Reduced Vegetation Cover Research Articles

Pyrogenic carbon records of Holocene fire dynamics in the Yellow River Basin: Climate change and human activity forcing

Fire is a crucial component of Earth's ecosystems, with important environmental and socioeconomic implications. In this paper, we analyze black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a sediment core (YS-A) from the South Yellow Sea to investigate the driving forces of fire activity in the Yellow River Basin since 7.0 ka BP, when sea level stabilized and the modern pattern of ocean circulation system established. Our results indicate that fire activity gradually increased between 7.0 and 4.0 ka BP, reaching its highest level around 4.0–3.5 ka BP, and weakened between 3.5 and 0.5 ka BP, before rapidly increasing again after 0.5 ka BP. Climate change was found to be the dominant factor influencing fire history, with drier climatic conditions promoting fire activity during 7.0–4.0 ka BP, but suppressing it after 4.0 ka BP. This varied response of fire to climatic conditions is linked to the complex interaction between rainfall, vegetation cover, and fuel availability. Human activity is also shown to exert a complex impact, with some activities, such as deforestation, reducing vegetation cover and limiting fire activity over Late Holocene timescales, while other factors, such as coal burning, increasing high-temperature combustion since 0.5 ka BP. Furthermore, our findings suggest that fire activity has significantly influenced carbon sequestration in marine sediments, leading to an increase in the burial of refractory carbon from approximately 12 % to 18 % between 7.0 and 3.5 ka BP, and a higher proportion of terrestrial organic matter.

How Does The Change in Ratio of Vascular Plants to Biocrusts After Revegetation on Desert Soil Affect The Soil Hydrology?

Land desertification is one of the most serious challenges to the ecological environment in the world today, threatening the survival and development of mankind. China is one of the countries in the world with the most serious desertification problem, which causes land degradation, soil quality decline, reduced vegetation cover, sand and dust, and other catastrophic weather problems. Greening and afforestation is an effective measure to improve the local ecological environment of desertification, and different areas need to adopt different afforestation techniques, taking into account local climatic conditions and geological features. This study aims to rank the three basic types of sand-binding vegetation in terms of suitability to be cultivated in desert soil by evaluating their ability to absorb infiltrated water and find a suitable shrub/herb planting ratio to achieve sustainable development in the sand-controlled area.

Dynamics of Zinder’s Urban Landscape: Implications for Sustainable Land Use Management and Environmental Conservation

Unplanned urban expansion poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability and urban planning. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of Zinder’s urban landscape using Landsat satellite imagery from 1988, 2000, 2011, and 2022. The study applied remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS) techniques, and urban growth models. The random forest classifier, a machine learning algorithm, was used to classify three land use/land cover categories: “vegetation”, “built-up”, and “others”. Zinder’s arid environment is characterized by sparse vegetation, which constitutes a limited but vital component of its landscape. Despite the already sparse vegetation in the area, the findings reveal a 3.5% reduction in vegetation cover between 1988 and 2022, alongside an 11.5% increase in “built-up” areas and an 8% decrease in the “others” category. This loss of already minimal vegetation raises significant concerns about environmental degradation and the exacerbation of desertification risks. Interestingly, urban expansion showed no significant correlation with population growth (r = 0.29, p > 0.5), suggesting that other factors, such as economic activities, infrastructure development, and land use policies, drive land conversion. Edge expansion emerged as the dominant growth type, with a significant directional preference (Chi-Square = 2334.41, p < 0.001) toward major roads and areas with higher accessibility to public services. These findings emphasize the need for strategic urban planning and land management policies to address the drivers of unplanned expansion. Prioritizing sustainable infrastructure development, enforcing land use regulations, and conserving natural landscapes are critical to balancing urban growth with environmental preservation, ensuring resilience and sustainability in Zinder.

Timor-Leste: preliminary assessment of a rapidly eroding landscape in the Coral Triangle

Context Sedimentation in the rivers and on the coasts of Timor-Leste has increased since deforestation, affecting floods and probably living aquatic resources. Aims To provide scientifically based estimates of long-term and short-term erosion rates to assess the apparent role of deforestation, a topic that has not received sufficient quantitative attention in the Coral Triangle. Methods Short-term erosion rates have been estimated from regional relationships between river sediment yield and catchment areas and cosmogenic nuclides for long-term rates. An attempt has also been made to estimate changes in rates of delta progradation to determine whether recent increases have occurred following deforestation. Key results The major scientific finding is that reduction in vegetation cover for agriculture and timber harvesting, particularly in the mountains, increased sediment yield by factors up to 120, mainly by landsliding. And there has been a large amount of sediment exported to the delta and offshore from river-channel change. Implications Impacts on living resources are likely both in rivers and on the coast, but require assessment. Revegetation of hillslopes is likely to reduce these impacts and improve the livelihoods of local people.

Impact of livestock activity on near-surface ground temperatures in central Mongolian grasslands

Abstract. Grazing by livestock can alter the surface conditions at grassland sites, impacting the transfer of energy between the atmosphere and ground and consequentially ground temperatures. In this study, we investigate surface cover in summer and winter and measure ground surface temperatures over 14 months at sites in central Mongolia that feature different grazing intensities (intensely and ungrazed) and topographic aspects (north- and south-facing). Overall, intense grazing leads to a substantially reduced vegetation cover, altered snow conditions, and lack of surface litter accumulation. Comparing intensely grazed and ungrazed plots shows large seasonal differences in ground surface temperatures, with grazed plots being up to +5.1 °C warmer in summer and −5.4 °C colder in winter at a south-facing site. We also find that the effect of grazing intensity depends on topographic aspect, with smaller seasonal differences of +1.4 °C and −2.5 °C found between grazed and ungrazed plots at a north-facing site. This relates to the lower available solar radiation at north-facing sites, which reduces the differences in vegetation cover between open and fenced plots. For both aspects, the seasonal differences largely offset each other, with both a small net cooling and warming depending on effects in spring and autumn. Our study suggests that livestock management could be used to modify the annual ground temperature dynamics, possibly even influencing local permafrost dynamics.

Stingless Bee Foraging Activity Related to Environmental Aspects.

The environment where bee colonies are inserted must provide the necessary resources for their survival. Given this, any biotic and abiotic changes in the environment can affect the development and survival of the colonies. We evaluated the foraging activity of Plebeia droryana (Friese), Scaptotrigona bipunctata (Lepetelier), and Melipona quadrifasciata (Lepetelier) in areas with different land uses and land cover. These areas were classified as predominantly (i) urbanized/forest (CDA-Cidade das Abelhas), (ii) agricultural (FER-Fazenda Experimental da Ressacada), and (iii) with dense vegetation (SFB-Sitio Florbela). We correlated the morphometric characteristics of the bees with the pollen load transported. Four colonies from each species were installed in the three areas. We recorded light, wind speed, humidity, and temperature and counted the foragers returning with nectar, pollen, and resin. Plebeia droryana and S. bipunctata collected more resin and nectar in with dense vegetation area compared to agricultural area. Scaptotrigona bipunctata collected more pollen in urbanized/forest area and with dense vegetation area, and M. quadrifasciata did not show differences in foraging activity between areas. Plebeia droryana and M. quadrifasciata showed moderate and strong correlations between morphometric characteristics and pollen load. SFB had higher luminosity and wind speed. CDA had higher average temperature. FER had higher humidity. The three species showed positive and negative correlations between temperature and light and foraging in the different areas. Smaller species showed a higher gathering of resources in the area predominantly covered by dense vegetation. The reduction of vegetation cover can affect the resource collection activity of stingless bees.

Quantitative assessment of Hurricane Ian’s damage on urban vegetation dynamics utilizing Landsat 9 in Fort Myers, Florida

Florida’s unique climatic and geographical features have profoundly influenced its hurricane history. This study quantitatively examines the effects of Hurricane Ian on urban vegetation in Fort Myers, Florida, using remote sensing data. We analyzed pre- and post-hurricane vegetation indices, including NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), ARVI (Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index), and SAVI (Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index). Our findings reveal varied spatial impacts, with NDVI changes ranging from −0.03 to 0.333, ARVI changes from −0.016 to 0.25, and SAVI changes from −0.04 to 0.5. Negative values indicate vegetation damage, while positive values suggest resilience or recovery. The study area experienced a 63.75% reduction in vegetation cover, from 67.10 km2 before Hurricane Ian to 24.325 km2 after. Pre-hurricane NDVI ranged from −0.2298 to 0.5663, while post-hurricane values ranged from −0.189 to 0.521, indicating overall vegetation stress. ARVI maxima decreased from 0.379 to 0.352, and SAVI maxima from 0.849 to 0.782, further confirming vegetation damage. Support Vector Machine classification achieved 89% accuracy (Kappa = 0.85) for pre-hurricane and 87% (Kappa = 0.83) for post-hurricane vegetation mapping. These findings enhance our understanding of hurricane impacts on urban green infrastructure, with significant implications for urban planning and disaster preparedness in coastal cities prone to extreme weather events. The outcomes enhance damage assessment methodologies and provide valuable insights into the ecological consequences of hurricanes on urban ecosystems.

Spatio-temporal evolution of water erosion in the western Songnen Plain: Analysis of its response to land use dynamics and climate change

Preventing water erosion is crucial for maintaining ecosystems and ensuring food security, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of water erosion and its underlying drivers. In the context of global warming, analyzing the impacts of land use dynamics and climate change on water erosion contributes to effective land management and sustainability of both industry and agriculture. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of water erosion in the western Songnen Plain from 1990 to 2020 using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), with a focus on assessing the impacts of land use and climate on water erosion. The results revealed a 7.1 % increase in the area experiencing water erosion above light levels in the western Songnen Plain. The hotspots for water erosion were located in the southeast and northwest of the study area. The rapid expansion of farmland and land salinization, leading to reduced vegetation cover and soil property deterioration, were the main causes of intensified water erosion in the region before 2000. Although water erosion was slightly alleviated after 2000, the further expansion of farmland, the worsened water erosion intensity in alkaline land and frequent extreme weather still posed serious threats to water erosion in the study area. Water erosion was positively correlated with temperature and dry/wet alternation events, including frequency, duration, and severity. In addition, land use type was the main factor influencing the heterogeneous distribution of water erosion in the western Songnen Plain, whose interaction with dry/wet alternation events had the strongest explanatory power. Therefore, this study calls for the implementation of soil and water conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of land cultivation, salinization, and climate change on water erosion.

Ecosystem health assessment of the largest lake wetland in the Yellow River basin using an improved vigor-organization-resilience-services model

Wuliangsu Lake is the largest lake wetland in the Yellow River basin, it is the Northern Sand Belt of China, which is essential to maintaining ecological security in northern China and the areas downstream. With the increasing environmental problems, the basin has become a sensitive and complex geographical unit, and a better understanding of the level of ecosystem health in the basin is helpful for policymakers in developing measures for ecological restoration and eco-space management. In this study, we proposed an improved VORS model containing ecosystem vigor, organization, resilience and services to assess the ecosystem health in the Wuliangsu Lake Basin in 2000, 2011, and 2022. To improve spatial precision, the study area was partitioned into grids measuring 2 km × 2 km each. The results indicated that: (1) the ecosystem health showed a slight increase trend, which indicated by the increase level grids reached 94 % in 2000–2022 change. (2) The reduction in vegetation cover decreased the ecosystem vigor, which was indicated by the weak level increased from 22 % in 2000 to 73 % in 2022. Ecosystem structure becomes more complex enhanced the ecosystem organization, the value increased from 0.3 to 0.6 in 2000 to 0.6–0.8 in 2022. Ecosystem resilience slightly declined in 2011 and 2022, ecosystem services were relatively stable but were dominated by weak levels. (3) The majority land use type in the study area is farmland, and the ecosystem vigor decreases as the area of grassland decreases to farmland in these 22 years. The ecosystem’s structure was enhanced and the land use structure was progressively brought into balance. Changes in all four parameters of ecosystem health assessment are related to land use, and changes in ecosystem health are likewise related to land use changes. The improved VORS model constructed for the Wuliangsu Lake Basin objectively reflect the basin’s state of ecosystem health, and provide a reference for ecological restoration and basin regional planning.

The northernmost Polish Eemian palaeolake near Łęczyce − Stratigraphic and palaeoecological implications for a MIS 6a − MIS 5d sediment record

We report the results of high-resolution multi-proxy studies of a 10 m thick sedimentary profile from Łęczyce, Poland. It reveals a continuous lacustrine succession from the Eemian Interglacial. On this basis, we have distinguished seven sedimentary units (U7a-U7f) and ten local palynological zones (LPAZ Lec 1 − Lec 10), revealing the evolution of the lake from the moment of dead-ice melting, through the continuous filling of the lake basin with organic mud, to the final stage of shallowing and transformation into a peat bog. This northernmost known Eemian site was investigated for the first time, therefore, the reconstructed changes in local conditions were correlated with global changes from the final phase of the penultimate glaciation through the Eemian Interglacial to the beginning of the last glaciation. The results show that the melting of dead ice blocks at this site was delayed compared to central Poland, with lacustrine processes starting as glaciolimnic sedimentation. Furthermore, the delayed start of vegetation development around the lake resulted in the absence of a Pinus-Betula-Ulmus E2 level. During the Eemian, local conditions were generally stable, and sedimentation took place in a relatively deep basin with well-defined epilimnion and hypolimnion zones. Climatic instability at the end of the Eemian resulted in reduced vegetation cover. During the first climatic deterioration in the Weichselian (presumably the Herning Stadial), lacustrine sedimentation was reduced and the deposition of fine-grained mineral material predominated. This was followed by the complete drying out of the lake and the development of soil formation. The subsequent climatic warming (Brørup Interstadial?) recorded in the uppermost part of the profile (U7f) was characterised by the plant community Lec 10 (Carpinus-Corylus-Picea) and was presumably warmer than commonly assumed. Multi-proxy studies show that the development of the lake was more similar to that of southern Scandinavia than to that of Poland.

Integrated hydrological modeling and water resource assessment in the Mayurakshi River Basin: A comprehensive study from historical data to future predictions

This study employs the SWAT hydrologic model to integrate climatological and hydrological processes for an in-depth analysis of the Mayurakshi River Basin. Utilizing the Markov chain model, the study evaluates water availability, flow patterns, and the basin's response to various climatic and land-use scenarios. Over 30 years of daily observed river discharge data were rigorously calibrated, validated, and analyzed for uncertainty, with critical data from the Massanjore Dam and Tilpara Barrage gauge stations characterizing the river's hydrological behavior. The result suggests the watershed received an average annual precipitation of 1432.4 mm, with evapotranspiration accounting for 40% of total water loss (578.4 mm). Surface runoff constituted over 90% of the total discharge, highlighting its importance for agricultural practices, particularly during the dry season. However future projections (2021–2031) indicate a significant decrease in mean annual precipitation (1404.7 mm) and a drop in evapotranspiration (542.1 mm or 38% of mean precipitation), attributed to reduced vegetation cover and increased settlement, leading to enhanced surface runoff. By quantifying internal renewable blue water, evapotranspiration, and soil water, this research provides crucial data for long-term water resource planning and assessment. The findings are valuable for national, regional, and transboundary water management agencies, offering insights into sustainable water resource management under changing climatic and different land-use conditions.

Temperature and palaeolake evolution during a Middle Pleistocene interglacial–glacial transition at the Palaeolithic locality of Schöningen, Germany

The Middle Pleistocene Reinsdorf sequence at the Lower Palaeolithic sites of Schöningen offers the opportunity to reconstruct a rarely well‐preserved post‐Holsteinian environmental transition from an interglacial into a glacial phase along with its highly dynamic interjacent climatic oscillations. Combining biological proxies, element composition and stable isotope ratios of two lakeshore sequences at excavation site 13 II, we demonstrate repeated variations in climate, hydrology and catchment vegetation cover. New ostracod‐based quantitative mean summer and winter air temperature reconstructions with the Mutual Ostracod Temperature Range (MOTR) method provide the first detailed information about the temperature evolution. The interglacial temperature maximum, probably corresponding to Marine Isotope Stage 9e, is followed by a first dry phase and, during the younger part of the Reinsdorf sequence, by a second dry period. Both were marked by lower precipitation/evaporation ratios, reduced vegetation cover in the catchment and increased surface inflows from springs. Temperature reconstructions of these two steppe (open woodland) phases yield very narrow ranges for mean January (−4–0 °C) and July (+17–19 or +17–21 °C) air temperatures, demonstrating that, while summers were similar to those of today, winters were at least 1 °C colder, hinting at a more pronounced continental climate. Precise temperature estimates for the interjacent woodland and steppe (woodland) phase are hindered by generally wider ranges produced by the MOTR method (January mean −4–3 °C, July mean +15–21 °C). The development of a more extensive vegetation cover, reducing surface runoff and erosion in favour of increased river and groundwater discharge, as indicated by a shift in microfossil and stable isotope records, suggests generally more humid climates with higher precipitation/evaporation ratios as well as reduced seasonal temperature variations.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Carbon and Nitrogen in Subtropical Urban Streams (Santo André, SP, Brazil)

Urban sprawl poses a significant threat to urban stream water quality due to impermeabilization, reduced vegetation cover, and the release of diffuse pollutants. This study evaluates water quality in seven catchments in Santo André, SP, considering seasonality. Nutrient concentrations and in situ measurements were taken during both dry and rainy seasons. Comparisons were made using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Streams showed significant differences in relation to water quality parameters. The Carapetuba, Jundiaí, and Apiaí streams were most adversely affected, underscoring the need for urgent water quality intervention (water conductivity above 500 μS/cm, dissolved oxygen below 2 mg/L, total dissolved carbon above 50 mg/L, and total dissolved nitrogen above 25 mg/L). Significant differences were observed across seasons. The dry season showed elevated temperatures (above 25 °C) and increased total dissolved carbon (above 50 mg/L) and nitrogen concentrations (above 30 mg/L), indicating reduced dilution effects from rainfall and heightened organic contamination. Conversely, the wet season demonstrated lower nutrient concentrations, emphasizing seasonal dynamics. Sustained, long-term monitoring of urban streams in Santo André and the implementation of sewage collection and treatment in irregular settlements are recommended. These measures are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts of urban expansion on water quality.

Impact of Urbanization Processes on Vegetation Cover in the Cities Over the Last Two Decades

Background: The process of urbanization serves as a prominent factor leading to the vegetation cover decline in major cities worldwide. This issue has significant consequences for the living environment on a global scale. Methods: Leveraging the latest advancements in remote sensing techniques (RSTs) and utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery, this study aims to assess the vegetation cover alteration (VCA) in correlation with the urbanization process in Thai Nguyen City, Vietnam. Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel 2A satellite imagery were used to analyze the VCA in Thai Nguyen City during the period from 2001 to 2023. Thai Nguyen city is recognized as the third largest in Northern Vietnam, following the capital city of Hanoi and Hai Phong City and ranks as the tenth most populous city in Vietnam. Result: The results obtained from this study demonstrate a substantial overall expansion, with the total urban land increasing from 386 hectares in 2001 to 1045 hectares in 2010 and experiencing a rapid surge in 2023, reaching a remarkable 4409 hectares. In general, analyzed results based on VCA maps indicated an overall vegetation cover reduction across the study area. This indicates that the study area has reached a critically high level of degradation in terms of vegetation cover. These findings emphasize the escalating risks associated with the diminishing vegetation cover detected across the study area.

Perspectives of nature-based tourism-dependent communities on climate change in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

The intensity and frequency of climate extremes such as heat waves, droughts and extreme rainfall events are projected to rise. This will increase the severity of their impacts across socio-ecological systems. Economic sectors such as nature-based tourism become more vulnerable because of their reliance on climate and natural capital as key resources. While attempts have been made to understand how climate change may impact tourists and the industry itself, little is known about the same on tourism-dependent communities. This paper determines the extent to which tourism-dependent communities are vulnerable to climate change in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, to enhance their wider livelihood the development of strategies for improving adaptive capacity, resilience, and reduced exposure sensitivities. A household survey of 172 households was conducted in three purposively selected villages of Mababe, Sankuyo and Khwai, actively involved in community-based tourism for their socio-economic development. Information sourced related to livelihood options, peoples' resilience, local risks, and hazards. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicate that respondents have observed climatic changes over the years such as increased temperatures, decreased rainfall, and increased frequencies of extreme events. The respondents attributed changes in natural capital to these observed climatic conditions in the form of desiccation, dwindling populations of some wildlife species, decreased fish stocks and reduced vegetation cover. This renders the tourism-dependent communities vulnerable as their livelihood is threatened. The paper thus concludes that climate change adaptation is an urgent priority for local communities who are already exposed to existing climatic and non-climatic stresses.

Tourism Development Strategy in Girikarto Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

The development of tourism, especially on the coast of Gunungkidul, has a significant impact on various aspects of people's lives. This study aims to analyze the socio-economic impact of tourism development and analyze tourism development strategies in Girikarto Village. The research method is descriptive qualitative, mapping the development of tourism potential is based on a SWOT analysis (Strenghtening, Weakness, Opportunity and Threads). Data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews with business actors, pokdarwis, communities, local governments, and village officials. The results of the study show that tourism is able to absorb the workforce of the majority of the community, improve the community's economy, create business opportunities and also change the work pattern of people who previously worked outside the area to return to their home village. Tourism has implications for improving skills, education, and people's lifestyles. In addition to bringing positive impacts, some of the negative impacts of tourism are environmental degradation, reduced vegetation cover, changes in karst morphology, increased congestion, pollution and waste problems. The tourism development strategy can be carried out through optimizing community involvement in tourism (CBT/Community Based Tourism), increasing community capacity and optimizing the role of stakeholders to promote sustainable and equitable tourism for the community and the environment.

Updated chronology for Peoria Silt (loess) accumulation in Illinois and western Indiana from radiocarbon dating of terrestrial gastropod shells

AbstractBased on calibrated radiocarbon ages of terrestrial gastropod shells (Succineidae, Discus, Stenotrema, Webbhelix), the chronology of Peoria Silt (loess) deposition in the Central Lowlands is updated. These taxa provide reliable ages (within ~0.2 ka), based on historical shell dating, shell-organic age comparisons, and stratigraphic consistency. A compilation of 53 new and 36 published Peoria Silt shell ages (calibrated), from 12 localities, date from 30.0 to 17.4 ka. Proximal (fossiliferous) loess from 10 sections had mean loess accumulation rates of 0.6–2.2 mm/yr. Study sites along the upper Mississippi, Illinois, to mid-Mississippi, and Ohio-Wabash Valleys suggest Peoria loess accumulated from ~27 to 15 ka, ~29 to 18 ka, and ~30 to 18 ka, respectively. The cessation age for Peoria Silt, based on surface extrapolations, is ~1–6 ka earlier than some prior Illinois estimates, even assuming slower loess accumulation in the modern solum. Younger loess in northwestern Illinois likely reflects, in part, Superior and Des Moines Lobe glacial-meltwater sediment, and Iowan Erosion Surface inputs to the upper Mississippi Valley, after the Lake Michigan Lobe receded. Furthermore, stronger winds, drier conditions, and reduced vegetation cover in valley deflation areas may have favored higher accumulation rates and later loess deposition in northwestern relative to southeastern areas.

Effect of an herbivorous subterranean rodent on vegetation in relation to primary productivity

AbstractSubterranean rodents modify the surrounding environment being classified, in some cases, as keystone species and/or ecosystem engineers. This role could be context‐dependent if the changes produced shift throughout the species distribution range and are stronger under certain environmental conditions. Our objective was to analyse whether the effect of Ctenomys mendocinus on vegetation cover is context‐dependent. Given that primary productivity may increase plants' ability to tolerate or compensate following herbivory, we hypothesize that the effect of C. mendocinus on vegetation cover will be context‐dependent along a primary productivity gradient, with smaller effects in highly productive environments and larger effects in less productive ones. We compared the effect of C. mendocinus on plant cover among four contrasting environments and found that it depended on primary productivity in a predictable manner. In low productivity environments, the rodent significantly reduces vegetation cover, while it has no discernible effect in highly productive ones. These findings suggest that the effect of C. mendocinus on plant cover depends on primary productivity level and highlights the importance of accounting for the underlying environmental factors that influence the intensity of C. mendocinus–plant interaction.

Environmental risk analysis of a Ramsar site: a case study of east Kolkata wetlands with PSR framework.

The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKWT), designated as a Ramsar Site for its crucial role in sewage water purification, agriculture and pisciculture, faces escalating environmental threats due to rapid urbanisation. Employing the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework and Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), this study spans three decades to elucidate the evolving dynamics of EKWT. Using Landsat TM and OLI images from 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021, the research identifies key parameters within the PSR framework. Principal component analysis generates environmental risk maps, revealing a 46% increase in urbanisation, leading to reduced vegetation cover and altered land surface conditions. The spatial analysis, utilizing Getis-Ord Gi* statistics, pinpoints risk hotspots and coldspots in the EKWT region. Correlation analysis underscores a robust relationship between urbanisation, climatic response and environmental risk. Decadal ERA exposes a noteworthy surge in high-risk areas, indicating a deteriorating trend. Quantitative assessments pinpoint environmental risk hotspots, emphasizing the imperative for targeted conservation measures. The study establishes a direct correlation between environmental risk and air quality, underscoring the broader implications of EKWT's degradation. While acknowledging the East Kolkata administration's efforts, the research recognises its limitations and advocates a holistic, multidisciplinary approach for future investigations. Recommendations encompass the establishment of effective institutions, real-time monitoring, public engagement and robust anti-pollution measures. In offering quantitative insights, this study provides an evidence-based foundation for conservation strategies and sustainable management practices essential to safeguard the East Kolkata Wetlands.

Host sweet host: Rodent communities support similar ectoparasite diversity regardless of anthropogenic disturbance

AbstractRodents are important hosts for ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which means they are also important intermediate hosts for many zoonotic diseases. As anthropogenic environments bring humans and rodents into closer contact, an understanding of host–ectoparasite ecology is essential to predict and manage disease spillover risks. We aimed to understand how disturbances in vegetation cover affect rodent ectoparasite diversity, prevalence, spatial segregation, host (i.e., sex, genus, size, and habitat domain), and environmental (i.e., vegetation structure, forest cover, and rainfall) variables in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. We investigated these relationships by trapping rodents in five paired disturbed (reduced vegetation cover and regular human activities) and undisturbed (no reduction in vegetation cover) sites in the summer and autumn of 2022. From 110 trapped rodents, we collected 138 ectoparasites on 38 individuals. We found no difference in rodent diversity, ectoparasite diversity, or ectoparasite prevalence between disturbed and undisturbed sites. However, arboreal and male rodents had a higher probability of carrying ectoparasites than ground‐dwelling and female rodents. Rodents with ectoparasites were not spatially clustered; rather, they were randomly distributed across trapping grids. We also identified two rodent genera (Rattus and Sigmodon) that carry ectoparasites of medical importance and that are in close contact with humans. Our results highlight the necessity of constant monitoring of rodents, ectoparasites, and their associated transmittable diseases. Assessing these interactions and how they are affected by anthropogenic disturbance could better inform management decisions and support the need for rodent conservation programmes in the area.