Species In IUCN Red List Research Articles

Soil Properties and Rhizosphere Microbes Community Structure Reveal Nitrogen Uptake Preferences and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Two Ecotypes of Paphiopedilum micranthum

Paphiopedilum micranthum, an IUCN Red List species, is discontinuously distributed in the karst limestone mountain of southwest China and exhibits ecological specialization, typically through lithophytic and terrestrial ecotypes. Whether the distribution of rhizosphere bacteria and fungi in these different habitats is random or reflects soil preferences requires further investigation. A total of 73 samples from the core distribution areas in China, representing all habitats in two sites, were analyzed for soil differences by comparing edaphic properties and microbial community structure based on high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS region sequences, alongside soil physiochemical data. The results showed no significant differences in microbial community richness and diversity across the heterogeneous habitats. However, significant differences in taxa were observed across various habitats. Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, with dominant genera such as Crossiella, Pseudonocardia, 67-14, Mycobacterium and RB41. The primary fungal phyla were Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, featuring prominent genera such as Phlegmacium, Archaeorhizomyces, Trechispora, and Lepiota. There were 16 bacterial genera and 13 fungal genera associated with nitrogen transformation and fixation. Alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN) was identified as a main driver of soil bacterial and fungal community variation. Based on an analysis of soil physicochemical properties, ammonium nitrogen content was consistently higher than nitrate nitrogen across different habitats. Furthermore, across all heterogeneous habitats, P. micranthum showed no significant differences in nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, or their ratio. The nitrogen-use efficiency of P. micranthum ranged from 7.73% to 9.87%, with the highest efficiency observed in the terrestrial habitat of Shedu. These results suggest that P. micranthum prefers habitats rich in organic matter and nitrogen, showing a preference for ammonium nitrogen uptake in natural conditions. Heterogeneous habitats affect plant nitrogen-use efficiency as well as changes in microbial community composition.

Assessment of Migratory Bird Diversity in Key Wetlands and Forest Reserves of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India

Lakhimpur district of Assam has a rich biodiversity and is home to many birds and has good breeding, resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds as well. However, there is little information available regarding the diversity of migratory birds in the district's various locales. A study was conducted in different locations to document the diversity of migratory birds visiting the district. To better understand the diversity of migrating birds in the district, six locations were selected- Kakoi RF, Ranga RF, Pabha RF, Satajan wetland, Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary and Ghagor Ghat. Data were gathered through surveys, conducted for 218 days from January 2022 – May 2024. A total of 80 migratory bird species were recorded under 26 families of which Anatidae was most diverse. Out of the 80 species, 56 were winter visitor, 18 were local migrants and 6 were summer visitors. Among the migratory birds, Palla’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) is listed as endangered species in IUCN Red List. Three species viz. Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), Falcated duck (Mareca falcata) and Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) are listed as near threatened species in IUCN Red List. Out of all the recorded species, insectivorous species are found to be highest (39%) as compared to species with other feeding habits. The Shannon diversity index was highest for Satajan wetland (H′ = 3.86) and lowest for Bordoibam-Bilmukh BS (H′ = 2.79). Jaccard similarity index showed highest similarity between Ranga RF and Kakoi RF (0.312) and the lowest value between Ranga RF and Bordoibam-Bilmukh BS (0.069). The Satajan wetland, Ranga RF, Kakoi RF, Pabha RF, Bordoibam-Bilmukh BS, and Ghagor Ghat are vital habitats that require conservation to continue supporting diverse resident and migratory birds, as well as other wildlife.

Determinants and convergence of biodiversity or extinction disclosures of mining firms in Africa

This study probes into the biodiversity disclosure practices of mining firms in Africa, the determinants and the evidence of convergence using information economics analysis. Data was sourced from 21 mining firms covering the period 2006 to 2019 operating in Morocco and South Africa with various mine sites owned in other countries like Ghana. Using a combination of panel-corrected standard errors regression, logistic regression and the test of beta and sigma-convergence, the study found that there is a moderate level of biodiversity disclosure across African mining firms and there is both beta and sigma-convergence. The study found that board size enhances disclosures on all biodiversity indicators, viz, biodiversity disclosure index, 304-1 (proximity of sites to biodiversity hotspots) being the most disclosed, followed by 304-3 (habitats protected or restored), 304-4 (IUCN Red List Species) and 304-2 (impact of activities on biodiversity). Generally, board size drives biodiversity disclosures but board independence does not. Additionally, the membership of the United Nations Global Compact, a multistakeholder initiative significantly affects every disclosure indicator. Financial leverage drives the disclosure of 3 indicators. Other factors like firm size, multinational enterprise status, profitability, cross-listing, human capital development, and gross domestic product were explored. The results of the analyses are relevant for practitioners, policymakers, regulators and academics alike.

The geography of avoided deforestation and sustainable forest management offsets: the enduring question of additionality

ABSTRACT Avoided deforestation and sustainable forest management (AD/SFM) offset projects have developed piecemeal, lacking consensus standards and receiving only quite low carbon prices. The diverse forces project developers face have led to a complex geography of different offsetting standards and funding sources adopted by various projects. Combining and updating existing AD/SFM pilot project databases, we produce – to our knowledge – the largest publicly available dataset of such projects’ approximate locations, containing nearly 800 worldwide. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we analyze the geography of these AD/SFM offset projects to understand better how different pressures project developers face in this weakly consolidated field have shaped where projects are more and less likely to be undertaken. We find that, at a fifty-kilometre-per-side hexagonal resolution, both AD/SFM projects tend to be located in areas with high above-ground biomass and high IUCN Red List species richness. Additionally, AD projects tend to be located in areas with stronger deforestation drivers. There is also a clear geographic specialization, with over 85% of the SFM projects in our dataset located in the United States. In contrast, AD projects have generally been established in countries that have engaged with the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD) Programme or the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. While AD/SFM projects may not be avoiding emissions at levels estimated in existing offset systems, they might still have a role to play in climate and habitat protection.

Integration of socio-ecological data to prioritize biodiversity hot-spots for Marine Protected Area (MPA) delineation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are widely used tools for conserving coastal and marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, the goal of declaring and managing at least 10 % of coastal and marine waters as MPAs has not been achieved in Bangladesh and many other countries. This study aimed at prioritizing the potential areas for MPA delineation in the south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh. The study also examined the socio-economic status, environmental and ecological characteristics of the study areas. Data on socio-economic, environmental, ecological, and management variables were collected through intensive field surveys from August 2023 to December 2023. The data were integrated using a multi-criteria analytical technique. Fishing was identified as the primary occupation for all fishermen surveyed, with secondary occupations including fish selling, marketing, and drying activities. The fishing areas for fishermen from the three survey sites were mainly concentrated in the offshore area. All three areas were identified as biodiversity hotspots, with Kuakata coast showing the highest species diversity, followed by Salimpur and Sandwip coasts. The study revealed that the Kuakata coast has the highest conservation importance, especially for IUCN red-listed species, juvenile fisheries species, and megafauna species. Salimpur coast is important for the conservation of saltmarshes, mangroves, and their dependent communities, while Sandwip is crucial for juvenile fish species conservation. Based on socio-ecological criteria, Kuakata was recommended as the most potential site for MPA delineation, followed by Salimpur and Sandwip. Implementing these recommendations can improve the management and execution of existing MPAs by focusing conservation efforts on areas with the highest biodiversity and ecological importance, ensuring better protection for vulnerable species, and enhancing the sustainability of local fishing communities. This, in turn, will ultimately enhance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health in the southwest coastal area of Bangladesh.

Updated distribution of spotted hyaenas in Gabon reveals resident populations

AbstractSpotted hyaena distribution currently widely encompasses sub‐Saharan Africa, apart from the Congo Basin. Formerly described as residents of Gabon but considered extinct, vagrant individuals have been recorded since 2003, but no systematic species presence assessment has been made. Based on records of killed individuals, tracks and camera‐trap sightings, we show that not only vagrant individuals are roaming in Gabon, but a small resident population occurs in the North‐East of the country. The records collated here formed the basis for spotted hyaenas to be listed as protected in Gabon, were included in the IUCN Red List species' range map update and showcased the importance of large‐scale by‐catch data analysis in updating species distributions.

Ex-situ Conservation of Palms with Special Reference to Endemic and IUCN Red List Species in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, India

Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden (AJCBIBG) also known as Company Bagan, or Royal Botanic Garden and is one of the best landscaped gardens of the World. The garden serves as a hub for ex-situ conservation of plant species including native, endemic and threatened plants. The present paper deals with the holistic approach of palms diversity, endemism, conservation status, economic importance of different species of palms in AJCBIBG are discussed. AJCBIBG has 110 species of palms including 11 endemic and 46 IUCN Red listed species. Thus, it provides immense opportunities for research, education, also spread awareness about conservation, multiplication and utilization of palms to the society.

Wetland biodiversity of Ramaroshan Lake complex: a need for conservation

The Ramaroshan Lake Complex, situated in the mid-hills of Sudurpaschim Province, is renowned for its scenic beauty, yet there is a notable dearth of information regarding its biodiversity and ecological status. This study represents the first systematic examination of seasonal variations in water quality parameters and biodiversity encompassing aquatic macroinvertebrates, fishes, birds, herpetofauna, mammals, and macrophytes, as well as the surrounding vegetation within the complex, spanning the winters and summers of 2018 and 2019. Among the twenty water quality parameters investigated, thirteen displayed significant seasonal differences across the lakes (p <0.05), with Batula and Ramaroshan lakes exhibiting elevated nutrient levels. Lamadaya Lake stood out with a highly diverse macroinvertebrate community compared to other lakes, while overall, the study recorded 45 aquatic macroinvertebrate families, three fish species, 79 bird species, 12 herpetofauna species, 12 mammal species, and 26 macrophyte species within the complex. Additionally, the surrounding vegetation comprised 193 distinct plant species. Notably, the complex currently hosts 14 IUCN Red List species, including Near Threatened (5), Vulnerable (5), Critically Endangered (1), and Endangered (3) species, as well as five migratory wetland bird species, underscoring its significance for wildlife conservation. Given the diverse and cross-cutting nature of wetlands, the development of science-based policies and coordinated efforts among central, provincial, and local governments are essential for the preservation and sustainable management of these vital ecosystems.

Reproduction cycle, trematode parasitism and growth of freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina (Bivalvia: Unionidae)

Anodonta anatina, a widely distributed Eurasian freshwater mussel, has dramatically declined and listed as endangered species in IUCN Red List in some parts of the Europe. To better understand its basic biology and possible sex-dependent effects of parasitism on reproduction, we investigated the reproductive traits, trematode parasitism and growth between November 2020 and October 2021. Our data from a Finnish population indicates male-biased sex ratio and the gonadal development lasting throughout the year with a bradytictic brooding pattern. Gonadosomatic index of both sexes peaked in May and declined in June. Mature oocytes were smaller sized than those of previously studied unionids, fecundity was fairly low, and the maximum predicted lifespan was 14 years. Gonads were infected with digenean trematode parasites, Rhipidocotyle campanula being the dominant species. Interestingly, trematode infection rate was higher in females than in males. In July, when the water temperature reached its annual maximum, the trematode prevalence also peaked, which was accompanied with 16% of mussels being sterile. The trematode parasitism was thus negatively associated with reproduction, that might become even more affected if parasitism increases along with the predicted climate warming, which should be considered in possible future conservation and aquaculture efforts of this species.

Molecular identification of Pelawan Merah (Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff.) as an endemic plant from Bangka Belitung Island using chloroplast DNA rbcL gene

The DNA barcoding from this molecular identification will be submitted to the NCBI Genbank database to become a standard in the identification of Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff based on the rbcL gene analysis. This research will be used as a crucial information to identify the endemic species of Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff. which has no conservation status yet on IUCN Red List & Threated species. The stages of this research were collecting samples of Pelawan Merah leaves from Hutan Pelawan Namang, Central Bangka Regency. Molecular analysis was carried out to obtain the marker gene of Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff. The DNA barcoding of Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff yielded a 516 base-pair long sequence of rbcL gene. This is the first report of Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff DNA barcoding in Indonesia and the barcode has registered in the GenBank. This DNA barcoding also aims to register the plant biodiversity in supporting of the Barcode of Life (CBOL). Based on the results of BLAST DNA analysis, Pelawan Merah from Bangka Island has similarity up to 100% with Tristaniopsis sp. found in Australia. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree analysis reveals that the Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff. in this study was very closely related to other species of genus Tristaniopsis. This suggested that the rbcL gene analysis could identify Tristaniopsis at the genetic level or higher and other DNA barcoding region analysis as Internal Transcribed Spacer gene was necessary to complete the Pelawan Merah identification.

Coastal Biodiversity Assessment Aided by Citizen Science Volunteers: A Look at the Italian Central Adriatic

Coastal ecosystems, encompassing land and marine environments and hosting substantial biodiversity, are among the most threatened worldwide. The European Habitats Directive prioritises coastal habitats and species, requiring legislative, direct protection, monitoring, and informational measures. Accurate habitat and species monitoring is crucial to conservation efforts, yet biodiversity research in complex, ever-changing environments like coastal areas is difficult. Citizen Science may bridge biodiversity assessment and eco-friendly monitoring by incorporating non-scientists into the data collection for scientists and stakeholders. A Citizen Science approach supported by a dedicated iNaturalist project (called Wild Coast CASCADE) was implemented to obtain a complete monitoring framework that includes observations of many taxa in terrestrial, aquatic, and transitional dynamic coastal environments in the Central Italian Adriatic coast. We explored data gathered focusing on the IUCN Red List species, the species and habitats of European conservation concern, and the non-native species. Between 2020 and 2023, we collected 3784 records covering 742 species, with 81% meeting the “research grade criteria”, and these were retained for subsequent research. Citizen Science volunteers have collected 291 georeferenced animal records from the global IUCN Red List, 51 plant species from 14 species that are indicators of the presence of habitats of European Conservation Concern, and 44 non-native plants and animals. Our results provide evidence that citizen research projects can effectively assist in monitoring coastal–marine habitats and species. They also underline the potential of Citizen Science for biodiversity conservation and emphasize the importance of public engagement in conservation efforts.

Do carbon stocks and floristic diversity of tropical homegardens vary along an elevational gradient and based on holding size in central Kerala, India?

Homegarden (HG) agroforestry combines biological carbon (C) sequestration with biodiversity conservation outcomes. Although C stocks and species richness of HGs vary along elevational gradients and as a function of holding sizes, there is no consensus on the nature and magnitude of such variations. Field studies were conducted in the Western Ghats region of central Kerala, India (180 homesteads in 20 selected panchayats), to evaluate the effects of elevation (near sea level to 1938m) and garden size (162-10,117 m2) on aboveground C stocks and floristic diversity. The C stocks (per unit area) of HGs (arborescent species) were highly variable (0.63-93.65Mgha-1), as garden management was highly individualistic and it exhibited a weak negative relationship with elevation. Likewise, there was a weak negative relationship between C stocks and garden size. Tree stocking levels (stems/garden) and species richness (species/garden) positively impacted total C stocks per garden. Floristic diversity was high in the study area (753 species) and included many rare and endangered species (43 IUCN Red-Listed species) making homegardens circa situm reservoirs of biodiversity. Elevation and holding size exerted a weak negative linear relationship on Simpson's floristic diversity index, whichranged from 0.26 to 0.93 for thearboreal species. Homegardens, regardless of elevation or size, contribute to C sequestration and agrobiodiversity conservation and help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Climate Action (SDG-13) and conserving agrobiodiversity (SDG-15, Life on Land).

Mangcuo Lake in Hengduan Mountains: An Important Alpine Breeding and Stopover Site along Central Asian Flyway

The stopovers provide food and habitat for migratory birds and therefore play an important role in facilitating the birds' completion of their migration. The Hengduan Mountains, which have a complex topography, are located in a large corridor of the Central Asian migratory flyway, so the lakes along the Hengduan Mountains are important for waterbird migration. The existing research on lakes in the Hengduan Mountain area is mostly concentrated in the central and southern parts of the mountains, which proves that many lakes are wintering grounds for migrating birds. We wonder whether the ecological functions of lakes will change more with further elevation. With this question, we conducted four surveys for the seasonal bird survey in Mangcuo Lake, which is located in the northwest of the Hengduan Mountains, in Markam County of Qamdo City, between October 2019 and July 2020. We recorded a total of 6109 birds from 20 species of waterbirds, including 20 species of migratory waterbirds, accounting for 100% of all bird species. The diversity and richness of waterbirds in Mangtso Lake is shown as spring > autumn ≥, summer > winter, with no waterbirds in winter. The black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), and ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) were the dominant species in the waterbird community. The highest number of waterbird species and total individuals were found in the transition zone between the marsh wetlands and lakes, and the number of waterbird species differed significantly among habitats (X2 = 14.405, p = 0.000), with habitat complexity being an important factor influencing waterfowl abundance and distribution. The IUCN Red-listed species recorded include the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), and common pochard (Aythya ferina). By comparing with other lakes in Hengduan Mountain, we found that the ecological functions of the plateau lakes in the Hengduan Mountains, to support the life histories of migrating waterbirds, are gradually transforming as the altitude rises, and can be divided into approximately three levels, with the first level of Qionghai, Chenghai, Erhai, and Jianhu at altitudes of 1500-2200 m being the most important ecological function in terms of providing wintering grounds for migrating birds. The second layer, at an altitude of 2400-3300 m, includes Lashihai, Lugu Lake, and Napahai, which are not only wintering wetlands for migratory birds but also important stopover sites. The third layer of Mangcuo Lake, which is above 4000 m above sea level, provides a breeding ground for some migratory waterbirds in summer and a migratory resting place for migratory waterbirds in spring and autumn. We advocate for the importance of Mangcuo Lake in the alpine region along the central Asian flyway, as well as emerging nature conservation action that was previously neglected.

Inventorying medicinal orchid in Indonesia from global database

The global database plays an important role in preserving vital data and information that aids in the conservation and sustainable use of organisms, including plant species. Many data related to Orchidaceae as one of the largest families of flowering plant species are stored in global databases. An inventory study was done on the medicinal orchid species distributed in Indonesia from several global databases. This study aimed to acquire data from several global databases (i.e., POWO, MPNS, and IUCN REDLIST) related to what and where species are distributed in Indonesia, which species have medicinal records, and other information supporting conservation and sustainable use. The result showed six thousand orchid species with 200 genera in Indonesia. Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, and Crepidium are the top five biggest genera. More than five thousand orchid species are endemic and distributed mainly in Papua, Kalimantan, and Jawa. About 130 orchid species have medicinal use; 115 orchid species are documented as medicinal plants worldwide, including 39 species recorded in Indonesia. IUCN Redlist has assessed 430 species, with 87 species included in IUCN Redlist species; one medicinal species listed as endangered species (Vanilla planifolia Andrews); and five species assessed as least concerned species. These findings could be important as a foundation for future conservation and sustainable use studies, not only in Indonesia but also in the world.

Threatened flora of Uttarakhand: an update

Encompassing 1.69% land area of India, Uttarakhand State sustains more than 25% species of flowering plants of India reflecting richness of flora. Large numbers of species in the state are threatened and several sources have come up with their own lists of threatened species using different threat categories leading to ambiguity. This communication attempts to compile a complete list of threatened Angiosperm species from eleven authentic sources with updated nomenclature, systematic position, original sources, threat assessment, elevational and global distribution. A total of 290 species belonging to 176 genera, 63 families, and 29 orders are listed which represent about 6% of the total flora. Elevational distribution of species shows that the 2–3 km elevation zone harbors more than half of the threatened flora (52.14%) and more than 44% endemic species despite the fact that maximum species richness is known in the 1–2 km elevation zone. Perusal of literature shows that selection of species for micropropagation is skewed towards medicinal plants rather than only threat status of a species. A disparity exists in two important sources (IUCN Red List 2020–21 and Indian Red Data Book) listing threatened taxa with only six species common to both. Eight additional species in IUCN Red List 2020–21 and 49 additional species in Indian Red Data Book are not included and vice versa. 267 species listed as threatened in various sources are not even evaluated by recent IUCN Redlist guidelines and thus warrant their immediate assessment to understand their correct present status in nature.

Roadmap to recovery revealed through the reintroduction of an IUCN Red List species

Reintroductions are powerful tools for tackling biodiversity loss, but the resulting populations can be intrinsically small and vulnerable. It is therefore critical to maximise the number of individuals that are available to contribute to recovery efforts. To address this, we investigated how demographic parameters from a reintroduced population can reveal threats to long-term persistence, inform thresholds for management interventions, and create targets for removing an endangered species from the IUCN Red List. We calculated capture-mark-recapture population estimates for eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus) which had been reintroduced to a fenced reserve in the Australian Capital Territory. We then incorporated the resulting demographic parameters into population viability analyses (PVAs) to estimate probabilities of persistence under several scenarios, including supplementations and harvests (removal of individuals for translocation to other locations). After determining sustainable harvest rates, we then ‘back-cast’ the population size and occupancy area required to remove the species from the IUCN Red List within 10 years. Our demographic results indicated high mean apparent survival (90% ± 5), and PVAs revealed the probability of persistence over a 50-year time horizon was 50.5% with no interventions, 0% when the population was harvested of > 6 individuals, and 100% if harvests ≤ 54 juveniles were combined with an annual supplementation of ten maternal females (with ≤ 6 young each). Based on this model, a total harvest area of 413 km2 and an occupancy area of 437 km2 would be needed to recover the species within 10 years (i.e., 90 similar fenced reserves, not accounting for edge effects). Due to the inherent difficulty in securing large areas for species recovery, we see these ambitious targets as a call to create coordinated and collaborative sanctuary networks where species can be managed as a metapopulation across multiple sites. By taking advantage of a rapid life history and harvesting the ‘doomed surplus’, managers can achieve their stretch goals for species recovery in the long term.

Conservation planning for threatened marine megafauna: Moving forward with a better approach

Abstract For threatened marine megafauna, such as the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), sound conservation planning should aim to ensure demographic and ecological persistence of populations. One method to address this challenge is through ecosystem‐based conservation planning (ECP) based on threatened marine megafauna distribution, biodiversity richness, and ecosystem functionality. ECP exercises for the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin in Chinese and adjacent northern Vietnamese waters were conducted based on the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin distribution, Hill‐2 biodiversity index, and marine net primary productivity. Habitat protection priorities were scored using the program MARXAN and were used to identify special areas for conservation (SACs) for the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin. To ensure the minimal risk of local extinction, the SACs enclosed a total of 26,858 km2 of waters, accounting for 49.9% of core habitats of the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin and 24.3% of the IUCN Red List species in the study region. To enclose 30% of biodiversity richness and ecosystem functionality, a total of 40,179 km2 SACs was required. In the context of threatened marine megafauna conservation, megafauna distribution can be used to highlight focal areas, while information on biodiversity richness and ecosystem functionality should be factored in. Using surrogates with different ecological niches would be a better tactic to ensure sufficient protection coverage by minimizing the omission bias. The conservation of threatened marine megafauna in coastal and estuarine waters shares similar objectives with global marine biodiversity conservation. The challenges to conduct ECP exercises come from data scarcity and poor data quality in representing distributions of biodiversity features. A certified open‐access database that shares survey effort, occurrence, population density, and habitat mapping at national and local scales is recommended. Such a result requires national planning, investment, and policing.

Prediction of range expansion and estimation of dispersal routes of water deer (Hydropotes inermis) in the transboundary region between China, the Russian Far East and the Korean Peninsula.

Global changes may direct species expansion away from their current range. When such an expansion occurs, and the species colonizes a new region, it is important to monitor the habitat used by the species and utilize the information to updated management strategies. Water deer (Hydropotes inermis) is listed as Vulnerable species in IUCN Red List and is restricted to east central China and the Korean Peninsula. Since 2017, water deer has expanded its range towards northeast China and the Russian Far East. The objective of our study is to provide support for a better understanding of habitat use and provide suggestions for developing conservation strategy. We collected occurrence data in northeast China and the Russian Far East during 2017–2021. We used MaxEnt to predict habitat suitability for water deer and applied Circuitscape to determine possible dispersal routes for the species. We used seven environmental variables, viz., altitude, slope, aspect, distance to built-up area, distance to water source, distance to cropland and distance to roads for habitat suitability prediction. We chose the MaxEnt model (AICc = 2572.86) suitable for our data with the AUC value result of 0.935±0.014. There is good quality habitat for water deer in the boundary area of the Yalu and Tumen River estuaries between China, North Korea, and the Russian Far East, as well as the east and west regions of the Korean Peninsula. We identified three main suitable habitat patches, two of them located in east (NK2) and west (NK3) North Korea, and one in the newly colonized area downstream of the Tumen River along the border of China, Russia, and North Korea (TM1). Elevation, distance to cropland and water sources, and presence of wetlands were the variables that positively contributed to modelling the suitable habitats. Two possible dispersal routes were determined using the circuit theory, one was across the area from North Korea to the downstream Tumen transboundary region (Route B), and the other was across North Korea to the boundary region in China and along the tiger national park in northern China (Route A). A series of protected areas in North Korea, China, and Russia may support the dispersal of water deer. From the study on water deer dispersal, we can understand the existing ecological network in northeast Asia, which will benefit the whole landscape and biodiversity conservation. However, there are many threats present, and there is need for continued monitoring inside and outside the protected areas. Information sharing with stakeholders and carrying out local communities awareness activities are important. The establishment of a Northeast Asia landscape conservation network would help establish monitoring and conservation planning at a broad scale, and this study provides an example of the need for such a network.

Current conservation policies in the UK and Ireland overlook endangered insects and are taxonomically biased towards Lepidoptera

Insects provide key ecosystem services for our sustainable future, which rely upon effective conservation policies to protect insect biodiversity. To date, however, we still do not know how effective current conservation policies are for protecting insect biodiversity, opening up the possibility that policies are unfit-for-purpose. Given the considerable debate and public awareness on the potential global decline of insect species, it is important to understand whether or not current policies can protect insect biodiversity. Here, we used IUCN listing of species status and developed a quantitative framework to analyse the potential effectiveness and coverage of current conservation policies pertaining to insect biodiversity in the UK and Ireland. We contrasted this against coverage for a well-known group – mammals – as a benchmark, to find that while the vast majority of the UK mammalian species in the European IUCN red list are directly protected by current policies, insects remain largely unprotected. Moreover, for those insect species that are explicitly protected by current policies, there is a taxonomic bias whereby the majority (>50%) of insect species are Lepidopterans (moths and butterflies), while a minority are Coleopterans (beetles), and none are Hymenopterans (bees, ants, wasps). Similar trends were observed in the UK priority biodiversity lists. Based on our data, we conclude that current biodiversity policies in the UK and Ireland have significant gaps in their protection of insect biodiversity and, there is a taxonomic bias that may skew some conservation efforts toward butterflies and moths. We anticipate that our findings are likely to occur worldwide, highlighting the need for more directive policies to manage and protect insect biodiversity for the sustainability of ecosystem services.

Forensic investigation of a hunting incident of Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica) in Uttarakhand: A study to help rein in biodiversity loss

Across the world, hunting is one of the main causes of the decline in populations of wild vertebrates. This activity has serious effects not only on the specific, target populations but also on the dynamics and structures of other animal populations. Often the only evidence available for successful prosecution of poachers is in the form of small pieces of skin, bone, and meat. In such cases, forensic investigations can irrefutably establish the identity of the species involved in the illegal hunting by using genetic technologies. This articles describes an investigative study in a suspected wildlife hunting incident in which molecular biology techniques were employed to identify the species involved. Using fragments of cytochrome b (Cyt b) and 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) mitochondrial markers, the samples were confirmed to be from an IUCN Red List species, the Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica).This is the first genetic record of an Indian porcupine from the Uttarakhand population. The genetic analysis in this study was suitable for diagnosing the species and concluding a criminal investigation. Molecular forensic techniques can, therefore, provide an important tool that enables local law enforcement agencies to apprehend poachers. Meanwhile the present study represents a small step in reducing the hunting of porcupine in Uttarakhand as well as other adjoining states, with the aim of conserving biodiversity.