Conservation Of Protected Areas Research Articles

Flora of Forest Reserves and Riparian Areas in Benin.

Benin government is committed to the overall strategy for the sacred forests and protected areas conservation through their integration into the national system of protected areas. This is due to the value of biodiversity and the considerable ethno-cultural and religious importance of the forests and protected areas. The project entitled "Project for the Integration of Sacred Forests into the System of Protected Areas of Benin (PIFSAP)" was initiated to preserve the biodiversity of the country by protecting and sustainably managing forest resources, biological and cultural heritage of local populations. Thus, all the sacred forests of Benin have been inventoried. The dataset published on GBIF website contains 8,488 occurrences of species collected in the forests and protected areas of Benin. After cleaning, the dataset was made accessible to the whole world via GBIF website: https://www.gbif.org/dataset/0740c09f-5cf6-48f0-8e94-abaa46f4b87b. This dataset is one of the largest databases published on "Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Forêts (CERF)" account and can be used for any purpose. The data collected are unique and provides information on species diversity found in the forest reserves of Benin.

Developing an integrated urban growth prediction model: a scenario-based approach for the conservation of protected areas

Developing an integrated urban growth prediction model: a scenario-based approach for the conservation of protected areas

Population dynamics and the role of protected areas in China’s milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) rewilding

Protected areas are refugia for wildlife and play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, especially in the restoration of rare and endangered species. However, little attention has been paid to the long-term contribution of protected areas to rare species population rejuvenation. To identify the population growth of milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus)in protected areas and unprotected areas, we fitted the population dynamics curve of reintroduced free-ranging and wild populations based on long-term monitoring data in four protected areas: Jiangsu Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve, Hunan East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve, and Jiangxi Poyang Lake area. We also examined population dynamics in two unprotected areas: Yangbotan wetland and Sanheyuan wetland in Shishou County, Hubei province. We analyzed the habitat characteristics (coastal marshy wetland, riverine wetlands, and lake wetlands)in all these areas. The results showed that: (1) population growth in Dafeng, Shishou, Dongting, Sanheyuan and Yangbotan all followed an S-curve (p < 0.001); while population growth around Poyang Lake was linear (p < 0.001); (2) the population growth rate of Yangbotan wetland was significantly higher than that of Dongting Nature Reserve (p < 0.05); and (3) the two unprotected areas, Yangbotan and Sanheyuan wetlands, are important for the conservation of milu, as they have been facing the threats of urbanization and fragmentation in recent years. Our studies indicate that long-term conservation in protected areas has played an irreplaceable role in the reconstruction and rejuvenation of wild populations of milu deer over the past 30 years, and multiple reintroductions are an effective way to quickly restore wild milu populations in China.

Advancing a climate smart strategy for biodiversity conservation in protected areas on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

Advancing a climate smart strategy for biodiversity conservation in protected areas on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

Identify priority protected areas for biodiversity conservation adapting to future climate and land cover changes

Identify priority protected areas for biodiversity conservation adapting to future climate and land cover changes

Distribution Status of Ecosystem-disturbing Species in Protected Wetland Areas

This study aims to provide foundational data for the systematic conservation and management of protected wetland areas by identifying the distribution status of ecosystem-disturbing species. The study utilized the results of the intensive survey on the protected wetland areas from 2006 to 2023. These surveys, conducted under the Wetland Conservation Act, aimed to provide baseline data for the designation, basic planning, and conservation planning of wetlands. During the study period, we surveyed to 25 protected wetland areas designated by the Ministry of Environment. Twenty-five wetlands were categorized into 13 mountain wetlands, one artificial wetland, eight riverine wetlands, and three lacus wetlands. Ecosystem-disturbing species were found in 23 of the 25 surveyed areas, with the exception of the remote mountainous wetlands of Jangdo wetland and Sumeunmulbaengdui. In mountain wetlands, 13 species were the least, and in riverine wetlands, 21 species were the most identified among the four wetland types. The wetlands with the most ecosystem-disturbing species were identified as Nakdong river estuary, Damyang riverine wetland, and Hwapocheon wetland, with 14 species identified, and only one species was identified as Moojechineup, 1100 altitude wetland, and Mulyeongari-oreum. Two species that appeared more in mountain wetlands than in riverine wetlands is &lt;i&gt;Hypochaeris radicata&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Rumex acetosella&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Rumex acetosella&lt;/i&gt; was identified in six mountain wetlands and four riverine wetlands. &lt;i&gt;Hypochaeris radicata&lt;/i&gt; were identified in three mountain wetlands and one riverine wetland. Except for the species are distributed regionally, it was confirmed that many ecosystem-disturbing species appeared in riverine wetlands that were relatively accessible to humans. This study analyzed the distribution status of ecosystem-disturbing species in protected wetland areas in Korea by wetland type, and the results are expected to be useful for future protected wetland areas management and conservation measures.

Vascular plant diversity of the high mountains of Fereydunshahr, Central Zagros, Iran

Questions: The mountains of Fereydunshahr County are one of the centers of plant endemism within the Zagros, however, its flora and vegetation remain relatively understudied. In this study we undertook research on the plant species diversity of the subalpine and alpine zones of this area, their life forms, chorology, and vegetation types. Study area: Mountains of Fereydunshahr County, Central Zagros, West Iran. Methods: Plant specimens were collected during the growing seasons of 2018 to 2020. A complete species list was prepared including their life forms, chorotypes, elevation range, and major vegetation types. Results: A total of 308 vascular plant species have been identified belonging to 185 genera and 47 families. The largest plant families recorded during the study are Asteraceae with 44 species, Fabaceae 32, Brassicaceae 29, and Lamiaceae 27. At genus level Astragalus with 23 species is the richest. Hemicryptophyte with 162 (53%) species is the major life form. Most of the species are Irano-Turanian elements (52%). A total of 57 species (19%) are endemic to Iran and 23 species (7%) are endemic to Zagros. Most species belong to the montane-subalpine zone (33%), followed by subalpine (20%), montane (15%), lowland-montane (10%), alpine (9%), and lowland-subalpine (5%). In the alpine zone a high proportion of the species are endemic, while the montane zone has a very low proportion of endemics. From the identified species, 24% belong to subalpine and alpine thorn-cushion grasslands, 19% to montane steppe shrublands, 5% to subalpine tall-umbelliferous vegetation types, 5% to wetlands, and 5% to chasmophyte vegetation. Conclusions: The area has a rich flora, but at the same time is under high pressure from anthropogenic activities, especially a very high level of overgrazing. The region is not a protected area, therefore, establishment of a protected area and efficient conservation planning for the region is highly recommended. Taxonomic reference: Flora of Iran (Assadi et al. 1989–2021) and, for families not yet covered in the previous source, Flora Iranica (Rechinger 1963–2015). Abbreviations: ES = Euro-Siberian; IT = Irano-Turanian; M = Mediterranean; SS = Saharo-Sindian.

Land Cover Change and Habitat Fragmentation in Protected Landscape Areas: Analyzing the Impact of Ecological Management on Environmental Sustainability and Species Diversity

Habitat fragmentation due to land cover change is a major threat to biodiversity conservation in protected areas. It therefore becomes important to study the role of the main drivers of habitat fragmentationclimate change, human action and natural disturbancesand the efficacy of ecological management in mitigating these. With the help of GIS (geographical information system) and field surveys, the study tracks land cover dynamics through projected changes in vegetation types, soil erosion and shifts in flora and fauna in five major ecological zones: the Amazon rainforest, Sahara desert, Great Plains of North America, Gobi Desert and the Himalayas. Climate variability and human intervention are found to be the most disruptive factors for habitat integrity, leading to biodiversity loss and population isolation. Adaptive management practices like reforestation, wildlife corridors and pro-environmental land-use policies are seen as having a positive impact on increasing connectivity, maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring ecological resilience. Tailored management actions for the buffer zones in protected areas are also seen as essential for ecological stability and preserving species interactions. The paper presents a useful set of actionable measures for conservation, ensuring an economically-driven ecological approach that focuses on preserving biodiversity through ecosystem-specific, adaptive management.

Anthropogenic factors, not altitude, shape native and nonnative plant species distributional patterns in a tropical mountain protected area

AbstractBiological invasions pose a major threat to biodiversity conservation in protected areas, with roads, tracks, and trails being the main pathways for the spread of non-native species. This study aimed to assess the distribution patterns of non-native and native plant species in relation to elevational gradient, public use intensity, and disturbance by roads and trails in a protected tropical mountain forest in southeastern Brazil. Specifically, we recorded plant species along this gradient and tested whether the richness of native and non-native species differed with elevation. Additionally, we investigated whether the high-altitude non-native species community was a subset of lower-elevation communities and whether non-native species richness was linked to anthropogenic disturbances and public use intensity. Our findings revealed that native and non-native species richness varied along the elevational gradient. Native species exhibited a hump-shaped pattern, with richness peaking at mid-elevations. In contrast, non-native species did not show a clear trend along the altitudinal gradient. Notably, higher non-native species richness was observed in roadside and trailside plots. The non-native species communities at higher altitudes were not simply subsets of those found at lower elevations. Thus, while the richness and composition of native species appeared to be driven by environmental factors along the elevational gradient, the presence of non-native species was more closely associated with anthropogenic disturbances. In summary, our results indicate that non-native plants, although widespread along trails and roads, establish primarily in the most disturbed areas. Therefore, roads, trails, and human and vehicular traffic are key determinants of biological invasions in this mountainous protected area.

Forecasting the Effects of Global Change on a Bee Biodiversity Hotspot.

The Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, recognized as a global hotspot for bee biodiversity, are experiencing habitat degradation from urbanization, utility-scale solar energy (USSE) development, and climate change. In this study, we evaluated the current and future distribution of bee diversity, assessed how protected areas safeguard bee species richness, and predicted how global change may affect bees across the region. Using Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) of 148 bee species, we project changes in species distributions, occurrence area, and richness under four global change scenarios between 1971 and 2050. We evaluated the threat posed by USSE development and predicted how climate change will affect the suitability of protected areas for conservation. Our findings indicate that changes in temperature and precipitation do not uniformly affect bee richness. Lower elevation protected areas are projected to experience mean losses of up to 5.8 species, whereas protected areas at higher elevations and transition zones may gain up to 7.8 species. Areas prioritized for future USSE development have an average species richness of 4.2 species higher than the study area average, and lower priority "variance" areas have 8.2 more species. USSE zones are expected to experience declines of up to 8.0 species by 2050 due to climate change alone. Despite the importance of solitary bees for pollination, their diversity is often overlooked in land management decisions. Our results show the utility of JSDMs for leveraging existing collection records to ease the inclusion of data-limited insect species in land management decision-making.

Revealing future effectiveness of protected areas for biodiversity conservation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

The biodiversity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is increasingly under threat due to anthropogenic stressors and climate change challenges, despite 15.72% of the landscape being planned as protected areas (PAs). The uncertain risks of high-density urban sprawl and sea level rise pose challenges for future biodiversity conservation in the GBA. To effectively gauge the impact of PAs for biodiversity conservation, it’s imperative to delve into not only the pattern but the process of biodiversity. Adopting a dynamic view for biodiversity assessment, our study established a synergistic approach within a systematic conservation planning framework, focusing on comprehensively assessing the future conservation effectiveness of PAs. Four modeling techniques were integrated in the process to estimate conservation priorities under various future scenarios: SLAMM and Dyna-CLUE projected future land-use changes, MaxEnt predicted shifts in habitat suitability for key species, and Zonation identified conservation priorities thereby. The results indicated a potential shift in conservation priorities over time from inland to coastal areas across different cities in the GBA, highlighting the substantial mismatches between current PAs and high-priority areas in Guangdong and the urgency for prompt conservation actions. Moreover, our findings revealed that proposed PA system has not sufficiently prioritized wetland conservation, nor has it effectively conserved amphibian, plant and bird species. Our study provided a dynamic and comprehensive evaluation of biodiversity in the GBA and offered insightful conservation recommendations, thus demonstrating a viable approach for assessing and enhancing future conservation initiatives in similar contexts.

Rosettes in a matrix: Predicting spatial variation in density of a large felid in a forest‐production mosaic

AbstractLarge carnivores are keystone for ecosystems and flagships for conservation efforts but face severe threats globally. Protected areas are vital for the conservation of these charismatic species along with a host of ecological processes. However, the extent and scope of protected areas for conservation of all threatened species is limited, especially in the global south. Considering larger landscapes that can be compatible with large carnivore conservation goals is an alternative approach to ensure their persistence. This study explores the potential of multi‐use landscapes for the persistence of a globally threatened large felid, the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). This study investigated the spatial variability of leopard densities across a land‐use gradient using spatially explicit capture‐recapture framework in a tea‐plantation‐dominated forest‐production landscape mosaic in the Duars region of northeastern India. While the density of leopards in this landscape was estimated to be 7.96 ± 1.56 (SE) per 100 km2, significant (p = .048, t = 2.02, df=61) differences in estimates were observed between tea‐plantations (11.53 ± 2.72 (SE) leopards per 100 km2) and the forested habitats (4.67 ± 2.07 (SE) per 100 km2). Densities between tea plantations and protected areas (a subset of the forested habitat) were found to be comparable (9.19 ± 4.55 (SE) per 100 km2). The study posits that conservation‐compatible land use in landscapes shared with people can host a higher density of adaptable large felids like leopard than forested areas and that conservation planning needs to move beyond the dominant PA‐centric paradigm. The study also reinforces the importance of multi‐use landscapes for wildlife conservation, especially for an adaptable large felid.

New Cernotina Ross 1938 (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) from Serra do Divisor, Acre, Brazil.

Two new species of the caddisfly genus Cernotina (Polycentropodidae) are described from the Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor (PNSD), Acre, Brazil, Cernotina chicomendes sp. nov. and Cernotina divisor sp. nov. These two new species represent the first polycentropodids described from Acre State. Additionally, we update records for Cernotina hastilis Flint 1996 and Cernotina waorani Camargos, Ríos-Touma & Holzenthal 2017, including a distribution map for all the species mentioned here. We further emphasize the importance of protected areas for biodiversity conservation, especially the PNSD, which has recently faced threats due to a proposed road within its boundaries.

Social and Ecological Contributions of the Taungya Agroforestry System in the Restoration of Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda

Balancing conservation objectives with the livelihood needs of local communities remains a significant challenge in the management of protected areas. The Taungya agroforestry system, introduced in Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda, in 2009, aims to address this issue by integrating forest restoration with agricultural production for food security. This study assesses the social and ecological contributions of the Taungya system in Kapkwata sub-county, Kapchorwa district, focusing on its impact on forest cover restoration, food security, income generation, and the provision of ecosystem services. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 240 participants selected through random sampling, supplemented by key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative insights were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results indicate that the Taungya system significantly improved vegetation cover, with the majority of participants reporting an increase in forest cover from 0-25% to 51-75%. The program also contributed to household food security and income generation, with participants cultivating crops like Irish potatoes, maize, and onions for both consumption and sale. Non-crop benefits, including access to firewood and clean water, further enhanced household resilience. However, challenges such as small land allocations, crop pests, and wildlife conflicts were identified as barriers to maximizing the program's impact. To optimize outcomes, the study recommends increased land allocations per household and the introduction of integrated pest management strategies. The findings underscore the potential of agroforestry systems like Taungya to achieve sustainable conservation and community development in protected areas

KLASIFIKASI ULANG KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG DAN ARAHAN FUNGSI KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG DI KECAMATAN BAJUIN KABUPATEN TANAH LAUT PROVINSI KALIMANTAN SELATAN

The conservation of protected forest areas is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. To safeguard the sustainability of these forests, it is imperative to reevaluate and redefine their boundaries to enhance management and protection. This study's main objective is to analyze the outcomes of evaluating the protected forest area boundaries in Bajuin District. The analysis utilizes digital data and spatial data techniques, employing the overlay method to generate a new map. The new map is then subjected to the scoring method, yielding a comprehensive map displaying forest area functionalities. The comparison between the protected forest maps from the South Kalimantan RTRWP 2015-2035 and the scoring results revealed a significant difference of 5,485.48 ha in the protected forest area. According to the South Kalimantan RTRWP 2015-2035, the protected forest area covers 4,000.20 ha, whereas the scoring results' map extends the protected area to 9,485.48 ha based on the latest database. It is essential to retain the protected forest area of 1,578.47 ha, which includes regions with a slope of &gt;45%, as it meets the criteria for conservation. To ensure the sustainable preservation of these critical ecosystems, local authorities must take into account the findings of this evaluation. By redefining and accurately delineating the protected forest boundaries, appropriate measures can be implemented to mitigate threats from population growth, encroachment, and resource exploitation. Adequate protection and management strategies will safeguard biodiversity and promote the continued ecological functioning of these vital natural resources in Bajuin District, South Kalimantan Province.

Do establishment of protected areas and implementation of regional policies both promote the forest NPP? Evidence from Wuyi Mountain in China based on PSM-DID

Establishing protected areas has been a longstanding strategy to conserve forests. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) offers a reflection of ecosystem quality and vegetation vitality compared to traditional spatial indicators, making it a valuable metric for evaluating conservation outcomes in protected areas. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge about the concurrent influence of in situ conservation and pertinent policies on forest conservation. Through Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and the Difference-in-Difference (DID) model, we evaluated the conservation outcomes of NPP within protected areas and identified different policies’ impacts. Wuyi Mountain in China, known for its rich forest resources, was selected as the study area. The results revealed: (1) NPP within all protected areas fluctuated within a stable range from 1985 to 2021, with some exhibiting a significant upward trend; (2) A total of 62.5 % of protected areas demonstrated a positive effect on forest NPP. There is a 72 % effective conservation rate for nature reserves, one type of protected area in China, making them the most effectively protected in Wuyi Mountain; (3) In 50 % of the cases, the policies resulted in positive outcomes. The impact of policies on forest NPP varies across different types of protected areas; (4) Only 16.67 % of policy scenarios demonstrated a concurrent positive effect from both protected areas and conservation policies. By analyzing the impact of protected area establishment and conservation policy implementation on NPP, our research can offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance forest conservation in mountain areas.

The role of protected areas in the Balkan freshwater biodiversity conservation: The case of Blidinje Nature Park (Southwestern Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Freshwaters of the Balkan Peninsula show high levels of endemism and relict species, which are still little studied and are threatened by numerous anthropogenic stressors. Protected areas could give special opportunities to improve knowledge of their biodiversity and develop proper conservation measures for the most at-extinction risk species. The aims of this research were to: i) fill the knowledge gap regarding fish and crustaceans occurring in the main water bodies of the Blidinje Nature Park (Southwestern Bosnia-Herzegovina); ii) assess the population abundance and growth, for the species of conservational interest; iii) identify fish biodiversity hotspots in Bosnia-Herzegovina; iv) identify anthropogenic pressures and suggest proper conservation measures. Fish and crayfish data were collected in four sampling sites located on the main water bodies, using electrofishing and gillnets, in three sampling phases over the period July 2022-August 2023. The presence of three species at high extinction risk has been detected: Squalius tenellus, Aulopyge huegelii and Astacus astacus. Their populations were abundant, with balanced age structure and good growth performance. A spatial analysis allowed to quantify the fractions of the endemic species range covered by the Blidinje Nature Park, which were 6.1% and 2.3% for S. tenellus and A. huegelii, respectively. The presence of invasive Atlantic trout and overharvesting of crayfish seem to represent the main anthropogenic pressures on freshwater biota. The obtained information allowed to expand the knowledge on the distribution and population status of threatened species and to highlight diversity hotspots as valuable tools for their conservation and management.

Amphibian hotspots in Iran: Effectiveness of current protected area and priorities for conservation planning

The identification of conservation priority areas for amphibians in Iran remains unexplored. Although protected areas play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, 40 percent of amphibians are at risk of extinction. The present study aimed to identify the priority areas for amphibian conservation and assess the effectiveness of the current protected conservation areas. 2192 species occurrence points for 23 amphibians, including 16 species of Anura and 7 species of Caudata, were curated. These occurrence points in addition to bioclimatic, anthropogenic, and geographical variables were used to model the species distribution. Then, the richness and rarity maps of amphibians were determined and hotspots identified based on the top 10 % area of the country with the highest richness and rarity values. Finally, Iran's protected areas were overlaid to evaluate the current coverage of hotspots and identify future conservation priorities. Although approximately 12 % of Iran is currently protected, the present study findings indicate that the current network of protected areas is ineffective for amphibian conservation; over 90 % of hotspots for amphibians lie outside the current national protected area network. The most important hotspots are located in the Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forest, the western margin of the North Zagros, and the Central Zagros Mountains Forest-Steppe ecoregions of the country. Among different types of protected areas that overlap with amphibian hotspots, protected areas and wildlife refuges respectively ranked the highest in quantity and size, while national parks ranked the lowest. In the current study, a baseline of top candidate areas for expanding protected areas where habitats can be managed to protect amphibians in Iran was provided. To further improve protected areas' coverage, priority conservation areas in the Zagros Mountains Forest-Steppe hotspots were recommended.

Does tourism fatigue impact support for natural protected areas’ sustainability?

ABSTRACT This study examined the moderating role of tourism fatigue on the relationship between environmental behaviours and willingness to pay for natural protected area sustainability grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Value-Based Norm theories. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), we analysed 264 tourist responses to validate the relationship between environmental consciousness, beliefs, and support for protection on willingness to pay and the moderating role of tourism fatigue in these relationships. The results indicate the significant relationship between environmental consciousness, beliefs, and support for protection and willingness to pay ecological fees for natural protected areas. However, tourism fatigue did not significantly moderate environmental behaviours and willingness to pay, stressing that tourists with positive environmental behaviours remain unaffected in their support for sustainability despite experiencing fatigue from frequent travels to protected areas. Findings emphasise the crucial role of transparency in allocating ecological fees towards natural protected area conservation.

The cadastral survey of honey plant resources in the Altyn Solok Nature Reserve in the Urals, Russia

The cadastral survey of honey plant resources entails a thorough assessment of nectar plant flora, covering quantitative, qualitative, and territorial aspects, alongside economic evaluation. Our research aimed to conduct such a survey within the Altyn Solok Nature Reserve. Modern beekeeping prioritizes exploring nectar-bearing potential and species diversity among wild-growing woody, shrubby, and herbaceous nectar-bearing plants in protected conservation areas with minimal human intervention. These natural biocenoses contrast sharply with modern agrocenoses, optimized for crop productivity but often lacking the diversity of nectar-bearing plants crucial for sustainable bee colony development and survival. Investigating nectar-bearing flora in stable feral biocenoses can guide the creation of an agricultural environment tailored for optimized honey bee breeding. In the Altyn Solok Nature Reserve, the linden tree (Tilia cordata) stands out as the dominant nectar plant, contributing to 91% of all nectar production. The Nature Reserve hosts a diverse array of nectar plants, including 18 tree species, 23 bush species, and 210 herb species. Determining the optimal number of honey bee (A. m. mellifera) colonies in the region revealed that managing approximately 8,109 colonies (increasing tenfold from the current 800 colonies) would maximize beekeeping efficiency while preserving the reserve’s ecological integrity. This calculation considers available nectar plant resources and aims to ensure sustainable beekeeping practices. Only 30% of the maximum possible nectar-producing potential of honey plants is used to calculate the number of bee colonies. The remaining 70% of the nectar is inaccessible to bees since it is consumed by insects of other species living in parts of the reserve inaccessible to bees.