Reserve Area Research Articles

Macrozoobenthos of Communities of Higher Aquatic Vegetation

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of two components of the aquatic biocenosis: its floristic component and benthos in the shallow waters of the Gorky reservoir within the water area of the Yaroslavsky nature reserve. The composition and structure of plant communities at the boundary of the macrophyte belt was assessed, followed by the identification of dominant associations. In parallel, the taxonomic composition and quantitative characteristics of macrozoobenthos were assessed in the main plant biotopes. Plant communities in the water area are represented by two ecological groups: helophytes and hydrophytes. Macrophytes occupy up to 25% of the water area of the shallow area of the studied water body. Most of the plant communities are concentrated in the northern and northeastern parts of the reserve. 11 species of macrophytes belonging to 10 genera and 9 families were noted. In macrophyte communities, 8 typical associations were identified, where benthos sampling was carried out. In the benthos of typical macrophyte associations, 35 lower definable taxa (LTOs) were identified, of which 17 LUTs are chironomid larvae. In the biotope, 11 HOTs were found out of vegetation. The highest species richness of benthic invertebrates was noted in the communities of Butomus umbellatus L. (1753) and Sparganium erectum L. The benthos of plant communities in August 2021 can be characterized as chironomid-oligochaete, while chironomids dominated in the open littoral. Mollusks played a significant role in the formation of benthos in plant communities. The maximum quantitative indicators of benthic invertebrates in general and the abundance of chironomids of the river. Glyptotendipes in particular have been noted in the community of the burr Sparganium erectum. This is probably due to the morphological structure of this plant and the specifics of the formation of the community by this species. The benthos of plant communities was dominated by phytodetritophages–filterers and phytodetritophages–filterers + gatherers, while in the open littoral, phytodetritophages–filterers prevailed. In all studied biotopes, there were no detritophages–gatherers. In general, according to the abundance of macrozoobenthos, the areas of plant communities can be classified as high-nutrient and very high-nutrient.

Segregation in the Reserves: The Winter Family in Sekhukhuneland 1913–1948

ABSTRACT The role of the reserve areas in both the genesis and implementation of segregation and apartheid is an especially well-worn topic in South African historiography. But much less attention has been given to the impact of the implementation of racial segregation in society in the areas set aside as rural locations and reserves in the ninteeenth and early twentieth centuries. The experiences of the Winter family of the Sekhukhuneland area provides an illuminating case study of the processes at work in the interregnum between the 1913 and 1936 Land Acts. Their family history highlights the emergence in reserve areas of networks of interconnected families spanning both old and new elites and the racial boundaries a segregationist ideology sought to entrench. It also shows how rapidly, profoundly, and painfully these emergent social forms were dismembered after 1936, long before the enforcement of apartheid policies after 1948.

Exploiting Legal Reserve Compensation as a Mechanism for Unlawful Deforestation in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome, 2012–2022

This research investigates the illegal Vegetation Suppression Authorization (VSA) for Legal Reserve Compensation (LRC) in Tocantins, Brazil, between 2012 and 2014. The VSA is a license issued by state environmental agencies that authorizes the removal or clearing of native vegetation. This infraction resulted from the state environmental agency’s mistaken interpretation of Resolution 07/2005 of the State Environmental Council and the Native Vegetation Protection Law, which operates nationally and takes precedence over state resolutions and laws. The study area focuses on eight municipalities contained in the Formoso, Pium, and Javaés river basins. The methodology examines irregular VSA-LRC cases through geospatial data analysis, multitemporal analysis using remote sensing data, and economic assessments in both the origin and destination areas of the compensatory reserve. The results showed that among the 217 VSA-LRC applications during the period, 93 had corresponding geospatial data, indicating that 57.1% of the geospatial data were missing. This discrepancy between the authorized area and the available geospatial information restricts the oversight capability of the regulatory agency. A decade-long deforestation analysis of VSA-LRCs using remote sensing data considered three phases: 2012–2014 (application and issuance of VSA-LRCs), 2015–2018 (operational issuance), and 2019–2022 (post-expiration of VSA-LRCs). The results revealed a total VSA-LRC area of 343.291 km2 (34,329.10 ha), with 229.1169 km2 (22,911.69 ha) of deforestation. Notably, 54.877 km2 (5487.70 ha) of this deforestation occurred in 2019–2022, after the VSA-LRC had expired. The analysis of the LRC origin and destination areas demonstrates a unidirectional strategy, from economically more valuable areas to less valuable ones, according to land market dynamics. Therefore, this investigation concludes the need for greater administrative transparency, the development of a reliable geospatial data system for monitoring, and policy changes and actions to enhance environmental protection.

THE OBLIGATION TO RECOMPOSE THE DELETED AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION AND FEDERAL INFRACONSTITUTIONAL LEGISLATION

This paper aims to emphasize the obligation to restore areas of native vegetation that have been removed without authorization from the competent environmental agency, in accordance with the 1988 Federal Constitution and other infra-constitutional federal legal norms, especially the 2012 Forest Code. For this paper, for areas of native vegetation, only the areas of Legal Reserve and Permanent Preservation Areas were considered. The methodology used was a bibliographical research, in which authors who made the topic relevant beyond federal legislation and the Federal Constitution were sought. It was found that the obligation to restore is “propter rem”, with the holder of the use of the property being obliged to restore the removed or degraded area, even if it was not the cause of the environmental liability. The areas of Legal Reserve and Permanent Preservation must contain a minimum percentage defined in accordance with the 2012 Forest Code, depending on the condition of the rural property before or after June 22, 2008 and also depending on the size of the property. It is noted that the national legal system has a specific law for the recovery of degraded areas, which is the National Policy for the Recovery of Degraded Areas. Thus, it is the duty of the public authorities and the community to maintain an ecologically balanced environment, and the restoration of suppressed or degraded areas is one of these duties.

A Study on Illegal Wildlife Trade in Tanzania Based on Multi-source Data Fusion

This study on the illegal wildlife trade crisis in Tanzania is methodically divided into three phases: planning, policy, and application. Initially, data preprocessing methods such as null processing, interpolation, and max-min normalization were applied to construct a client impact assessment model utilizing AHP and hierarchical evaluation methods. WWF emerged as the most influential client. The policy phase introduced a comprehensive five-year strategy across economic, social, cultural, and environmental sectors. This strategy was supported by three quantitative models, which were used to evaluate the impact of the illegal wildlife trade. The economic model assessed the contribution to GDP growth from the integration of illegal trappers into the workforce. The social model applied crime economics to optimize time allocation under uncertainty. The cultural impact was measured through educational guidelines and a literacy score. Finally, environmental policies were analyzed by adjusting nature reserve areas and poaching difficulty parameter Z. In the application phase, Tanzania's National Forest Park was selected to serve as a pilot site for the models, with the projected outcomes including an increase in species richness and a reduction in poaching ease over a five-year period.

Local mechanism of engagement in rural landscapes in the Nicaragua-Honduras sentinel landscape: examples of a local farmers' organisation and a multi-actor platform

Landscape approaches have been encouraged as a means of addressing the intricate challenges related to natural resource management and the well-being of land users/farmers. The study presents two mechanisms applied to territory development: first, a multi-stakeholder platform to improve governance in a natural reserve area (space/geographical dimension); second, how a local cooperative can become a learning network and address land-use and landscape management issues. The study evaluates the planning tool interventions of a local project, aiming to enhance landscape governance and value-chain collaboration in Nicaragua's biosphere reserve. We interviewed 403 residents and 29 cocoa cooperative members to evaluate their view of the tools/methodologies' effectiveness in natural resource management and cocoa farmers' resilience and well-being, respectively. Factorial analysis showed that the people of "Peñas Blanca" were aware of the multi-stakeholder platform managing the reserve. Generally, they had a positive opinion of the platform and its ability to balance economic and cultural values with conservation. The local cocoa cooperative has faced a financial and organisational crisis in recent years, with only a small number of members using the cooperative to sell their cocoa beans. This is due to decreased productivity and quality of the cocoa beans for some individual farmers, which impacts their ability to commercialise the beans with the cooperative. However, current access to social and cultural capital is supporting the resilience and adaptive capacity of the cocoa farmers in the territory. The studied cases provide evidence of the effectiveness of multi-sectoral and community-led organizations in integrating economic, ecological, and social objectives in a territory supporting landscape governance with sectoral approaches as valuable entry points.

Quantifying the Ecological Performance of Migratory Bird Conservation: Evidence from Poyang Lake Wetlands in China.

Protected areas are essential for the conservation of biodiversity. However, the rapid expansion of urbanization and the intensification of human activities have significantly disrupted environmental integrity, leading to a continuous deterioration in both the quantity and quality of large ecological patches. This has further diminished the connectivity among ecological patches, leading to significant consequences for regional biodiversity conservation. Taking Poyang Lake as a case study, which serves as a crucial wintering habitat for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasia flyway, this research employs ArcMap technology. It considers various factors including land use type, slope, and elevation to evaluate habitat quality and degradation through the application of the InVEST model. Additionally, the study utilizes the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model alongside circuit theory to delineate ecological corridors within the area and to establish a comprehensive ecological network system. The research results in this paper are as follows. (i) During the period from 2000 to 2020, there was an overall decline in habitat quality within the study area, indicating a clear trend of habitat degradation. However, it is worth noting that there was an increase in habitat quality in certain local areas within the protected area. (ii) The ecological resistance values in the core area of the migratory bird reserve in Poyang Lake are generally low. However, the ecological resistance values of the habitats have shown a consistent increase from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in the density of ecological corridors during this time period. (iii) Over the period from 2000 to 2020, both the number and connectivity of ecological corridors decreased and their integrity and functionality degraded. Consequently, this weakened role of the ecological network has had implications for maintaining regional biodiversity and ecosystem service functions. The findings indicate two conclusions. (i) Ecological connectivity is essential for the conservation of migratory bird habitats. Strengthening control measures aimed at expanding ecological corridors can effectively safeguard flagship and umbrella species, thereby promoting biodiversity conservation. (ii) The establishment of ecological corridors can help reconcile conflicts between conservation efforts and development objectives. This reconciliation carries significant theoretical implications for fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds in Poyang Lake's migratory bird sanctuary.

Multiannual oceanographic studies in the coastal area of Karadag Nature Reserve and Koktebel Bay (northern Black Sea) in 2004–2021

The study presents the results of the first multiannual oceanographic monitoring in the coastal area of Karadag Nature Reserve and adjacent water areas in May and September in the period from 2004 to 2021. Significant and unprecedentedly high increasing trends were detected for salinity in May. Increasing trends in nitrate concentration in Koktebel Bay were noted both for May and for September. The five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammonium and phosphate concentrations demonstrated mostly negative trends for the measurements in May and positive trends in September. Significant decreasing trends in phytoplankton biomass were noted in September, which fit in the range of the larger-scale phytoplankton trends reported in the literature. The position of the extrema of nutrients in the long-term-average and trend slope maps was confined to the areas of increased hydrodynamic and anthropogenic activity. Multivariate analysis showed significant negative correlations of the quantitative phytoplankton characteristics with salinity, which were explained by the effect of the freshened and nutrient-enriched Azov plume. The absence of significant correlations with nutrients was attributed to the non-conservative and stochastic character of the nutrient inflow on the yearly scale and time lag between the nutrient supply and the phytoplankton growth. The large percentage of occurrences of low BOD5 values at any station indicates the unpolluted status of the area under research, which is confirmed by the low trophic index values and appearance of probability distributions of the nutrient concentrations.

Geological and oceanographic constrains on the deposit of ferromanganese nodules on the archipelagic aprons of seamounts

The archipelagic aprons of the large deep-sea seamounts of the northwestern Pacific Ocean (NWPO) show potential areas for significant reserves of ferromanganese nodules (FMNs). This study used datasets such as depth, backscatter intensity (BI), and optical coverage in conjunction with mineralogical, element geochemical, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic, and chronological analyses of FMNs of the Suda Guyot (SG), which was located on the central area of the Marcus-Wake seamounts, in the NWPO. The results indicated a Y-shaped distribution of the deposit on the northern apron of the SG. Landslides predated the mineralization processes of the FMN deposit, and the ubiquitous channels in the apron had largely minimal influence on the distribution of nodules. Current mineralization of the deposit has been ongoing for ∼10 Myrs. Continuous weakening of the Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) resulted in a gradual decrease in bottom water oxygen contents around the SG. This in turn resulted in a decrease in cryptocrystalline Fe-vernadite (δ-MnO2) and elemental contents associated with δ-MnO2 of FMNs, such as Mo, Te, and Tl. Meanwhile, the contribution of Asian dust to the study area increased, leading to increased Fe, which in turn increased amorphous ferrihydrite (FeOOH), and FeOOH-associated elements such as Ti, Pb, and Th. Productivity gradually increased to its peak value around 4–5 Myrs ago, leading to similar trends in REY, Ba, and U. REY contents exhibited a certain correlation with water depth around the SG. The results of this study suggest that the Carbonate Compensation Depth (CCD) variation resulted in higher content of REY of the FMNs in the shallower apron.

Pathogens detected in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from city parks in Warsaw

The European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a common host for Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban and rural habitats, however, studies on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of squirrels have not been conducted in Poland yet. Thus, the aims of the current study were to assess and compare the prevalence and abundance of ticks on red squirrels trapped at two sites in the Warsaw area (in an urban forest reserve and an urban park) and using molecular tools, to assess the genetic diversity of three pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia and Babesia spp.) in I. ricinus ticks collected from squirrels. For the detection of Rickettsia spp. a 750 bp long fragment of the citrate synthase gltA gene was amplified; for B. burgdorferi s.l. 132f/905r and 220f/824r primers were used to amplify the bacterial flaB gene fragments (774 and 605 bp, respectively) and for Babesia spp., a 550 bpfragment of 18S rRNA gene was amplified. In total, 91 red squirrels were examined for ticks. There were differences in tick prevalence and mean abundance of infestation in squirrels from the urban forest reserve and urban park. Three species of B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia microti were detected in ticks removed from the squirrels. Our results broaden knowledge of S. vulgaris as an important host for immature I. ricinus stages and support the hypothesis that red squirrels act as a reservoir of B. burgdorferi. Moreover, we conclude that red squirrels may also play a role in facilitating the circulation of other pathogens causing serious risk of tick-borne diseases in natural and urban areas.

Socio-demographic factors influencing locals’ responses to human-wildlife conflicts in societies living adjacent to Swagaswaga Game Reserve, Tanzania

Understanding the factors that shape local people responses is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate and manage conflicts between humans and wildlife while safeguarding the well-being of both. This study assessed the factors that influence the locals’ responses regarding human wildlife conflicts (HWCs) in villages surrounding Swagaswaga Game Reserve in Tanzania, where human population growth has led to increased competition for natural resources between humans and wildlife. We found a substantial majority (71%) of respondents having experienced HWCs, while others (29%) have not encountered such conflicts. A logistic regression analysis tested various independent variables to determine their significance in predicting locals’ responses to HWCs. Our results indicated that the district of residence and the age category of respondents significantly influenced their reactions to HWCs, with district identity being the most significant predictor of these responses. Additionally, the study presents pairwise comparisons of measures taken by local people to mitigate HWCs, showing preferences for non-lethal strategies such as guiding (patrol) and growing alternative crops over lethal control. Moreover, the construction of physical barriers, such as fences and steel bars, was favored over lethal control methods. Unlike previous studies, this research provides targeted guidance for conservation and management strategies that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the local communities surrounding Swagaswaga Game Reserve and other areas globally with similar contexts. Therefore, this study extends our understanding of HWC in Tanzania by offering detailed insights into the specific factors that shape local responses and their preferences for mitigation measures.

Species Evenness and Diversity of Soil Invertebrates at Different Agricultural Lands and a Forest Reserve at Kota Belud, Sabah

Increasing agricultural activities can lead to changes in soil ecosystems, potentially impacting soil invertebrate communities as they are highly responsive to soil disturbances. The composition of soil invertebrates within each agricultural habitat provides insights into how these communities respond to their environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the evenness and diversity of soil invertebrates in agricultural areas of Kota Belud, Sabah. Soil samples were collected from three different agricultural sites, a rubber plantation, an oil palm plantation, and a paddy field, as well as a forest reserve as a control site. Pitfall traps and Berlese-Tullgren funnels were used to collect soil invertebrates. A total of 180 soil samples and 474 individuals of soil invertebrates were collected and analyzed. Physicochemical analyses, including moisture content, soil texture, pH, soil nutrient content, and organic matter, were conducted on all soil samples to assess their influence on the composition of soil invertebrates. Results indicated that Julida, Coleoptera, Gastropoda and Araneae were frequently associated with high organic matter, pH, moisture content and phosphorus. On the other hand, Haplotaxida appeared to be more sensitive to potassium levels. Notably, the Blattodea, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Polydesmida and Diptera, were found to be abundant in areas with lower organic matter and pH in the control site, i.e., forest reserve area. These findings underscore the significance of soil layer activities in influencing the presence and survival of soil invertebrates. Given their vital role in sustaining life, prioritizing the enhancement of soil invertebrate populations is crucial, particularly in Sabah, a prominent food crop-producing state in Malaysia.

Land conflicts from overlapping claims in Brazil’s rural environmental registry

Satellite-based land use monitoring and farm-level traceability offer opportunities for targeted zero-deforestation interventions on private lands. Brazil's Rural Environmental Registry (Cadastro Ambiental Rural, or "CAR"), a land cadaster based on self-declaration of property boundaries, was created to monitor compliance with national forest laws. It has become an important enabling measure for sustainable supply chain initiatives like the Amazon Soy Moratorium. However, CAR enrollment is increasingly used to bolster illegal land claims, putting it at the heart of land grabbing dynamics. Self-declaration of properties in the CAR offers a unique situation to study land conflicts and their impact on land use decisions on a large scale. We quantified competing land claims among 846,420 registrations in the Brazilian Legal Amazon and applied a series of generalized linear mixed-effects models. We determined that CAR overlaps are more prevalent on larger registrations, in more densely settled areas, and in areas with less secure land tenure. We tested how landholders respond to land conflicts, finding significantly more deforestation and declared legal forest reserve on lands with multiple claims. CAR overlap results in an overestimation of forest reserves by up to 9.7 million hectares when considering double-counted and deforested areas of reserves, highlighting an overlooked form of Forest Code noncompliance. While the CAR continues to be used as evidence of land tenure, we conclude that the formalization of land claims through self-declarations is inadequate to decrease conflicts. CAR overlap information provides objective evidence of land conflict that authorities can leverage with field inspection to ensure peaceful occupation before issuing land titles.

EDNA metabarcoding: an effective tool for vertebrate diversity studies in the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco basins

The development of fast, cost-effective, non-invasive, and efficient sampling alternatives, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), is crucial for understanding the changes in species biodiversity and distributions worldwide, particularly for low abundance, cryptic, and threatened species. This study utilized environmental eDNA to analyze the variety of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial vertebrates in the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco basins. The study focused on four main subregions: Bojonawi Natural Reserve and adjacent areas (Vichada Department), Sierra de la Macarena National Park and Tillavá (Meta Department), Puerto Nariño and adjacent areas (Amazonas Department), and the Municipality of Solano (Caquetá Department). A total of 709 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified across all sampling locations. The Orinoco River had the highest number of fish genera (68), while the Guayabero River had the highest number of tetrapod genera (13). New taxonomic records were found for all locations, with the highest number of previously undetected fish diversity being found in the Bita, Orinoco, and Tillavá rivers, compared to traditional surveys. Likewise, the study identified two fish species, four mammal species, and one reptile species as vulnerable. Additionally, four mammal species were identified as endangered, including the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), two subspecies of the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis geoffrensis and Inia geoffrensis humboldtiana), and the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). Standardizing the methodology and improving current DNA sequence databases for the Neotropics is essential to develop future eDNA studies and enhance our understanding of the region’s diversity.

Land use function changes and trade-offs/synergies across topographic gradients in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China

Driven by the natural environment and socio-economic development, land use functions (LUFs) experience dynamics and trade-offs/synergies across topographic gradients. This global pattern has a significant impact to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is no direct study investigated the effects of topographical gradients on LUFs trade-offs. Thus, the present study applied an object-based topographical gradient analysis, multi-criteria evaluation, and correlation analysis to evaluate the topographic gradient differentiation in the spatial patterns and characteristic changes in LUFs and their trade-offs/synergies in the Middle Reaches of the Three Gorges Reserve Area (MRTGRA) in China. The findings revealed that: (1) Ecological function (EF) was dominant in the high topographic gradients, whereas production function (PF) and living function (LF) were widely distributed in the low topographic gradients. (2) The changes in LUFs across the topographic gradients experienced a transformation process. Between 1990 and 2000, PF remarkably intensified whereas EF consistently declined across all gradient levels, exhibiting a homogenous LUF change trend across the topographic gradient. Conversely, from 2000 to 2020, PF and LF showed a notable increase at lower topographic gradients, while EF significantly increased at higher gradients, indicating a heterogeneous LUF change trend across the topographic gradient. (3) Trade-offs dominated the relationships between PF and LF, and LF and EF, with decreasing trade-offs between PF and LF as the topographic gradient increases, and weak trade-offs between LF and EF on medium topographic gradients. Similarly, synergies predominantly observed between PF and LF, with a prominent trade-off between PF and EF in high topographic gradients. The findings of present study developed critical considerations for territorial spatial planning, management, and ecological restoration efforts in the MRTGRA and similar hilly and mountainous areas globally.

Self-organizing recruitment of compensatory areas maximizes residual motor performance post-stroke.

Whereas the orderly recruitment of compensatory motor cortical areas after stroke depends on the size of the motor cortex lesion affecting arm and hand movements, the mechanisms underlying this reorganization are unknown. Here, we hypothesized that the recruitment of compensatory areas results from the motor system's goal to optimize performance given the anatomical constraints before and after the lesion. This optimization is achieved through two complementary plastic processes: a homeostatic regulation process, which maximizes information transfer in sensory-motor networks, and a reinforcement learning process, which minimizes movement error and effort. To test this hypothesis, we developed a neuro-musculoskeletal model that controls a 7-muscle planar arm via a cortical network that includes a primary motor cortex and a premotor cortex that directly project to spinal motor neurons, and a contra-lesional primary motor cortex that projects to spinal motor neurons via the reticular formation. Synapses in the cortical areas are updated via reinforcement learning and the activity of spinal motor neurons is adjusted through homeostatic regulation. The model replicated neural, muscular, and behavioral outcomes in both non-lesioned and lesioned brains. With increasing lesion sizes, the model demonstrated systematic recruitment of the remaining primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, and contra-lesional cortex. The premotor cortex acted as a reserve area for fine motor control recovery, while the contra-lesional cortex helped avoid paralysis at the cost of poor joint control. Plasticity in spinal motor neurons enabled force generation after large cortical lesions despite weak corticospinal inputs. Compensatory activity in the premotor and contra-lesional motor cortex was more prominent in the early recovery period, gradually decreasing as the network minimized effort. Thus, the orderly recruitment of compensatory areas following strokes of varying sizes results from biologically plausible local plastic processes that maximize performance, whether the brain is intact or lesioned.

Long-term assessment of historical disturbances in the dry land ecosystems of Mutis Timau Nature Reserve, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Long-term assessment using historical satellite imagery is critical for gaining meta-information and identifying trends in land cover change. Informed policymaking about this assessment ensures forest sustainability and mitigates climate change to consider the identified trends in land cover changes and historical disturbances. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the trend of land cover change and historical disturbances in Mutis Timau Nature Reserve (CA Mutis Timau), Indonesia using the LandTrendr platform. The land cover classification is based on SNI 7645-1:2014, with a 1:50,000 scale. The data was processed using Google Earth Engine’s LandTrendr platform, which covered the vegetation index, specifically the normalized burn ratio (NBR). The results showed that the trend of land cover change in CA Mutis Timau remained stable from 1986 to 2023. These disturbance locations have low slopes and are located near neighborhoods. In specifics, the Eucalyptus forest land cover experienced the largest land cover change between 1986 and 2023, losing 945.68 ha of vegetation, or 8% of the total area of CA Mutis Timau. Over a duration of 38 years, from 1986 to 2023, the Eucalyptus forest had a cover change that turned into marble stone, barren land, grassland, and shrubs. Forest management policies, such as establishing a nature reserve area on Mount Mutis areas, had an impact on the long-term sustainability of vegetation land cover.

Qualitative Assessment of Water Sources in Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

To ascertain the quality of water used for drinking purpose, by the consumers and wildlife, water quality monitoring of the groundwater and surface water sources was conducted in Pench Tiger Reserve area in Maharashtra. The fecal streptococci (FS) and fecal coliforms (FC) ranged from 0-5 CFU/100ml and 0-62 CFU/100ml respectively. The bacterial contamination in groundwater may be because of improper source protection and possibility of enroute contamination. Geogenic background has major impact on groundwater quality in Pench with gneisses and basaltic type of formation which reflect on the physicochemical water quality parameters. Water quality parameters like turbidity, fluoride, iron and bacterial counts are above the permissible limit in some water sources making the water unsuitable for drinking purpose. The high turbidity in the groundwater samples is attributed to the presence of iron precipitates. Study area is covered with red ferruginous soils which are rich in iron and contributes to iron content in groundwater. Appropriate treatment is required to reduce down the iron and fluoride concentrations followed by disinfection so that the water quality parameters fulfill BIS guidelines for potability of water. The correlation and regression analysis among different water quality parameters helps in establishing relationships among water quality parameters drawing inferences about them. Water quality monitoring at regular interval with suitable treatment measures is very much essential to provide safe drinking water to the consumers.

THE IMPACT OF RESIDENTS ATTITUDE TOWARD SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT USING SUS-TAS: MEDIATING ROLE OF TOURISM INVOLVEMENT

Currently, the concept of sustainable tourism development is critical, especially how local communities participate. This research aims to investigate the elements that influence the development of sustainable tourism in the biosphere reserve area of Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi, namely environmental factors, social cost participation, and long-term planning mediated through tourism involvement. Using a survey method, the approach was empirically tested on a sample of 170 locals living close to the Alas Purwo National Park reserve. The questions are divided into two sections: the first includes socio-demographic and economic data on the respondents, and the second includes research tools made up of 25 questions utilizing a Likert scale with a maximum score of five. A questionnaire was administered to 170 respondents, who were subsequently evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS. All variables were found to have a substantial effect on sustainable tourism development, as mediated by the variable tourist involvement. The community has great potential to assist the growth of ecotourism that is sustainable. To manage tourism in a more sustainable manner, particularly in the biosphere region that needs to be conserved, the government, particularly local governments, local communities, and tourists are required.

Penurunan Debit Air Danau Dendam Tak Sudah untuk Irigasi Persawahan Setelah Perubahan Status Cagar Alam Menjadi Taman Wisata Alam

Dendam Tak Sudah is a lake located in the Bengkulu Province. It is situated in the Dusun Besar Village, Singaran Pati District, Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province. The total area of Danau Dendam Tak Sudah is 559 hectares, with a surface area of 68 hectares. Since the issuance of Decree No. 79/MENLHK/SETJEN/PLA.2/1/2019 dated January 21, 2019, regarding the strengthening of the main function within the forest function of part of the DDB Nature Reserve area, it has been designated as a Nature Tourism Park in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province, covering an area of approximately 88 hectares. The status of the Danau Dendam Tak Sudah area, which was previously a Nature Reserve, has now changed to a Nature Tourism Park. The purpose of this study is to analyze and understand the impact of the downgrade of the status of part of the Danau Dendam Tak Sudah area, formerly a Nature Reserve, to a Nature Tourism Park on the water condition in Danau Dendam Tak Sudah and its relation to the reduction in water discharge for rice fields. The objective of this research is to provide solutions to the government's decision-making process, emphasizing the consideration of environmental aspects and the interests of farmers, in addition to promoting tourism in Bengkulu City.