Sharp Population Decline Research Articles

Haplotype-resolved genome and population genomics of the threatened garden dormouse in Europe.

Genomic resources are important for evaluating genetic diversity and supporting conservation efforts. The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a small rodent that has experienced one of the most severe modern population declines in Europe. We present a high-quality haplotype-resolved reference genome for the garden dormouse, and combine comprehensive short and long-read transcriptomics data sets with homology-based methods to generate a highly complete gene annotation. Demographic history analysis of the genome reveal a sharp population decline since the last interglacial, indicating an association between colder climates and population declines before anthropogenic influence. Using our genome and genetic data from 100 individuals, largely sampled in a citizen-science project across the contemporary range, we conduct the first population genomic analysis for this species. We find clear evidence for population structure across the species' core Central European range. Notably, our data show that the Alpine population, characterized by strong differentiation and reduced genetic diversity, is reproductively isolated from other regions and likely represents a differentiated evolutionary significant unit (ESU). The predominantly declining Eastern European populations also show signs of recent isolation, a pattern consistent with a range expansion from Western to Eastern Europe during the Holocene, leaving relict populations now facing local extinction. Overall, our findings suggest that garden dormouse conservation may be enhanced in Europe through the designation of ESUs.

Depopulation and its Socio-Economic Consequences. Romania Case Study

Depopulation is a characteristic phenomenon for the Central and Eastern European space that gained in amplitude especially after 1990 in the context of political-ideological changes that affected the states of this region and that also led to changes in demographic behavior. These consisted, on the one hand, in the abolition of pro-natalist policies from the communist period and, on the other hand, in the intensification of emigration flows in connection with the economic and social discrepancies and the free movement of persons. In this context, the paper analyzes the evolution of Romania’s population in a global and European context, the factors that determined its sharp population decline, as well as its economic and social consequences. Also, the demographic characteristics of Romania and future trends regarding the peculiarities and dynamics of the Romanian population are highlighted.

Identification and Population Density of Primate Animals in the Stik Jantho Aceh Besar Educational Forest

Long tail macac (Macac fascicularis) and black langur (Trachypitecus auratus) are two species of primates protected by law. The conservation status of both is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN and appendix II status in CITES. The very sharp population decline in the monkey population is due to declining habitat quality and poaching. The STIK educational forest is a secondary forest, which is disturbed by illegal logging and forest fires. The vegetation that forms the habitat for the lives of kedih and black langur primates in this area is not yet known. There is no data on primates from the kedih and langur groups in the STIK Jantho educational forest. This is the reason why this research is important to be conducted. The purpose of this study was to obtain data on monkeyand black langurs including the number of groups, the number of species, age structure and sex ratio in the STIK Jantho educational forest. Data collection in this study used the transex path method by recording the number of groups, the number of individuals, age structure and sex ratio. Data analysis using Arch GIS 10.1 to determine the distribution of monkey and black langur by plotting each coordinate obtained, using GPS visualized in the form of a map. Determination of the density of kedih and black langur using the formula: P = D x A. Found 2 types of primate animals (Trachypitecus auratus and Macaca fascicularis), each 1 group. The number of Trachyipitecus auratus individuals 10 individuals and Macaca fascicularis 50 individuals. Both species of primate animals are included in the developing age structure and have a complete composition (adult males and females, infant and juveneel. The results are presented in the form of a distribution map of black langur groups, and the population density of kedih and black langur primates, narrated in the form of a research reporthis document.

Araucaria bidwillii genomics suggest Indigenous Peoples broadened translocation practices in response to settler colonialism

Abstract Retracing past anthropogenic dispersal of culturally important taxa offers insights to the biogeographic history of species, as well as the history of the people who interacted with them. Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii Hook.) is a culturally and spiritually significant conifer tree for several Indigenous groups in eastern Australia. Sharing the edible nuts and attending Bunya gatherings is an important way for these groups to maintain their cultural connections and it has been hypothesized that prior to European colonization, Indigenous Peoples facilitated the dispersal of Bunya Pine as part of these ancient traditions. We used ethnohistorical information on the use of Bunya Pine by Indigenous Peoples to interpret genomic patterns within and between disjunct distributions of Bunya Pine. We found signatures of long‐term isolation within the Australian Wet Tropics (AWT) and extensive gene flow within southeast Queensland (SEQ) that does not fit models of faunal or passive dispersal. Within SEQ, we found greater population structure amongst sites known to pre‐date European colonization, than when colonial‐era planted sites were included in our analyses, suggesting that pre‐colonial translocation was sporadic or localized rather than systematic and widespread. Increased Indigenous translocations in conjunction with plantings by European settlers appears to have erased the natural pre‐colonial population structure of SEQ Bunya Pine. Our stairway plot models suggest sharp population decline of SEQ Bunya Pine in the early and late Pleistocene, though we did not find evidence that anthropogenic dispersal facilitated effective population size growth of the species in the Holocene. We concluded that pre‐colonial translocation of SEQ Bunya Pine was likely restricted by kinship‐based custodial rights, and that when Indigenous Peoples were displaced by European settlers, translocation was intensified to maintain cultural connectivity. This study is an example of how Indigenous Australian groups adapt plant management strategies to meet socio‐cultural needs and demonstrates the potential for plant genomics to supplement Indigenous Biocultural Knowledge that has been impacted by colonial dispossession. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Applying molecular genetic data at different scales to support conservation assessment of European Habitats Directive listed species: A case study of Eurasian otter in Austria.

Evaluating intraspecific genetic structure and diversity is fundamental to assessing a species' conservation status, but direct incorporation of such information into legal frameworks such as the EU's Habitats Directive is surprisingly rare. How genetic structure aligns with EU member state boundaries or biogeographic regions may be very important in designing management plans or achieving legislative goals. The Eurasian fish otter experienced a sharp population decline during the 20th century but is currently re-expanding in several countries. The species is listed under Annex II and IV of the European Habitats Directive, and member states are obliged to assess the species separately across different biogeographic regions. We genotyped 2492 otter spraints across four provinces in Austria, collected between 2017 and 2021. A total of 384 different genotypes were identified, supporting densities along river habitats from 0.1 to 0.47 otters per river km (mean: 0.306), with a resampling-based simulation supporting limited density overestimation at survey lengths of 20 km or more. Three distinct genetic clusters were revealed, two of them presumably reflecting two relict populations whereas the source of the third cluster is unknown. The geographic extent of the three clusters does not coincide with provincial or biogeographic boundaries, both relevant for assessment and management within existing national or European legislative frameworks. We advocate more consideration of genetic structure in the assessment and conservation management planning of species listed in the European Habitats Directive.

Investigating Rare and Endangered Species: When a Single Methodology Is Not Enough—The Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus along the Coast of Salento (South Apulia, Italy)

Several factors contributed, over time, to the Mediterranean monk seal’s sharp population decline. Despite the relative disappearance of documented breeding sub-populations, sightings have been collected, in recent decades, from most of the species’ former habitat. The conservation of this endangered marine mammal should also encompass those areas. We conducted our research along the coast of Salento (South Apulia, Italy) as a case study. To collect data on monk seal presence in the area, expected to be characterized by low numbers, we combined three different methodologies: a questionnaire to fishermen, interviews with witnesses of sightings, and a historical review of the species’ presence. The different methodologies allowed us to collect 11 records of recent sightings (after 2000) and 30 records of historical encounters (before 2000), highlighting that the species was already rare in Salento over the last century. Most of the historical information was concentrated between 1956 and 1988 (28 records), suggesting discontinuous occurrence in the area, possibly depending on the lack of monitoring efforts. Furthermore, a broad regional approach should be considered as a more effective path to aid the monk seal recovery, better comprehend the species’ abundance and movements, and eventually contribute to the overall health of ecosystems.

지속가능성 확보를 위한 제주 마을의 ‘관계인구’ 형성 사례 연구

Recently, the concept of “relational population” has been mentioned as an alternative to overcome the crisis of local extinction. This study introduces the concept of “relational population” which was first discussed in Japan. Then, applying the concept of relational population to the local situation of Jeju where the outflow of young population and the re-outflow of immigrants are problematic, the current resident population is assumed to be “potential relational population”. In the case study area of Gwideok 1-ri, the elementary school in the area became a candidate for elementary school consolidation due to a sharp decline in population. Residents felt the threat of village extinction and considered ways to secure the sustainability of the region, such as inducing households with school-age children, organizing a village education community, and holding small-scale festivals led by residents. This study is an attempt to interpret community activities in the region as “experiences of forming relationships” at a time when the concept of “relational population” is being actively discussed in Korea.

Decrease in population of swans (Cygnus spp.) due to the development of areas adjacent to the wintering site

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between Cygnus spp. population trends and land-use changes and artificial development activities in the Nakdonggang Estuary for the necessity of management to the buffer area outside the protected area boundary in Korea. Analysis of the 15-year population change revealed a sharp decline in the Cygnus columbianus population in the winter, which could be attributed to the Nakdonggang Estuary becoming unfeasible as their wintering site. In contrast, there was no sharp decline in the Cygnus cygnus population, although a moderate decline was identified. Over the past 30 years, farmland activities decreased by approximately 10% in the areas adjacent to the protected area resulting from the expansion of the urbanized area. The rate of decrease in the water body area was high, attributed to urban development through reclamation. The correlation analysis between the area (ha) of paddy fields and the monthly (Nov.–Feb.) population of C. columbianus indicated that the populations in December (R2 = 0.768) and January (R2 = 0.743) were more correlated with the change in paddy field areas than those in the early winter (November: R2 = 0.457) and at the end of winter (February: R2 = 0.582). In the case of C. cygnus, the population tended to increase with increases in the areas of paddy fields, but the statistical explanatory power was low. We identified a distinct difference in that C. columbianus was more sensitive to urbanization than C. cygnus in the Nakdonggang Estuary.

Novel insights into the reproductive strategies of wild Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) populations based on the kinship analysis

Understanding the reproductive strategy of an organism is important in conservation ecology as it directly affects the population performance under changing environmental conditions. Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) are the largest anadromous fish in the Yangtze River, China. Currently, the species has only one spawning ground and has failed to spawn in recent years, leading it to the brink of extinction. To develop effective conservation measures, a further understanding of its reproductive strategy is needed. In our study, we conducted kinship analyses by using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA data from 216 wild juveniles collected over nine years (2006−2013, 2015) to understand the mating system, breeding interval, effective number of breeding adults, and reproductive success. The results from these analyses suggested polygynandry, with some parents contributing up to eight half-sibling juvenile genotypes. Although the spawning ground was restricted to a limited area, genetic diversity was maintained at a relatively high level (observed heterozygosity from 0.698 to 0.787 and expected heterozygosity from 0.763 to 0.787) and inbreeding coefficients in each year-class ranged from −1% to 9% (low to modest detrimental effects on offspring). A parental inference analysis revealed that Chinese sturgeon have a breeding interval of 2–6 years, indicating that it has the potential to feed, accumulate nutrition in the ocean, and then migrate back to the Yangtze River for iteroparous reproduction. The annual effective number of breeders in the Yangtze River ranged from 14 to 161 during the study period, and it decreased by 62.1% from the 2011−2014 year-classes. This sharp population decline likely contributes to the reproduction failure. However, the ratios of effective to census population size (Ne/Nc) were all larger than 0.20 after the 2010 year-class, indicating relatively even reproductive success. Based on these results, a suggested approach to protect this species is to restock parent fish to increase the reproductive stock size and optimize the discharge of the Three Gorges Dam to reduce the unsuitable hydrological conditions and rehabilitate spawning ground habitats.

Population dynamics of two-spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in relation to weather parameters on strawberry

Two-spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) is the most common and often the most severe pest of strawberries always resulting in considerable yield losses. The present research work aimed to investigate the effect of temperature, humidity, rainfall and sunshine hours on the population dynamics and severity of mite attack. A field experiment was carried out during April 2020 to March 2022 at Regional Horticultural Research & Training Station, Mashobra, Shimla, India. Mite population was determined by counting the number of active stages and eggs on the dorsal as well as on the ventral surface of the leaf under a binocular microscope. Two leaves were selected randomly from each plant and thus a total of 50 leaves per 25 plants were observed. The results of the studies indicated that population of two-spotted mite on strawberry fluctuated during April to June. Due to heavy rainfall (RF=101.0mm) received during 2020 in the first week of June mite count dropped to 3.20 active stages and 6.78 eggs/leaf. Thereafter, the mite population started increasing gradually in the subsequent weeks and it reached 18.60 active stages and 37.15 eggs/leaf by the end of June. During July-August mite population declined drastically due to washing off mites by continuous rainfall and mite count fluctuated between 0.85 to14.85 active stages and 0.83 to 27.80 eggs/leaf (Temp=17.16 to 19.28°C; RH=70.57 to 90.79%; RF=10.80 to 85.10 mm; 1.31 to 6.07 hrs) during 2020 while it reduced to minimum level of 0.30 active stages and 1.20 eggs/leaf during 2021 due to heavy rainfall (RF=143.40 mm). It multiplied with fast rate during dry months and a hike in mite count was seen from the second week of October with a peak in the fourth week of November during 2020 with the highest mean population of 89.45 active stages and 131.80eggs/leaf with mean temperature 13.51°C, 37.50% relative humidity, 0.00 mm rainfall and 8.11 hrs of sunshine. During 2021 a hike in the mite population was recorded in the fourth week of November with the highest mean population of 108.85 active stages and 186.65 eggs/leaf with mean temperature 13.05°C, 46.64% RH, 0.00 mm rainfall and 7.74 hrs of sunshine. Due to rain or snowfall received during January to February a sharp decline in mite population was observed during both seasons and it fluctuated between 1.45 to 8.35 active stages and 8.58 to 24.15 eggs/leaf (T=2.21 to7.65oC; RH=29.71 to 83.21%; RF=0.00 to 58.70 mm; SS=0.66 to 8.34 hrs). A slight hike in mite population was observed during March and mite count reached to 49.28 active stages and 76.89 eggs/leaf by the end of March, 2022 due to rise in mean temperature. The correlation coefficients (r) between mite population and temperature showed positive and significant relationship, whereas a significant but negative correlation existed between mite population and relative humidity and rainfall. The coefficient of determination between active stages and egg with weather parameters during studies ranged between 71% to 74.0% and 58 to 68.0%, respectively. Thus, the present investigations showed that the severity of mite attack on strawberry was the highest in temperature range of 13–18oC, 35–50% RH, zero rainfall, and during bright sunshine hours. These studies will help in forecasting the mite damage in advance for timely application of control measures.

Assessing conservation priorities of threatened medicinal plants in China: A new comprehensive phylogenetic scoring system

AbstractOver‐harvesting, habitat loss and fragmentation, and biological invasions have led to a sharp decline in wild medicinal plants population in China, where they are an essential component of traditional medicine and used widely. The current national list of protected medicinal materials, the State Key‐protected Wild Medicinal Species List (SKPWMSL), which has not been revised for 30 years, is in urgent need of an update. This study proposes a new scoring system with seven indicators that set the conservation priorities of threatened medicinal plants. The advantages of our approach include: (i) quantitative methods with high repeatability and comparability; and (ii) consideration of the evolutionary history of medicinal species. After assessing 911 threatened medicinal angiosperms in China, we identified 112 species as key medicinal plants for conservation priority (KMPCP). We suggest promoting the SKPWMSL with KMPCP as a supplement and update. Meanwhile, our scoring system will improve the future setting of conservation priority and can be extended to other countries or regions.

RAD-sequencing improves the genetic characterization of a threatened tree peony (Paeonia ludlowii) endemic to China: Implications for conservation

Compared with traditional genetic markers, genomic approaches have proved valuable to the conservation of endangered species. Paeonia ludlowii having rarely and pure yellow flowers, is one of the world's most famous tree peonies. However, only several wild populations remain in the Yarlung Zangbo Valley (Nyingchi and Shannan regions, Xizang) in China due to increasing anthropogenic impact on the natural habitats. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the spatial pattern of genetic variation, population structure and demographic history of P. ludlowii from the fragmented region comprising the entire range of this species, aiming to provide a basis for conserving the genetic resources of this species. Unlike genetic uniformity among populations revealed in previous studies, we found low but varied levels of intra-population genetic diversity, in which lower genetic diversity was detected in the population in Shannan region compared to those in Nyingzhi region. These spatial patterns may be likely associated with different population sizes caused by micro-environment differences in these two regions. Additionally, low genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.0037) were detected at the species level. This line of evidence, combined with the result of significant genetic differentiation between the two closest populations and lack of isolation by distance, suggested that shared ancestry among now remnant populations rather than contemporary genetic connectivity resulted in subtle population structure. Demographic inference suggested that P. ludlowii probably experienced a temporal history of sharp population decline during the period of Last Glacial Maximum, and a subsequent bottleneck event resulting from prehistoric human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. All these events, together with current habitat fragment and excavation might contribute to the endangered status of P. ludlowii. Our study improved the genetic characterization of the endangered tree peony (P. ludlowii) in China, and these genetic inferences should be considered when making different in situ and ex situ conservation actions for P. ludlowii in this evolutionary hotspot region.

Reforma poreske politike za održivi privredni rast u Srbiji

In the last two decades, the Serbian economy posted an average growth rate of 3.8 percent, which was above the average growth rate in the EU, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) 1 and the Western Balkans 2 . Together with sharp decline in population, this has led to some economic convergence in terms of the GDP per capita, although the gap to the EU and CEE countries remains significant (57 and 42 percent respectively). To achieve full economic convergence with the European countries, Serbian economy needs to post long run growth rates of 4-6 percent per year, in a sustainable manner, which primarily refers to a more fair distribution of growth dividend (reduction of economic inequality) and limiting negative environmental footprint. In this sense, the reform of tax policy can make a contribution to the sustainable growth of the Serbian economy, through: i) a slight reduction in the overall tax burden, primarily through a significant cut in labour taxes, which may be financed by means of broadening the environmental taxes base, increase in consumption taxes and reducing unproductive public expenditures, ii) moderately increasing the progressivity of the personal income tax, recurring property tax and inheritance tax, and iii) broadening the environmental taxes base (with the focus on energy and pollution taxes) and introducing the tax incentives for households to switch to green energy sources.

Trends and Drivers of Refugees in Africa

Introduction: Increase in refugees’ population poses great political, socio-economic and health challenges to Africa. This study aims to discuss the trends and drivers of refugees in African countries based on their country of origin. Methods: This study utilized secondary data on the population of refugees in all African countries from 1990 to 2017 based on their countries of origin. The data utilized were compiled by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019, IBM SPSS 25 and Adobe Photoshop CS6. Results: Seven countries account for about 66.3% of the refugee population in Africa within 1990 to 2017, five of which are in East Africa. The trend in population of African refugees from 1990 to 2017 can be divided into four phases. Phase one, a sharp decline in refugee population from 1990 till 1992, 1994 till 1997; phase two, a sharp rise in population of refugees’ from 1992 till 1994; phase three, a relatively stable period from 1998 till 2011 and phase four, an acute rise from 2011 till 2017 where it peaks. The drivers of African refugee migration are climate change, natural disasters, economic hardship, and violence and tensions. Conclusion: The refugee population over three decades has been on the rise with occasional periods of decline. This poses great socio-economic and health challenges to the refugees as well as the host countries themselves. It is therefore necessary that the government and other concerned stakeholders create solutions to the causes of this increase in refugee population.

ОЦІНКА СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНИХ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЕКОНОМІКОЮ УКРАЇНИ

The paper was focused on researching the evolution and the reasons for the crisis in the economy of Ukraine for the period of independence. It was determined that the changes in the social and economic nature of the country’s development were followed by discrepancy in power and resources relations as well as in opposition between political forces and business elite. We analyzed the dynamics of changes in the main macroeconomic indicators in the development of the Ukrainian economy. The results showed that large-scale changes had different effects on the development of the national economy, which was characterized by long periods of crisis and short periods of extensive growth. Three main crises in the economical development have been characterized and the reasons for this were identified. We performed an assessment of the multiple indicators dynamics that characterise the outcomes of the economical governance. Specifically, the level of GDP per capita using purchasing power parity, the dynamics of export, import and balance of foreign trade as well as the dynamics of changes in the index of capital investment and the index of economic freedom. It has been established that the presence of effective structural changes in the economy of the country has caused the accumulation of internal and external economic imbalances. The results of the analysis of the rating assessment of the economy of Ukraine by international organizations showed consistently low positions of the country. We concluded that ineffective economic development became one of the main reasons for the deterioration of the social development of the country. Negative indicators of such development were a sharp decline in population, life expectancy, low wages and social security compared to other European countries.

МАҢҒЫСТАУ ӨҢІРІНДЕГІ АШТЫҚ ПЕН БОСҚЫНШЫЛЫҚ(1920 ж. СОҢЫ - 1930 ж. БАСЫ)

Based on archival materials, the article notes that the famine and migration of 1929-1933, which covered the territory of the Mangystau region, began earlier than in other regions of Kazakhstan.Comparative data on the loss of population and livestock for those years prove that one of the reasons for the sharp decline in population is migration, which affected the dynamics of the population of the region. In the spring of 1929, a third of the region’s population, about 60,491 people, were starving. It is noted that measures have been taken to internally relocate the starving population of the region to other regions of the republic. Thousands of Mangystau residents moved to Turkmenistan in search of work, and then to Iran.The Kazakh Central Executive Committee and the Kazakh government, represented by the heads of the district, sent a letter to the Council of Turkmen People’s Commissars in Krasnovodsk, Ashgabat, asking for permission for the Aday tribe to winter in the north of the republic. Starving Kazakhs who have lost their livestock will be offered to temporarily reside in the cities of Merv, Bayramaly, Tajen of Turkmenistan and provide them with assistance. However, archival documents revealed in the archives are evidence that the spring field campaign was more concerned about the republican governing bodies than the fight against hunger and migration.In the article, the authors, based on new archival documents, delve into the history of famine and migration of Kazakhs in the Mangystau region.

Genetic diversity and variation of seven Chinese grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sinensis) populations based on the mitochondrial COI gene

BackgroundChinese grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sinensis) is an important species widely distributed throughout China, which is ecologically relevant and possesses ornamental and economic value. These organisms have experienced a sharp decline in population due to overfishing. Therefore interest in P. sinensis aquaculture has risen in an effort to alleviate fishing pressure on wild populations. Therefore, we investigated the genetic diversity and variation of P. sinensis to verify the accuracy of previous research results, as well as to assess the risk of diversity decline in wild populations and provide data for artificial breeding.MethodsPalaemonetes sinensis specimens from seven locations were collected and their genetic variability was assessed based on mitochondrial COI gene segments. DNA sequence polymorphisms for each population were estimated using DNASP 6.12. The demographic history and genetic variation were evaluated using Arlequin 3.11. At last, the pairwise genetic distance (Ds) values and dendrograms were constructed with the MEGA 11 software package.ResultsOur study obtained sequences from 325 individuals, and 41 haplotypes were identified among the populations. The haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) indices ranged from 0.244 ± 0.083 to 0.790 ± 0.048 and from 0.0004 ± 0.0001 to 0.0028 ± 0.0006, respectively. Haplotype network analyses identified haplotype Hap_1 as a potential maternal ancestral haplotype for the studied populations. AMOVA results indicated that genetic variations mainly occurred within populations (73.07%). Moreover, according to the maximum variation among groups (FCT), analysis of molecular variance using the optimal two-group scheme indicated that the maximum variation occurred among groups (53.36%). Neutrality and mismatch distribution tests suggested that P. sinensis underwent a recent population expansion. Consistent with the SAMOVA analysis and haplotype network analyses, the Ds and FST between the population pairs indicated that the JN population was distinctive from the others.ConclusionsOur study conducted a comprehensive characterization of seven wild P. sinensis populations, and our findings elucidated highly significant differences within populations. The JN population was differentiated from the other six populations, as a result of long-term geographical separation. Overall, the present study provided a valuable basis for the management of genetic resources and a better understanding of the ecology and evolution of this species.

Underestimated threats to manta rays in Brazil: Primacies to support conservation strategies

Manta rays are marine planktivorous elasmobranchs that are distributed worldwide and highly susceptible to overexploitation. Although they are legally protected in Brazil since March 2013, incidental and intentional captures still occur. The sharp population decline following the intensification of targeted fisheries and bycatch highlights the urgent need of manta ray protection. This study provides information on several threats to manta rays (Mobula birostris and M. cf. birostris) in Brazil, including the frequency and geographic extent of the occurrences and their fishing and entanglement with fishing gear. We analysed photo/video records, and the scientific literature reporting mobulids incidence and focused on events of entanglement in fishing gear, intentional and incidental caught of manta rays, obtained from 2000 to 2020. From a total of 270 records of manta rays’ occurrences, 70 displayed wounds from anthropogenic activities, including 29 lethal records. Most of the injured individuals were recorded in the State of São Paulo (31.4%; n = 22), followed by Pernambuco (20.0%; n = 14), Rio de Janeiro (10.0%; n = 7), Bahia (8.6%; n = 6), Rio Grande do Norte (7.1%; n = 5), and Espírito Santo (5.7%; n = 4). Despite outnumbered, all manta rays’ occurrences in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, Sergipe, Pará, Piauí and Santa Catarina showed individuals either captured by fishers, with body scars or dragging fishing artefacts. The majority (61.4%) of injured individuals were recorded after the national protected status was implemented to the family Mobulidae, and all injuries observed were consequences of anthropogenic action. Our results highlight the diverse sources of threat and injuries patterns for manta rays in the nationwide territory and underscore the urgent need for monitoring fishing impacts and promoting effective enforcement of the national regulation for the protection of manta rays in Brazil.

Alföldi tanyák és tanyapolitikák a múltban és a jelenben

This paper provides a historical and economical overview of the way in which scattered farmsteads in the Great Plain have evolved over time, from their rise to their decline. From the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 20th century, these scattered farmsteads played a crucial role in agricultural production. From 1949, the Hungarian Communist Party limited the opportunities for the construction of new buildings to scattered farmsteads, which lead to a sharp population decline: the share of population living on the Great Plain in scattered farmsteads declined from around 30% in 1910 to 6% in 1990. After the system change in the era of new capitalism, scattered farmsteads are no longer places for living and agricultural production only, but have other functions as well, such as rural tourism, leisure, holiday accomodation, gastronomic services, second homes as horse riding.

Water level decline at Iran's Lake Urmia: changing population dynamics

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of decreasing the water level of Lake Urmia on migration and geographical distribution of the population in the eastern coastal settlements in Northwestern Iran. Initially, we considered the migration statistics from 2006 and 2016, compiled by the National Statistics Office. Then, by using kernel density estimation in ARC GIS, we examined the geographical distribution of the population. Findings of this study show that between 2006 and 2016, about 71.85% of the migrants in the province were from the villages around the lake, which caused the complete evacuation of 53 villages and a sharp decline in population in a number of other villages. While 28.42% of it was related to the other settlements in the province. Also, the results of the density estimation function show that, from 2006 to 2018, most of these villages lost their population, and most of the people are now inhabited in the suburbs of the central cities. It has led to an imbalance in the distribution of population, facilities, etc. The decline in the water level of the lake and the resulting fine dust has played an important role in reducing employment in the agricultural sector and, ultimately, led to reduced rural-urban migration. It seems that with the intensification of the consequences of climate change in Iran and the expansion of the water crisis in the country, the migration crisis around Lake Urmia, by generating socio-economic costs, will be a major challenge for development in this region.