ABSTRACT Although both protected areas and agri‐environment schemes (AES) aim to conserve biodiversity, the interaction between the two policy instruments is unknown. We investigate the effects of listing a region as a protected area (a regional nature park) on the uptake of biodiversity conservation AES within the region. Using panel data of all Swiss farms between 2005 and 2020, and survey data on 15 Swiss regional nature parks established between 2008 and 2018, we analyse the effects of park establishment on farmers' adoption of three types of AES for biodiversity conservation (action‐based, result‐based, and agglomeration) in a heterogeneity‐robust difference‐in‐differences framework. Overall, parks significantly increase the adoption of result‐based AES. Moreover, the park effect depends largely on the agricultural baseline where parks are established. In regions with relatively more intensive agricultural production and lower AES adoption beforehand, the establishment of parks increases the adoption of result‐based and agglomeration AES, evidencing synergies between the two policies. Such effects are not observed in regions with more extensive agricultural production and high AES adoption prior to park establishment. Moreover, the effects of park establishment increase over time. Therefore, when introducing a new policy aimed at integrating biodiversity conservation into agriculture, it is important to account for baseline situations and identify synergies between intended and existing policies.

Understanding how wild species utilize their resources is crucial for designing protected natural areas. Using the dynamic Brownian bridge motion model (DBBMM), this study employed satellite telemetry to calculate and analyze the home ranges and core areas of black bear individuals in Mexico. Various environmental factors (such as altitude, vegetation cover, the modified soil adjusted vegetation index, and distance to water bodies) and anthropogenic variables (including distance to primary and secondary roads and the human modification index) were examined to describe the bears' home ranges. The average home range estimated using MCP was greater in females (245.3 ± 355.0 km2) than in males (130.7 ± 149.3 km2), although there were no significant differences, with the 95% DBBMM (females, 68.5 ± 61.3 km2; males, 69.4 ± 117 km2; W = 20, p = 0.65). In contrast, the 50% DBBMM showed a tendency toward higher values in females (4.73 ± 1.12 km2) than in males (3.05 ± 4.8 km2), but without statistical significance. The generalized linear models revealed that for females and males, proximity to bodies of water influences the selection of core areas, as does proximity to primary roads. Females also use sites with low human modification, and vegetation was not a determining factor for either sex. This study provides insights into the environmental and anthropogenic variables that influence the establishment and size of core areas and home ranges of black bears in northern Mexico.

ABSTRACTAssessing species distribution and associated threats is crucial for effective conservation. Many species including mammals face extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade, with their populations largely confined to protected areas. Mizoram, situated within the Indo‐Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, is increasingly threatened by illegal wildlife trade and lacks comprehensive faunal studies, necessitating urgent scientific research and conservation interventions. We conducted a camera‐trap‐based density estimation in selected protected areas of Mizoram to understand the population status of mammal species, evaluate the density of ungulates, and the relative abundance of major predator and ungulate species. Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis), sambar (Rusa unicolor), wild pig (Sus scrofa), red serow (Capricornis rubidus), and gaur (Bos gaurus) were the major ungulates photo‐captured from the region. Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) and dhole (Cuon alpinus) were the major predators detected from camera trapping. The relative abundance of clouded leopard (1.82 ± 0.93) and dhole (1.73 ± 1.10) was highest in Dampa Tiger Reserve relative to other protected areas of northeast India. However, the relative abundances and densities of ungulates were noticeably lower relative to the estimates from other protected areas in India. Illegal hunting may be one of the causes of low species abundance and density. Although hunting has frequently been singled out and emphasised as the primary factor contributing to the declining wildlife populations, understanding the connection between hunting and the people is a crucial step towards conservation.

The identification of climate change refugia is fundamental for climate-smart conservation planning, especially in highly altered landscapes, such as temperate grasslands. Our study aimed to identify breeding refugia for three focal grassland birds: Baird’s sparrow (Centronyx bairdii), Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii), and thick-billed longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii) across the Canadian prairies. We used species distribution models to identify breeding refugia within the climatically suitable range for two time periods (2050 and 2080) under two of the most likely climatic scenarios (“intermediate scenario” RCP 4.5 and “worst-case scenario” RCP 8.5). In doing so, we demonstrate the importance of incorporating species-specific dispersal ability and projected shifts in grassland habitats in the analyses. Our study predicts a northward shift in the breeding ranges of all three bird species under both climate scenarios, with almost 100% loss of their current breeding habitat. However, all species are expected to gain bioclimatic space outside of their current range under RCP 4.5 in 2050 and 2080. Further increases in emissions under the RCP 8.5 scenario will likely cause Baird’s sparrow to lose bioclimatic space both in 2050 and 2080, and the same is true for the other two species only in 2080. Approximately 80% of currently suitable habitats for the focal species are located outside protected areas. As the climate warms, almost 100% of future breeding refugia for all birds are likely to reside outside protected areas in all climate change scenarios. Our study provides a framework for climate-integrated conservation planning for the wide-ranging migratory species.Supplementary informationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10661-025-14784-y.

Coexistence challenges: wolf-human interactions in Türkiye.

The Wetlands of the Pantanal in Brazil are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and events such as wildfires pose a significant threat to biodiversity. In 2020, approximately 80% of its area was affected by high-intensity fires. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze, both spectrally and temporally over a three-year period (2019, 2020, and 2021), the behavior of four macrohabitats located within two study areas of the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage SESC Pantanal (RPPN SESC Pantanal), situated in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. For the analysis conducted over the three-year period in the study areas, the Micasense Altum multispectral camera was employed, along with processing methods involving spectral and temporal analysis. The results revealed a drastic decrease in reflectance within the red-edge and near-infrared (NIR) spectral bands in 2020, following the fire event, in both mapped areas. A subsequent recovery was observed in 2021, although reflectance levels remained below those recorded in 2019 (pre-fire conditions). The Acurizal and Tabocal macrohabitats exhibited the highest reflectance amplitudes and the greatest variability over the years, particularly in longer wavelengths (NIR). The Campina macrohabitat showed the lowest reflectance values, due to its vegetation being composed predominantly of shrub and herbaceous species. The Dry Forest (Mata Seca) displayed the highest spectral stability and demonstrated a continuous downward trend in average reflectance, indicating a loss of species diversity following the fire event. The findings contribute to the enhancement of conservation measures in wetland ecosystems, the management of protected areas, and the effectiveness of public policies, highlighting the potential of high-resolution multispectral data for spectral monitoring as a tool for detecting environmental changes.

Understanding where blue carbon habitats occur and how they are affected by human activity contributes to effective management of natural carbon sinks. Here, we compiled geographical data for Sweden to map the distribution of coastal vegetated blue carbon (BC) habitats. The mapping effort focused on well-recognised (salt marshes and seagrass meadows) and emergent BC habitats (other rooted submerged macrophytes and forested wetlands). We also estimated the exposure to anthropogenic pressures on coastal BC habitats based on their proximity to land-based human activities, and subsequently, the portion of these BC habitats that were located within protected areas. The total area of BC habitats was estimated to around 1850 km2, corresponding to ca. 35% of the Swedish coast. Seagrass meadows and other rooted submerged macrophytes were dominating, covering about 1500 km2. Around 22% of the mapped BC habitats were expected to be exposed to high pressures from land-based human activities due to their location, while BC habitats within protected areas were often less exposed. This nationwide assessment of coastal vegetated BC habitats accentuates the need for strengthening conservation prioritisation to maximise the carbon storage potential of BC habitats.

Background: The active integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diverse spheres of human activity has created significant opportunities for innovation and efficiency, while simultaneously raising complex ethical, legal, and social challenges. Among these, the deployment of high-risk AI systems requires particular scrutiny due to their potential impact on fundamental rights, public safety, and socio-economic relations. This research examines both the benefits and risks of AI technologies, with an emphasis on the need to establish clear legal and regulatory frameworks at the national and international levels. Methods: The study employs a comparative legal analysis of existing regulatory approaches, including the European Union’s AI Act (EU AI Act), the OECD AI Principles, and national legislative practices. The methodology is based on a systematic review of normative legal acts, doctrinal sources, and policy papers, as well as an evaluation of prospective risks associated with the use of high-risk AI systems in various sectors, including transport, healthcare, and financial services. Results and conclusions: The analysis reveals that, while the adoption of AI contributes to economic development, efficiency in public administration, and improved quality of services, it also generates risks such as discrimination, violations of privacy, cyberthreats, and reduced accountability. In particular, the study highlights that existing legislation in Kazakhstan, as in many other jurisdictions, does not sufficiently address the specificities of high-risk AI systems. Comparative legal analysis demonstrates that the most effective regulatory models are risk-oriented, ensuring transparency, human oversight, and liability mechanisms. The findings suggest that partial amendments to existing legislation—such as in the areas of mandatory insurance and consumer protection—could serve as an interim measure, while the adoption of a dedicated AI law may be necessary in the long term. The study underscores the need for a balanced legal framework that harmonises technological innovation with the protection of human rights and societal interests. It is argued that Kazakhstan, while considering international best practices, should pursue a two-stage approach: (1) introducing targeted amendments to sectoral legislation; and (2) elaborating a comprehensive AI law focused on high-risk systems. Such a framework would mitigate risks, ensure accountability, and foster public trust, while promoting the responsible and sustainable use of artificial intelligence.

Unprecedented quantities of pelagic sargassum since 2011 have demanded technical and management responses. Inappropriate measures might worsen environmental impacts, particularly in low-income regions and protected natural areas that also require low-cost, socio-ecologically integrated alternatives. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and local perception of sargassum clean-up treatments developed through a community–academic collaboration within a socio-ecological systems framework in the marine protected area Xcalak Reefs National Park (PNAX), at the southernmost Mexican Caribbean coast. In 2019 and 2021, clean-up efforts were implemented through the national PROREST program and a self-organized community group of 35–40 members supported by a multidisciplinary research advisory team. Monitoring in 2021 estimated sargassum removal at 4012 m2 over 50–75 work hours. Although average shoreline retreat was obtained (δmean = −0.22 m), final accretion of ~0.96 m alleviated community concerns about erosion linked to clean-up activities. The most effective and socially accepted clean-up treatment involved sargassum spreading, collection, drying, and revetment-type beach protection, reducing odors and harmful fauna. However, treatments aimed at shoreline stabilization were impractical, raising doubts about their long-term efficacy. These findings highlight the relevance of integrating ecological performance and social perception in sargassum management, especially where co-management with local communities in marine protected areas is needed.

In recent years, European cities have experienced rapid changes in their functional and spatial organisation, which have affected, among others, the natural environment, the economy and society. The intensive and often uncontrolled growth of residential development associated with suburbanisation significantly impacts areas located around urban areas. Growing investment pressures usually lead to the transformation of rural and naturally valuable areas, altering their character and functions. Solving these problems requires developing a method to determine the main directions and intensity of land use changes in the context of urbanisation pressures and sustainable spatial development. This article presents the results of a spatiotemporal analysis of the dynamics of built-up area development in rural and suburban zones, utilising Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. The study focused on the expansion of single- and multi-family housing around the city of Białystok, Poland, between 1997 and 2022. The analysis was based on spatial data, including available orthomosaics and cadastral data from the Topographic Objects Database (BDOT10k). The GIS-based analysis covered an area of nearly 2000 km2 and included methods for change detection, analysis, and land cover classification. The results indicated a marked intensification in landscape transformations, particularly in transition zones between rural and urban areas. At the same time, forests and protected zones significantly influenced the direction and pace of development, acting as natural barriers limiting spatial expansion. The results indicate the need to consider environmental factors (e.g., protected areas and forests) in spatial planning processes and sustainable development policies. The study confirms the high usefulness of GIS tools in monitoring and forecasting spatial change at both the local and regional scales. This research also contributes to the discussion on urbanisation, its characteristics, causes, and consequences, and highlights the role of green spaces in limiting sprawl.

Dystocia, a complication that occurs at parturition, either due to fetal or maternal factors, is uncommon in wild ungulate species because of natural selection against predisposed individuals. Among giraffes, reports of dystocia are rare in free-ranging populations across Africa. This study reviewed occurrence and type of dystocia, and outcome of obstetrical interventions, in giraffes in Kenya during 1991-2023 and considered possible risk factors. Only one case of dystocia in a semicaptive and one case in a captive Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) had been reported in Kenya before 2012. Seventeen cases were recorded in free-ranging giraffes during 2012-23 in 10 different protected areas with variable range and forage restrictions, associated with fenced, partially fenced, or unfenced management systems. In the latter period, three giraffe species found in Kenya were all affected, with nine cases in Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi) and four cases each in reticulated giraffes (Giraffa reticulata) and Rothschild's giraffes. Cases were attributed to fetal factors, including malposition that refers to the position of the fetus or to malpresentation that refers to parts of the body presenting on the pelvis. Potential maternal factors were not evaluated in any individuals. Based on dam survival, 75% success rate relieving dystocia, through obstetrical manipulation, was recorded, but none of the calves survived. We postulate that dystocia might be increasing in Kenya, although increased reports may simply reflect improving capacities to observe and intervene.

Conservation (or safe) havens are protected areas where barriers (e.g., fences) separate biodiversity from threatening processes and are being increasingly used to support conservation. Differences between selection pressures inside and outside havens can be anticipated; however, understanding of the evolutionary consequences of these differences is limited, and many changes may be going unnoticed. This hampers assessments of the extent to which haven populations will continue to represent natural populations and wild-type traits and their potential as a source of robust individuals suitable for restoration projects outside havens. Although many haven populations are essentially wild, they have similarities to ex situ conservation populations and even domestic and cultivated species that can shed light on potential changes in selection pressures and their consequences. By assessing how features of havens can alter selection pressures, one can begin to make predictions about the likelihood of genetic change and develop monitoring strategies to further inform risks that phenotypic changes in protected populations will be maladaptive outside havens. Havens could also provide opportunities as outdoor laboratories to improve understanding of selection and evolutionary processes. Research, combined with effective monitoring and adaptive management in havens, is essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of havens as a conservation tool and their ability to supply robust individuals for future in situ conservation.

This article discusses cyber legal protection for consumers in cross-border e-commerce transactions in the ASEAN region, focusing on an analysis of Indonesian national regulations and the ASEAN regional framework. The rapid development of cross-border e-commerce brings significant opportunities for digital commerce, but also presents serious challenges in consumer protection, particularly regarding transaction security, information transparency, misuse of personal data, and cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms. Indonesia already has several relevant regulations, such as Government Regulation Number 80 of 2019 regarding Commerce Through Electronic Systems, Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions, Law Number 8 of 1999 concerned Consumer Protection, and Law Number 27 of 2022 concerning Personal Data Protection. Although these regulations provide a basic framework, they are still limited in nature and cannot address the complexities of cross-border transactions. At the regional level, ASEAN has issued the ASEAN Agreement on E-Commerce, which encourages the establishment of a safe, fair, and inclusive digital commerce ecosystem. However, its implementation still faces challenges in legal harmonization, differences in consumer protection standards, and limitations in cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms. Therefore, strategic steps are needed to harmonize regulations across ASEAN countries, establish a regional dispute resolution forum, and enhance cooperation between supervisory authorities in the areas of digital trade and personal data protection. It will ensure more effective cyber legal protection for consumers in cross-border e-commerce transactions, bolster public trust, and strengthen digital economic integration in the ASEAN region.

The preservation of biodiversity hotspots in rapidly urbanizing regions is an increasing global concern. In this context, the present study employs remote sensing techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of public policies in the Serra do Japi Reserve, a rare Atlantic Forest remnant in São Paulo State, renowned for its ecological richness and high species endemism. Using multitemporal satellite imagery, the study assessed changes in vegetation cover between 2013 and 2023 to determine the impact of implemented policies, particularly following the area’s designation as a natural heritage site in 1983. The results revealed consistently high Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values within the Serra do Japi Preservation, Restoration, and Recovery Zone and the surrounding Jundiaí region over the ten-year period, indicating stable preserved vegetation cover. Histogram analysis of reclassified ΔNDVI values showed that 94.5% of pixels within the Serra do Japi Zone exhibited no significant change, while 77.5% of pixels in the urban area of Jundiaí remained stable, indicating greater vegetation variability in urbanized regions compared to the protected area. Additionally, only 2% of pixels within Serra do Japi indicated possible vegetation loss, a proportion notably lower than that observed in the municipality’s urban area. Localized vegetation loss was detected in the southern areas adjacent to the reserve, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and restoration efforts. The use of remote sensing proved to be a reliable and cost-effective tool for detecting subtle spatial and temporal changes in vegetation. Therefore, reinforcing conservation frameworks and ensuring the continuation of long-term monitoring programs are essential to prevent future degradation and maintain the ecological resilience of the Serra do Japi Reserve.

Abstract Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area is a natural protected area in southern Peru, where an Inca archaeological site with the same name is located. The area is rich in orchids, many of which remain undescribed. Here, we describe a new species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae) from Choquequirao, which we name Telipogon choquequiraoense . The species is similar to T. huancavelicanus but differs by the sub-rhombic to widely lanceolate petals, the oblong labellum, the setose dark purple callus, and the acicular setae on the column. We provide a detailed description, along with a line drawing and pictures of the new entity. We also graphically show the Telipogon richness and generate a taxonomic key including all Telipogon species that occur within the conservation area.

Influence of protected areas and socioeconomic development on litter contamination: A global analysis.

Protected areas (PAs) are the main strategy for area-based nature conservation, and they provide opportunities for rural development through tourism and recreation. Economic policy instruments help PAs to manage commercial activities by regulating visitor flows and providing revenues to strengthen infrastructure and oversight. We employ Icelandic National Parks as a case study of the challenges, opportunities and constraints associated with introducing a concession system to regulate commercial tourism. We summarize and review how the legal framework is used and conduct 21 semi-structured interviews to elicit PA manager and business stakeholder views regarding concessions. Our study answers the literature calling for more studies on concessions and is novel in the context of the Nordic rights to roam. Our results show Iceland has introduced a comprehensive, legally-binding framework for concessions. Stakeholders generally agree that commercial activities need to be regulated, and concession revenues are an important source of financing for the PAs. However, concessions have been introduced primarily with economic motives, and the main challenge is to integrate holistic sustainability into concession contracts with social and environmental criteria. Overlaps and conflicts in the legal regulatory framework contribute to this challenge and could be initially addressed by clear policies providing guidance and interpretation.

Invasive alien species pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in protected areas (PAs) worldwide. This study examines ecological impacts of invasive weeds Lantana camara and Mesosphaerum suaveolens on plant species diversity, community composition and soil chemical properties in Parsa and Shuklaphanta National Parks (NPs), Nepal. In total, we sampled 180 pairs of 5 m × 5 m plots, comprising 45 pairs (3 sites × 15 pairs) for each invasive species in each NP. Across all sampling sites, these weeds consistently reduced species diversity (Shannon, Simpson indices), despite the species- and site-specific variations in species richness and soil characteristics. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and Canonical correspondence analysis revealed substantial modifications in plant species composition, along with shifts in indicator species and an increase in the relative cover of established alien plants in invaded plots. While the effects of invasions on soil properties were inconsistent, L. camara significantly increased soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in Parsa, whereas M. suaveolens had no measurable impact on soil parameters except soil pH in either PA. These results suggest that species diversity indices and changes in species composition serve as reliable ecological indicators for assessing impacts of invasive weeds and monitoring ecological restorations. The decline in species diversity and alterations in plant community composition can have cascading effects on ecosystem processes and livelihoods of local communities. Given the increasing threats of plant invasions in Nepal's PAs, urgent and effective management interventions are needed to prevent further spread, mitigate ecological and socio-economic impacts, and restore invaded habitats.

People's perceptions on the effectiveness of human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures in Nepal's Tarai Arc Landscape.

Background and Research Aims: Invasive alien plants pose significant ecological and social threats to native ecosystems and biodiversity. However, there is a growing recognition of potential opportunities to mitigate their negative impacts and generate revenue for conservation efforts. This study uses the Nyanga National Park in Zimbabwe as a case to explore leveraging invasive alien plants to generate revenue for conservation work. Methods: We collected data from 2015 to 2023 to analyze the contribution of timber from invasive alien plants to overall revenue in the context of conservation efforts. Results: The results indicate that timber from invasive alien plants is crucial to overall revenue, with a mean annual contribution of USD 150,000. The mean revenue share was found to be 33.2%, with a maximum of 50.1% during the assessed period. Implications for Conservation: This approach has the potential to generate significant revenue for conservation, turning an ecological issue into an opportunity. Given the financial constraints that protected areas often face, it could provide a quick way to raise funds and co-finance conservation efforts. However, this practice may also compromise environmental goals. We recommend specific action areas for practitioners to consider to minimize the negative impacts of invasive alien woody species. It is essential to acknowledge the real-world situations in areas affected by these species and to consider innovative adaptation strategies. Our report highlights the practice of harvesting invasive alien plants in a protected area that received little financial support for conservation operations, offering practical insights from real-world experiences.