National Park Research Articles

Acceptance and demand of autonomous vehicles for long-distance recreational travel: An investigation based on a survey of visitors to US national parks

The study of anticipated changes in travel behavior that could be brought by autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been widespread for commuting and short-distance daily travel, yet little attention has been given to long-distance travel. To address this research gap, this paper presents an analytical model for estimating public preference towards the adoption and use (in terms of frequency and length of trips) of AVs, focusing on long-distance recreational travel (LDRT). The model considers socio-demographics, trip-specific characteristics, in-vehicle time use-related factors, and attitudinal latent variables (AV usefulness, AV concern, driving enjoyment) as potential influencers of AV acceptance and demand. To analyze the proposed model, data were collected from a survey of visitors to US national parks conducted in Summer 2022, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was employed. The results indicate that the frequency and length of long-distance recreational trips will likely be higher in the AV era. This draws attention to tourism destination managers not only to manage the tourists’ demand at destinations but also to manage traffic on the roads leading to the destinations. Additionally, the results show that the LDRT demand will continue to rise with the increase in AV acceptance due to the usefulness and potential for several in-vehicle activities offered by vehicle automation, despite concerns about system safety, data privacy, and legal liability. The study also reveals that some travelers will likely miss manual driving enjoyment in AV driving, particularly in unique travel settings like tourism travel, and thus might opt for manual driving options. Based on these findings, we advocate for the timely consideration of induced LDRT, and tourism travel demand generated by AVs—such as provisioning sustainable public transport options to recreational and tourism destinations.

Using the Ecosystem Services assessment tool TESSA to balance the multiple landscape demands of increasing woodlands in a UK national park

Upland regions in the UK are increasingly under consideration as potential areas for the creation of woodlands. This is driven by a combination of factors, including the aims of UK forestry policy to increase woodland cover, changes in current upland land-use and management, agri-environment schemes in national and international policy and an increasing public awareness of the ecosystem service benefits landscapes can deliver for society. Creating new woodlands in upland areas is challenging, partly due to concerns of potential impacts from a change in land use and stakeholder interests. This study considers a 250 km2 Cumbrian (England) upland landscape dominated by sheep grazing and, using an established ecosystem service assessment tool (TESSA), estimates the provision of ecosystem services under plausible alternative woodland creation scenarios. The assessment focuses on key ecosystem goods and services, which are identified by stakeholders to be of high importance to the study area, and the potential changes to those under the scenarios. The results indicate that, under lower woodland percentage scenarios (10 %), minor benefits are expected. However, a more complex outcome would be expected from the higher percentage woodland scenarios (75 %) with the woodland cover of 50 % identified as providing the highest overall benefit to society.

Adaptation and Leadership in Sustained Cosmological Crisis: Ukrainian Nature Parks

Adaptation and Leadership in Sustained Cosmological Crisis: Ukrainian Nature Parks

Adaptation and Leadership in Sustained Cosmological Crisis: Ukrainian Nature Parks

Adaptation and Leadership in Sustained Cosmological Crisis: Ukrainian Nature Parks

Impact of forest fires in bromo national park: Analysis of the environment and recovery efforts

Background: Forest fires represent natural disasters that often stem from environmental conditions, including events like El Niño or extreme climatic situations. Rainfall, a crucial factor, plays a role in influencing extreme climate occurrences. In Indonesia, human activities predominantly contribute to forest fires, exacerbated by extreme climatic conditions. Areas with high potential for forest fires encompass conservation zones closely linked to human activities. An illustrative example is the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), which serves both as a conservation and tourist area. The presence of human tourists or visitors in these conservation zones creates conditions conducive to forest fires, particularly when supported by extreme climatic conditions. Method: This study used field observation methods, satellite data analysis, and interviews with authorities and environmental experts. The data collected included the area affected, the plant types, and the environmental conditions after the fire. Findings: TNBTS experiences a specific rainfall pattern, with the lowest precipitation observed in May-Jun-Jul-Aug-Sept and the highest in Nov-Dec-Jan-Feb-Mar. During periods of low rainfall, TNBTS becomes susceptible to fires, necessitating preventative measures in the month leading up to the dry season. Initiating preventative actions at the onset of the dry season, notably in May, is crucial for controlling forest fires. Analyzing hotspot data of fire incidents from 2001 to 2020 reveals peak occurrences among other nationalities in 2001, 2014, and 2019. Identification based on data indicates that not all hotspots signify fire incidents; some result from heat emanating from Mount Semeru's crater at the TNBTS location. Conclusion: This article concludes the importance of cooperation between authorities, environmental organizations, and communities in forest fire prevention and recovery efforts in Bromo National Park. It emphasizes the need for increased preventive and responsive measures to protect similar conservation areas in the future. Novelty/Originality in this article: This study also offers a new perspective in the interpretation of hotspot data by distinguishing between forest fires and volcanic activity and identifying May as a critical period for initiating preventive action analysis based on long-term rainfall patterns.

Correction: Factors influencing the distribution of the endangered hispid hare in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Correction: Factors influencing the distribution of the endangered hispid hare in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Preliminary checklist of spiders (Araneae) from Coiba National Park, Panama

Coiba National Park is an offshore region on the Pacific side of Panama, which hosts several endemic species of animals and plants. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Despite the title awarded to the Park, knowledge about basic elements of its biodiversity are still lacking, which are of vital relevance for management and conservation policies. For instance, until now, no study had ever monitored the araneofauna diversity of the Park. Here, we provide the first checklist of spider species in Coiba National Park, including the main island and several surrounding islands. We sampled during several field trips carried out from August 2021 to August 2023. We identified at least 152 species (98 genera and 30 families) and we report three new spiders species for Panama, namely Ctenus nigrolineatus Berland (1913), Chapoda gitae Zhang & Maddison (2012) and Sarinda nigra Peckham & Peckham (1892). We discuss the implications of our results and recommend future lines of work that include DNA barcoding, monitoring of population and community dynamics, plus linkage of climatic data from the newly-installed meteorological station on the Island.

Enhancing social cooperation through hiking tourism: A case study of the selo route in Mount Merbabu National Park

Background: Mount Merbabu is one of the leading natural tourist destinations in Central Java that attracts local and foreign tourists, primarily through the Selo Trail, which is famous for trekking activities. The number of visitors along the Selo Trekking Trail has increased significantly yearly. Tourism activities on this trail have a significant social and economic impact on the surrounding community, directly and indirectly. Therefore, it is essential to identify the social impact and estimate the economic impact of tourism in the area around the Selo Trekking Trail. Method: This research method uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method with a Likert scale to highlight tourism activities' social and economic impacts. This analysis involves collecting data through interviews, questionnaires, and observations to gain in-depth insight into the impact of tourism on local communities and their contribution to their economy. Findings: The study results indicate that tourism activities along the Selo Trekking Trail significantly influence community cooperation and social values. Tourism activities also contribute to community livelihoods, including actively managing tourism and forming volunteer groups. The interaction between tourists and local communities changes culture and social values ​​and has a positive impact by rapidly diversifying residents' jobs. Conclusion: From the results of the study, it can be concluded that tourism on the Selo Trekking Trail has significant social and economic impacts on the surrounding community. This activity strengthens community cooperation, influences social values, and improves livelihoods and job diversification. Active community involvement in tourism management and forming volunteer groups are critical factors in optimally utilizing tourism opportunities. Novelty: This study provides new insights into how tourism on the Selo Trekking Trail affects the social and economic dynamics of local communities. The findings highlight positive changes in community cooperation, social values, and job diversification, which have yet to be widely explored in previous studies on the impact of tourism in the area. This study also underlines the importance of active community involvement in tourism management to maximize economic and social benefits.

Economic impact of hiking tourism on the Selo route in Mount Merbabu National Park (TNGMb): An estimation of the multiplier effect analysis

Background: Mount Merbabu is one of the famous natural tourist attractions in Central Java, and it is known for its stunning natural panorama. Climbers who explore Mount Merbabu can enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise, the sea of ​​clouds, and the rows of mountain peaks around it. Tourism activities along the Selo Hiking Trail impact the local community's social and economic aspects, both directly and indirectly. This study aims to identify the social impacts and estimate the economic impact of tourism on the community along the Selo Hiking Trail. Methods: This study uses the Multiplier Effect analysis method to evaluate the economic impact of tourism activities. This method involves measuring several economic indicators, including the Keynesian Income Multiplier, Type I Ratio Income Multiplier, and Type II Ratio Income Multiplier, to determine the effect of tourism activities on the local economy. Findings: The study results indicate that tourism activities along the Selo Hiking Trail have a significant economic impact. The Keynesian Income Multiplier value reaches 0.6, the Type I Ratio Income Multiplier is 3.3, and the Type II Ratio Income Multiplier is 3.5. This indicates that tourism activities positively affect the income of the surrounding community and encourage local economic growth. Conclusion: From the analysis results, it can be concluded that tourism on the Selo Hiking Trail has a positive economic impact through the multiplier effect. However, further research is needed to focus on culture-based tourism or Community-Based Tourism in the surrounding villages to increase the economic benefits for the surrounding community. Novelty /Originality of this article: This study introduces the Multiplier Effect analysis approach in evaluating the economic impact of tourism on Mount Merbabu, providing new insights into the economic contribution of tourism to local communities. These findings also highlight the importance of developing culture-based tourism to expand local communities' economic and social benefits.

Unidirectional dispersal of blow fly larvae following decomposition fluids from a pig carcass

The decomposition of a body, and the associated gaseous and liquid discharges emanating from it, attract gravid female blow flies which lay their eggs in or on the body. After the eggs have hatched, the emerging larvae start feeding on the body. As decomposition progresses, the blow fly larvae often migrate away, typically in a random manner in search of favourable conditions for pupation. In this paper, we report on a rarely described phenomenon of unidirectional mass migration of blow fly larvae and postulate on the factors which may drive this process. A decomposition trial utilising a 60-kg pig carcass, deployed in the summer months in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted in 2022. On the fifth day of the trial, simultaneous unidirectional mass dispersal of blow fly larvae was observed. The larvae moved downhill in a southeasterly direction, following the flow of decomposition fluids oozing out from the pig carcass. The ‘larval migration stream’ had a length of approximately 1.5 m with a width of 40 cm, tapering to 17 cm at the terminal point. The larval migration stream consisted of the larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of post-feeding blow fly larvae in each geographical region. This is crucial as the minimum post-mortem interval can be miscalculated if older immature insects dispersing from the corpse are not considered and collected during crime scene investigations.

Multi‐species occupancy modeling of ground‐dwelling mammals in central Laos: a case study for monitoring in tropical forests

Unsustainable hunting and habitat loss have led to widespread mammal population declines in Southeast Asia, and evidence‐based conservation is needed to prevent further declines. Robust monitoring of population trends is a key component of evidence‐based approaches. We conducted a landscape‐scale systematic camera‐trapping survey in Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park, located within the Annamites region in Laos, with the objective of establishing a population baseline that can be used for long‐term monitoring for ground‐dwelling mammals. We analyzed camera‐trapping data within a multi‐species Royle–Nichols occupancy framework to estimate occupancy and species richness within three management zones. We used anthropogenic and ecological covariates to understand the factors influencing species occurrence in the study site. In total, we detected 40 terrestrial mammals over 20 794 camera‐trap days, including five Annamite endemics and 18 threatened species, of which 26 had sufficient detections to be included in the multi‐species occupancy analysis. We found that overall species richness increased with remoteness and elevation. Mean ± SD predicted species richness in the three management zones was 14.6 ± 1.55 (Zone 1‐Thong Khacheng), 13.18 ± 1.64 (Zone 2‐Thong Kouang), 11.84 ± 1.15 (Zone 3‐Nam Chae), with an average of 13.26 ± 2.03. Our study highlights the importance of Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park as a priority area for biodiversity conservation in the Annamites, and demonstrates the utility of using camera‐trapping and multi‐species occupancy modeling approaches to establish robust baselines for the monitoring of mammal communities in tropical protected areas.

Analysis of the Management of Protected Areas in Galapagos: 60 Years after Its Declaration as a National Park

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most emblematic protected areas on the planet and also one of the most studied. Their main economic activity is tourism, which has grown rapidly in recent years. The increase in tourists is associated with the increase in population and the introduction of invasive species, which puts conservation at risk. This makes adequate management even more necessary and relevant on an international scale since the economy of Galapagos depends on the good state of conservation of its ecosystems and species. Numerous studies have shown that social factors, rather than physical–natural ones, determine the success or failure of a marine protected area (MPA), so they must be urgently incorporated into all phases of MPA management. In this study, we analyzed the management of the protected areas of Galapagos, including the National Park and the Marine Reserve, with the purpose of highlighting their weaknesses and strengths. The methodology used presents five prescribed scenarios in which priority is given to one or other factors, each of which has an impact on the biophysical and socio-economic systems that are influenced by the MPA. These scenarios were called proactive, interactive, centralized, learning, and formal management. Data were obtained through a comprehensive literature review and primary data collection methods, including in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and DPNG managers, as well as direct observations. Interviewees covered the main relevant sectors in the archipelago (fishing, tourism, and conservation). The results show that the archipelago’s protected areas follow a proactive management model with a continuous feedback loop. This feedback is a key element in any adaptive management process, which also allows practitioners to anticipate future problems. Both public participation and strategic planning are essential.

Multifaceted density dependence: Social structure and seasonality effects on Serengeti lion demography.

Interactions between density and environmental conditions have important effects on vital rates and consequently on population dynamics and can take complex pathways in species whose demography is strongly influenced by social context, such as the African lion, Panthera leo. In populations of such species, the response of vital rates to density can vary depending on the social structure (e.g. effects of group size or composition). However, studies assessing density dependence in populations of lions and other social species have seldom considered the effects of multiple socially explicit measures of density, and-more particularly for lions-of nomadic males. Additionally, vital-rate responses to interactions between the environment and various measures of density remain largely uninvestigated. To fill these knowledge gaps, we aimed to understand how a socially and spatially explicit consideration of density (i.e. at the local scale) and its interaction with environmental seasonality affect vital rates of lions in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. We used a Bayesian multistate capture-recapture model and Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to estimate lion stage-specific survival and between-stage transition rates, as well as reproduction probability and recruitment, while testing for season-specific effects of density measures at the group and home-range levels. We found evidence for several such effects. For example, resident-male survival increased more strongly with coalition size in the dry season compared with the wet season, and adult-female abundance affected subadult survival negatively in the wet season, but positively in the dry season. Additionally, while our models showed no effect of nomadic males on adult-female survival, they revealed strong effects of nomads on key processes such as reproduction and takeover dynamics. Therefore, our results highlight the importance of accounting for seasonality and social context when assessing the effects of density on vital rates of Serengeti lions and of social species more generally.

Participatory Security as Form of Control: Kaziranga National Park, India

Abstract ‘More security, more conservation’ is the mantra utilised by the Indian forest service to ensure the protection of flora and fauna. Aligned with international agreements aiming at securing wildlife and preserving forests, the Union and the State governments of India have adopted a series of green measures to ensure both the securitisation and participation of local communities in conservation efforts. This research article illustrates how participatory forms of conservation are employed to complement the securitisation of conservation, serving as a means to indirectly control people’s lives and create new environmental subjects. It does so through a case study of Kaziranga National Park, a biodiversity conservation hotspot in the northeastern state of Assam, renowned for the successful conservation of the Greater One-horned Rhino Rhinoceros unicornis. This ‘success’ emerges amidst critiques of its violent and militarised anti-poaching conservation measures and the efforts deployed to protect the rhino ‘at any cost’. The research article analyses the participatory protection mechanisms supported by state and non-state agencies to ensure the conservation of Kaziranga, primarily carried out through the revitalisation of two bodies: the eco-development committee and the voluntary defence organisation. The results demonstrate how soft forms of violence complement hard forms, thereby supporting a broader process of structural violence and national building in Assam. It shows how participatory mechanisms are used as ‘counterinsurgency practices.’ Abstract in Hindi: rb.gy/rhcrzz

Bacillus anthracis in South Africa, 1975–2013: are some lineages vanishing?

The anthrax-causing bacterium Bacillus anthracis comprises the genetic clades A, B, and C. In the northernmost part (Pafuri) of Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, both the common A and rare B strains clades occur. The B clade strains were reported to be dominant in Pafuri before 1991, while A clade strains occurred towards the central parts of KNP. The prevalence of B clade strains is currently much lower as only A clade strains have been isolated from 1992 onwards in KNP. In this study 319 B. anthracis strains were characterized with 31-loci multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-31). B clade strains from soil (n = 9) and a Tragelaphus strepsiceros carcass (n = 1) were further characterised by whole genome sequencing and compared to publicly available genomes. The KNP strains clustered in the B clade before 1991 into two dominant genotypes. South African strains cluster into a dominant genotype A.Br.005/006 consisting of KNP as well as the other anthrax endemic region, Northern Cape Province (NCP), South Africa. A few A.Br.001/002 strains from both endemic areas were also identified. Subclade A.Br.101 belonging to the A.Br.Aust94 lineage was reported in the NCP. The B-clade strains seems to be vanishing, while outbreaks in South Africa are caused mainly by the A.Br.005/006 genotypes as well as a few minor clades such as A.Br.001/002 and A.Br.101 present in NCP. This work confirmed the existence of the rare and vanishing B-clade strains that group in B.Br.001 branch with KrugerB and A0991 KNP strains.

Analysis of wildlife threat findings based on the SMART patrol application at Pemerihan Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Monitoring, managing, and maintaining conservation areas are challenges faced by various parties. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is an application used to measure, collect, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of location-based monitoring and conservation activities and has been implemented at the Pemerihan Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS). Based on the SMART application, the research aims to analyze the findings of threats and wildlife on active patrol routes. The methods used are documentary studies and field observations. The data obtained from the documentary study is in the form of data from forest patrols for two years (2020-2022), then processed, classified, and analyzed into data on threat findings and wild animal encounter data directly or through signs of presence, which is then verified through field observations. The research results show that the data found from the SMART application during four patrol periods from 2020-2022 consisted of 143 threat findings and 841 wild animal encounters. The highest threat finding was animal hunting, with 56 findings (39%), and the lowest was logging, with three findings (2%). Twenty-three wild animal encounters were found directly or through signs of presence such as tracks, feces, scratches, and food remain. The highest wildlife encounter was the sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). The high threat findings indicate much human activity in the Pemerihan Resort Area, TNBBS, which can disturb wildlife and its habitats.

Examining the Mediating Effect of the Rural Economic Dynamization between the Socio-Environmental Heritage and Sustainability of Protected Areas

This study examines the mediating effect of rural economic dynamization between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas in the buffer zone of the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park, located in the municipality of Otanche, Boyacá Department, Colombia. The study population includes families that are part of the productive units in this area. The methodological approach of this study is based on partial least squares structural equation modeling. The working unit was established in the regional protected areas of Colombia, specifically in the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park. A sample of 172 participants was selected using a non-probabilistic intentional sampling method, covering academics, company representatives, social leaders, local authorities, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The study variables were measured using a scale with satisfactory psychometric properties, which included 12 items for socio-environmental heritage, 17 items for rural economic dynamization, and 11 items for the sustainability of protected areas. These were structured into subcategories based on the ecosystem services approach (factors that demonstrate social and economic dynamics). Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale. The sample was analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 software, applying a reflective–reflective hierarchical component model to evaluate the first- and second-order relationships among the variables. The results demonstrate the importance of socio-environmental heritage for local communities as a strategic component that facilitates the rural economic dynamization of protected areas based on sustainability. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, mediated by rural economic dynamization, highlighting the relevance of in situ conservation strategies and prospective planning of these territories to implement sustainability dynamics. It is concluded that rural economic dynamization acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, emphasizing the need to integrate these dynamics into the management of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable development in rural communities

Effects of different natural soundscapes on human psychophysiology in national forest park

Most of the current soundscape research content is limited to the discussion of the restoration effect of single-element soundscapes, but it is the combination of sounds that is common in outdoor activities, and there is no evidence that the restoration of natural soundscapes is better with multi-element combinations. In this study, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China was used as the research object, and the physiological indices of the subjects were collected through electroencephalogram signals, and the POMS short-form psychological scale was used to understand the subjective psychological responses of the subjects to the soundscape. The results showed that (1) The psychophysiological restorative ability of the natural soundscape of the National Forest Park was confirmed, and the subjects’ psychological and physiological indices changed significantly and positively after listening to each section of the natural soundscape (p = 0.001). (2) The restorative effect of the multi-natural sound combination was ranked first in the overall ranking of the five natural soundscapes, and the multi-natural sound combination did indeed provide better restorative effects than the single-element sounds. (3) Gender does not usually have a significant effect on the restoration effect, and only Windy Sound among the four single-element nature sound landscapes and one multi-element combination of nature sound landscapes showed a significant gender difference, so in general, the effect of gender on the restoration effect of nature sound landscapes is not significant. In terms of research methodology, this study used cluster analysis to cluster the five types of natural soundscapes according to psychological and physiological recovery ability, and used ridge regression to construct mathematical models of the psychological and physiological recovery of each of the four natural soundscapes. The study of human physiological and psychological recovery from different types of natural soundscapes in China’s national forest parks will provide a basis for soundscape planning, design, and policy formulation in national forest parks.

Fragments maintain similar herpetofauna and small mammal richness and diversity to continuous habitat, but community composition and traits differ

ContextHuman disturbance has transformed ecosystems globally, yet studies of the ecological impact of landscape modification are often confounded. Non-random patterns of land clearing cause differing vegetation types and soil productivity between fragments in modified landscapes and reference areas—like national parks—with which they are compared.ObjectivesWe sought to explore the influence of land modification on herpetofauna and small mammal communities using multiple biodiversity measures—species richness and diversity, individual species abundance, and community composition. We also aimed to investigate the role of traits such as diet, habitat breadth, and litter size in moderating species responses to land modification.MethodsWe established 100 sampling sites to survey herpetofauna and small mammals in 11 fragments in an agricultural landscape compared to 11 ecologically equivalent ‘pseudo-fragments’ in a nearby national park in south-eastern Australia. We selected pairs of fragments and pseudo-fragments of the same size and vegetation type, and used identical survey methods to sample pairs simultaneously, thereby controlling for numerous confounding factors, such as differing vegetation type, weather, and survey effort.ResultsSpecies richness and diversity were similar between fragments and pseudo-fragments. Despite this, we found community composition differed markedly—driven by the varying responses of individual species—indicating a shift in fauna communities associated with land modification. Fossorial habit, omnivorous diet, and broad habitat requirements led to higher abundance in fragments whilst arboreality, carnivorous diet, and narrow habitat requirements led to higher abundance in pseudo-fragments.ConclusionsAlthough fragments hold similar numbers of species to continuous areas, they contain distinct and novel communities, and sustain high abundances of some species. These diverse communities are dominated by native species, including threatened species, and their distinctive composition is shaped by traits conducive to persistence amidst land modification. These novel communities may provide a reservoir of resilience in the face of environmental change and should be viewed as complementary to conservation areas.

A Comparison of Landforms and Processes Detection Using Multisource Remote Sensing Data: The Case Study of the Palinuro Pine Grove (Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, Southern Italy)

A Comparison of Landforms and Processes Detection Using Multisource Remote Sensing Data: The Case Study of the Palinuro Pine Grove (Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, Southern Italy)