Shrub Areas Research Articles

Long-Term Changes in Composition and Distribution of Bumblebees in Urban Areas

Abstract The distribution of bumblebee species in Wrocław (SW Poland) was studied based on data from ten UTM grid squares between 1879 and 2018, and the composition and abundance of bumblebee species between 2011 and 2018. The results were compared with historical data available for the last 139 years, including published materials and collections of the Museum of Natural History (University of Wrocław). Twenty-six bumblebee species,including six species of cuckoo bumblebees of the subgenus Psithyrus, were recorded. One species was not confirmed during the later period, nine were strongly decreasing both in the range of distribution, seven other were expanding significantly in Wrocław and three were new in the Wrocław city boundaries. Negative and positive tendencies resulted from both anthropogenic and natural factors. All bumblebees that appeared in the city of Wrocław and increased their abundance were species that prefered forest and shrub areas, while species that disappeared from the city and decreased in numbers were species who prefered open areas.

Characteristics of soil microplastics and ecological risks in the Qilian Mountains region, Northeast Tibetan Plateau

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a vital global environmental issue. However, comprehensive understanding of the ecological risks of MPs in soils of Northeast Tibetan Plateau still requires further study. In this study, we used the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy to analyze the characteristics of 10–1000 μm MPs in soils of different vegetation types throughout the Qilian Mountains basin, and to comprehensively explore the ecological risks of MPs in various ecological environments. The results indicate that MPs abundance is highest in soil of shrub areas (26,369 ± 32,147 items kg−1-dry weight (dw)), followed by woodland (22,215 ± 22,544 items kg−1-dw), desert (17,769 ± 9,040 items kg−1-dw), grassland (16,462 ± 12,872 items kg−1-dw), and forest (15,662 ± 13,857 items kg−1-dw). MPs in soils of different vegetation types show similar physical and chemical characteristics, with the shape dominated by fragments (93%–96%), followed by fibers and a few beads, with dominant sizes of 10–30 μm (63%–76%), and polymers dominated by polyamide (PA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Additionally, the environmental risks posed by the fundamental characteristics of MPs have been quantified through the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Pollution Hazard Index (PHI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) models. According to the PLI assessment, the current levels of MPs in the environment have not yet imposed significant burdens on the ecosystem. However, the results of PHI and PERI indicate a higher risk of MPs pollution in the Qilian Mountains. This study offers vital information for MPs pollution in the whole Qilian Mountains regions and their potential environmental risks in remote areas’ soil.

Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Land Use Changes in the Yellow River Basin from 1990 to 2021 and Future Predictions

Studying spatial and temporal characteristics of land use changes and the driving factors in the Yellow River Basin as well as simulating and predicting future land use is crucial for resource management, ecological protection, and regional sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. Based on the China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD) of the Yellow River Basin from 1990 to 2021, this study employs various methods such as the Mann–Kendall test and sliding t-test, land use dynamics, the land use transfer matrix, the standard deviation ellipse, the center of gravity migration model, and a geographic detector to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of land use changes and driving forces in the Yellow River Basin over the past 30 years. Additionally, the study predicts land use types in the study area for the year of 2030 by using the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The results show the following: (1) From 1990 to 2021, the area of forest, grassland, water, and impervious surfaces increased significantly, while the area of cropland, shrub, barren land, and wetlands decreased significantly. The most actively changing land use types are cropland, grassland, barren land, and impervious surfaces. (2) The center of gravity for shrub and impervious surfaces shifted westward, while wetlands showed a trend of obvious concentrated distribution, and the remaining land use types exhibited stable directional distributions. (3) Economic factors had a stronger driving effect on land use changes than topographic and climatic factors. The land use changes in the Yellow River Basin are influenced by the coordinated driving forces of multiple factors. (4) In 2030, the main land use types in the Yellow River Basin are still expected to be cropland, grassland, and forest. However, there will be a significant expansion of impervious surfaces and forest land, with substantial encroachment on cropland and grassland.

Predicting and Optimizing Restorativeness in Campus Pedestrian Spaces based on Vision Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning

Restoring campus pedestrian spaces is vital for enhancing college students’ mental well-being. This study objectively and thoroughly proposed a reference for the optimization of restorative campus pedestrian spaces that are conducive to the mental health of students. Eye-tracking technology was employed to examine gaze behaviors in these landscapes, while a Semantic Difference questionnaire identified key environmental factors influencing the restorative state. Additionally, this study validated the use of virtual reality (VR) technology for this research domain. Building height difference (HDB), tree height (HT), shrub area (AS), ground hue (HG), and ground texture (TG) correlated significantly with the restorative state (ΔS). VR simulations with various environmental parameters were utilized to elucidate the impact of these five factors on ΔS. Subsequently, machine learning models were developed and assessed using a genetic algorithm to refine the optimal restorative design range of campus pedestrian spaces. The results of this study are intended to help improve students’ attentional recovery and to provide methods and references for students to create more restorative campus environments designed to improve their mental health and academic performance.

Effect of conifer afforestation on the occurrence and food availability for Zaedyus pichiy (Xenarthra: Chlamyphoridae) in the north-western Patagonian steppe of Argentina

Abstract The grasslands and shrub areas of the Patagonian steppe are the most frequent habitat for the “Near Threatened” armadillo, known as pichi (Zaedyus pichiy). Dense exotic conifer plantations are replacing the steppe in Argentinean northern Patagonia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of conifer afforestation on the occurrence and food availability in a Z. pichiy population in north-western Patagonia. Fifteen sites in the native steppe and 50 in exotic pine plantations were sampled. We recorded the number of signs of pichi’s presence and the diversity of invertebrates. Signs of Z. pichiy presence decreased in pine afforestation compared to the native steppe. Additionally, we found a decrease in the abundance, richness, diversity, and biomass of arthropods in pine plantations. Therefore, the presence of pine plantations in the steppe reduces the main food items of Z. pichiy and also eliminates the native steppe vegetation structure that provides preferred places to dig burrows. Pine monocultures do not provide a suitable habitat for Z. pichiy and may exacerbate the degradation of an already disturbed environment.

Integrating key ecosystem services to study the spatio-temporal dynamics and determinants of ecosystem health in Wuhan’s central urban area

The central areas of many Chinese cities have experienced large-scale urbanization in recent decades, a trend that is affecting the quality of life of residents and posing challenges to the sustainable development of urban ecosystems. Hence, it is vital to conduct assessments of urban ecosystems’ health conditions to ensure their sustainability. In this study, the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecosystem health in the central city of Wuhan were analyzed using the Vigor-Organization-Resilience-Service (VORS) model. The sensitivity of ecosystem health at different scales was also investigated using hierarchical health assessment delineation and random forest regression methods. The results showed that the composite index of ecosystem health has been declining since 2000, highlighting the negative impacts of shrinking ecological space, declining service capacity and urban expansion. Health zoning divides areas into five categories. Meanwhile, the health zones are located in areas of dense shrubs, cropland and water bodies on the edge of the central city, while the weak zones are mainly in the core of the city, which is 99.33 % impervious surface. The main factors influencing ecosystem health, including impervious surface area, water bodies and topography, vary from region to region. The study proposes targeted ecological management strategies for different health zones in Wuhan, emphasizing ecosystem protection and providing guidance for sustainable urban development.

Unveiling soil animal community dynamics beneath dominant shrub species in natural desert environment: Implications for ecosystem management and conservation

The Taklimakan Desert, known for extreme aridity and unique ecological challenges, maintains a delicate life balance beneath its harsh surface. This study investigates intricate dynamics of soil animal communities within this desert ecosystem, with a particular focus on vertical profile variations beneath four dominant shrub species (AS-Alhagi sparsifolia, KC-Karelinia caspia, TR- Tamarix ramosissima, CC- Calligonum caput-medusae). Utilizing comprehensive soil sampling and metagenomics techniques, we reveal the diversity and distribution patterns of soil animal communities from the soil surface down to deeper layers (0–100 cm). Our research outcomes have unveiled that Nematoda and Arthropoda emerge as the most predominant classes of soil animals across all studied shrubs. Specifically, Nematoda exhibited notably high abundance in the KC area, while Arthropoda thrived predominantly in the TR region. We also observed a linear decrease in Nematoda populations as soil depth increased, consistent among all shrub species. Moreover, the highest Shannon diversity within soil animal communities was recorded in the KC area, underscoring a trend of declining alpha diversity in the AS region and an increase in other shrub areas as soil depth increased. Notably, the zones dominated by CC and TR displayed the highest levels of beta diversity. Our correlation analysis of soil animals and environmental factors has pinpointed soil water content, available phosphorus, and available potassium as the most influential drivers of variations in the top-classified soil animal communities. This study provides insights into soil animals in deserts, supporting future research to preserve these fragile deserts and enhance our understanding of life below the surface in challenging ecosystems.

Land-cover change in Cuba and implications for the area of distribution of a specialist's host-plant.

Changes in land cover directly affect biodiversity. Here, we assessed land-cover change in Cuba in the past 35 years and analyzed how this change may affect the distribution of Omphalea plants and Urania boisduvalii moths. We analyzed the vegetation cover of the Cuban archipelago for 1985 and 2020. We used Google Earth Engine to classify two satellite image compositions into seven cover types: forest and shrubs, mangrove, soil without vegetation cover, wetlands, pine forest, agriculture, and water bodies. We considered four different areas for quantifications of land-cover change: (1) Cuban archipelago, (2) protected areas, (3) areas of potential distribution of Omphalea, and (4) areas of potential distribution of the plant within the protected areas. We found that "forest and shrubs", which is cover type in which Omphalea populations have been reported, has increased significantly in Cuba in the past 35 years, and that most of the gained forest and shrub areas were agricultural land in the past. This same pattern was observed in the areas of potential distribution of Omphalea; whereas almost all cover types were mostly stable inside the protected areas. The transformation of agricultural areas into forest and shrubs could represent an interesting opportunity for biodiversity conservation in Cuba. Other detailed studies about biodiversity composition in areas of forest and shrubs gain would greatly benefit our understanding of the value of such areas for conservation.

Analisis Perubahan Tutupan Lahan Kecamatan Batang Anai Kabupaten Padang Pariaman Tahun 2002-2022

Land cover change is a process of change from previous land cover to other land cover and is also long or temporary in nature which is a form of logical consequence of growth and transformation. The purpose of this study was to identify and determine land cover in Batang Anai Sub-district. The research method uses the overlay method, map analysis approach and also regression statistics, namely Landsat images of land cover of the study area in 2002 and 2022 sourced from the Research Center. Significant changes in the area of each category reflect major shifts in the land use structure of the area over the period 2002 to 2022. An increase in urban and wet-rice farming, along with a decrease in the area of shrubs, are highlighted. The driving factor for land change in the Batang Anai sub-district is caused by people who want to increase their income from existing land by expanding their plantation or agricultural land and also building built-up land.

Nutrient and sediment retention by riparian vegetated buffer strips: Impacts of buffer length, vegetation type, and season

Farming activities in watersheds can significantly increase sediment and nutrient loads, threatening aquatic ecosystems. Riparian vegetated buffer strips (RVBS) have emerged as a promising strategy to capture and sequester these pollutants. While previous research highlights the effectiveness of woody vegetation in reducing nutrient loads, an essential knowledge gap exists regarding the comparative efficiency of different vegetation types (woody, shrubs and grasses) in trapping nutrients and reducing transport from watersheds to waterbodies. To address this knowledge gap, a multi-year field investigation was carried out with the following objectives: (a) to evaluate the influences of RVBS length (2, 5, 10, 14 and 18 m) and vegetation type (woody, grass, shrub, and no buffer) on reducing nutrient and sediment concentrations in surface runoff across different seasons, and (b) to compare soil microbiological characteristics among the different buffer treatments. The findings reveal significant insights into the effectiveness of different RVBS configurations in mitigating nutrient and sediment concentrations. Woody RVBS demonstrated exceptional resilience, particularly during snowmelt periods, significantly outperforming non-woody vegetation types. In contrast, RVBS with grasses often showed limited effectiveness in reducing nutrient levels in overland flow. Importantly, the results highlight the remarkable capacity of woody vegetation within 18-metre RVBS, exhibiting 100% sediment trapping efficiency (STE), 89.8% total nitrogen (TN) removal, and 92.82% total phosphorus (TP) removal. Comparatively, grass treatments displayed lower efficiencies (STE:86%, TN:72.3%, TP: 77.8%), followed by shrubs (STE: 62%, 43.9% and 48.8%), and the control with no buffer (STE: 27%, TN: 20.6%, TP: 23.17%). The superior efficacy of woody vegetation can be attributed to its deep rooting systems and higher organic matter content in the soil compared to grass and shrub areas. Additionally, woody treatments exhibited higher levels of organic carbon, nutrients, and microbial activities in the soil, indicating greater potential for nutrient cycling. High-throughput sequencing revealed shifts in bacterial community diversity and biomass in vegetation treatments compared to the control bare soil. These findings underscore the potential of RVBS incorporating woody vegetation or grass to mitigate nutrient and sediment concentrations by enhancing infiltration and plant uptake processes. Nevertheless, RVBS effectiveness may vary, particularly during snowmelt periods. Future studies should explore RVBS design and management approaches in natural systems, with a specific focus on optimizing the effectiveness of grass treatments during snowmelt.

A Multi-Scenario Simulation and Dynamic Assessment of the Ecosystem Service Values in Key Ecological Functional Areas: A Case Study of the Sichuan Province, China

The ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important basis for measuring an ecological environment’s quality and the efficient management of ecosystems. It is particularly necessary to explore a proven methodology for assessing and predicting ESV dynamics coupled with policy-oriented scenarios that can provide a theoretical groundwork for macro decision, particularly in the context of implementing ecological protection and restoration projects. This study selected the land cover (LC) of Sichuan Province at five periods and the spatiotemporal dynamic equivalent factor method to assess the ESVs from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, the study coupled the Markov chain and GeoSOS-FLUS model, and predicted the future pattern of ESVs under four future development scenarios. The results show that (a) the areas of forests, shrubs, waters, wastelands, wetlands, and impervious areas showed a continuous increase from 2000 to 2020, with the most frequent interchanges occurring among croplands, forests, and grasslands. (b) The implementation of ecological protection and restoration projects led to a 13,083.32 × 108 yuan increase in ESV, and barycenter of the ESVs is located in the northeastern part of Ya’an and exhibits a tendency to move towards the northeast. (c) The ESV aggregation pattern of each city has remained unchanged, with Ganzi being the only city with a high aggregation. Overall, there are more conflict cities than coordination cities between economic development and the ecological environment. (d) The total ESV in 2025 will continue to increase under all development scenarios, reaching a maximum of 50,903.37 × 108 yuan under the EP scenario. This study can provide insights for ecological planning decisions and sustainable regional socio-economic development.

Long-term effects of a tornado: Impacts on woody native vegetation and invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) in an urban forest.

As tornados become increasingly common with global climate change, recovery of the woody vegetation in temperate forests is imperative to maintain an intact ecosystem. In many urbanized landscapes, invasive species are also increasing and could interfere with natural recovery from environmental disturbance. We quantified the impact and 17-year recovery from a major tornado in a temperate deciduous forest. We used vegetational surveys in southwestern Ohio at the Harris M. Benedict Nature Preserve, where approximately a third of this site was damaged by a tornado in 1999. Plots were established in the tornado-damaged area and the nearby undisturbed forest to examine forest recovery of trees/saplings, shrubs and vines, and tree seedlings during 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2016/2017. The number of tree saplings, shrubs, and vines increased immediately after the tornado, but then declined by 2010, relative to the undisturbed forest. Forest tree recruitment was lower in tornado-damaged sites with fewer tree seedlings, but more saplings. Tree diversity was also affected by Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash borer) which targeted native ash trees within this time period. Despite an initial increase in shrubs and vines in the damaged area, the diversity and density of shrubs approached equality in both sites by 2016. Most shrubs in both sites were the invasive Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle). In tornado sites, honeysuckle thinned out over time, leaving larger shrubs with greater mean basal diameter compared to the undisturbed forest. Other woody invasive species were also more prevalent in the damaged area, but increased in number in both locations by 2017. The forest has the capability to begin to recover from the initial tornado, but its future composition may differ from its initial trajectory due to invasive species, loss of ash trees, and anthropogenic impacts within the urban landscape.

Accounting of value of ecosystem services in the desert: an example of the Kubuqi Desert ecosystem

Ecological products and ecosystem services are essential for human survival and development. Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) is a method to combine the value of ecosystem services and can reflect the status of ecosystem and ecological conservation and restoration performance. The conservation and restoration of desert ecosystems play an important role in expanding global cultivated land, ensuring food security, and improving human wellbeing. However, ecosystem services and the value of GEP in deserts have been neglected. Taking the Kubuqi Desert ecosystem as an example, this study evaluated the pattens, GEP value, and its change in the Kubuqi Desert ecosystem from 2000 to 2020. Our study found that 1) over the past 20 years, the areas of wetlands, forests, grasslands, and shrubs in the Kubuqi desert ecosystem had increased by 100.65%, 6.05%, 2.24%, and 2.03%, respectively, while that of desert had decreased by 10.62%; 2) the GEP of Kubuqi in 2020 was 55.48 billion CNY, among which its sandstorm prevention value was the highest (39.39%); 3) The value of ecosystem services in the Kubuqi desert ecosystem were all increased over the 20-year period and the largest increase came from sandstorm prevention (increased by 195.09%). This study emphasizes how GEP accounting can promote desert conservation and restoration, quantifies the contribution of desert ecosystems to human wellbeing, and provides future GEP accounting suggestions for desert ecosystems. This study can provide scientific information on the conservation and restoration of global desert ecosystems.

Study on surface deformation pattern in mine closure area of complex karst mountainous region based on SBAS-InSAR technology

Liupanshui City in Guizhou Province represents a karst mountainous region with a delicate geological environment. The area has a long history of coal mining, and several coal mines have been progressively closed in recent years. However, even after closure of coal mines, the fractured rock mass in the mined-out areas continues to undergo deformation over a specific period. In karst mountainous regions, this deformation is affected by various factors including elevation, slope, precipitation, and vegetation. In this study, we employed SBAS-InSAR technology to construct a time series of surface deformation data from January 2019 to May 2022 within Liupanshui City’s LuJiaZhai-DaPingDi Minefield. Subsequently, this data was comprehensively analyzed in conjunction with time series vegetation cover, monthly precipitation, elevation, and slope data from the identical period. The key findings of this research are as follows: 1) After the closure of the mine, the subsidence area gradually stabilized, yet the volume of subsidence continues to increase. The subsidence area primarily occurs near the MaiZiGou Coal Mine air-mining area, which had a relatively short closure time, as well as in higher elevation areas in the southern and eastern parts of the minefield. Specifically, the maximum cumulative subsidence and the subsidence rate during the study period reached −60.3 mm and −21.83 mm/a, respectively. 2) Surface deformation is closely linked to slope, vegetation type, and rainfall, with subsidence rates and amounts noticeably higher during the rainy season than in the dry season. 3) Surface vegetation cover types display varied effects on deformation, with grassland or shrub areas being more sensitive to precipitation than forests. Forests, especially pine and fir, show a delayed subsidence response to rain, typically 2–3 months post-rainy season onset. This inhibitory effect lessens with increasing slope, particularly beyond a 25° threshold, where responsiveness to precipitation and associated subsidence significantly increase. The findings of this study hold substantial scientific implications for the restoration and management of closed mining areas, as well as the prevention of geological hazards in karst complex mountainous regions.

Relict Plants Are Better Able to Adapt to Climate Change: Evidence from Desert Shrub Communities

Shrubs are the main dominant plants in arid desert systems and play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity, ecosystem services and stability of desert ecosystems. Studies have shown that the survival of a large number of shrub species in desert areas under the influence of climate change is significantly threatened, with different species showing different response strategies. To test the tolerance of different shrub species to climate change, this study selected 10 dominant shrub species (ancient relict shrub species and regional endemic shrub species) in the Alashan desert area as the research object. Based on a field survey of species distribution, a species distribution model was developed to simulate the suitable distribution area of shrub species under current conditions and under future climate change scenarios. The distribution changes of ancient relict and regional endemic shrub species under the climate change scenarios were tested, and the tolerance of the two types of shrub to climate change was analyzed. The results showed that under different climate change scenarios, except for Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, the total suitable area of four out of the five relict plants was relatively stable, the potential distribution area of Tetraena mongolica increased, and the future distribution pattern was basically consistent with the current distribution. However, the suitable area of typical desert plants was unstable under different climate change scenarios. Except for Kalidium foliatum, the suitable distribution areas of four out of the five shrubs showed different degrees of reduction, and the distribution location showed significant migration. Based on the research results, climate change will lead to the reduction and displacement of the distribution area of typical desert shrubs, while relict shrubs will be less affected by climate change. This is because, compared to desert species, relict plants have a longer evolutionary history and have developed a wider range of adaptations after experiencing dramatic environmental changes. This study provides a scientific basis for actively responding to the impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems.

Influence of Natural and Social Economic Factors on Landscape Pattern Indices—The Case of the Yellow River Basin in Henan Province

The Yellow River Basin holds significance as a vital ecological shield and economic hub within China. Adapting land utilization practices and optimizing landscape patterns are of paramount significance in preserving the ecological equilibrium of the Yellow River Basin while fostering high-quality economic development. In this study, we selected the Yellow River Basin in Henan Province as our research area. We use a land use transition matrix and FRAGSTATS 4.2 software to analyze changes in land use and landscape patterns within the study area from 1990 to 2020. Furthermore, Geographical Detector is employed to explore the impact of different natural and social economic factors that have influenced the progress of the landscape surface pattern in the study area. Finally, to identify the zonal aggregation effects of primary components in connection with landscaping feature indices at the city dimension, we use bivariate local spatial autocorrelation. The results are as follows: (1) In terms of land use change characteristics, the area of cultivated land, grassland, shrubs, and bare land shows a decreasing tendency, the area of construction land and forest land shows an increasing tendency, and the water area fluctuates and changes. Most of the cultivated land is shifted to construction land, followed by forest land, construction land, and cultivated land mainly transferred from grassland. (2) At the level of type in terms of shifting landscape patterns, cultivated land, forest land, water, and construction land have a more complex landscape shape, reduced fragmentation, and better natural connectivity. At the overall level, the overall landscape pattern indices are relatively stable, with more patch types and a more balanced distribution. (3) The findings regarding influencing factors reveal that the primary industry output value, population, secondary industry output value, and temperature are the principal driving forces behind the progress of the landscape surface pattern. The main drivers have changed over time in different regions. As indicated by the findings from bivariate local spatial autocorrelation analysis, at the city scale, the leading cause of landscape fragmentation in Luoyang is the primary industry output value, while in Xinxiang, landscape fragmentation is primarily driven by the secondary industry output value and temperature. In this study, we introduce the bivariate local spatial autocorrelation method to analyze the clustering effects of key influencing factors and landscape patterns at the city scale. This is crucial for the harmonized growth of land use planning and the urban economy in the Yellow River Basin.

Analysis of land cover changes case in the Batang Toru landscape

Land cover and land use changes have impacted nearly every form of life on Earth. Batang Toru landscape dominated as a protected area has been experiencing environmental problems due to human activities. The purpose of this study is to analyze land cover changes and land function in Batang Toru Landscape, North Sumatra from 2014 to 2020. We evaluated the changes by using overlay and spatial analysis using the software ArcMap 10.4 and QGIS Las Palmas version. The results of this study showed that during 2014-2020, Batang Toru Landscape covers and functions significantly changed. The areas that experienced the increasing number were agriculture dryland mixed with shrub areas 24,581.70 ha (9.86%), secondary dryland forests 14,439.60 ha (5.80%), paddy areas 3,523.95 ha (1.39%), open areas 1,117.35 ha (0.44%), and industrial forest plantation 429.75 ha (0.18%). Meanwhile, the decreasing areas were dryland agriculture 24,925.49 ha (10.02%), shrubs 17,361.90 ha (6.97%), and primary dryland forest 1,804.95 ha (0.72%). This study can be used as a consideration for the government in managing the landscape to combat the serious environmental problems in Batang Toru.

20-Year Ecological Impact Analysis of Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage through Land Use

Changes in the spatial pattern of land use are inextricably linked to the ecosystem environment, and the assessment of regional eco-environment quality can help provide sustainable and healthy development strategies for heritage management organizations. In this study, based on RS and GIS technologies, we quantitatively analyzed the characteristics of land use changes in the Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage site from 2000 to 2020, and introduced the regional eco-environment quality assessment index for quantitative factor analysis. The results show that: (1) The heritage site is mainly dominated by forest and shrub, with more aggregated cropland, and impervious surfaces in the buffer zone. The area of shrub has increased during the 20-year period, occupying 12.63% of the total transferred area. Cropland has been basically converted to forest, accounting for more than 60% of the total transferred area, followed by shrubs, which have been basically transferred to ecologically better land types. (2) By analyzing the attitude of motivation, forest, shrub, and water have positive values, while cropland, grassland, and impervious surfaces have negative values. Grassland has the largest absolute value of kinetic attitude, and the smallest is for water. The integrated dynamic attitude is basically maintained at 24%, showing a state of rapid and then stable land category conversion. (3) Over the past 20 years, the regional eco-environment quality index has been stable between 0.68 and 0.71, and shows a trend of rapid growth and stabilization, which is consistent with the comprehensive attitude. The conversion between cropland, forest, and shrubs is the main cause of ecological improvement and deterioration. Overall, the relevant conservation measures at the site and China’s corresponding responses to global climate change have led to a stabilization and increase in the regional ecological quality of the site. The management measures of the relevant authorities have begun to bear fruit, but further promotion of the sustainable development of the site is needed to provide a scientific model for the conservation of other karst heritage sites.

Monthly variation in group size of cheetal deer (Axis axis Erxleben, 1777) in Jim Corbett National Park Uttarakhand, India

Cheetal deer (Axis axis Erxleben, 1777) is the most abundance species of deer found in Corbett National Park. The Bijrani and Jhirna, two zones of Corbett Park (with abundance of wildlife) are selected for the study of Cheetal. The primary data for this study is mainly based on direct observation by field visits in the study area. The largest group of Cheetal deer was 252 and the highest mean group size was 79.6 found in March 2019 in Jhirna zone. While in Bijrani zone the largest group of Cheetal deer was 172 individual and the highest mean group size was 56.4 found in March 2019. According to this study there is a variation in monthly group size of Cheetal deer and number of groups in both Bijrani and Jhirna zone of Corbett National Park. The group aggregation of Cheetal deer depends upon maximum and minimum temperature, food availability, visibility in park and number of more babies in group (fawning season). In March (spring) there is sufficient food available in the grassland and shrub area (new sprouting grass) so the population of Cheetal deer is found highest and also group size is found largest in Corbett National Park.

Large Scale Hevea brasiliensis Plantation Impact on Non-Human Primate and Floral Diversity in Khowai District of Tripura

Over the past three decades, a large proportion of forest area in Khowai district of Tripura has been converted into a rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis) area. There is less information about the deleterious effect of such changes on non-human primate populations and plant diversity. To address this deficit, line transect and quadrat sampling programs were carried out in Khowai district of Tripura with the purpose of comparing non-human primate species diversity, number of individual primate species observed and also plant species diversity observed in the rubber plantation area and nearby forest area. Less number of non-human primate was observed in the rubber plantation area than in the forest area and individual numbers of tree, shrub and herb species were found to be maximum in the nearby forest area than in rubber plantation area. In shrub layer Shannon and Simpson diversity index were higher in the forest area, whereas in herb layer, Shannon index was lower and Simpson index was higher in rubber plantation area. From this study it was divulge that, rubber plantation have harmful impact on non-human primate and plant species.