Potential Conservation Research Articles

A review on enhancing water productivities adaptive to the climate change

ABSTRACT Crop water requirements depend on climate, soil, and plant characteristics, necessitating responsive and adaptive irrigation systems for efficient water use. The objectives of this study include assessing the implementation of irrigation technology and its impact on water use efficiency, reviewing smart irrigation systems employed as irrigation management systems, and introducing evapotranspirative irrigation technology as a straightforward smart irrigation approach. Globally, research on irrigation technologies highlights significant potential for water conservation. Smart irrigation system, as a facet of irrigation system management, is considered strategic approach for effective irrigation implementation. The adoption of micro-irrigation systems in cultivated crops has shown promising results in enhancing water productivity and significantly increasing yield rates, but smallholder farmers resist due to high costs. This study introduces innovative approaches using simple automatic technology based on the principle of evapotranspiration, aiming to mitigate high costs. This technology is designed to distribute water optimally at the highest evapotranspiration rate during prolonged dry periods. The key success indicators focus on water productivity, encompassing crop water, irrigation water, and total water. The evapotranspirative irrigation system is pivotal in regulating evapotranspiration rates, resulting in reduced water evaporation and increased land and water productivities, making it adaptive to the impacts of climate change.

The hierarchical three-body problem at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({G}^2\right) $$

The hierarchical three-body problem at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({G}^2\right) $$

Population viability of the orchid Gymnadenia conopsea increases with population size but is not related to genetic diversity

Abstract Population size is a main indicator of conservation potential, thought to predict both current and long‐term population viability. However, few studies have directly examined the links between the size and the genetic and demographic properties of populations, using metrics that integrate effects across the whole life cycle. In this study, we combined 6 years of demographic data with SNP‐based estimates of genetic diversity from 18 Swedish populations of the orchid Gymnadenia conopsea. We assessed whether stochastic growth rate increases with population size and genetic diversity, and used stochastic life table response experiment (SLTRE) analysis to evaluate how underlying vital rates contribute to among‐population variation in growth rate. For each population, we also estimated the probability of quasi‐extinction (shrinking below a threshold size) and of a severe (90%) decline in population size, within the next 30 years. Estimates of stochastic growth rate indicated that 10 populations are declining, seven increasing and one population is approximately stable. SLTRE decomposition showed that low mean adult survival and growth characterized strongly declining populations, whereas high mean fecundity characterized strongly increasing populations. Stochastic growth rate increased with population size, mainly due to higher survival in larger populations, but was not related to genetic diversity. One third of the populations were predicted to go extinct and eight populations to undergo a 90% decrease in population size in the coming 30 years. Low survival in small populations most likely reflects a positive association between local environmental conditions and population size. Synthesis: The association between G. conopsea population size and viability was driven by variation in survival, and there was no sign that ongoing declines are due to genetic erosion. This suggests that large populations occur in favourable habitats that buffer effects of climatic variation. The results also illustrate that demographic metrics can be more informative than genetic metrics, regarding conservation priority.

On the granting nature protection status to the Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve

The Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve (PSRER) has been operating since 1988 within the Belarusian sector of the evacuation (exclusion) zone after the Chernobyl accident. The specific composition of radionuclide fallout, the presence of fuel particles in ecosystems and the high density of radioactive contamination of the soil determined the “reserve” status of PSRER and long-term strategic aspects of its development. The key objectives of creating PSRER are to implement a set of measures to prevent the removal of radionuclides beyond its territory, the study of the state of natural plant complexes, wildlife, radiation and environmental monitoring, and radio-biological and radio-ecological research. At the same time, despite its high conservation potential, PSRER is not a specially natural protected area (SNPA). The article presents the results of analysis of the compliance of the PSRER territory with the general and special criteria for selecting natural territories for SNPA granting, established by Article 16 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Specially Natural Protected Areas”. There are compelling reasons for giving this natural territory the status of SNPA with the category of a reserve: the territory meets 5 general criteria (criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7) and all 3 special criteria presented for declaring natural territories a reserve.

Temperate forests of high conservation value are successfully identified by satellite and LiDAR data fusion

AbstractForest ecosystems will play a critical role in achieving policy targets for biodiversity and conservation, such as those set out in the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030. However, practitioners need to know where forests of high conservation value are to make the best‐informed decisions about which forests to prioritize. Here, we combine airborne LiDAR (airborne laser scanning/ALS), optical satellite imagery, and gridded datasets on soil and water availability with machine learning models to predict forests' conservation value across Denmark. We then use change‐detection algorithms to identify forests that had been disturbed since the collection of the LiDAR data to produce up‐to‐date estimates for the year 2020. Our models reached a high predictive capacity (82% accuracy) and suggested that 1982 km2 (~31%) of Denmark's forests were of potential high conservation value. Our study demonstrates the utility of data fusion approaches to identify forest areas of high value for conservation at fine spatial resolutions (~10–100 m) and nationwide extents. However, uncertainties remain in our approach. Hence, our findings should be used to guide field‐based assessments to confirm the in situ conservation value of the forests. Only in combination with such in situ data will approaches like ours enable decision makers to better protect forest biodiversity.

Phototrophs in Unique Habitats of Thermomineral Springs in Central Serbia

Thermomineral springs are unique aquatic habitats characterized by high temperatures or mineral-rich water and often host specialized microbial communities. In Serbia, these springs represent an important but under-researched ecological resource whose diverse physicochemical properties are shaped by their geological context. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of Serbian thermomineral springs and their relationship with phototrophic communities in different substrates are investigated. Phototrophic biofilms were categorized into fully submerged and splash zone biofilms, with the former showing higher primary production. Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta were recorded, with Bacillariophyta being the predominant division in terms of diversity, followed by Cyanobacteria. Among Cyanobacteria, coccoid forms like Aphanocapsa, Chroococcus, Gloeocapsa, and Synechococcus dominated splash zones, while trichal forms such as Leptolyngbya, Oscillatoria, and Pseudanabaena were abundant in submerged biofilms, forming thick mats. Unique cyanobacterial taxa, including Desertifilum, Elainella, Geitlerinema, Nodosilinea, and Wilmottia, were identified through molecular analysis, underscoring the springs’ potential as habitats for specialized phototrophs. Diatom communities, dominated by Nitzschia and Navicula, exhibited site-specific species influenced by microenvironmental parameters. Statistical analysis revealed ammonia, total nitrogen, and organic carbon as key factors shaping community composition. This study enhances the understanding of these ecosystems, emphasizing their conservation importance and potential for biotechnological applications.

Effects of Superphosphate on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Compost Quality During Industrial Scale In-Vessel Swine Manure Composting

Composting is an environmentally friendly method for transforming the nutrients present in livestock manure into organic fertilizer. In this study, the compost quality-enhancing and N2O and CH4 emissions-reducing effects of superphosphate were investigated during industrial-scale in-vessel composting of swine manure. Alongside a control group, three different doses of superphosphate were tested: 5% (SSP5), 10% (SSP10), and 15% (SSP15). The results revealed that the superphosphate reduced the N2O and CH4 emissions by 18.5–26.3% and 15.8–25.1%, respectively. In addition, the superphosphate enhanced both the N and P contents of the compost. However, it had an adverse impact on compost maturity, with the SSP15 dose showing the lowest germination index (GI) at 70.4% and the highest electrical conductivity (EC) at 9.04 mS·cm−1. These findings suggest that superphosphate has potential for greenhouse gas mitigation and nutrient augmentation in industrial composting. Although the economic benefits of superphosphate addition for GHG reduction are limited, the technology holds considerable economic potential for nitrogen conservation. Further investigations should focus on combining superphosphate addition with other improvements, considering both compost quality and economic viability.

Molecular Taxonomy Suggests Presence of Two Distinct Lineages of Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in Indian Himalayan Region.

Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) supports a plethora of biodiversity with a unique assemblage of many charismatic and endemic species. We assessed the genetic diversity, demographic history, and habitat suitability of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in the IHR through the analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) and Cytochrome b gene, and 14 ecological predictor variables. We observed high genetic divergence and designated them into two genetic lineage groups, i.e., the Himalayan blue sheep (P. n. nayaur) in the western part, and the Chinese blue sheep (P. n. szechuanensis) in the eastern part. They exhibited poor connectivity due to landscape resistance. The genetic distance value suggested substantial genetic differentiation between them. The habitat selection by blue sheep indicated the disparity between the residence preferences in the western and eastern Himalayas. In both the regions, the habitat suitability was mostly influenced by the minimumtemperature of the coldest month. However, in the eastern Himalayas,precipitation seasonalityemerged as a significant variable influencing habitat suitability. These findings provided strong support for the presumption that the habitats preferred by blue sheep in the western Himalayas are dryer, compared with the preferred habitats in the eastern region, which were moister. The identification of two separate lineages of P. nayaur in the IHR has significant conservation implications as it underlines the necessity for a unique management approach for each lineage. In order to preserve genetic integrity, conservation efforts must make sure that each population is maintained and monitored separately, as genetic divergence across the lineages that might indicate reproductive isolation. This study has potential conservation implications as it provides insights on the crucial ecological information of a relatively lesser-known ungulates species of Himalaya essential for effective conservation planning.

A study of New Zealanders motivations towards increasing native backyard planting

Purpose Urban backyards hold both aesthetic and practical value, offering significant potential for native biodiversity conservation within cities. Homeowners, as the primary managers of these spaces, play a crucial role in determining whether their backyards contribute to ecological sustainability by planting native species. This study aims to investigate how New Zealand homeowners’ attitudes, behaviours and motivations influence their engagement with native planting, and identifies effective strategies to encourage this practice. Design/methodology/approach This study used an online survey targeting a diverse sample of New Zealand homeowners, designed to assess their perceptions, motivations and barriers related to native planting. Correlational and regression analyses were used to identify the factors most strongly associated with the likelihood of increasing native planting in urban backyards. Findings Homeowners with healthier backyards, greater native plant coverage and those who spend 6–8 h per week maintaining native plants exhibit greater satisfaction with their backyards. Key motivations for native planting include attracting wildlife, enhancing aesthetics and contributing to ecological sustainability. Younger homeowners, Maori and Pacific communities and those dissatisfied with their current backyards are particularly inclined to increase native planting. Targeted financial and educational initiatives could significantly boost native plant coverage in urban backyards, contributing to both homeowner satisfaction and broader environmental goals. Originality/value While the role of urban backyards in biodiversity conservation is recognized, there is limited understanding of how homeowners can be motivated to enhance native plant coverage. This study addresses this gap by examining the factors that drive or hinder native planting among New Zealand homeowners.

Assessment of the Biodiversity Value of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in the Tuojiang River Basin, Chengdu

Benthic macroinvertebrates are crucial to the health of river ecosystems. However, their conservation status is often overlooked. Due to their limited mobility and sensitivity to habitat changes, their survival is threatened. Given the current lack of research on their value composition and evaluation, this study refers to the total economic value (TEV) framework to preliminarily construct a systematic evaluation framework for freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates. Through field surveys, questionnaires, and market survey data, the value composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Tuojiang River Basin of Chengdu was systematically clarified. The total value was monetized using methods such as the market price method, substitute market method, and simulated market method. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The biodiversity value of benthic macroinvertebrates in the study area ranges from 6.36 × 108 to 12.76 × 108 CNY/a, accounting for 0.17–0.34% of the region’s 2019 GDP. The various values in order of proportion are as follows: non-use value > direct service value > Direct Material value > indirect use value. This indicates that this biological group has enormous potential value and significant conservation importance. (2) The proportions of the value amounts of various species in the total value differ. The proportions of Viviparidae, Odonata, Ephemeroptera, and Palaemonidae are relatively high, reaching 9.8–23.8%. The proportions of Atyidae, Semisulcospiridae, and Bithyniidae are about 5%. The proportions of Unionidae, Corbiculidae, and Aillpullaridae are less than 3%. These differences are mainly influenced by factors such as species population numbers in the region, public value perception, aesthetic preferences, and dietary habits. This evaluation framework scientifically and comprehensively assesses the biodiversity value of regional benthic macroinvertebrates, providing a reference for the value assessment of other biological groups within the region and offering a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of the target biological groups.

Conserved Nuclear Localization Signal in NS2 Protein of Bombyx Mori Bidensovirus: A Potential Invertebrate ssDNA Virus Trait.

Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV), a significant pathogen in the sericulture industry, holds a unique taxonomic position due to its distinct segmented single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome and the presence of a self-encoding DNA polymerase. However, the functions of viral non-structural proteins, such as NS2, remain unknown. This protein is hypothesized to play a role in viral replication and pathogenesis. To investigate its structure and function, we employed phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization, mutational analysis, and a dual-luciferase reporter system to characterize the nuclear localization signal (NLS) within NS2 and its effect on viral promoter activity. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were utilized to identify host proteins interacting with NS2. We identified a functional bipartite NLS in NS2, validated the combination pattern of key amino acids, and demonstrated its role in regulating viral promoter activity. Furthermore, we identified potential NLSs in NS2 homologs in other invertebrate ssDNA viruses based on sequence analysis. We also revealed interactions between NS2 and host nuclear transport proteins, suggesting that it plays a role in nuclear transport and viral replication. This research underscores the importance of NS2's NLS in BmBDV's life cycle and its potential conservation across invertebrate ssDNA viruses, providing insights into virus-host interactions and avenues for antiviral strategy development.

Potential Landscapes for Conservation of the Black‐Tailed Prairie Dog Ecosystem

ABSTRACTAimTo identify potential landscapes for the conservation of the black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus; BTPD) ecosystem, across their historical geographical range within the United States.LocationCentral Grasslands of the United States.MethodsWe used a structured decision analysis approach to identify landscapes with high conservation potential (HCP) for the BTPD ecosystem. Our analysis incorporated ecological, political and social factors, along with changing climate and land use to maximise long‐term conservation potential.ResultsThe landscapes we identified with HCP (top 30% rangewide) represented 22% of the historical distribution of BTPDs and remained strongholds under projected climate change. We provide a suite of HCP area scenarios to help inform different conservation and management interests, including those that consider projected climate change and jurisdictional (state‐level) boundaries.Main ConclusionsOur findings highlight the large conservation potential for BTPDs and associated species, and the maps we generated can be incorporated into other large‐scale, multispecies conservation planning efforts being developed for the Central Grasslands of North America.

Drivers of high rates of carbon burial in a riverine-influenced freshwater marsh in the Long Point Walsingham Priority Place of southern Ontario

Reported rates of soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation in wetlands are markedly higher over recent versus longer timescales, caused by SOC losses through decomposition, paleoenvironmental changes, and recent increases in sedimentation or biomass production. Explaining changes in SOC sequestration rates and determining the time horizon over which high rates are sustained are both critical for accurately measuring the potential for wetland conservation as a natural climate solution. Here, we present analyses on a 4-m core from a riverine-influenced marsh in Big Creek watershed, southern Ontario, to track changes in SOC accumulation regimes. Since wetland initiation ∼5700 years ago, mean long-term (pre-industrial) rates of SOC accumulation were 24 g C m−2 year−1, and recent rates up to four times higher. We demonstrate that elevated recent rates of SOC accumulation are largely explained by more labile carbon in surficial soils, and are sustained for less than a century before transitioning to slower burial rates of predominantly recalcitrant organic matter. However, there are exceptions to this trend, such as when labile SOC was buried intermittently during Holocene Lake Erie highstands. Our research underscores the importance of organic matter type and hydroclimatic context in predicting long-term potential for marsh soils to stabilize atmospheric carbon.

The Influence of Migration Timing and Local Conditions on Reproductive Timing in Arctic-Breeding Birds.

For birds breeding in the Arctic, nest success is affected by the timing of nest initiation, which is partially determined by local conditions such as snow cover. However, conditions during the non-breeding season can carry over to affect the timing of breeding. We used tracking and breeding data from 248 individuals of 8 species and subspecies of Arctic-breeding shorebirds to estimate how the timing of nest initiation is related to local conditions like snowmelt phenology versus prior conditions, measured by the timing and speed of migration. Using path analysis, our global model showed that local and prior conditions have similar effect sizes (Standardised Path Coefficients ± SE of 0.44 ± 0.07 and 0.43 ± 0.07 for snowmelt and arrival timing, respectively), suggesting that both influence the timing of breeding and therefore potentially reproductive output. However, the importance of each variable varied across species. Individuals that arrived later to the breeding grounds did not leave the wintering grounds later, but instead took longer to migrate, potentially reflecting differences in flight speed or time spent at stopover sites. We hypothesise that this may be due to reduced habitat quality at some stopover sites or an inability to adjust their departure timing or migration speed to match the advancing spring phenology in the North. Individuals that migrated longer distances also arrived and nested later. Our results highlight the benefits and potential conservation implications of using a full annual cycle approach to assess the factors influencing reproductive timing of birds.

EVALUATION OF VENTILATED CAVITY WALL DESIGN FOR PASSIVE COOLING OF INDOOR SPACES

The function of building facades includes the regulation of solar-radiated heat. It also includes regulating the ranges of heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of a building. The primary functions of building facades promote energy conservation, hence making the art of façade design a vital energy-efficient option in sustainable building. The concept of a ventilated cavity wall is presented in this paper as an option that functions as a barrier for trapping excessive heat radiated naturally through building envelopes, while at the same time utilizing ventilation of the cavity space in its double layer to control the heated façade through aeration of the cavity space. A review of modern active multi-skin façade systems adopted by designers reveals the climate-responsive ideas associated with double-skin facade designs. This study emphasizes the function of the ventilated cavity wall as a climate-responsive system that passively enables the cooling of indoor spaces. For this purpose, a study of a sample of this design was conducted to ascertain the thermal control properties. The study includes an experimental evaluation and thermal simulation of the sample model using the Phoenix-VR application. The results of the interior air temperature and internal façade cavity conditions reveal that this façade system may substantially reduce the thermal effect on building walls. This is seen in the significant decrease of the indoor room temperature by up to 5oC compared to the cavity air temperature. The result provides a good premise for designers to adopt the principles of the ventilated cavity wall system in building designs. For application, residential homes that adopt the ventilated cavity wall option may further improve indoor thermal conditions through whole building orientation or by indoor space orientation. The indoor spatial orientation if properly managed during the building design process may add to the energy conservation potential

Identifying gaps in nature reserves by integrating future ecosystem service priority areas

ContextIncorporating ecosystem services (ES) into nature reserves (NR) planning has significant impacts on the environment and human wellbeing. However, the effects of uncertain future socio-environmental dynamics on ES conservation and the gaps in existing NR are unclear.ObjectiveThe present study aims to integrate multiple ES dynamics into future NR planning and quantify the gaps with existing NR.MethodsWe first presented a methodological scheme to assess ES dynamics under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway and Representative Concentration Pathway (SSP-RCP) scenarios in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China during from 2015 to 2100. We then employed a representativeness–vulnerability framework to identify priority conservation areas within the YREB.ResultsExcept for SSP1-1.9 and SSP4-3.4, all scenarios projected an increase in ecosystem service value (ESV). SSP3-7.0 and SSP4-3.4 were expected to induce the largest ESV changes, with increases of 6.35% and decreases of 6.08%, respectively, during 2015–2100. By integrating future ESV changes into NR planning, we identified priority conservation areas at different time points from 2015 to 2100. Through overlay analysis, we derived bottom-line conservation areas across multiple scenarios and timeframes. The identified bottom-line conservation areas are mainly distributed in eastern Sichuan, western Guizhou, eastern Hubei, and southern Jiangsu, covering 8.62% of the YREB. Notably, only 4.81% of the existing NR areas in the YREB overlap with the identified bottom-line conservation areas.ConclusionsOur analyses reveal gaps between the existing NR and the potential future priority conservation areas in the YREB when considering multiple ES. We emphasize the need to define bottom-line conservation areas based on ES dynamics under various scenarios to address future uncertainties and complexities.

Incentivizing water conservation in agriculture: a case study of the Great Salt Lake watersheds

Abstract Conserving agricultural water resources is crucial for sustainable development, yet, developing effective policies is challenging due to limited site-specific information. We present a framework combining economic models and remote-sensing data to spatially explicitly assess willingness-to-accept payments to irrigators and unit water-saving costs. Applied to three major tributary watersheds of the Great Salt Lake, this framework identifies areas with the highest conservation potential and cost-effectiveness. We find that an annual water conservation goal of 581 million m3, necessary to restore the lake within 30 years, can be met by fallowing irrigated alfalfa fields. With 95% certainty, this goal would be fully achieved with annual payments of US$325 million under site-specific payments or US$376 million under county-level payments, or at least 84% achieved with US$341 million under watershed-level payments. This framework can be applied to explore policy priorities and the economic viability of land-based natural resource protection, informing funding decisions and achieving conservation goals in various contexts.

RNA Metabolism and the Role of Small RNAs in Regulating Multiple Aspects of RNA Metabolism.

RNA metabolism is focused on RNA molecules and encompasses all the crucial processes an RNA molecule may or will undergo throughout its life cycle. It is an essential cellular process that allows all cells to function effectively. The transcriptomic landscape of a cell is shaped by the processes such as RNA biosynthesis, maturation (RNA processing, folding, and modification), intra- and inter-cellular transport, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, modification, catabolic decay, and retrograde signaling, all of which are interconnected and are essential for cellular RNA homeostasis. In eukaryotes, sRNAs, typically 20-31 nucleotides in length, are a class of ncRNAs found to function as nodes in various gene regulatory networks. sRNAs are known to play significant roles in regulating RNA population at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels. Along with sRNAs, such as miRNAs, siRNAs, and piRNAs, new categories of ncRNAs, i.e., lncRNAs and circRNAs, also contribute to RNA metabolism regulation in eukaryotes. In plants, various genetic screens have demonstrated that sRNA biogenesis mutants, as well as RNA metabolism pathway mutants, exhibit similar growth and development defects, misregulated primary and secondary metabolism, as well as impaired stress response. In addition, sRNAs are both the "products" and the "regulators" in broad RNA metabolism networks; gene regulatory networks involving sRNAs form autoregulatory loops that affect the expression of both sRNA and the respective target. This review examines the interconnected aspects of RNA metabolism with sRNA regulatory pathways in plants. It also explores the potential conservation of these pathways across different kingdoms, particularly in plants and animals. Additionally, the review highlights how cellular RNA homeostasis directly impacts adaptive responses to environmental changes as well as different developmental aspects in plants.

Securing nature’s pharmacy: investigating conservation and drug discovery potential in Curcuma caesia through germplasm characterization and threatened status analysis

Securing nature’s pharmacy: investigating conservation and drug discovery potential in Curcuma caesia through germplasm characterization and threatened status analysis

THE POTENTIAL USE OF CORAL REEF HABITAT MAPPING IN SUPPORTING ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Many studies related to marine ecotourism and coral reefs have been carried out in several locations in Indonesia. In TWP Gitanada, West Lombok, NTB coral reef habitat inventory and mapping was conducted in June 2021 by using Sentinel 2A satellite imagery and field observation. Geomorphologically, the TWP Gitanada area consisted of fringing reefs made of reef flat, fore reef/reef crest, reef slope, reef wall,and patch reef. The coral reef area is 450 ha and consists of > 200 types of coral reef benthic habitat, dominated by scleractinian corals (Acropora, Montipora, Porites and their associations with less dominant genera). All coral reef habitat data is presented here in a format which is suitable to attract the attention of visitors or tourists in understanding and supporting ecotourism development, which uses TWP Gitanada as a general case study which is relevant for all marine conservation and potential marine conservation throughout Indonesia. The information is helpful to identify which areas could be prioritized for conservation under the criteria of habitat richness or for further development by relevant stakeholders.