Nature Reserve Research Articles

Introduction to the special issue of The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Introduction to the special issue of The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

An unusual new species of Melandrya Fabricius, 1801 (Coleoptera: Melandryidae) with new distributional notes for two additional Melandrya from Southwest China

An unusual Melandrya species with raised, pale yellowish-orange elytral spots like many species of Helotidae is described as Melandrya (s. str.) helotoides sp. nov. from Guizhou Province in southwest China. It is the ninth species of Melandrya from China. New distributional records are also provided for Melandrya (Bonzicus) incostata Fairmaire, 1889 and Melandrya (Bonzicus) coccinea (Lewis, 1895). All three species are reported from Leigongshan National Nature Reserve. The record for M. (B.) coccinea represents a new provincial occurrence for Guizhou Province. Habitus illustrations of the three species are provided.

Evaluation of the light pollution in the nature reserves of China based on NPP/VIIRS nighttime light data

ABSTRACT Nature reserves play a key role in the conservation of habitats, species and ecosystems in China. However, the issue of light pollution within these reserves has not received well recognition. Whereas previous studies have investigated light pollution in protected areas by remote sensing, the influence of the atmospheric scattered light from neighborhoods was ignored by using only direct light emissions. This study mapped the nighttime all-sky brightness from NPP/VIIRS data to quantify light pollution over the national nature reserves in China from 2013 to 2022. Based on the remotely sensed sky brightness, the spatio-temporal variations of sky brightness were analyzed. The mean sky brightness across all nature reserves was 0.63 mcd/m2 and the mean trend was 0.0189 mcd/m2/a, indicating obvious and accelerating light pollution. Furthermore, the sky brightness around the nature reserves was estimated and compared with the reserves. In general, the surrounding regions showed higher sky brightness and brightening trends, suggesting a certain but insufficient protective effect on the sky quality of nature reserves. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the light pollution conditions in the national nature reserves in China and serves as a valuable reference for future assessments of light pollution using remote sensing data.

EcoSonicML: Harnessing Machine Learning for Biodiversity Monitoring in South African Wetlands

Biodiversity monitoring, particularly in a country as diverse as South Africa with its extensive migratory bird population, presents significant challenges. This challenge becomes even more pronounced in environments with a multitude of coexisting bird species, notably wetlands, which serve as crucial breeding and feeding grounds for various avian species. This research will address this challenge by designing a cost-effective sound-based sensor system capable of deployment in diverse wetland ecosystems. The primary aim is to aid in the monitoring of bird species by detecting their presence and distribution and then transmitting this valuable data to a central base station. To assess the system’s feasibility and performance, a series of experiments were conducted at the Rondevlei Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa. These experiments focused on the sensor’s capacity to accurately identify avian species while maintaining robustness in varying environmental conditions. The results yielded promising outcomes, demonstrating the successful identification of bird species. Furthermore, the system exhibited reliability across different weather conditions, positioning it as a viable choice for long-term deployment in wetland environments. Beyond species detection, this project also delved into practical aspects of data transfer and storage efficiency, ensuring the system’s suitability for real-world applications. Modularity was another crucial consideration, simplifying maintenance and upgrades. Moreover, a preliminary cost analysis indicated the cost-effectiveness of the system compared to commercial alternatives. The integration of climate sensors into the monitoring system was explored as a future direction. This addition holds the potential to provide a more comprehensive approach to environmental monitoring by incorporating climate data into the analysis. Such a holistic approach can further enrich our understanding of bird behaviour in relation to changing environmental conditions. The findings of this research have significant implications for avian conservation and ecological studies, particularly in the unique context of South Africa. This project introduces an affordable and practical tool for monitoring bird species in wetland habitats, offering valuable insights into the preservation and management of these critical ecosystems.

New species and records of Hybos Meigen (Diptera, Empidoidea) from Huaping National Nature Reserve, China

In this study, 21 species of Hybos Meigen, 1803 are reviewed in Huaping National Nature Reserve, China. Among these, three species, i.e., Hybos denticulatussp. nov., Hybos forcipatasp. nov. and H. paraterminalissp. nov., are described as new to science. In addition, nine known species of this genus are reported for the first time in Guangxi. All the known species were enumerated, and an identification key to the species of Hybos from Huaping National Nature Reserve based on morphological characteristics is provided.

The inputs of autochthonous organic carbon driven by mangroves reduce metal mobility and bioavailability in intertidal regions.

The significance of mangroves in carbon storage is widely acknowledged. However, the potential role of carbon enhancement driven by mangroves in mitigating the risk of metal exposure remains unclear. In this study, a natural mangrove reserve located in Futian was selected to investigate the potential role of autochthonous organic carbon on metal bioavailability. The presence of mangroves seemed to have little effect on the accumulations of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI/III), Pb(II), and Ni(II) in surface sediments. Metal mobility and bioavailability, however, were found to be directly influenced by the presence of mangroves. Compared with mudflat, mangrove sediments exhibited an obvious in the bioavailability of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI/III), Pb(II), and Ni(II) by 19-79 %, with the highest reduction occurring in the interior of mangroves dominated by K. obovata. Mangroves also significantly enhanced the accumulation of organic carbon in sediments, regardless of carbon components. Moreover, the results from random forest analysis further showed that autochthonous organic carbon was the most important carbon component that negatively related to metal bioavailability. In summary, this is the first study to provide a linkage between mangrove cover and increased autochthonous organic carbon input, which decreases metal bioavailability. The present data also suggest that mangroves are an efficient natural barrier to alleviate the risk of metal exposure in intertidal regions.

Landscape ecological risk evaluation and prediction under a wetland conservation scenario in the Sanjiang Plain based on land use/cover change

Landscape ecological risk is the term used to describe potential negative effects of the relationship between environmental processes and landscape structure as a result of both natural and human interactions. The scientific assessment of past and prediction future ecological risks to landscapes is the basis for achieving sustainable regional development. In this study, we built an ecological risk measurement system characterized by variability in landscape composition to reflect the components of landscape ecological risk. In particular, the CA-Markov model was used to simulate the spatial pattern of land use in the Sanjiang Plain, China, under a wetland protection scenario. The evolution of the spatiotemporal land use trend in the study area was then analyzed for past (2011–2021) and future (2021–2036) periods. The results identified that construction land, farmland, water, and grassland areas exhibited an increasing trend from 2011 to 2021, while forest and wetland areas decreased each year. From 2021 to 2036, the grassland areas exhibited a downward trend, while the other land use types maintained the same previous trend, and all land use types experienced a slowdown in the degree of change. The major landscape ecological risk levels in the research region changed from medium-risk and low-risk levels (2011–2021) to low-risk and lower-risk levels (2021–2036). An evident decrease in risk is observed for farmland and construction land in the mid-region of the research district and forests in the south. In contrast, high-risk and higher-risk levels regions were smaller and distributed in the Songhua River basin in the northeast of the research region, wetland nature reserves, and the Xingkai Lake area, with an overall reduction of 59%. Based on the results, we propose several risk prevention and control management strategies. This research acts as a basis for determining Sanjiang Plain's future rational distribution of land resources and provides an example for the reduction of ecological risks in similar regions.

Testing effectiveness in nature reserve management using GIS-based tools: a 25 years monitoring of land use change in a Mediterranean coastal wetland

Testing effectiveness in nature reserve management using GIS-based tools: a 25 years monitoring of land use change in a Mediterranean coastal wetland

Savanna chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) crop feeding at Dindefelo, Senegal: challenges and implications for conservation.

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are categorized as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and habitat loss due to conversion of land for agriculture is one of the major threats to wild populations of this species. This challenging scenario can lead to negative human-chimpanzee interactions, includingcrop feeding. Chimpanzees consume crops across their geographical range, although little is known about this behavior in savanna habitats. Here we provide new evidence of crop feeding by savanna chimpanzees. We conducted our observations at Dindefelo, a community nature reserve in southeastern Senegal. The chimpanzees were observed to feed on mango (Mangifera indica) and also on baobab (Adansonia digitata), a wild species considered a crop by local people when found in and around villages. Although local people use the fruits of these species for food and income, they tolerated crop-feeding events until recently. In 2023, a case of harassment of a crop-feeding chimpanzee in a mango orchard was witnessed, and four days later a chimpanzee corpse was found at the same place. We conclude that habitat conversion into agricultural fields, uncontrolled bush fires and extraction of wild fruits are the important factors influencing crop-feeding events at Dindefelo. Our findings highlight the need to better understand human-chimpanzee interactions in the anthropogenic landscape of Dindefelo to help mitigate negative attitudes and behaviors towards chimpanzees.

Angiopteris nodosipetiolata (Marattiaceae), a new fern species from Yunnan, China

Angiopteris nodosipetiolata Ting Wang tris, H.F.Chen & Y.H.Yan, a new fern of Marattiaceae, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, A. nodosipetiolata is similar to A. chingii with more than one naked pulvinus on the stipe and numerous jointed hairs on the undersides of the mature pinnae. However, the pinnae of A. nodosipetiolata are lanceolate and can reach up to 4–6 pairs, whereas they are elliptic and occur in 2–3 pairs in A. chingii. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analysis, based on the plastid genomes, also indicates that A. nodosipetiolata is not closely related to A. chingii. Currently, there are ca. 500 mature individuals in Gulinqing Nature Reserve and we suggest A. nodosipetiolata should be categorised as an Endangered (EN) species according to the criteria of IUCN.

Assessing heavy metal contamination in a Brazilian metropolis: a case study with a focus on (bio)indicators.

The continuous expansion of the global vehicle fleet poses a growing threat to environmental quality through heavy metal contamination. In this scenario, monitoring to safeguard public health in urban areas is necessary. Our study involved the collection of 36 street dust and 29 moss samples from roads of a Brazilian metropolis (Recife) with varying traffic intensities as follows: natural reserve (0 vehicles per day), low (< 15,000 vehicles per day), medium (15,000-30,000 vehicles per day), and high (> 30,000 vehicles per day). ICP-AES analysis was performed to determine the concentrations of nine potentially toxic metals (Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) to assess the influence of vehicular flow on urban contamination. In the street dust samples, the mean metal concentrations (mg kg-1) exhibited the following order: Ba (503.7) > Mn (303.0) > Zn (144.4) > Cu (95.3) > Cr (56.1) > Pb (34.2) > V (28.7) > Ni (11.3) > Cd (1.5). Conversely, in the moss samples, the metal concentration order was as follows (mg kg-1): Mn (63.8) > Zn (62.5) > Ba (61.0) > Cu (17.7) > Cr (8.0) > V (7.3) > Pb (7.0) > Ni (2.9) > Cd (0.3). Roads with higher traffic volumes exhibited the highest metal enrichments in moss samples for all metals and in dust samples for Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, and V. However, dust from low-flow roads had higher enrichments for Ba, Cu, and Zn, indicating the influential role of other traffic-related factors in metal deposition. Our findings highlight traffic flow as the predominant source of pollution in urban centers, with both street dust and moss serving as sensitive indicators of metal input attributable to vehicular traffic. These indicators offer valuable insights for urban quality monitoring and pollution control efforts.

A Merningar Bardok family’s Noongar oral history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and surrounds

Warning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this document may contain sensitive information, images or names of people who have since passed away. Context Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on Western Australia’s south coast is world renowned for its biodiversity, particularly its threatened fauna. Future co-management of the Reserve with Aboriginal peoples is likely, although very little information on the Noongar cultural heritage of the Reserve has been published and thus available for stewardship guidance. Methods This study used oral history interviews on Country based on open-ended questioning and respect for intellectual property. Comprehensive surveys for Noongar cultural heritage were conducted on foot on the Reserve. Key results A rich trove of women’s and men’s stories from the Knapp family about Two Peoples Bay is recalled and recorded. The Reserve features prominently in Wiernyert/Dreaming stories with classical human moral dilemmas, and transformations for wrong-doing are featured. Threatened animals and important plants are named as borongur/totems. Trading of gidj/spears of Taxandria juniperina is prominent. Use of fire traditionally was circumspect, and is confined to small areas and pathways in lowlands. Granite rocks are replete with lizard traps, standing stones, and stone arrangements. Conclusions The Reserve has a long and layered oral history for Merningar Bardok Noongars, exemplified here by the Knapp family, members of which have enjoyed continuous oral history for countless generations. Granite rocks, wetlands, flora, and fauna are vitally important vessels of such knowledge. Implications Cultural suppression has inhibited free cross-cultural exchange of kaatidjin/knowledge until recently. As respect for culture and Elders becomes paramount, positive co-stewardship of the Reserve will become a reality. Vibrant cultural interpretation and active management by Noongar guides and rangers is recommended.

Bryophytes of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Context Although the vascular flora of Western Australia is renowned for high species diversity and endemism, very little is known about the state’s moss and liverwort flora. Aims In 1984 we conducted surveys of bryophytes in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods We searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on the Reserve, collecting voucher specimens subsequently identified with modern literature and with the help of Australian bryophyte experts. We updated the text to reflect modern taxonomy and considering modern literature on phytogeography and hypotheses associated with OCBIL (Old, Climatically Buffered, Infertile Landscapes) theory. Key results A total of 38 species of mosses representing 25 genera from 13 families were identified along with 10 species of liverworts representing nine genera and six families. Two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) were previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic genus, family, and order. The Pottiaceae, with 11 species, was the most diverse family of mosses. The Lepidoziaceae, with three species, was the most diverse family of liverworts. Conclusions Lower levels of endemism in bryophytes versus vascular plants may reflect the bryophytes’ capacity for wide and long-distance dispersal of spores and fragments. Bryophyte diversity and endemism may be less than on extensive OCBILs because much of the Reserve emerged from the ocean as recently as the mid-Pleistocene. Implications This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in WA, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of mosses and liverworts.

New record of Joffre’s pipistrelle, Mirostrellus joffrei (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), in China

Mirostrellus joffrei Thomas, 1915 is the sole species within the genus Mirostrellus and its occurrence is notably rare in China. Despite the recent discovery of four previously unreported specimens from western Yunnan, China (Zaoteng River, 25.31°N, 98.80°E, altitude 1451 m) at the National Museum of Prague in the Czech Republic, comprehensive descriptions or detailed accounts of this species within China have yet to be published. During a field expedition within the Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yuanyang, Yunnan, China, a bat was captured using a mist net. The specimen was of moderate size, with its ventral surface presenting a golden-brown hue and its dorsal surface ranging from dark brown to obsidian. The forearm measured 37.31 mm, while the fifth digit was conspicuously diminished in comparison to the others. The snout was robust, featuring prominent buccal glands. It was characterised by a well-developed upper frame and a barely visible low sagittal crest. The upper canines possessed well-developed posterior cusps. The dentition comprised two upper and two lower premolars, with the first upper premolar being notably small and the lower molars being distinctly myotodont. These attributes correspond with the known traits of Mirostrellus joffrei. Phylogenetically, the sequence of this specimen clustered with that of M. joffrei, forming an independent clade. Through an examination of its morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and recombination activating gene 2 (RAG2) sequences, we identified the specimen as M. joffrei, thus confirming the presence of Joffre’s pipistrelle in China.

Does the State of Scientific Knowledge and Legal Regulations Sufficiently Protect the Environment of River Valleys?

The pressure of human activity in river valley environments has always been high. Even today, despite the increasing awareness of societies around the world regarding the need to protect water and biodiversity, there are concerns that the current river valley management systems are insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the state of knowledge about the soils and forest ecosystems of river valleys in terms of the possibility of protecting river valley environments. This study used data obtained from the Forest Data Bank (FDB) database, which focuses on forests in Poland. After analyzing 17,820 forest sections where the soils were described as fluvisols, it was found that forest areas associated with fluvisols (typical, fertile soils of river valleys) are quite well recognized and protected in Poland. Most (55%) forested fluvisols are located in Natura 2000 sites (an important European network of biodiversity hotspots), 4% in nature reserves, and 1% in national parks. Additionally, the main forest habitat type associated with fluvisols is riparian forest, composed mainly of Quercus, Ulmus, and Fraxinus, which is protected as Natura 2000 habitat type 91F0. Preserving the sustainability of the forest is also a form of soil protection. Despite the identification of soils and forests in river valleys, as well as appropriate legal tools, their protection may be ineffective due to the fragmentation of forms of protection and the lack of a coherent system for managing river valleys. Because the conservation status of the river valleys is also influenced by the management of areas located outside the river valleys, in order to protect river valley ecosystems, integrated conservation plans for entire catchments should be implemented. Due to potential conflicts related to the management of areas with diverse expectations of local communities, it would be advisable for such plans to be created by local experts but under the supervision of a specialist/specialists from outside the area covered by a given river basin.

Distribution Dynamics of Diplopanax stachyanthus Hand.-Mazz. (Mastixiaceae) and Its Implications in Relict Mastixioid Flora Conservation

Climate is a key driver shaping the distribution pattern of organisms. Cenozoic climate change has led to extensive biota turnover. Untangling the distribution dynamics of a representative lineage of flora can provide deep insights into biodiversity conservation. Diplopanax is a notable relict lineage of the Tertiary mastixioid flora with abundant fossils in the Northern Hemisphere. Diplopanax stachyanthus Hand.-Mazz. is a representative relic lineage of the mastixioid flora, which was once widespread in the Northern Hemisphere of the early Tertiary period, but with only endemic distribution in the (sub)tropical humid forests of East Asia. It offers a unique chance to understand how climatic drivers shape the Boreotropical flora. In this research, we investigated the distribution dynamics of D. stachyanthus at the last glacial maximum (LGM), mid-Holocene (MH), current, and three periods of the future (2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100) at four shared socio-economic emissions scenarios pathways. Our results indicated that the Precipitation of the Wettest Quarter (32.6%), the Precipitation of the Driest Quarter (21.2%), and the Precipitation of the Coldest Quarter (17.3%) are the key factors affecting its distribution. The current high suitable distribution areas are primarily in southern China and northern Indo-China. The enforced winter monsoon seasons in East Asia since the late Pliocene period are the key climatic drivers reducing its once widespread distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Under future scenarios, centroid transfer analysis suggests that its distribution center will shift southwestward, but the potentially suitable habitats in the coastal regions of southern China and northern Indo-China will be lost. These coastal populations should be prioritized for ex situ conservation. Expanding the nature reserve within its long-term stable distribution range in southwest China is an effective strategy for the in situ conservation of the ancient mastixioid flora.

SDG- and GMAG-oriented analysis of multi scenarios spatiotemporal changes and evaluation of the effectiveness and potential of mangrove forests

ABSTRACT It is crucial to mangrove management by understanding its conservation efforts. This study proposed a spatiotemporal analysis model to evaluate mangrove changes in the Guangxi Beibu Gulf (GBG) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), focusing on past, present, and future dynamics. The analysis covered mangrove loss, stability, and gain from 1990 to 2020 and provided projections for 2020 to 2035 across multiple scenarios. Then further assessed the efficacy of past mangrove conservation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the prospective conservation potential with the Global Mangrove Alliance Goal (GMAG) indicators. Findings indicate that by 2020, the GBG and GBA had 81.65 km² and 40.92 km² of mangroves, respectively, with increases of 31.51% and 164.09% since 1990. Projected expansions are anticipated under all three scenarios during 2020- 2035, with the highest growth projected under the trend continuation scenario, followed by ecological restoration and protection, and economic development. While mangrove protection in these regions met SDG targets 6.6.1 and 14.5.1 from 2015 to 2020, the 80% conservation milestone set by GMAG for 2030 was not achieved, necessitating the establishment of nature reserves. The study offers novel insights for sustainable governance of mangrove forests at local, regional, and global levels.

Can Cooperatives Enhance the Income-Generating Effect of Eco-Industries for Farmers?—Empirical Evidence from the Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve, China

Promoting the development of eco-industries plays a significant role in achieving the harmonious symbiosis between economic growth and environmental protection as well as enhancing the comprehensive effectiveness of ecological and economic benefits. Due to their unique nature, cooperatives may play a crucial role in facilitating the integration between farmers and the development of eco-industries. To investigate whether cooperatives possess the capacity to enhance the income-generating effects for farmers involved in eco-industries, this study selected the Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve (CINNR), a representative area for eco-industry development, as the research site. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews, and this research empirically analyzed the impact of cooperatives on the income-generating effect of farmers using endogenous switching regression (ESR). The findings are threefold. First, cooperatives indeed enhance the income-generating effects for farmers engaged in eco-industries. Second, variables such as the distribution of agroforestry materials, premium capacity, soil quality, and status of village cadres have a positive impact on farmers joining cooperatives, whereas punishment initiatives discourage their participation. Third, for farmers who have joined cooperatives, factors such as the distribution of agroforestry materials, premium capacity, low-cost conservation initiatives, land area, status of village cadres, the proportion of labor force, technical training, soil quality, and land area positively affect their income from eco-industries. Conversely, punishment initiatives, age, and land location negatively impact their income. The results of this study provide new ideas for farmers to participate in the development of eco-industries, new evidence showing co-operatives can improve farmers’ income, and new directions for coordinating conflicts between conservation and development in protected areas.

Biodiversity Conservation in Xishuangbanna, China: Diversity Analysis of Traditional Knowledge Related to Biodiversity and Conservation Progress and Achievement Evaluation

Biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the earth. The study of traditional knowledge related to biological resources is a hot issue in the field of international biodiversity conservation. Xishuangbanna is a key area of biodiversity and a cultural hotspot of international significance. According to the Technical Regulation for Classification, Investigation, and Inventory of Traditional Knowledge Relating to Biological Diversity issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, we investigated and catalogued the traditional knowledge related to biodiversity of the Jino people who have lived in Xishuangbanna for generations, and collected 490 entries of traditional knowledge related to biodiversity of the Jino people. Drawing on the traditional knowledge diversity index calculation method proposed by Wang Guoping, the overall traditional knowledge α-diversity index of the Jino people is 0.63, indicating that the richness of the traditional knowledge of the Jinuo people is relatively high. The traditional culture related to biodiversity, the traditional knowledge related to agricultural genetic resources, and the traditional technology related to the sustainable utilization of biological resources are relatively rich and diverse. The diversity index is 0.86, 0.82 and 0.79, respectively. In addition, Xishuangbanna has invested a lot of energy in biodiversity protection, including the establishment of nature reserves, botanical gardens, zoos, ecological tea gardens and other species reserves, and the promulgation of laws and policies related to biodiversity protection, and has achieved remarkable results in in situ protection and ex situ protection. On the basis of analyzing the progress and achievements of biodiversity conservation in Xishuangbanna, this study points out that Xishuangbanna faces challenges such as the loss of traditional knowledge, insufficient conservation efforts, and great changes in land use, and puts forward corresponding suggestions.

Ecological aspects and relationships of the emblematic Vachellia spp. exposed to anthropic pressures and parasitism in natural hyper-arid ecosystems: ethnobotanical elements, morphology, and biological nitrogen fixation

Main conclusionEmblematic Vachellia spp. naturally exposed to hyper-arid conditions, intensive grazing, and parasitism maintain a high nitrogen content and functional mutualistic nitrogen-fixing symbioses.AlUla region in Saudi Arabia has a rich history regarding mankind, local wildlife, and fertility islands suitable for leguminous species, such as the emblematic Vachellia spp. desert trees. In this region, we investigated the characteristics of desert legumes in two nature reserves (Sharaan and Madakhil), at one archaeological site (Hegra), and in open public domains et al. Ward and Jabal Abu Oud. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), isotopes, and N and C contents were investigated through multiple lenses, including parasitism, plant tissues, species identification, plant maturity, health status, and plant growth. The average BNF rates of 19 Vachellia gerrardii and 21 Vachellia tortilis trees were respectively 39 and 67%, with low signs of inner N content fluctuations (2.10–2.63% N) compared to other co-occurring plants. The BNF of 23 R. raetam was just as high, with an average of 65% and steady inner N contents of 2.25 ± 0.30%. Regarding parasitism, infected Vachellia trees were unfazed compared to uninfected trees, thereby challenging the commonly accepted detrimental role of parasites. Overall, these results suggest that Vachellia trees and R. raetam shrubs exploit BNF in hyper-arid environments to maintain a high N content when exposed to parasitism and grazing. These findings underline the pivotal role of plant-bacteria mutualistic symbioses in desert environments. All ecological traits and relationships mentioned are further arguments in favor of these legumes serving as keystone species for ecological restoration and agro-silvo-pastoralism in the AlUla region.Graphical abstract