Nature Reserve Area Research Articles

The Temporal-Based Forest Disturbance Monitoring Analysis: A Case Study of Nature Reserves of Hainan Island of China From 1987 to 2020

Forest disturbance monitoring can provide scientific data for the decision making and management of nature reserves. LandTrendr algorithm has been applied to identify forest disturbances on a long-time scale through appropriate segmentation and linear fitting. In this study, 23 nature reserves were detected using LandTrendr during 1987–2020, and the vegetation loss was quantified by years and pixel numbers. The results illustrated that (1) most disturbances occurred in the 1990s and early 21st century. (2) From the spatial distribution of forest loss, the area of forest vegetation disturbance in the coastal zone was larger than the protected area in the internal Hainan Island, the area disturbed in the coastal zone protected area was 97.12 km2, and the area disturbed in the internal area of Hainan Island protected area was 63.02 km2. (3) In terms of different levels of nature reserves, the disturbed area of national nature reserves was 28.39 km2 and the total disturbed area of provincial nature reserves was 131.75 km2. (4) In terms of different types of nature reserves, forest ecological nature reserves had the largest disturbed area of 102.96 km2, followed by marine coastal nature reserves with a disturbed area of 36.99 km2, wildlife nature reserves with a disturbed area of 10.22 km2, and wild plant nature reserves with the smallest disturbed area of 9.96 km2. The results are hoped to provide scientific support and data for the management and planning of nature reserves in Hainan Island.

Non-volant mammals of the ‘Lago di Tarsia’ Regional Nature Reserve and Special Conservation Area (IT93100055; Cosenza, Southern Italy)

In this study we improved the knowledge about terrestrial mammals (excluding Chiroptera) of the 'Lago di Tarsia' Regional Nature Reserve (Special Conservation Area; Cosenza; Southern Italy), collecting a large amount both of direct and indirect original data (including road-killing remains and items obtained by small mammal traps, owl pellets, and phototraps), and bibliographic ones. We obtained 424 records belonging to 22 taxa classified at species level and one requiring a further taxonomic diagnosis (Microtus savii vel brachycerchus). Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758, Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and Martes sp. were the taxa with the highest number of records (> 10%). Sciurus meridionalis (Lucifero, 1907), Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777), Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1758), Apodemus cfr. flavicollis (Melchior, 1834), Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778, Talpa romana (Thomas, 1902), Rattus cfr. rattus (Linnaeus, 1758), Arvicola amphibius (Linnaeus, 1758) were the taxa with the lowest number (<1%). Almost half of the records have been obtained by indirect traces (hairs, excrements, fingerprints, burrows, etc.). Records from owl pellets represented an important percentage. Although the study area is restricted in size, the high environmental heterogeneity make possible the co-occurrence of a high number of species, including specialized taxa (e.g., forest mammals, mustelids and Soricomorpha). Some species, occurring in the neighbouring, although not recorded in our study (e.g. Sorex spp., Neomys sp., Elyomis quercinus Linnaeus, 1766), could be confirmed improving the research effort. Further studies are necessary in this regard, also focusing on the role of this reserve as dispersal corridor for rare carnivores, occurring in the massifs and rivers neighbouring to the Reserve (e.g. Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758 and Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758).

Obstacle Indicators Diagnosis and Advantage Functions Zoning Optimization Based on “Production-Living-Ecological” Functions of National Territory Space in Jilin Province

Frequent human activities have led to different types of land use conflicts which seriously restricted the multi-functional land use and the optimal allocation of resources. Optimizing the development and utilization pattern of land space, carrying out strategic layout, taking all aspects into consideration, and promoting green production and lifestyle are important measures to alleviate the contradiction between human and land and realize the harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature. Therefore, we constructed an evaluation index system of production-living-ecological (PLE) functions in Jilin Province, and analyzed the characteristics of PLE functions via evaluation models and a spatial concentration index. Obstacle degree model and normalized revealed comparative advantage index (NRCA) were used to identify regional dominant function and diagnose obstacle factors, and function zoning and optimization strategies were carried out. The results showed that the average score of ecological function was higher than production and living functions; the spatial agglomeration degree of the three functions was low and the distribution was scattered; the regional functions were affected and hindered by obstacle factors, including total book stock in public libraries, the proportion of nature reserve area, grassland coverage rate, and the proportion of industrial and mining storage land area. Jilin Province was divided into 14 types of advantage function areas and optimization strategies were put forward. The concept of functional regionalization was applied to measure regional multifunctionality at provincial scale, which enriched the theory and practice of territorial spatial pattern optimization, promoted the coordinated development of territorial space, and provided references for provincial territorial space planning and regional sustainable development.

How do new transit stations affect people's sentiment and activity? A case study based on social media data in Hong Kong

Urban rail development can increase land value, reduce commute time, and increase accessibility, as reported in the literature. However, little is known about the impact of opening urban rail transit stations on people's sentiment, particularly in the context of large metropolises where population density is significantly high. This paper investigates such impact by studying six new transit stations opened in Hong Kong. People's sentiment and activity in station nearby areas are estimated by tweet sentiment and tweet activity. We use the difference-in-difference model to study the impact of opening new transit stations. Tweet sentiment, tweet activity, tweet content, and footprints of people who visit the station-influenced area ‘before and after’ the opening of transit stations are analyzed. The results suggest that, in general, the introduction of transit stations causes a positive change in tweet activity, and the change is statistically significant after six months. Regarding tweet sentiment, new transit stations tend to pose a mixed effect in a short-term, a positive influence on areas with high-density residential places, yet a negative influence on areas with a large proportion of nature reserve areas. These short-term effects, positive or negative, become not significant in the long term (after twelve months). Our analysis also confirmed that the introduction of new transit stations increased accessibility from (to) other parts of the city to(from) the station's nearby area, which was shown by the expanded locations sustaining users visited. These findings indicate that the urban rail transit system in Hong Kong promotes more active neighborhoods yet does not always promotes positive influence on people's sentiment. Further studies are needed to make future urban rail transit systems promoting active and happy neighborhoods. The study is relevant to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in methodologies, data, and findings. The social media analysis method used in this study, including text mining and sentiment analysis, can be easily extended to multiple language analysis for Singapore, Malaysia, as well as other regions in the belt and road plan. The developed tools could contribute to analyzing the influence of cross-country projects on local neighborhoods in the belt and road plan.

Sustainable tourism development - an applied model of the Bucegi Mountains

The planning and management of the Bucegi Mountains require tools which allow a broad and essential view in order to identify the tendencies and promotion of some balanced projects of development. Based on the connection between the development of tourism, specific activities and touristic destination, the Bucegi Mountains capitalize the presence of some touristic facilities and technical-utility features which may ease the capitalisation, mainly, of the natural potential – support for the practice of various forms of tourism: mountainous tourism, recreation tourism, adventure tourism, cave diving, etc. The most important principles of sustainable tourism can be applied to all forms of tourism, including the niche tourism. Consequently, the way some forms of tourism are practised in natural reserve areas must maintain the essential ecological process, so as the aesthetical values or the cultural authenticity of the host communities to promote the traditional values or the cultural-historical patrimony. Thus, sustainable tourism must contribute to the reduction of the risk of poverty in the local communities.

Mapping mangrove species using combined UAV-LiDAR and Sentinel-2 data: Feature selection and point density effects

Mapping mangrove species is important for mangrove conservation and rehabilitation. However, due to the similar spectral signatures of most mangrove species, accurately mapping mangrove species remains an ongoing challenge. Unmanned aerial vehicles paired with light detection and ranging sensors (UAV-LiDAR) have the potential to increase separability between mangrove species by providing vertical structure information with high flexibility and low cost and could be complementary to optical imagery. In this study, we combined UAV-LiDAR and Sentinel-2 data to classify mangrove species in two representative mangrove forests in China. Moreover, an architecture diagram of important features for discriminating mangrove species was first constructed using a modified recursive feature elimination method and a proposed step-by-step method, including hierarchical clustering, scatterplots, and boxplots. This architecture diagram could indicate the specific role of each feature (or group) in demarcating specific mangrove species and help other mangrove studies prepare candidate features. The combined UAV-LiDAR and Sentinel-2 data produced the highest overall accuracies of 85.60% and 91.61% in the Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve and Qinglangang Provincial Nature Reserve areas, respectively, compared to those of the Sentinel-2 (80.00% and 80.42%, respectively) and UAV-LiDAR (77.60% and 75.52%, respectively) data alone by using the novel canonical correlation forest algorithm. Important LiDAR features included metrics describing the top, bottom, and overall (e.g., Hstd and GM2nd) morphological characteristics of the mangrove canopy, which characterized the vertical stratification and shape of the canopy. The added value of the UAV-LiDAR data mainly lies in improving the separability between shrub-like mangroves and arbor mangroves that had similar spectral signatures, such as A. marina and R. stylosa. The point density might have little effect on feature selection and classification accuracy, while 10% of the initial point density (∼10 pts/m2) could produce similar accuracy (differences less than 0.5%). This study suggests that the combined UAV-LiDAR and Sentinel-2 data provide a cost-efficient and accurate approach for mangrove species classification.

Using tracking technology to locate endangered ʻuaʻu or Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) burrows

The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian Petrel, <em>Pterodroma sandwichensis</em>, is an endangered seabird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Although its distribution on some of the islands is well documented, on larger islands such as Hawaiʻi there are significant distribution gaps. Previous work within the Puʻu O ʻUmi Natural Area Reserve (NAR) on Hawaiʻi strongly suggested that a breeding colony of the species was present, but active burrows had not been located making it difficult to focus management actions. Searching for burrows of this nocturnal burrow-nesting seabird had been particularly challenging in the NAR, as the birds are very rare, widely dispersed, and breeding in remote areas with dense vegetation and challenging topography. To locate active burrows, we employed the use of tracking devices to track breeding adults back to their burrows. Six data loggers (e-obs Bird Solar 10g) were attached to transiting birds caught using lights in 2018 and 2019. Overland locational data was then interrogated for concentrated areas of circling and ground activity. This resulted in several areas of concentrated activity and two different locations where tracked birds ended up transmitting from the ground. Burrow searching teams were then deployed to these areas and an active Hawaiian Petrel burrow was located. This represents the first active burrow ever documented in the NAR and the entirety of Kohala Mountain. Management actions have since been initiated to protect birds breeding within the areas defined by our tracking data. Logistical and methodological considerations inherent in the use of telemetry for locating endangered seabird colonies are discussed.

The vascular flora of the Sutai Khairkhan Mountain Nature Reserve, Mongolia

In this study we examined the floristic diversity of the Sutai Khairkhan Mountain Nature Reserve in western Mongolia’s Altai Mountain range. This nature reserve area was established in 2019 and compared to nearby reserves, its flora is relatively understudied. From field surveys in 2014, 2019, and 2020, we collected about 400 herbarium specimens from various habitats and different altitudes in the reserve. We identified total of 317 taxa including 10 subspecies and three varieties of vascular plants belonging to 157 genera and 45 families. Among these, five species are nationally endemic, 27 species are endemic to Altai Mountains, and 37 species are threatened, including two critically endangered, 11 endangered, 16 vulnerable, and eight near threatened. In addition, we rediscovered Microula tibetica var. pratensis (Maxim.) W.T. Wang after 40 years. This first complete checklist of the SKMNR flora amplifies the value of protecting the diverse and threatened plants in the reserve and creates a baseline to assess future population changes.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЗАПОВЕДНОСТИ И ВЫПАСА НА СТРУКТУРУ ЦЕНОПОПУЛЯЦИЙ В СООБЩЕСТВЕ FESTUCA VALESIACA GAUDIN

Population analysis of plant communities makes it possible to predict the development and transformation of natural cenoses under anthropogenic effect, to solve problems aimed at optimizing the biogeocenotic cover. The Festuca valesiaca Gaudin community was studied in the southern arid zone of Russia. The experiment was carried out in the Baskunchak-Kharabalin plain in the specially protected area of the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Nature Reserve, where the grazing regime is moderate. In the first case, cenopopulations of the normal type predominate, which is an indicator of their stability and the stability of the community as a whole. Grazing intensifies the processes of vegetative reproduction and seed invasion from other cenoses. This increases the number of individuals and species diversity. Under grazing conditions, the number of non-stable – invasive and invasively regressive cenopopulations increases. The Bassia prostrata (L.) Beck (Chenopodiaceae), Astragalus dolichophyllus Pall. (Fabaceae), Agropyron desertorum (Fisch ex Link) Schult. (Poaceae), Agropyron fragile (Roth) P. Candargy (Poaceae) cenopopulations fall first out of the community composition. The dominant Festuca valesiaca centropopulation plays a significant phytocoenotic role in steppe and semi-desert biocenoses and shows a high degree of stability without changing its parameters in the grazed area. It is concluded that moderate grazing, while increasing the species diversity of the community and the number of individuals, causes destabilisation and regression of a number of non-dominant cenopopopulations.

全国重要生态功能区生物多样性保护成效区域对比评估

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 全国重要生态功能区生物多样性保护成效区域对比评估 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202105081205 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家重点研发计划项目(2016YFC0500204);国家自然科学基金(42001266) Regional comparative evaluation of biodiversity conservation effectiveness in National Important Ecological Function Areas Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:国家重要生态功能区是国家主体功能区战略实施和生态保护红线划定的基础,关系到全国乃至全球范围的生态安全。开展大尺度生物多样性保护成效区域对比评估对促进物种栖息地科学管理、提升国家生物多样性保护水平具有较为重要的意义。本研究以2015年《全国生态功能区划》修编版划定的24个生物多样性保护生态功能区为研究对象,选取生态功能区内或邻近生态功能区的国家级自然保护区核心区作为参照区,利用InVEST模型计算多年参照区生境质量指数,并从中筛选出最大值,构建全国尺度的生境质量指数参照基准,在此基础上,采用空间叠加分析方法建立保护成效指数,定量分析了24个重要生态功能区生物多样性保护成效空间对比差异。研究结果表明:(1)基于参照基准的生物多样性保护成效区域对比评估方法可以较好地应用于全国尺度,全国重要生态功能区生境质量指数参照基准呈现明显的"西北低,东南高"的分布格局,而重要生态功能区生物多样性保护成效则表现出"西北高,东南低"的空间差异;(2)位于华东和华南地区的重要生态功能区生态环境本底状况较好,东北和华中地区的重要生态功能区居中,而西北和西南地区的重要生态功能区生态环境本底状况较差;(3)2015年西北和西南地区的重要生态功能区生境质量指数基本与参照基准持平,表现为生物多样性保护成效较好,华中和华南地区的重要生态功能区生境质量指数小幅度低于参照基准,体现保护效果居中,保护效果较差的重要生态功能区则位于东北与华东地区,其生境质量指数大幅度低于参照基准。通过对全国尺度重要生态功能区生物多样性保护成效区域对比评估,为进一步完善国家生物多样性保护成效的绩效考评机制和转移支付提供科学依据。 Abstract:National Important Ecological Function Areas are the basis of implementing national main function area strategy and drawing ecological protection red line, which closely linked to the ecological security on a national and even global scale. It is of great significance to promote scientific management of species habitat and improve the national biodiversity level by spatial comparative assessment of biodiversity conservation effectiveness. In this study, the 24 ecological function areas for biodiversity conservation, which originated from the revised version of the National Ecological Function Zoning during 2015, were used for spatial comparative assessment. The core area of the national nature reserve inside or nearest the ecological function area was selected as the reference area, and the multi-year habitat quality index of reference area were calculated based on the InVEST model. Then, the maximum value of the multi-year habitat quality index as the habitat quality index reference at the national scale. Ultimately, the conservation effectiveness index was established by spatial overlay analysis method, and the spatial comparison differences of biodiversity conservation effectiveness were quantitatively analyzed in 24 important ecological function areas at national scale. The results showed that:(1) the regional comparative evaluation method of biodiversity conservation effectiveness based on reference can be better applied to the national scale. The distribution pattern of habitat quality index showed "low in the northwest and high in the southeast" for the reference area, while the biodiversity conservation effect presented "high in the northwest and low in the southeast" in the important ecological function zones. (2) the ecological environment background (reference) of ecological function areas in the East China and South China was better than the Northeast and Central China, and the ecological environment background of ecological function areas in the Northwest and Southwest was the worst; (3) the total habitat quality index of important ecological function zones was almost the same as the reference in the Northwest and Southwest, in other words, the biodiversity conservation was more effectively in these zones. The habitat quality index of important ecological function zones in the Central China and South China was slightly less than the reference, reflecting the conservation effectiveness was negative in these zones. The ecological function areas with the worst conservation effectiveness were located in the Northeast and East China, and their habitat quality index were significantly less than the reference. The results of the biodiversity conservation effectiveness in ecological function areas of national scale can provide a scientific basis for further improving the performance evaluation mechanism and transfer payment for the biodiversity conservation effectiveness. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

北京市自然保护地生态效益及其影响因素

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 北京市自然保护地生态效益及其影响因素 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202108252386 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 中国科学院A类战略性先导科技专项（XDA23080000） Ecological benefit evaluation and influencing factors analysis of the Protected Areas in Beijing Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:自然保护地是生物多样性富集区域，发挥着水源涵养、防风固沙等重要的生态效益。北京市共5类79处自然保护地，是首都重要生态屏障，但自然因素和人为干扰对自然保护地生态效益有着重要影响。核算了北京自然保护地的5种典型的生态效益，使用单因素方差分析比较了不同类型自然保护地生态效益的差异，并基于冗余分析法探究了2种自然因素（年均气温和年降水量）和4种人为因素（人口密度、建设用地比例、耕地比例和道路密度）对生态效益的影响。结果表明：（1）北京自然保护地总体生态效益：北京自然保护地生境质量高，生境质量指数均值高达0.88；其它4项可价值化的生态效益中，水源涵养价值最大，固碳价值最低。（2）各类自然保护地之间生态效益比较：除生境质量外，其它4个生态效益之和，自然保护区和森林公园显著高于其它3类自然保护地；湿地公园的生境质量显著低于其它4类保护地，而这4类保护地之间生境质量并无显著差异；从水源涵养的生态效益来看，风景名胜区和地质公园显著低于其它3类自然保护地。（3）人为干扰因素（影响水平为38.92%）对生态效益的影响程度远高于自然因素（影响水平为16.63%）；防风固沙、水土保持和固碳效益主要受人为干扰影响，而生境质量同时受到自然因素和人为因素的影响，水源涵养则主要受到自然因素的影响。（4）基于冗余分析，北京自然保护地可分为3个类群：水源涵养型、高质量栖息地型、其它生态效益型（包括防风固沙、水土保持和固碳）。研究可服务于北京保护地管理，提升北京自然保护地的生态效益。 Abstract:The protected area has high biodiversity and vital important ecological benefits, such as water conservation, soil and water conservation, sand fixation and wind prevention. In Beijing, the protected area are the core of the capital's ecological barrier. There are still many problems in the management of the protected area management, and human disturbance(population, economy and transportation) is prevalent, which seriously affects the ecological benefits of the protected area, especially in big cities such as Beijing. The natural factors also have impacts on ecological benefits of the protected area. However, there is still a gap in the understanding of the main factors the affecting the ecological benefits of the protected area in Beijing. We calculated 5 typical ecological benefits of 79 natural protected areas in Beijing, and compared the difference of ecological benefits of 5 types of protected area (natural reserve, forest park, scenic and historical interest area, geopark and wetland park) with one-way ANOVA. The effects of two natural factors (annual average temperature and annual precipitation) and four human impacts (population density, proportion of construction land, proportion of cultivated land and road density) on ecological benefits were investigated based on redundancy analysis. The results showed as follows:(1) in 2020, the value of water conservation per unit area in Beijing's protected areas was 34347 yuan/ha, the value of wind prevention and sand fixation was 2774 yuan/ha, the ecological value of soil and water conservation was 1274 yuan/ha, and the carbon fixation value was only 473 yuan/ha. In addition, the mean value of habitat quality per unit area in Beijing's protected areas was 0.88. (2) While comparing ecological benefits among different types of protected area, except habitat quality, the total benefits of the other four types of ecological benefits, nature reserve and forest parks were significantly higher than the other three types of natural protected areas. The habitat quality of wetland parks was significantly lower than that of the other four types of protected area, and there was no significant difference among the four types of protected area. In terms of ecological benefits of water conservation, scenic and historical interest area and geoparks were significantly lower than other three types of natural protection area. (3) Compared with natural factors (16.63%), human factors (38.92%) were the main factors affecting the ecological benefits of the protected area in Beijing, mainly including wind prevention and sand fixation, soil and water conservation and carbon fixation. Habitat quality was affected by both natural and human impacts, and water conservation was mainly affected by natural factors. ('4) Based on redundancy analysis (RDA), all the protected area in Beijing could be divided into three types:water conservation type, high-quality habitat type, and other ecological benefits (including wind prevention and sand fixation, water and soil conservation and carbon sequestration). The results showed that it was important and urgent to integrate and optimize the protected area in Beijing, and the key point was to reduce the construction and agricultural land in the protected area, and move excessive population out of the protected area. This study was of great significane to improve the ecological benefits of the protected area in Beijing, and provides theoretical and technical support for the scientific management of the protected area in Beijing. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Panthera tigris altaica (Carnivora, Felidae) in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve and in the adjacent non-protected area (Far East of Russia)

To assess the state of the Panthera tigris altaica (hereinafter – tiger) population, its annual monitoring is being carried out on 16 sites within its range, as this subspecies is still considered threatened. These sites include state nature reserves and adjacent territories, which differ in their protection status. In this paper, a number of tiger individuals in groups and reproduction have been compared on these sites to identify factors that determine these parameters. The tiger population in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve (area of 1210 km2) was compared with the tiger population in an unprotected area (area of 988 km2), which, similarly to the Protected Area, is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. A description and comparison of these two sites is given. The study has been carried out in 1997–2021 in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve, and in 1997–2012 in the unprotected site «Lazovsky District». During the winter, information was collected about tiger tracks in the study area, and data on predator tracks were collected out on stationary routes during two field counts. In the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve, the density of routes in various years was 1.0–1.5 km per 10 km2, 1.2 km per 10 km2 in the site «Lazovsky District». Tiger individuals were identified by the width of paw prints. Tracks differed by more than 2 cm were considered belonging to different individuals. Indicators of the tiger population was about twice higher in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve than in the unprotected site «Lazovsky District». In 1997–2012, in both Lazovsky State Nature Reserve and unprotected site «Lazovsky District», the population density of both adult and subadult tigers was respectively 8.6 ± 0.7 individuals per 1000 km2 and 5.3 ± 0.5 individuals per 1000 km2, while this parameter was respectively 3.1 ± 1.0 individuals per 1000 km2 and 1.7 ± 0.04 individuals per 1000 km2 for tiger cubs younger than a year. The tiger track density in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve was 3.03 ± 0.51 tracks per 100 km, taking into account the time passed after the snowfalls covering all tracks; on the site «Lazovsky District», this indicator was 1.33 ± 0.27 tracks per 100 km. In 1997–2012, the population density of adults and subadults was significantly (F = 59.40, p &lt; 0.001) higher in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve than on the site «Lazovsky District». The population density of tiger cubs (F = 6.30, p &lt; 0.018) and the track density (F = 4.86, p &lt; 0.036) were also significantly higher in the Protected Area than in the unprotected one. The survival rate of tiger cubs was also higher in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve. Here, the proportion of tiger litters with one cub was 16% (n = 4), with two cubs 48% (n = 12), with three 32% (n = 8), and with four 4% (n = 1) of the total number. On the unprotected site «Lazovsky District», the proportion of litters with one cub was 53% (n = 8), with two 27% (n = 4), and with three 20% (n = 3) of the total number. A downward trend in the population density of tiger cubs was found on the site «Lazovsky District». In 2012–2021 in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve, the average population density was 8.9 ± 1.8 individuals per 1000 km2 for adult and subadult tigers, and 4.3 ± 1.1 individuals per 1000 km2 for tiger cubs, while the average tiger track density was 2.39 ± 0.68 tracks per 100 km. During this period, the population density of tiger cubs decreased in the Protected Area, and there was also a tendency towards a decrease in the relative number of adults and subadults. The regular three-year cycle in the dynamics of the tiger track density in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve indicates that environmental factors predominantly influence tiger groups here. No regular cycle was observed on the unprotected site «Lazovsky District». This finding and the lower number of tiger individuals in this area are associated with the negative impact of related anthropogenic factors, namely poaching, hunting, and logging. Recreational pressure also affects the tiger groups. In the last decade, the tiger group in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve has been exposed to anthropogenic factors from the adjacent area. It is concluded that the further protection of the tiger and the increase in its number is possible if Protected Areas of various statuses are established, if extensive buffer zones are created around new and existing Protected Areas, if hunting is prohibited and logging is limited. The use of agricultural lands for other purposes around Protected Areas should be forbidden.

Uncovering the willingness to pay for ecological red lines protection: Evidence from China

Ecological red line policy is an environmental policy that the national government aims to protect important ecosystems by dividing them into different functional red lines. Ecological red lines is the guarantee lines of ecological services and the bottom lines of ecological security. Quantifying the value of ecological red lines is the inherent requirement of the development of ecological red lines policy. This study investigated whether residents in Nanjing were willing to pay for ecological red lines protection by using the theoretical framework of the double-bounded dichotomous choice method. The survey collected a sample of 1,058 respondents, of whom 835 were willing to pay to protect the ecological red lines, and most of those unwilling to pay believed that protection of ecological red lines should be paid by governments or polluters. The calculated mean Willingness to Pay was 300.07 CNY·year−1, among which the respondents showed the highest willingness to pay for nature reserve areas and water resources reserve areas and the lowest willingness to pay for cultural landscape areas. The final estimated non-use value of ecological red lines in Nanjing was 2550 million CNY. By analyzing the results of the logistic regression model, education level and family annual income have a significant positive effect on Willingness to Pay, while age, the influence of ecological red lines on themselves, and the initial bid value are negatively significant. The evaluation results of this study have certain value mainly in the framework of sustainable development of ecological red lines, to improve residents’ awareness and participation in the protection of ecological red lines, and to provide scientific support for the management plan and policies to improve the environmental quality of ecological red lines.

Historical and geospatial aspects of formation of the eco-network of the Transcarpathian region

Formulation of the problem. For the time being the formation of an ecological network in Ukraine is the most effective way to preserve biological and landscape diversity. This process is characterized by the use of two approaches. The first is based on national legislation, methods of spatial planning in accordance with the geobotanical and landscape features of the region. The second approach is based on the European legislation, in particular, the Bern Convention. Transcarpathian region is no exception. The project of the regional scheme of the ecological network was approved for the region and Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs – sites of the Emerald network), were determined and adopted by Standing Committee. Purpose and methods of research. Today there is a need for a comprehensive spatial analysis of the currently existing planning models of the regional ecological network of Transcarpathia and the establishment of the most important areas for biodiversity and landscape diversity protection. The purpose of our study was to characterize the main stages of formation of the ecological network of Transcarpathian region and to establish a list of structural elements of the ecological network, for which it is important to develop measures to protect biodiversity within them. We analyzed international and national legal documents, cartographic and planning documents to determine and characterize the main stages of development of the ecological network of the region. we compiled maps showing the spatial relationship of nature reserves, elements of the regional eco-network and areas of special conservation interest, using software QGIS 3.16.0, schemes: planning of the eco-network of the Ukrainian Carpathians, eco-network of Transcarpathian region, Transcarpathian territory planning areas; data on the Structural Elements of the Emerald Network, the network of objects of the nature reserve fund and their large-scale plans; detailed plans of forest plantations. Based on the obtained data, we conducted a spatial analysis of the elements in order to identify areas that require additional measures to preserve biotic and landscape diversity. Results of the research. Based on the obtained data, we have identified and characterized the main stages of formation of the ecological network of the Transcarpathian region. Based on a detailed cartographic analysis, we have identified areas that require natural research on the need for additional measures to preserve biotic and landscape diversity. Scientific novelty and practical significance. In our article for the first time a comprehensive and detailed spatial analysis of the currently existing planning models of the regional ecological network of Transcarpathia was conducted. For the first time, areas have been identified that do not currently belong to the nature reserve fund and areas of special conservation interest, but need to be studied in terms of their value to preserve biotic and landscape diversity.

An annotated list of the flora of the perspective local botanical reserve “Vovchi Vody” (Kharkiv region, Ukraine)

The territory of the projected local botanical reserve “Vovchi Vody” is situated in the eastern vicinity of Vovchansk town (Chuhuiv (formerly Vovchansk dist.) district, Kharkiv region, Ukraine) and occupies 47 ha. The area of the perspective nature reserve t includes chalk outcrops, steppe plots, floodplain meadows on the right bank of Vovcha river, spontaneous dumps, roads and trails, ruined buildings of brick factory. There are few finds of rare species, but have not detail floristic researches. The brick factory was working there from the end of XIX to the end of XX centuries. The landscapes are transformed and destroyed after it activity. During 2018–2020, we has thirteen expeditions. We created an annotated list of the vascular plant of the studied territory. The list includes the information about modern scientific name of the species; their relative occurrence; distribution pattern, hyhromorphes and ceonorphes;selection division to alien and rare flora fractions etc. The floristic list of the perspective botanical reserve “Vovchi Vody” includes 206 species from 47 families, 3 classes and 2 divisions of vascular plants. The largest families are Asteraceae (35 species; 16,9 %), Poaceae (20 species; 9,7 %), Fabaceae (20 species; 9,7 %), Lamiaceae (19 species; 9,2 %), Scrophulariaceae (13 species; 6,3 %), Rosaceae (9 species; 4,3 %) Ranunculaceae (7 species; 3,4 %), Apiaceae, Boraginaceae, Rubiaceae (each one contains 6 species; 2,9 %). The area of perspective nature reserve has great scientific and bioconservation importance. Twenty five species have a sozological value. Ten species are included to Red Data Book of Ukraine and fifteen species are included to Оfficial list of regional rare plant species of Kharkiv region.

Landscape Fragmentation in Qinling–Daba Mountains Nature Reserves and Its Influencing Factors

Climate change and intensified human activity have altered the landscape pattern of nature reserves and are expected to induce persistent changes in habitat quality. Using GIS technology and landscape ecological theories, we quantitatively analyzed landscape fragmentation characteristics and the driving factors for the interior and peripheries of the Qinling–Daba Mountains nature reserves during 2010–2017. Using spatial principal component analysis, landscape pattern indices, and Geodetector, we evaluated the habitat quality status of different nature reserve types in different regions and the impacts of human disturbance on these areas. The results are as follows: (1) Most national nature reserves in the Qinling–Daba Mountains were moderately or highly fragmented during 2010–2017, and the fragmentation degree of a few reserves exhibited a decreasing trend. (2) The fragmentation degree of landscape patches from the core areas to the experimental areas of the inner nature reserves showed a trend of being low in the middle and high in the surrounding area; the level of landscape fragmentation gradually decreased from the edge of 1 km (M-1) to 5 km (M-5). (3) There was spatial differentiation in the intensity of landscape fragmentation among the nature reserves; human activity intensity, land-use degree, elevation, slope gradient, and topographic relief were the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of landscape fragmentation, and the contribution of anthropogenic factors was significantly greater than that of natural factors. Human activities, such as the construction of network infrastructures, irrational partition management, expansion of agricultural and industrial production activities, were the main reasons for the spatial differentiation of landscape fragmentation in the nature reserves. These results can provide significant scientific support for ecological restoration in the nature reserves and contribute to the coordinated development between socio-economic system and ecological environment in the exceedingly impoverished areas.

Bird Diversity in Rambut Island Wildlife Reverse Seribu Islands

Indonesia is one of the top priority countries in efforts to preserve biodiversity because it has the largest biodiversity in the world. Rambut Island Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve area with a wetland ecosystem type. This study aims to analyze the diversity of bird species in the Pulau Rambut Wildlife Reserve area. This research was conducted in May-July 2021. The method used for this study was a literature study. The diversity of bird species on Rambut Island, Kepulauan Seribu is quite high, as indicated by 24 species of birds. The existence of the activities of the people of Untung Jawa Island is thought to have an influence on the diversity of bird species found on Rambut Island, Kepulauan Seribu. Therefore, the role of BTNLKpS managers is needed to maintain the preservation and diversity of bird species found on Rambut Island, Kepulauan Seribu.

Spatial analysis of natural reserve fund of the Zakarpatska Oblast

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The article brings light to the study of the nature reserve fund (NRF) of Zakarpatska oblast as a component of the national heritage of the country. Representativeness is considered to be one of the main principles of spatial formation of the NRF object network. Therefore, to determine the current state and ensure further effective development of the region’s nature reserve fund, it is necessary to analyze its territorial and internal structural indicators. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current status of the region’s nature reserve fund with the reference to the possibility of introduction of the further new management practices. The article is based on information and statistical materials, the provisions of regional programs for the formation of the ecological network and environmental legislation of Ukraine. To solve the assigned tasks, there has been done a comprehensive analysis of statistical reporting data and materials of the NRF Register in Zakarpatska oblast of the Department of Ecology of Natural Resources of Zakarpattia Regional State Administration within the period of 2019, and reporting documents of environmental institutions for the same period. The considered indicator is the territorial distribution of nature reserve areas and region areas by administrative districts (before the formation and implementation of changes to the administrative-territorial structure of the Zakarpatska oblast), which is presented in the form of the division into four groups. The spatial distribution of the territory and the NFR objects do not sufficiently meet the criteria of local representativeness, so their spatial structure needs significant improvement, be specific – the creation of nature reserves, especially in the lowlands of the region. The average density of nature protection objects in the region (36 units / 1000 km2) is almost three times higher than the corresponding indicator in the neighboring Lviv region. The average value of the reserve factor in the region makes 14.17 %. It has been found that the reserve ratio demonstrates geographically the largest disproportion in Zakarpatska oblast. It is the highest indicator in turns of administrative entities in the districts of Mizhhiria, Velyky Bereznyi and Rakhiv. The lowest one is in Svaliava and Berehove districts, respectively. In addition, the reserve ratio compared to the national average indicator and in other European countries has been carried out. The quality of the nature reserve network is determined by the insularity coefficient, which indicates the size of the NRF objects and their stability. Further expansion of the network of nature protection objects in Zakarpatska oblast is possible due to the creation of Latorytsa, Shaian and Uzhok landscape parks. A big assumption can be made that by 2020 it will be possible to create new and expand existing areas of NRF in the region up to 100–120 thousand hectares, which will increase the protected area up to 20–22 %. The key issues of nature reserves to be developed in Zakarpatska oblast are primarily related to the imperfection of the management system. To handle this problem, there is an urgent need to develop a strategy, which will envisage the perception of the NRF as a holistic anthropogenic and natural unit in order to put into practice the environmental, scientific, educational and recreational functions.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Kebijakan Kriminal Perburuan Burung Wallacea Di Kepulauan Aru

Hunting for birds in the Aru Islands as one of the Wallacea regions is a crime that must be overcome to prevent the destruction of Wallacea bird species in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze how the criminal policy of hunting Wallacea birds in the Aru Islands. The research method used is normative jurudic, i.e. analyzing library materials or searching documents related to the problem under study. The approach used is the statutory approach and conceptual approach. Source of data used are secondary data in the form of primary legal materials, secondary legal materials and tertiary legal materials. Data collection methods are the study of literature and analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that hunting birds on the Aru Islands if left unchecked would threaten Wallacea bird species. Efforts to control the crime of bird hunting can be done by using means of punishment and non-punishment. Non-penal means that can be applied through the application of Sasi Cenderawasi and Sasi Walet as a form of local wisdom of the Aru people in maintaining the balance of nature in which they live. While the means of punishment through the application of legislation relating to hunting animals (birds). It is hoped that the Government can add forest police personnel or Nature Conservation Center officers, improve facilities / infrastructure as support activities for the protection and supervision of the nature reserve area. In addition, community participation must be increased through awareness to obey the Sasi rules as local wisdom.

The natural resource management to support tourism: A traditional knowledge approach in Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract. Sonbait LY, Manik H, Warmetan H, Wambrauw YLD, Sagrim M, Djitmau DA, Wanggai J, Rettob BB, Murdjoko A. 2021. The natural resource management to support tourism: A traditional knowledge approach in Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve, West Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4466-4474. Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve (PANR) is administratively located in three districts of West Papua, namely Manokwari, Manokwari Selatan, and Pegunungan Arfak that has diversity of protected flora and fauna. Therefore, it is crucial to study the local products for the development of ecotourism models based on local wisdom in supporting the potential economy of communities in the Pegunungan Arfak reserve. The data were obtained from direct interviews with communities around the nature reserve area through related government agencies in Manokwari District. The finding of this research highlighted that local people in Pegunungan Arfak (the Hatam-Moile sub-tribe) still use traditional knowledge for their livelihood. Most of the activities were the utilization of natural resources such as flora and fauna. They understand how to manage the natural resource to earn economic benefit along with the implementation of their traditional concept to promote the sustainability of nature. The biodiversity and social-cultural richness of local people in Pegunungan Arfak have value to be developed together with traditional ecological knowledge in sustainable nature management where local people earn benefits and nature is conserved simultaneously.