phytophysiognomies. 17 mammal species were recorded in 149 camera trap records, including species in the threatened category, such as Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Tapirus terrestrials, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Lycalopex vetulus, Panthera onca and Alouatta caraya. The mammal fauna observed in the study shows that this ecosystem can support populations of native species even in a modified landscape. This finding strengthens the basis for future initiatives aimed at environmental education, ecotourism, and more comprehensive legal protection for this region and other remnants of native vegetation in the Cerrado.

KERAPATAN DAN KELAS KEHADIRAN JENIS EHA (CASTANOPSIS BURUANA MIQ) DI BLOK LINDUNG TAHURA NIPA-NIPA KELURAHAN PUNGGALOBA KENDARI

The Tahura Nipa-Nipa nature conservation area located in the city of Kendari has a type of Eha that is susceptible to disturbance. The research aimed to determine the density level of the Eha (Castanopsis buruana Miq) species at tree, pole, sapling and seedling level growth; knowing the presence class in the community (presence) and knowing the distribution pattern. The observation sample used the plotted path method with a sampling intensity of 1% and an entire sample area of 0.96 ha. The sample consisted of 3 transects each containing 8 plots (0.04 ha per plot), so the total sample was 24 plots. Transects were placed systematically, the distance between transects was 100 m, and the distance between plots within transects was 20 m. The results showed that the Eha tree density level was 107.29 trees/ha, the pole level was 200 trees/ha, the sapling level was 233.33 trees/ha, and the seedling level was 13229.166 trees/ha. The presence of Eha in the community at the tree, pole and seedling level is in the "Always Present" class (81%-100%). Meanwhile, the stake level and presence in the community is in the "Sometimes There" class (21%-40%). The distribution pattern of Eha at the tree level is clustered, while at the pole, sapling and seedling levels it is a regular pattern.

Tibetan terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems collapsed with cryosphere loss inferred from sedimentary ancient metagenomics.

Glacier and permafrost shrinkage and land-use intensification threaten mountain wildlife and affect nature conservation strategies. Here, we present paleometagenomic records of terrestrial and aquatic taxa from the southeastern Tibetan Plateau covering the last 18,000 years to help understand the complex alpine ecosystem dynamics. We infer that steppe-meadow became woodland at 14 ka (cal BP) controlled by cryosphere loss, further driving a herbivore change from wild yak to deer. These findings weaken the hypothesis of top-down control by large herbivores in the terrestrial ecosystem. We find a turnover in the aquatic communities at 14 ka, transitioning from glacier-related (blue-green) algae to abundant nonglacier-preferring picocyanobacteria, macrophytes, fish, and otters. There is no evidence for substantial effects of livestock herding in either ecosystem. Using network analysis, we assess the stress-gradient hypothesis and reveal that root hemiparasitic and cushion plants are keystone taxa. With ongoing cryosphere loss, the protection of their habitats is likely to be of conservation benefit on the Tibetan Plateau.

ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОСНАЩЕНИЕ И ДОБЫЧА РЫБЫ В ИРКУТСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ В 1947–1960-е гг.

The fishing industry plays a vital role in the development of the national economy, so its study is one of the most pressing problems for the economy of the region as a whole. The paper analyzes and summarizes the historical experience of the fishing industry, which is necessary to assess the current situation in the fishing industry and determine the further development of the industry. The functioning of the Soviet model of fisheries was ensured by a system of state support, which made it possible to successfully develop the fishing industry and solve social problems of coastal regions. The country's leadership always paid great attention to the development of the fishing industry as the most important sector of food supply for the population. During the years of Soviet power, in a short period of time, based on the implementation of plans for the industrialization of the country, the material and technical base of the fishing industry was created. Using the example of the Republic of Buryatia, the author examines the historical experience of combating poaching and notes the role of mobilization decisions of the Soviet state in this process. The current Soviet legislation on nature protection, the history of creation, structure and main functions of fisheries protection bodies are analyzed. Based on archival data, the number of detained offenders, the number of seized fish, fishing equipment and gear are given. A special place is given to the nature conservation society and the role of public inspectors, who, along with fisheries protection authorities, fought against poaching. An assessment is made of the technical equipment of fisheries protection authorities and criminal legal measures in preventing aquatic poaching based on an analysis of the established practice of their use in the period 1917–2000 in the Republic of Buryatia.

Backing biodiversity: understanding nature conservation behaviour and policy support in Australia

Community mobilisation is essential to prevent further biodiversity loss and protect the natural environment. This includes engaging in public- and private-sphere behaviours, and community support of relevant government policies. This purpose of this paper is to explore and compare the factors associated with public- and private-sphere nature conservation behaviour and policy support. We utilised data from a survey of 4,048 Australians, representative for age, gender, and geographic location, which measured engagement in nature conservation behaviours and support for diverse conservation policies. Hierarchical Multiple Regressions were conducted to assess relationships between behaviour and policy support with the key independent variables of awareness (of biodiversity issues), connection (to nature), and concern (about biodiversity issues), and socio-demographic covariates. Overall, community support for nature conservation policies was high, not just for incentive measures but for regulations and penalties. Regression models explained 22.9% of the variance in public-sphere behaviour, 30.2% of the variance in private-sphere behaviour, and 43.5% of the variance in policy support. Concern made one of the strongest contributions for all outcomes, and was substantially stronger for policy support compared to behaviour. Awareness and connection also made independent contributions to all outcomes. Socio-demographic variables explained a smaller proportion of unique variance for policy support (1.0%) compared to behaviour (public-sphere: 9.6%, private-sphere: 6.3%). Notably, for public-sphere behaviour, younger age explained almost as much variance as concern. Implications for practitioners and policymakers seeking to engage the general population in conservation support are discussed.

Five new unexpected populations of endangered tuco-tuco Ctenomys rionegrensis (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) help understanding its distribution and historical biogeography

In this study, we conducted a survey of newly discovered populations of tuco-tuco (subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys) in the Entre Ríos province, in an area characterized by its unexplored nature and its climatic and biogeographic complexity within Argentina, which includes two National Parks. We characterize the nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome-b gene, revealing the presence of seven novel haplotypes within Ctenomys rionegrensis, a species known to inhabit both sides of the Uruguay River. Through Bayesian analyses, we estimated the divergence times of the oldest lineages of C. rionegrensis, as well as those of the haplotypes located east of the Uruguay River, dating back approximately 630,000 years before present (ybp) and 526,000 ybp, respectively. These estimates correspond with significant paleogeographic events in the region. Our findings may raise questions regarding the taxonomic classification of the species and suggest potential modifications to its current endangered status as designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Consequently, this research provides valuable insights that may inform future revisions of the species' conservation status and guide the development of informed management strategies/policies.

The impact of Roundup® Original DI on the hemolymph metabolism and gill and hepatopancreas oxidative balance of Parastacus promatensis (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae).

In Brazil, glyphosate is present in more than 130 commercial formulations, and its toxic effects have already been tested in different species to understand its impact on biota Decapod crustaceans are widely used as experimental models due to their biology, sensitivity to pollutants, ease of collection, and maintenance under laboratory conditions. We evaluated the changes in metabolism (hemolymph) and oxidative balance markers (gill and hepatopancreas) of a crayfish (Parastacus promatensis) after exposure to Roundup® (active ingredient: glyphosate). The crayfish were captured in the Garapiá stream within the Center for Research and Conservation of Nature Pró-Mata, Brazil. We collected adult animals outside (fall) and during (spring) the breeding season. The animals were transported in buckets with cooled and aerated water from the collection site to the aquatic animal maintenance room at the university. After acclimatization, the animals were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (0, 65, 260, 520, and 780 µg/L). The results showed a significant variation in the hemolymph glucose, lactate, and protein levels. We observed variations in the tissue antioxidant enzymatic activity after exposure to glyphosate. Finally, the increase in oxidative damage required a high energy demand from the animals to maintain their fitness, which makes them more vulnerable to stress factors added to the habitat.

Community-based Sustainable Ecotourism at Tangkahan Tourism Destination, Langkat Regency

Ecotourism is a sustainable tourism method that uses local ecosystems and community culture to preserve nature and generate benefits. Tangkahan, an ecotourism area in Indonesia, has a history of forest exploitation and illegal logging. The local community is working to make it a sustainable conservation area. This research will explain Community-Based Sustainable Ecotourism in Tangkahan Tourism Destination, Langkat Regency. This descriptive research uses a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews, FGDs, observations, and focus group discussions, and uses data analysis techniques as suggested. The results showed that the management of Tangkahan Ecotourism involved cooperating parties such as the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Centre, Gunung Leuser National Park Centre, Forest Management FMU, Conservation Response Unit, PT Perkebunan Nusantara II, Tourism Office, and two Tangkahan Tourism Area Villages namely Namo Sialang Village and Serdang Village. The Tangkahan Tourism Board manages the area, including marketing, guide services, and rescue efforts. However, land licensing issues, trust, and access difficulties hinder development. The development model should be open and community-based, integrating ecotourism development with other community activities. Critical programs include regulatory regulations, tourist facilities, infrastructure, human resources, cooperation, and collaboration with relevant parties.

Структура системы действующих и проблемы функционирования будущих особо охраняемых природных территорий Воронежской области

The Biological Diversity Convention and the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Russia have laid the basis for the implementation of large-scale scientific and practical research aimed at finding effective solutions to this issue. The creation of the SPNA network which includes federal, regional and local significance is one of the promising directions for the conservation, maintenance and reproduction of biodiversity at all levels. The Voronezh Region situated at the junction of forest-steppe and steppe zones, features complex floral, faunal complexes and a unique soil cover dominated by chernozems. The long-term agricultural use of the region’s soils has led to a reduction in areas with natural ecosystems. This has created the prerequisites for establishing a complex, extensive SPNA network in the Voronezh region. The establishment SPNA network is based on a comprehensive regulatory framework, which includes federal laws of the Russian Federation, resolutions of the Voronezh Region Government, the law of the Voronezh Region, orders of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Voronezh Region, etc. To date, the SPNA network comprises 256 protected areas, of which 4 are of federal significance, 211 are of regional significance, and 41 are of local significance. This structure of protected areas has positioned the Voronezh Region as one of the leaders in these indicators among the Central Chernozem Regions (ССR). The largest number was created in the Belgorod region – 332 objects, objects, accounting for 11.2% of its territory, the Voronezh region ranks second in terms of the number of objects and the third in terms of the share of protected areas relative to the total area. The functioning of existing and the creation of the new ones face several challenges, among which an important place is occupied by insufficient public awareness of the need to create protected areas as a tool for the conservation of nature and its biological diversity holds a significant place.

Navigating Land Conservation, Utilization, and Market Solutions: Insights from the Lanyang River Watershed, Taiwan

In the current fraught relationship between nature and human society, land conservation and utilization have spawned intensive conflicts that require mediation. The present study explores this issue of coordination between nature and society in a fragile watershed located in northeastern Taiwan: the Lanyang River Watershed. Land zoning in this area has been historically classified and legally implemented, and additional development is constrained by an application review process. Currently, additional land utilization is still in demand in sensitive areas of this watershed, such as for mining and tilling. Due to the geographically, geologically, and climatically fragile characteristics of the watershed, the hillside residents have benefited from the conservation of nature with comprehensive ecosystem services but are at the forefront of the loss of life and property caused by forest ecosystem degradation. They are one of the key local resource users and main stakeholders. Applying the contingent valuation method to survey the hillside residents, the present study assessed the economic value they receive from the comprehensive ecosystem services offered by the natural forest ecosystems. Their opinions are explored using a survey on their awareness of ecosystem damage, their opinions on damage compensation, and on the feasible compensation channels for damage. As the study results ascertained the high value of the comprehensive ecosystem services continuously delivered by the conserved forest ecosystem, the study affirmed that conservation in the area classified and zoned as sensitive is an economic beneficial policy. With a high regard for ecosystem services and awareness of the impact of degradation and of the general agreement for the feasibility of channels of damage compensation, the continuity of conservation for these comprehensive ecosystem services is the preferred strategy for the local hillside residents. To emphasize this further, the opinions of the local community at the intersection of nature and society, where there is a delineated land zoning framework, strongly favor conservation over intensive resource exploitation and agricultural expansion, making further development an unfavorable strategy.

Stakeholder perceptions and policy implications of voluntary and government-led individual quota systems in japanese fisheries co-management: A case study of purse seine fisheries in the sea of Japan

Co-management, a governance system in which governmental authorities and local communities share resource management responsibilities, is increasingly recognized worldwide for its potential to reconcile natural resource conservation with livelihood goals. This case study examines the perceptions of diverse stakeholders regarding the effects of introducing both voluntary and government-led Individual Quota (IQ) systems in Japanese fishery co-management, spanning governance, economics, sustainability, and social aspects. Employing an integrated mixed method approach, the study combines qualitative interviews and questionnaires with quantitative analysis of before-and-after catch data. After the introduction of the voluntary IQ system in 2017, 67 % of the stakeholders acknowledged improvements in overall performance. The favorable findings from various perspectives reflect not only the stakeholders' profound confidence in the system but also their satisfaction with the matured co-management process. However, qualitative results from the case also indicate that the government-led IQ system implemented since 2022 primarily imposes rigidity on the existing voluntary system, while failing to provide sufficient incentives for fishers to transition effectively. Effective incentives are essential, including increased transparency in resource management, greater flexibility in managing catch quotas, and facilitating consensus on the liberalization of fishing vessel sizes. Continuous evaluation is crucial, and the government-led IQ system should be adaptively improved.

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.

Unlocking the potential of peatlands and paludiculture to achieve Germany’s climate targets: obstacles and major fields of action

Greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands must be substantially reduced to meet climate mitigation targets. In Germany, annual peatland emissions of 53 Mt CO2e account for more than 7% of total national GHG emissions. Peatland drainage and reclamation is traditionally considered as a symbol of progress and technical achievement, where agriculture has been the major driver. In Germany, an area of 1.3 million ha of drained peatlands used for agriculture ought to be rewetted by 2050 to meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Paludiculture allows a productive use of wet peatlands instead of abandonment following rewetting. This approach might therefore pave the way for voluntary large-scale peatland rewetting. However, implementation remains scarce. The long history and large extent of peatland drainage has shaped the political and legal framework as well as perceptions and attitudes, thus impeding rewetting and climate-friendly peatland use. This policy and practice review investigates the political, legal, economic and social aspects that hinder the implementation in Germany and derives approaches to overcome multifold restrictions. Finally, three major fields of action are identified: (1) To increase and accelerate rewetting, a consistent peatland mainstreaming approach is needed that overcomes structural barriers and adapts the policy and legal framework, e.g., the Common Agricultural Policy, planning law, water law and nature conservation law. (2) To motivate for a rapid transition, a system of immediate, comprehensive and attractive positive incentives is needed. This should be accompanied by early announcement and gradual introduction of negative incentives to set a clear course and provide planning certainty for farmers and landowners. (3) A just transition depends on empowering local communities to develop and pursue perspectives tailored to their peatland region. Future research of peatlands as social-ecological systems can help to identify region-specific drivers for sustainable peatland management.

Global drivers of mangrove loss in protected areas.

Despite increasing efforts and investment in mangrove conservation, mangrove cover continues to decline globally. The extent to which protected area (PA) management effectively prevents mangrove loss globally across differing management objectives and governance types is not well understood. We combined remote sensing data with PA information to identify the extent and the drivers of mangrove loss across PAs with distinct governance types and protection levels based on categories developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Mangrove loss due to storms and erosion was prevalent across all governance types and most IUCN categories. However, the extent of human-driven loss differed across governance types and IUCN categories. Loss was highest in national government PAs. Private, local, shared arrangement, and subnational government agencies had low human-driven mangrove loss. Human-driven loss was highest in PAs with the highest level of restrictions on human activities (IUCN category I) due to mangrove conversion to areas for commodity production (e.g., aquaculture), whereas PAs that allowed sustainable resource use (e.g., category VI) experienced low levels of human-driven mangrove loss. Because category I PAs with high human-driven loss were primarily governed by national government agencies, conservation outcomes in highly PAs might depend not only on the level of restrictions, but also on the governance type. Mangrove loss across different governance types and IUCN categories varied regionally. Specific governance types and IUCN categories thus seemed more effective in preventing mangrove loss in certain regions. Overall, we found that natural drivers contributed to global mangrove loss across all PAs, whereas human-driven mangrove loss was lowest in PAs with subnational- to local-level governance and PAs with few restrictions on human activities.

The Impact of Land Conversion on Primate Habitats: Refining the Extent of Occurrence Data for Four Capuchin Species in North and Northeastern Brazil

AbstractConversion of primate forest habitat is a global concern with significant implications for primate populations. Although the geospatial Extent of Occurrence (EOO) data provided for primates by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature are widely used, they do not accurately reflect the existing extent of primate species because of ongoing habitat loss. We focused on four capuchin monkey species (Sapajus apella, S. flavius, S, libidinosus, and S. xanthosternos), all native to North and Northeastern Brazil, to prioritize research by the Capuchin Action Network. We refined the EOOs for the four primate species using MapBiomas land cover data. We accounted for areas of agriculture, urban, and mining and updated the EOOs of the four species. Additionally, we evaluated the Conservation Units in each EOO. Conservation Units are protected areas critical to mitigating habitat loss in Brazil. Our results show that S. apella has lost the smallest amount of its EOO (13%), while S. flavius has lost the most (77%). Agriculture was the leading cause of land cover change, followed by urbanization and mining. We provide an updated EOO for the four capuchin species and highlight the need for conservation efforts to address the challenges posed by human activities in the capuchin species’ habitats.

Long-term impact of wildfire on soil physical, chemical and biological properties within a pine forest

AbstractAnthropogenic fires pose a serious threat to many terrestrial ecosystems because they can cause loss of biodiversity and carbon stocks in the biosphere. Specifically, wildfires impacting natural conservation areas such as European Natura 2000 sites (N2K) are of particular concern. The main study objective was to evaluate the long-term effects of wildfires on the organic layer and some physical, chemical and biological properties of the underlying soil mineral layer, linked to soil quality. Here, we studied two coastal Mediterranean Aleppo pine stands within an N2K site differing for the fires’ years of occurrence, the time between fires (TBF) and the time since last fire (TSLF) throughout 24 years. Furthermore, in each stand, differences in fire frequency (FF) were considered by selecting three sites—double-fire, single-fire and control (unburnt). Our results show the absence of the O-layer in double-fire sites, indicating a loss of this organic carbon (if compared to control) pool of 204 g m−2 in R2F and 139 g m−2 in M2F. Despite this loss being offset by the Corg increase in soil mineral layer, the disappearance of O-layer may compromise the ecosystem services provided by soil. In each stand, long-term fire effects were evident at both single-fire and double-fire sites for some chemical as well as biological soil properties and depended on TSLF. Increased rates of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification were found at all burned sites, persisting up to 24 years post-fire. Soil quality indicators data highlighted the recovery handicap of the microbial community within the considered period. Since our outcomes showed wildfires enduring consequences, mainly relating to TSLF and FF, on different organic and mineral soil properties, we advocate employing prompt strategies to mitigate recurring fires.

The significance of basin slope for curve number estimation and the impact on flood prediction in arid basins

ABSTRACT The Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number (NRCS-CN) method was developed in agricultural basins with slopes less than or equal to 5%. This research investigates the relationship between the basin slope and runoff depth in arid basins by the NRCS-CN method. The results show that there is a clear effect of the proposed curve number equation with slope (the slope adjusted CN, CN IIα ) on the runoff depth in the studied basins, and this is consistent with the literature. However, large basin areas with a high percentage of alluvium area and vegetation, and high infiltration rates, counteract the slope of the basin, and consequently the basin slope will not have a significant effect on runoff. The correlation coefficient of various developed equations varies between 0.89 and 0.93 and the root mean square error of runoff depth varies between 11 mm for λ = 0.2 and 5.2 mm for λ = 0.01.

An Evaluation Model of Urban Green Space Based on Residents’ Physical Activity

Urban green spaces (UGSs) possess a status in improving public health; thus, it is crucial to emphasize the evaluation of UGSs in terms of residents’ physical activity (PA). This study utilizes the semantic segmentation method and Geographic Information System tools to quantify the key values of UGSs, including aesthetic and attractions, natural world experience, nature conservation, encouraging physical activity, cultural value, and social value, which are set as the evaluation indexes to investigate their impacts on residents’ PA based on the six UGSs in Changsha city, Hunan Province, China. The PA-oriented UGS evaluation model is realized through the index optimal combination weights obtained by the Improved Combination Weighting Method of Game Theory, combining the subjective and objective weights from the Uncertainty Analytic Hierarchy Process method and Entropy Weight Method, respectively. By collecting and analyzing the exercise data of residents, we can accurately assess the level of residents’ PA and frequency within various UGSs. The proposed model herein has a positive significance for evaluating the value of public green space in residents’ PA in Changsha city and provides a reference for the construction of an urban green space evaluation model from multiple perspectives in the future.

Can the Establishment of National Parks Promote the Coordinated Development of Land, the Environment, and Residents’ Livelihoods?

National parks play a crucial role in the worldwide system of natural conservation, significantly influencing land utilization, the sustainability of local livelihoods, and the environmental integrity of nearby regions. In this study, the coupled coordination model and ArcGIS tools are applied to examine the temporal and spatial progression of the coordination of the system of land, the environment, and residents’ livelihoods (the LEL system). The construction of the LEL system and the use of natural geographic and socio-economic data are the main innovations of this research. The findings indicate that over the last 15 years, Wuyishan National Park has witnessed growth in its ecological and agricultural areas alongside a decline in its water-based ecological zones. The creation of the national park has obviously promoted the coordination of the LEL systems in nearby areas and has a significant spatial spillover effect. Consequently, for the upcoming development of Wuyishan National Park, it is crucial to modify the framework of the agricultural sector, enhance local public infrastructure, and bolster the safeguarding of water ecological areas.

Collaborative Management on the Eastern Slopes: The Waldron Ranch Grazing Cooperative and Conservation Easement Motivations

Biodiversity conservation is at an inflection point. With the crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, novel strategies are needed to conserve ecosystems under a variety of property regimes. In southwestern Alberta, the Waldron Ranch Grazing Cooperative and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) have collaborated to use conservation easements (CEs) to place over 30,000 acres (12,140 hectares) of endangered grassland under perpetual protection. Waldron Ranch provides a unique case study, not only due to the size of the total CE, but also the cooperative structure that requires 72 Albertan ranchers to agree on restricting their productivity for conservation protections. We interviewed four individuals from the Cooperative and NCC to understand the motivations, values, and impacts that influenced the CE placement. Key themes include historic sustainable management and minimal impacts to livelihoods, with economic benefits being crucial for CE enrollment, which contrasts with findings from existing literature. Considering these, we expand on the critical role of landowner values and fears when using CEs as a tool for private land conservation. We argue that environmental nongovernmental organizations (eNGOs) need to deeply understand the social complexities that exist on private landscapes if voluntary collaborations are pursued for conservation benefits.