National Park Research Articles

Genotypic and phylogeographic insights into a pre-epidemic variant of Wesselsbron virus detected in sylvatic Aedes mcintoshi from Semuliki Forest, Uganda.

Wesselsbron virus (WSLV) is a neglected mosquito-borne virus within the yellow fever subgroup in the genus Orthoflavivirus of the Flaviviridae family. Despite being primarily a veterinary pathogen able to cause stillbirths, congenital malformations, and mortality in ruminants, WSLV also infects humans, causing a usually self-limiting febrile illness, or may lead to neurological complications in rare cases. WSLV causes sporadic outbreaks in Southern Africa, but findings in mosquitoes from other African countries suggest a wider distribution. Here, we report the detection and isolation of WSLV from an Aedes mcintoshi mosquito collected in a pristine ecosystem within Semuliki National Park, western Uganda. The detected strain M5937-UG-2018 was impaired in infectivity, replication, and production of infectious particles in cell lines derived from different hosts compared to an epidemic reference strain, SA H177. Full-genome sequencing by next-generation sequencing from the mosquito homogenate revealed a maximum nucleotide identity of 98.1% to a WSLV isolate from a human sample collected in South Africa in 1996. M5937-UG-2018 grouped in phylogenetic analyses with strains from South Africa and Senegal. Reconstruction of the temporal and spatial dispersal of WSLV across Africa estimated a likely origin of WSLV in South Africa in the early 19th century and spread in Southern Africa in the following decades. Long-distance movement toward Western and Eastern Africa was modeled to have occurred in the early 21st century. However, displacing the origin of M5937-UG-2018 did not decrease the likelihood of the model supporting the hypothesis that WSLV is widely distributed in Africa.IMPORTANCEWSLV is a neglected mosquito-borne virus causing teratogenicity in ruminants and febrile illness in humans. WSLV is mainly endemic to Southern Africa, but findings in other regions suggest a wider distribution on the continent. Knowledge of the distribution of WSLV is impaired as differential diagnostics are rarely performed in livestock and humans presenting with symptoms compatible with WSLV infection. Our work investigating viral infections in mosquitoes from a remote tropical rainforest region demonstrates that WSLV is endemic in Uganda. The isolated virus was less infective and showed lower replication ability in vitro compared to an epidemic isolate from South Africa. Phylogeographic reconstruction of spatial and temporal movements, along with the displacement of the origin of the newly detected strain, suggests that WSLV may be widely distributed across Africa. Our data show that the geographic distribution of WSLV and its impact on human and animal health are likely underestimated.

Astro-Tourism: A search for the unknown in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

ABSTRACT Astro-Tourism involves ‘using the natural resource of unpolluted night skies, and appropriate scientific knowledge for astronomical, cultural and environmental activities’. Astro-Tourism further includes specialised activities that differ from mass tourism, as tourists are exposed to knowledge-rich experiences. Well-known examples of Astro-Tourism destinations include Bryce Canyon National Park and Death Valley in the United States of America (USA). The Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLA) is the marketing arm of the Free State province and is responsible for attracting potential tourists to the province and solidifying the Free State as a destination of choice. Astro-Tourism has been identified as an opportunity to grow tourism in Bloemfontein and the Free State. This study found that Astro-Tourism is a niche product, and that the facilities currently on offer in Bloemfontein are in excellent condition and can potentially be further exposed to a broader audience through dedicated marketing initiatives and events.

Natural processes and natureculture – A relational understanding of nature amongst local stakeholders in Swiss parks

ABSTRACT Various scholars have criticized that formal Western thinking was dichotomous and substantialist, leading to an alienation from nature and to its exploitation in industrialized societies. Critics argue that a relational turn towards a more holistic, process-based and relational approach to address the world would be an important step to overcome these problems. Such a relational turn involves a shift towards more flexible and inclusive concepts. We analyse ‘nature’ concepts of local stakeholders in Swiss nature parks to examine whether they contain any relational elements. Indeed, we found that all stakeholders interviewed see themselves as part of nature. Many reported how they experience nature in active processes and see nature as a collaborator and partner. Moreover, they do not strictly separate between natural and cultural elements in their environment. We conclude that a relational turn in environmental policy in Western countries could build on these relational elements in nature concepts of the local population.

Assessing the Recreational Resource Value of National Park Based on Visitor Perception—A Case of Three-River-Source National Park in China

National parks serve as critical practical sites for advancing the concept of “harmonious coexistence between humans and nature” and hold a strategic role in establishing global ecological security barriers. Scholars and decision-makers have expressed significant interest in rigorous assessments of the recreational resource value in national parks. This paper focuses on the Three-River-Source National Park, examining the characteristics and components of its recreational resource value through the lens of human–environment relationship theory. Analysis spans dimensions of geological and geomorphological value, ecological service value, historical and cultural value, and aesthetic landscape value. By extracting visitor comments rich in vocabulary related to their perceptions, this study compares variations in resource values and the “resource value–visitor perception” synergy within Three-River-Source National Park, employing text analysis, semantic network analysis, and coordination analysis methods. The findings reveal that (1) Visitor perceptions of recreational resource value display a clear hierarchy, with aesthetic landscape value (43.6%) ranking highest, followed by geological and geomorphological value (26.7%), historical and cultural value (19.3%), and ecological service value (10.4%), showing significant variation among categories; the vocabulary across these value types exhibits a pronounced long-tail distribution. (2) The recreational resource value in the park forms a distinct core centered on prominent attractions, accompanied by patterns of vocabulary aggregation and dispersion. (3) Visitors demonstrate strong synergy in their perception of geological and aesthetic value, weaker perception regarding historical and cultural value, and a relatively narrow understanding of ecological service value. This research enhances public comprehension of the recreational resource value of national parks and provides a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable use of recreational resources in national parks, advancing the realization of their recreational functions.

Length–weight relationships for 11 freshwater fish species (Actinopterygii) from four protected areas, northern Vietnam

The length–weight relationships (LWRs) of 11 fish species from one national park and three nature reserves, in northern Vietnam, totaling 737 individuals between October 2018 and November 2021, are described in this study. The following species, representing 11 genera and seven families, were studied: Aphyocypris normalis Nichols et Pope, 1927, Barbodes semifasciolatus (Günther, 1868), Beaufortia pingi (Fang, 1930), Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Glyptothorax honghensis Li, 1984, Hemibarbus medius Yue, 1995, Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758), Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin et Chevey, 1936), Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters, 1881), Opsariichthys minutus Nichols, 1926, Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre, 1935). All regressions were highly significant (P < 0.001). Positive allometric growth was seen in six species (b > 3, P < 0.01) and isometric growth in five species (b = 3, P > 0.05). This is the first report on the LWRs of six fish species, including Beaufortia pingi, Barbodes semifasciolatus, Neolissochilus benasi, Opsariichthys minutus, Glyptothorax honghensis, and Rhinogobius duospilus from four conservation areas. The presently reported study provides foundational data for future stock assessment works and management initiatives in protected areas, as well as facilities comparisons of LWRs from different habitats.

Review of the Slender Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Hemiphyllodactylus) of the Cardamom Mountains of southwestern Cambodia, with descriptions of two new species and one country record

The gekkonid lizard genus Hemiphyllodactylus contains small, secretive species that are often overlooked in their habitats. Recent molecular and morphological analyses have resulted in the descriptions of numerous new species of Hemiphyllodactylus in mainland Southeast Asia and southern China, many of which were historically hidden within the geographically widespread taxon H. yunnanensis (Boulenger, 1903). Little is known on species diversity and distributions of Hemiphyllodactylus in Cambodia, and all previous reports from the country have been limited to provisional identifications owing to collections containing only a single female or juvenile specimen. We report on new collections of Hemiphyllodactylus specimens from opposite ends of the Cardamom Mountain range in southwestern Cambodia. Morphological and molecular data support the hypothesis that these collections contain three distinct species, two of which are described as new species and one of which is assigned to the geographically widespread H. typus Bleeker, 1860 as a new country record for Cambodia. Hemiphyllodactylus bokor sp. nov. from Preah Monivong Bokor National Park in Kampot Province and Hemiphyllodactylus samkos sp. nov. from Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in Pursat Province are related to species from adjacent areas in southern Vietnam, southern Laos, and southeastern Thailand, as well as a clade from India, but are readily differentiated in mitochondrial DNA and in having unique combinations of mensural and meristic morphological characters. Additional species diversity of Hemiphyllodactylus likely exists in Cambodia.

Special Protection of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Natural Areas

The presented article provides information on specially protected natural areas of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The environmental strategy implemented under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev since the 70s of the last centuries is successfully continuing in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic today. The article also pays special attention to the beauty of the nature of Nakhchivan and the potential of ecotourism. As a result of the research, it was found that in the past period, in order to improve the environmental situation and protect biodiversity, the negative impact on the environment was minimized, and modern technologies were used in economic development. Specially protected natural territories have been created to protect the flora and fauna species of the territories that fascinate with aesthetic beauty, ecological balance, protection and restoration of biodiversity, the uniqueness of the natural environment, rare and endangered species. The article also contains detailed information about the territories of the Ordubad State Nature Reserve, Ordubad National Park, Shahbuz State Nature Reserve, Arpachay State Nature Reserve and Arazboyu State Nature Reserve, their geographical position, flora and fauna species listed in the Red Book. also reflected. Created and protected reserves, reserves and parks are also of particular importance in terms of visibility when conducting production experiments for high school students.

Android and IoT Integrated Smart Wildlife Surveillance using Night Vision

Animal are important part of our ecosystem. Animal are very critical to our ecosystem. Due to increase in animal trafficking many wild animal are becoming endanger and also there population is decreasing. Because of this humans have created zoo, national park and sanctuaries which can work as safe heavens for these animal to avoid extinction. There can be scenario where animal are ill or poor health condition which can be a also cause of the death. Many people visit national park and sanctuaries where they are not able to see all animal. This project will be implement in python and will implement YOLO V7 algorithm to detect animals. Once animal is detected it will send name and GPS co-ordinates of the animal. These GPS co-ordinates will display on mobile and farmer can find animal at given location. This project can also be placed in farm land where human and animal conflict are common. If animal is detected it can send alert or sound can be generated to distract it. This project will help detection on wild animal using camera and deep learning technology. Android app will be used to locate the animal on google map..

Comparative Study of Random Forest and Support Vector Machine for Land Cover Classification and Post-Wildfire Change Detection

The land use land cover (LULC) map is extensively employed for different purposes. Machine learning (ML) algorithms applied in remote sensing (RS) data have been proven effective in image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation. Previous studies have shown that random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) consistently achieve high accuracy for land classification. Considering the important role of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela Natural Park (PNSE) in biodiversity and nature conversation at an international scale, the availability of timely data on the PNSE for emergency evaluation and periodic assessment is crucial. In this study, the application of RF and SVM classifiers, and object-based (OBIA) and pixel-based (PBIA) approaches, with Sentinel-2A imagery was evaluated using Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform for the land cover classification of a burnt area in the PNSE. This aimed to detect the land cover change and closely observe the burnt area and vegetation recovery after the 2022 wildfire. The combination of RF and OBIA achieved the highest accuracy in all evaluation metrics. At the same time, a comparison with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) map and Conjunctural Land Occupation Map (COSc) of 2023 year indicated that the SVM and PBIA map resembled the maps better.

Exploring carbon emission effects of national-level industrial park policies on cities in China

Serving as the backbone of economic development, industrial parks have strong implications for reducing carbon emissions in China under the “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” background. This study explores the carbon emission reduction effects of three different types of national-level industrial parks on prefectural-level cities in China, including economic and technological development zones (ETDZs), eco-industrial demonstration parks (EIDPs), and low-carbon industrial parks (LCIPs). Data on 204 prefectural-level cities over the period of 1999 to 2019 were examined by using the difference-in-differences method and the mediating effect model. The study revealed that (1) the three types of industrial parks significantly reduced the intensity of city carbon emissions by 1,155, 395, and 450 tons per million CNY, respectively; (2) There existed lag effects of 7 years for the ETDZ and 3 years for the EIDP; (3) Industrial structure exhibited significant mediating effects, with ETDZ and EIDP reducing city carbon emission intensity by 58 and 56 tons per million CNY, respectively; (4) Strong heterogeneity in the effects was found, arising from the differences in geographical location, resources endowment, and amount of industrial parks; and (5) ETDZ and EIDP reduced the carbon emission intensity of neighboring cities by 174 and 144 tons per million CNY, respectively, while LCIP increased that by 686 tons per million CNY. The major contribution of this study is analyzing the city-level impacts of ETDZ, EIDP, and LCIP, three different types of national industrial park policies with different implementation periods, regional distributions, and policy focuses. This not only fills a gap in the analyses of ETDZ and LCIP policies in this area of research, but also draws analogies and contrasts between the effects of the three different policies. This study suggests that the stability and long-term nature of industrial park policies be maintained and further transformation and upgrading of industrial structure be attained. Additionally, intercity coordination could be introduced or enhanced.

PRIMATE CROP RAIDING IN KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF VULNERABILITY INDICATORS AND FARMERS PERSPECTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION

Human-primate conflict is a persistent challenge in conservation efforts. The study investigates vulnerability indicators of crop damage by primates and farmers attitudes towards conservation in Kanji Lake National Park, aiming to inform effective conflict mitigation strategies. Direct method and structured questionnaire were used to obtain information on crop damage severity, farmer perceptions and conservation attitudes. The Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used in comparing vulnerability indicators that predisposed primates to conflict and the relationship between vulnerability indicators to crop damage intensity was determined using karl pearsons’ product moment coefficient of correlation. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test analyses were adopted to reveal the opinions of respondents for significant differences on farmer’s attitudes and perceptions for effective conservation. The results show a significant correlation between crop damage and vulnerability indicators thus, highlighting the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies. The results revealed that the identified key vulnerability indicator, numbers of standing crops (0.015) differed significantly among the ranges of the park (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, farm sizes (0.068) were not significantly different among ranges (P > 0.05). Farm distance to park has positive correlation with farm size (r = 0.203) and number of standing crops (r = 0.310). Similarly, there were strong correlations between farm size and number of crops damaged (r = 0.680). In respect to conservation attitudes 74% of the respondents were in support of primate conservation, 38% wished that primates should be exterminated to stop crop damage and economic losses. 40% of the respondents supported the use of lethal methods for preventing primates from raiding crops while 53.1% were of the opinion that zone dwellers should be allowed to hunt. The findings highlighted the need for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing human-primate conflict through collaborative approaches that consider both human livelihoods and wildlife conservation.

STRATEGIES FOR PRAGMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN THE TRANSLATION OF PUBLIC SIGNS AT ZHAOQING XINGHU NATIONAL PARK FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

As the only national 5A-level tourist attraction in Zhaoqing, the Xinghu National Park serves as a crucial window for cultural dissemination and city branding. This paper systematically analyzes the current state of Chinese-English translations of public signs at this scenic area, identifying issues such as spelling and grammar mistakes, and overly literal translations. These errors reduce the effectiveness of information transmission and weaken cross-cultural communication. To address this, based on the concept of high-quality development, this paper proposes a multi-layered strategy involving translation standardization, cross-cultural adaptation review, and professional training, aiming to enhance the international image and cultural outreach of the Xinghu National Park, and to serve as a reference for other tourist sites. KEYWORDS: Zhaoqing Xinghu National Park, Chinese-English translation, pragmatic failure, cross-cultural communication, translation norms

Metal and arsenic contamination of a terrestrial top-predator, the black kite (Milvus migrans), after the Aznalcóllar mine spill (southwestern Spain): Temporal trends and fitness consequences

Top-predators serve as sentinels of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental contamination. However, our understanding on how contaminants affect individual fitness is still scarce, especially for long-lived species. Here, we measured blood concentrations of 4 metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and one metalloid (As) in black kite (Milvus migrans) adults from Doñana National Park (SW Spain) following a major mine spill. Besides temporal variation (1998–2001) in metal and As concentrations, we tested how metal and As profiles changed across individuals in relation to their sex, age or breeding status, and examined whether metal and As concentrations affected individuals' fitness (breeding success and mortality). We found that, overall, blood concentrations of Pb, Cd and As increased throughout the study period in black kites, mirroring the progressive increase previously reported for their main prey. Both sex (Cu and Zn) and breeding status (Zn and Pb) affected element concentrations. Non-breeding (floater) females had higher levels of Zn than their breeding counterparts. The same pattern of higher contamination in floaters was observed for Pb, which might be related to differences in diet and foraging activity between breeders and floaters. The percentage of the individuals with Pb concentrations that exceeded toxicity thresholds (> 200 μg/L) was relatively high (15.4 %). Moreover, Pb concentrations were negatively correlated to males' breeding success. We found no clear evidence to support metal and As effects on survival or life expectancy after accounting for environmental and individual sources of variation. Our results highlight the importance of long-term studies of marked individuals in wild populations; detailed knowledge of ecological processes relevant to these populations, combined with measures of contaminant exposure at individual level, provides opportunities to enhance our understanding of its fitness effects and potential demographic consequences.

Evaluation of Relationship of Vegetation Dynamics with Seasonal Climate Evolution in Sheikh Badin National Park, Pakistan

Evaluation of Relationship of Vegetation Dynamics with Seasonal Climate Evolution in Sheikh Badin National Park, Pakistan

Identifying Forest Types and Distribution Patterns in Shennongjia National Park

Identifying Forest Types and Distribution Patterns in Shennongjia National Park

Extended sperm storage recorded in red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) during a trial translocation to Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, South Australia

We present a case of extended sperm storage in a female red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) during a trial reintroduction in 2022. Parentage reported by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping revealed the father of one litter had died approximately 50 days before the litter was born. The recorded gestation period for red-tailed phascogales is 28–32 days. Our record indicates sperm storage and/or diapause of up to 15–27 days, at least double the previously recorded sperm storage duration in this species.

Assessment of active fire detection in Serra da Canastra National Park using MODIS and VIIRS sensors

Assessment of active fire detection in Serra da Canastra National Park using MODIS and VIIRS sensors

Fostering sustainable leisure activities: a behavioural insight into eco-friendly intentions in Mount Damavand

ABSTRACT Mount Damavand, the highest point in the Middle East and one of the most popular peaks in the region, is experiencing environmental degradation due to hikers’ activities, exacerbated by inadequate regulations and infrastructure to manage visitor volume and behaviour. This study delved into the pro-environmental behavioural intentions of hikers within the Mount Damavand National Park. Employing partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we examined a proposed framework extending the theory of planned behaviour by including the value-belief-norm theory and a formative approach to study constraints to pro-environmental behaviours of hikers. We analyzed a sample of 393 hikers. The findings underscored the effectiveness of amalgamating these theoretical frameworks and elucidated 46% of the variance in pro-environmental behavioural intention.

Biodiversity of Macrofungi in Mapinguari National Park, Amazonas, Brazil

Objective: This study aimed to survey the fungal species found in PARNA Mapinguari-AM. Theoretical framework: Fungi are well known for their function as decomposers of organic matter, and have great ecological importance for maintaining the cycle of life. In the Amazon region, there is a vast diversity of macrofungi present, which can have very useful and important applications. These are important for human life, as they stand out in several areas, mainly ecological and economic. Method: The field research was carried out in the period from July to October 2022 and from September to November 2023. On the three trails existing in the park, it was decided to work only on trail 01 due to access and logistics of the research. The walking method was used along the 5 km of each trail, in order to demarcate the areas of possible macrofungi in substrates. Results and Discussion: Twenty-nine species of macrofungi were found and identified, divided into five families with the highest occurrence in the order Polyporales. Positive results were obtained, since the Mapinguari National Park has a large quantity of decomposing substrates, in addition to parts with high humidity, thus making it possible to find an excessive quantity of macrofungi specimens. Implications of the research: The results of this unprecedented study carried out in the area reveal the potential of the rich fungal biodiversity. Originality/value: Studies of macrofungi surveys contribute to the expansion of knowledge of mycological diversity. Therefore, the implementation of environmental education through interpretive trails as a perspective for this conservation unit in order to preserve and conserve the species of macrofungi existing in the park, as well as recording the existing macrofungi from trails 2 and 3 of the Mapinguari National Park are of fundamental importance for scientific knowledge.

From national park to cultural park an Algerian experience

The status of National park was adopted in Algeria in 1921, during French colonisation, within the framework of the forestry law in force. It was renewed as is, after 1962 by independent Algeria and placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, in its general forestry directorate. In 1983, it was redefined in the first national law on the environment, then, from 2011, in that of protected areas, within the framework of sustainable development. All Algerian national parks are created under the forestry regime and agricultural administration, with the exception of a single case where they are attached to the cultural sector: that of Tassili and Ahaggar, both located in the extreme south of the Sahara, including the Tuareg customary domain of Kel Ajjer and Kel Ahaggar. A particular case, linked to the process of administrative construction of the Saharan space. It is following the adoption of paradigm of sustainable development and a new law on the protection of cultural heritage , that this particularism has disappeared, with the introduction of a new legal category of protection, called “parc culturel”, based on the principle of “indissociability” between culture and nature, an innovative notion which has not yet acquired the conceptual force necessary to achieve the required stabilization and social appropriation, hence the difficulty of its translation into operational tools.