Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation Research Articles

Plant diversity conservation issues and challenges: A review

Significant conceptual changes have occurred over the past years in plant conservation, with major methodological advances incorporating modern techniques, technology, and disciplines. The global, national, and regional loss of biodiversity is a multifaceted issue affecting social, economic, organizational, political, scientific, and communicational scenarios. The identification of root causes is key to preventing biodiversity loss. India's diverse ecosystem supports various needs, including food, medicine, clothing, and shelter. Spatial biodiversity assessment is important for prioritizing and monitoring mechanisms and efforts in the context of land use, land cover change, unprecedented overexploitation, uncontrolled pollution, and alien species invasion. Odisha, an eastern Indian state, is rich in natural resources, with tropical moist, and dry deciduous forests covering remote areas of many districts, north-south-western hills, plateaus, and isolated pockets. Conservation efforts have expanded with protected areas, Red Lists, ex-situ facilities, wild plant accessions, and some developed species recovery programs. The conservation community is concerned about how to respond to the continuously depleting bioresources. Conservation prioritization focuses on protecting socioeconomically, medicinally, and environmentally significant species and living communities, regions of high species richness and endemism, and active functional ecosystems. The present review explores how to address sustainable biodiversity conservation practices and natural ecosystems aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals No. 13 and 15.

A neglected wetland in human-dominated landscape shields avifauna from seasonal harsh conditions in Gambella, western Ethiopia

To mitigate biodiversity loss, increasing the number of protected areas in terrestrial and marine habitats is becoming a pressing demand on a global scale. However, the rising human population and per capita consumption continue to limit protected area designations, especially in economically productive areas. There is a dearth of information on the potential roles of small wetland ecosystems in human-dominated landscapes in supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Here, we assess the roles of wetland ecosystems for avifaunal diversity within Gambella National Park and in the surrounding human-dominated landscape. We used a strip transect method to collect data on bird species during the wet and dry seasons. We evaluated whether each bird species are migratory or resident based on Birdlife International category and assessed their conservation status based on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We recorded 114 bird species belonging to 41 families and 16 orders from the study area. Though the overall diversity of birds is significantly higher within the national park when averaged over the two seasons (p = 0.001), we recorded higher species diversity (3.78 vs. 3.09), evenness (0.85 vs. 0.77), and richness (88 vs. 56) for the wetland located within the human-dominated landscape during the wet season. The reverse was true during the dry season where we recorded higher diversity (3.29 vs. 2.31), evenness (0.75 vs. 0.55) and richness (80 vs. 66) for the wetland located within the national park. Species turnover between the two areas was higher during the wet season than during the dry season (β = 0.22 vs. 0.1), showing the avifaunal similarity shared between the two systems seasonally fluctuates. Most bird species often depend on the wetlands outside protected areas for feeding and roosting in the wet season to escape widespread flooding within the park. Our results support synergy between the two settings for sustaining avifaunal diversity, illustrating the importance of near-natural ecosystems within human-disturbed landscapes for supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Besides focusing on protected areas alone, conservation agencies and decision makers should take into account the significances of such areas in human-dominated landscapes to ensure comprehensive and sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Traditional ecological knowledge for monitoring Anaphalis javanica (DC.) Sch.Bip. (Asteraceae) in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) possessed by indigenous communities offers a vital source of information regarding the status and threats faced by species. Anaphalis javanica (DC.) Sch.Bip. commonly known as Javanese edelweiss is a culturally significant species in Indonesia’s mountainous regions, yet conservation efforts for it remain limited. We utilized TEK to assess the status and threats to the Javanese edelweiss in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia. The research aims to assess the distribution, abundance, population trends, and threats faced by Javanese edelweiss using TEK. We interviewed 641 individuals from seven Tengger villages near the park to gather data on the distribution, status, and threats facing the Javanese edelweiss, contributing to conservation efforts. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and ordinal logistic regression. TEK regarding the Javanese edelweiss was extensive, as 96.3% of respondents recognized the plant. A majority (73.2%) had observed Javanese edelweiss in the wild, yet a significant portion (85%) perceived it as “very rare” or “rare.” Furthermore, 50% of respondents reported a decline in its population. Variations in sighting frequency, perceived abundance, and population trends across different locations provide crucial insights for identifying priority areas and shaping community-based conservation strategies for Javanese edelweiss. This research underscores the importance of integrating TEK into conservation planning, emphasizing community involvement for effective and sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Geo-Spatial Approach for Estimating Carbon Stock in Context of Siwalik Forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India: A Review

Climate change has been identified as a global issue that must be controlled at every possible step. Arunachal Pradesh is considered a biodiversity hotspot that needs to be conserved. Carbon stock assessment of an area, especially forests, has emerged as an important aspect of understanding the carbon storage capacities of trees of that forest, helping to mitigate climate change along with promoting sustainable conservation of biodiversity. Siwalik refers to the foothill part of the Himalayas comprising of small hillocks. It is characterised by rugged and undulating topography. Due to increasing anthropogenic activities, this region is growing fragile and needs to be conserved. This review article presents various aspects of carbon stock assessment, highlighting the benefits and the challenges that hinder the process of carbon stock estimation. Various articles based upon assessing forest biomass and carbon stock of Arunachal Pradesh were reviewed. To provide insights about associated opportunities, futuristic tendencies, and challenges in carbon stock assessment using geospatial technology, the present article was planned. Reach to understand the preferred method of estimating forest biomass and related carbon stock. Also to get to know about the obstacles that was confronted during the assessment of the carbon potential of forests. The article will review and highlight the use of field-based data inventory in combination with Remote Sensing technology for carbon stock assessment of an area along with the challenges, benefits, and futuristic scope related to them.

Functional diversity of avian communities in response to habitat fragmentation in human‐dominated landscapes of Tanzania miombo woodlands

AbstractBiodiversity conservation in human‐inhabited landscapes is increasingly gaining attention due to the global decline of species. Understanding the impact of human activities on avian functional ecology is becoming increasingly important as habitats are transformed. We assessed the influence of habitat fragmentation on avian functional diversity (FD), focusing on metrics like functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve) and divergence (FDiv). We calculated the FRic, FEve and FDiv across habitats using ‘fundiversity’ R package. We also calculated the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and estimated land‐use cover of the study area from Landsat 8 images. We observed higher FD in minimally disturbed habitats, where among the habitats, woodland had high FD while human settlement had low. This supports the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, which suggests that moderate disturbance can increase species diversity. Our findings emphasise the pivotal role of fragmented habitats in shaping avian functional ecology, with environmental variables such as the EVI influencing diversity across habitats. Hence, we promote sustainable conservation connectivity, proper land management practices and conservation‐friendly agricultural practices for sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Marine Turtle Identification, Sightings, and Nesting Area Mapping in Batanes Province, the Philippines

The Batanes archipelago – a province designated by the Philippine government as a protected area – possesses abundant marine resources and diverse ecosystems that serve as optimal habitats for marine turtles to forage, reproduce, and nest. Ivatans, the native inhabitants of Batanes who are also indigenous peoples, possess knowledge of the existence of marine turtles in their coastal waters; however, published reports are still unavailable. This study provides significant data on species identification, observations, and the distribution of nesting areas across the province. This study presents novel findings, revealing that green sea turtles Chelonia mydas and hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata thrive in the coastal waters of Batanes. A household survey using a semi-structured questionnaire (n = 90), 48 key informant interviews, and site monitoring were utilized as data collection methods and examined using descriptive data analysis. We randomly selected respondents from the household surveys from each municipality and pre-identified key informants based on their roles in each municipality (e.g. government officials, fisherfolk leaders). Likewise, 45% of the respondents claimed that they usually encounter marine turtles a few times a week, specifically during their fishing operations. The mapped nesting sites showed a wide range across the province; three were already established by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. The data gathered, and findings of this study serve as a basis for local resource managers – particularly in implementing initiatives for sustainable management, conservation, and protection of marine turtle biodiversity in Batanes. Before developing conservation and management strategies, involving the community in decision-making is crucial to address potential concerns – significantly when a specific ethnic group such as the Ivatans on Batanes Island – is affected.

Relationships between Anthropogenic Activities and Distribution of Medium to Large Mammal Species Assemblage in Madi Wildlife Corridor: Implication for Biodiversity Conservation in Uganda

Wildlife corridors between protected areas increase connectivity by integrating populations into single demographic units, thereby increasing gene flows within populations and thus probability of survival. This study assessed the relationship between anthropogenic activities and mammal species assemblage within and around Madi wildlife corridor. The study adopted recce walks along a zig-zag line transect and straight line transect methods of game tracking. Global Position System (GPS) was used to map locations of direct mammal sightings, vocalizations, tracks, dung/droppings, diggings, carcasses, and skeletal remains of mammal species. Similarly, anthropogenic activities such as hunting using bow and arrows, rifles, trapping, tree cutting, charcoal burning, bush burning, cultivation, and settlements that seemed to influence assemblage of the mammals in the area of study were mapped. The result showed that the Madi wildlife corridor still contained diverse mammal species including but not limited to; the African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana sp.), Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) Leopards (Panthera pardus), Spotted Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta), Northern Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi), Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) and Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), which were comparable to that of the adjacent Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). The relationship between anthropogenic activities and species assemblage showed a negatively skewed distribution of some of the large mammal species specifically Elephants, Giraffes, and Hippopotamus. The study recommends gazettement of a wildlife corridor between MFNP and East Madi Wildlife Reserve to promote wildlife connectivity between two adjacent ecosystem-protected areas in northern Uganda. As a long-term strategy for wildlife conservation, it is crucial to undertake a systematic assessment and prioritization and demarcation of wildlife corridors and development of a comprehensive action plan for securing them. We further recommend development of a national Wildlife Corridor Regulations to provide a framework for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity

Determination of Growth Indicators of Tilapia sparrmanii (Smith, 1840) in Molepo Dam, South Africa.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The sustainable management and conservation of fish biodiversity depends on studying fish biology. In this study, the length-weight relationships and condition factors of <i>Tilapia sparrmanii</i> were observed to gain a better understanding of their ecological and nutritional conditions. This information is crucial for the effective management of fisheries. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> During the study, 100 <i>T. sparrmanii</i> were collected from the Molepo Dam from October, 2022 to March, 2023. This fish's condition factor (CF) and length-weight relationship (LWR) were studied. To determine the size of each fish, the total length was measured using a caliper with a precision of 0.1 mm and the weight using a balance with an accuracy of 0.1 g. Differences were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test. A non-parametric Chi-square test was employed to evaluate the differences in sexes each month. <b>Results:</b> Their total length and body weight ranged from 4-15 cm and 0.96-57.96 g, respectively. The study found a strong positive relationship between the length and weight of the fish (r = 0.96). The regression coefficient (b) was more than 3.0, indicating a positive allometric growing rate. The condition factors (K) of males and females were not significantly different (p>0.05). The lowest CF value was observed in March (K = 1.01±0.03) and the highest in December (K = 1.73±0.12). The sex ratio of 1.0 male to 1.15 female was observed, which was significantly different from the theoretical ratio of one male to one female. This suggests that males were not significantly more than females (p>0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> The study found that <i>T. sparrmanii</i> in Molepo Dam exhibited allometric growth, as evidenced by a strong correlation between length and weight represented by a high "r" value. This fish is in good condition because it has no competition for food due to ecological factors.

Defining of Some Morphological Characteristics in order to Determine the Infrastructure of Conservation Strategies of Indigenous Cattle for Designing Sustainable Methods and Conservation of Biodiversity: Eastern Anatolian Red Example Reared Under Ex-Situ Conditions in Türkiye

This study was designed to protect indigenous animal breeds as an infrastructure for the continuation of biodiversity and to be a link in the production chain. For this purpose, the interaction of the information on Eastern Anatolian Red (EAR) breed, which were evaluated or protected according to different methods, and some morphological characters of animals reared under ex-situ conditions, with the sources of variation were evaluated. It were used materials preserved according to different methods and 207 head calves obtained during four years in the study. The materials that consisted of 350 head ex-situ, 200 head in-situ, 50 piece in-vitro was conserved in original environment. The weights and measurements of calves were recorded at birth and weaning. Difference of CV was the highest that was seen between males and females in 2022 (%9.24, %19.23 respectively) in birth. It was observed a certain level of difference for CV for BL, WH, CD, CW, CG, RH and FWG both between sexes and between years in weaning, but these differences were not as large as at birth. BW, WH, CW, CG, RH and FWG differed between sexes in birth period (p< 0.05). In the same period, all body measurements were different between years (p< 0.01). In weaning period, difference of CV for WW was the highest that was seen by sex in 2019 (%9.64, %15.47 female, male, respectively). In the same period, it was close CV values of body measurements determined by both sexes and years. There was an interaction between sexes and WW, CW, FWG (p< 0.05), years and all body measurements (p< 0.01) in the weaning period. The increase in studies on EAR breed could result in a modulation of sustainable of animal biodiversity potentially impacting livestock control and efficiency.

Piper agroforestry in the Indian Himalayas: indigenous peoples’ practices, policies and incentives

BackgroundIndigenous populations across the world play a significant role in sustainable land management and conservation of biodiversity. However, indigenous agricultural practices are rarely studied in depth and remain poorly documented in many regions of the world. Documenting such practices and identifying policies and incentives that affect them can unlock their potential for better land management and biodiversity conservation.MethodsWe undertook household surveys and focus group discussions to document indigenous practices and the values of trees in Piper (Piper betle) agroforestry practiced by the ethnic Khasi (Pnar) community in the Indian Eastern Himalayas. We also undertook an in-depth vegetation sampling to quantify variations in phytosociology and tree diversity with stand age in Piper agroforestry and nearby native forests. In addition, we undertook strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and a desk review to identify policies, market support structures and incentives affecting cultivation of Piper, a cash crop of global importance.ResultsUnlike in shifting cultivation, indigenous people do not fell trees in the Piper agroforestry; instead, they allow trees to regenerate naturally and also enrich by planting tree seedlings in the gaps. Depending on the stand age, 30–49 tree species were recorded in the Piper agroforestry compared to 39 in nearby natural forests. While tree density was higher in the natural forests, greater species richness, diversity and basal area was recorded in > 25 years old Piper agroforestry stands. However, landholders do not have legally transferable or heritable rights to the land or trees.ConclusionIt is concluded that the Piper agroforestry provides a pathway for averting land degradation due to shifting cultivation, biodiversity conservation and improving livelihoods of the indigenous community. Although existing policies are supportive, Piper agroforestry is not currently benefiting from incentives and market support structures. We recommend implementation of policies, market support structures, incentives and payment for ecosystem services so that indigenous communities can benefit from the global ecosystem services they provide.

Study of the Vegetation of Romania’s Western Carpathians’ Peatland Ecosystems Created by the Phytocoenoses of the Carici echinatae-Sphagnetum Relationship from a Phytosociological, Ecological and Ecoprotective Perspective

The purpose of this paper is to develop a phytosociological, ecological, cytogenetic, eco-protective and economic study of the vegetation of the wetland ecosystems in the Vlădeasa Massif built by the phytocoenoses of the association Carici echinatae-Sphagnetum (Balázs 1942) Soó 1955. In order to attain the aim and objectives put forward we carried out 10 phytocoenological surveys in the phytocoenoses during the optimal vegetation periods during 2020-2021. The taxonomically inventoried species were included in an association table by the criteria of their belonging to the basic coenotaxa of the association, alliance, order, vegetation class. The outcomes of the phytocoenosis research of the vegetation of the wetland ecosystems were processed, analysed, interpreted based on tables, histograms, diagrams, regarding the numerical and percentage weight of the species in the ecological categories of bioforms, phytogeographic elements (geoelements) and cytogenetic elements. The ecological behaviour of the species confined in ecosystems was also analysed by their relationship with ecological factors, soil moisture, air temperature and chemical reaction of the soil. The current state of ecosystems, potential threats, sustainable conservation of biodiversity, dynamics of phytocenoses, economic and scientific relevance were also subjected to research. The results obtained in the surveyed territory bring concrete answers to the questions formulated and were analysed, compared numerically and as percentage with the data provided by two reference scientific works belonging to authors who independently carried out research with a similar topic in two different geographical regions of the Western Carpathians. The conclusion provides us that the surveyed peatland in the Vlădeasa Massif has a predominantly mesohygrophilic (40%) to hygrophilic (28%), microthermic (46%) to micromesothermic (24%), ionic amphitolerant (38%) to acidophilic (22%) character, dominant species are hemicryptophytes (66.1%) and bryophytes (10.7%) and from the point of view of phytogeographic elements, the circumpolar plants are most representative (32.2%). Polyploid species (62%) dominate peat bogs from Vlădeasa Massif.

Vascular plant distribution in the Korean demilitarized zone and its surrounding areas

Previous studies examining the flora in the Korean Demilitarized Zone and its surroundings focused only on specific locations or ways to utilize these areas. We investigated vascular plant distribution in this area across the entire Korean Peninsula. Species richness, endemism, and alien species richness were examined for 54,948 occurrence records. Biodiversity and protection status were assessed, and a self-organizing map algorithm was used to divide the flora distribution into an Eastern region (including the Central region) and a Western region. Environmental factors of each distribution type were analyzed. The whole study area had 1,790 taxa of 655 genera and 151 families. The flora of the Central region was similar to that of the Eastern region, which had the richest biodiversity, whereas the Western region contained various invasive alien plants. Most areas with high biodiversity were classified as protected by international agreements. In the self-organizing map, the Eastern and Central regions exhibited large distribution of endemic and northern lineage plants, and the Western region showed high abundances of invasive alien plants. The considerable biodiversity of this area is threatened due to continuous housing development and military operations. Therefore, policies to ensure sustainable conservation of plant biodiversity “hotspots” are required.

“Three-strip management”: introducing a novel mowing method in perennial flower strips and grass margins to increase habitat complexity and attractiveness for pollinators

Flower margins are widely adopted as agri-environment measure (AEM) to enhance farmland biodiversity. However, perennial flower margins need appropriate mowing schemes to manage succession, especially in regions with high nitrogen depositions, and current schemes inadequately address the needs of arthropods, including pollinators. Effective management should provide floral diversity with staggered flowering times, creating varied sward structures for diverse habitats that support shelter, nesting, and mating sites. To address these challenges, a novel mowing method, called 'Three-strip management,' is proposed. This method involves dividing the margin into three strips using curved instead of straight mowing lines. During each cycle, one third remains unmown for shelter, while clippings are removed to lower soil nutrient status and reduce succession. The use of overlapping curved mowing lines aims to maximize variety in patterns, fostering spatio-temporal variation in the (re)growth of perennials and swards. Unlike Regular rotational management, multiple uneven parts are kept unmown over winter, increasing the number of subzones in different mown states over successive years. In this study, field trials comparing Three-strip management with Regular rotational management reveal positive effects especially during the second year, including higher bee abundance and diversity. Plant-pollinator networks also demonstrate increased interactions. While the study focuses on bees, the potential of the Three-strip management to support other beneficial insects is discussed. Given declining insect populations in agricultural landscapes, this paper offers insights into enhancing perennial flower margins as AEM to support pollinator populations. The novel Three-strip management presents a promising strategy for balancing management needs with diverse insect requirements, contributing to sustainable biodiversity conservation in agricultural settings.

Species Composition and Diversity of Plants along Human-Induced Disturbances in Tropical Moist Sal Forests of Eastern Ghats, India

Plant biodiversity data are prerequisites for the sustainable management of a forest. We used quantitative ecological tools to determine the species composition, diversity (richness and evenness), population structure, distribution patterns, and regeneration status of trees in a Tropical Moist Sal Forest of Eastern Ghats, India. For this purpose, a field inventory was conducted during 2020–2022 in sixteen 1.0 ha forest stands along a human-induced disturbance gradient. A total of 161 species (61 trees, 40 shrubs, 60 herbs) belonging to 77 families and 143 genera were recorded in the 16.0 ha of forest area. The results revealed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the tree and shrub species density, basal area, species richness, and diversity along the gradient of disturbance. However, in the case of herbs, the Shannon–Weiner diversity index increased significantly (p < 0.01) with increasing disturbance levels. Irrespective of forest types and disturbance levels, the tree diameter class (10–30 cm) accounted for the highest stem density in the forest. A mixed trend was found in the case of the basal area; the >41 cm diameter class constituted the highest basal area in the Pure Sal Forest while the 10–30 cm class was in the Moist Deciduous Forest without Sal. Tree species richness was found higher in lower diameter classes. Disturbances impacted the distribution pattern of trees; in the Pure Sal Forest, the contagious distribution of trees were 61.54%, 40%, and 12.5% in undisturbed, low-disturbed, and moderately disturbed sites, respectively. The percent of trees showing random and regular distribution increased with the increased level of disturbance in all forest types. The number of tree species having good regeneration decreased with the increased disturbance intensity in all forest types. Frequent grazing, repeated forest fires, and poor soil seed banks at the Moderately Disturbed site were the main reasons for the poor/no regeneration of Pterocarpus marsupium, Adina cordifolia, Terminalia bellerica, and some other economical species. Significant changes in structural attributes of the tree community revealed the impact of human-induced disturbances in the Moist Sal Forests of Eastern Ghats. The disturbance mosaics promoted the growth of many invasive weed species and lianas, depleting the number of valuable species in the forest. This study suggests the adaption of sustainable biodiversity conservation approaches through the active participation of the tribal so that the remnants the Moist Sal Forests of Eastern Ghats can be controlled to prevent further degradation.

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills of Plant Doctors towards Plant Health Clinics in Pakistan

Infestation of insects, pests and diseases causes a serious decline in the crops, thus for effective crop management plant health clinics were established under the Plantwise initiative by the CABI in developing countries including Pakistan in 2011. Plant health clinics are reported working effectively in Pakistan, however, the knowledge, attitude and skills (KAS) of the plant doctors and their relationship with the increase in yield is not explored, yet. In this study, the KAS of plant doctors is explored by employing a binary regression analysis approach. A total of 353 plant health clinic users selected randomly were interviewed face-to-face from districts Gujranwala and Multan of Punjab province. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that plant doctors had a high level of knowledge, and skills regarding plant protection measures. The knowledge and skills were more inclined towards plant protection as compared to agronomic attributes. The binary regression analysis indicated that the knowledge (P0.05) and skills (P=0.000) of the plant doctors were statistically significantly related to the increase in the yield of crops. The increase in yield was likely to increase by 6% and 26% to increase in knowledge and skills of the plant doctors. The attitude was insignificant with the increase in yield (P0.05). Agriculture Extension Department and CABI should jointly organize training programs for the plant doctors to be acquainted with the latest agricultural innovations. Plant doctors should strive towards crop management ensuring sustainable environmental protection and conservation of biodiversity.

Influence of environmental factors on small mammal communities along an altitudinal gradient of Mount Rungwe in South Western Tanzania

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental factors on the small mammal community in Mount Rungwe, Tanzania. To achieve this, three habitats low‐, mid‐mountainous forests at 1700–2000 and 2000–2400 m a.s.l., respectively, and bushland habitats at 2400–2800 m a.s.l. were sampled. Animal samples were collected during the wet and dry seasons in year 2020 and 2021 using live traps. A total of 12 species of small mammals were collected, comprising of nine rodents and three shrews. During the wet season, nine species were recorded, while 10 species were recorded during the dry season. Small mammals were more diverse and richer in the mid‐montane forests than in the low‐montane and bushland habitats. Furthermore, bushland habitats had significantly lower species composition than low‐ and mid‐mountain forests. In addition, low‐mountain forest exhibited high degrees of dominance and low level of evenness. The observed spatio‐temporal patterns of small mammals in terms of composition, richness, diversity, evenness and dominance are related to differences in habitat structure and seasonal variations. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to monitor forest communities to ensuring sustainable biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on protecting habitats to increase small mammal diversity under changing environmental conditions.

Soil fauna community characteristics and driving factors of Pinus tabuliformis in the loess region of northern Shaanxi

This study aimed to examine the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of the soil fauna community in Pinus tabuliformis plantations at different restoration ages. The study was conducted on the soil fauna of Pinus tabuliformis in different restoration ages (6a, 11a, 18a, and 22a) in Wuqi County. Soil fauna, soil samples, understory herb biomass were collected in the spring, summer, autumn and winter of 2021. The relationship between the soil fauna community characteristics and environmental factors were studied. The results are as follows: (1) The density increased and the number of species decreased in the soil fauna community with an increase in restoration ages, and the composition and structure of the soil fauna community were significantly different at different restoration ages. (2) The diversity of the soil fauna community was highest and the soil food web was the most stable in 6-year-old Pinus tabuliformis plantations. Followed by a 22-year-old Pinus tabuliformis plantation. The lowest soil fauna diversity and the least stable food webs were found at 11- and 18-years-old of Pinus tabuliformis plantations. (3) The understory herb community had the greatest impact on the composition and structure of soil fauna community. SOM, NCP and NHS were the main factors affecting the composition of the soil fauna community. (4) During the restoration of Pinus tabuliformis plantations, the soil fauna community is mainly controlled by the top-down food resources, and the understory herb community driven the evolution process of the soil fauna community, thereby regulating the soil food web. Our research results emphasize the importance of sub-forest herbaceous vegetation to soil animals, which is essential for the formulation of sustainable biodiversity conservation policies for planted forest ecosystems.

A decadal outlook for global aquaculture

A decadal outlook for global aquaculture

Broad-scale benthic habitat classification of the South Atlantic

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has become a priority for many states wanting to develop national blue economy plans and meet international obligations in response to the increasing cumulative impacts of human activities and climate change. In areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), MSP is proposed as part of a package of solutions for multi-sectoral management at the ocean basin scale. To facilitate planning, maps showing the spatial distribution of marine biological diversity are required. In areas lacking data, like the South Atlantic, environmental proxies can be used to predict these distributions. We undertook broad-scale benthic habitat classification of the South Atlantic, employing two top-down approaches spanning from national waters to ABNJ. The first was non-hierarchical and clustered groups of environmental variables prior to combination; the second was hierarchical and clustered Principal Components of environmental variables. Areas of agreement between the two approaches were identified and results compared with existing national and global classifications and published biodiversity patterns. We highlight several habitat classes we can be cautiously confident represent variation in biological diversity, such as topographic features, frontal systems and some abyssal basins. We also identify critical gaps in our knowledge of regional biogeography and advocate for collaborative effort to compile benthic species records and promote further exploration of the region to address these gaps. These insights into the distribution of habitats have the potential to support sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, enable transboundary and ocean basin scale management, and empower nations to make progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Management of Marine Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction by Establishing Protected Areas on the High Seas: A Chinese Perspective

Due to the several undiscovered and valuable gene and mineral resources, marine biodiversity is considered a strategic asset for socio-economic development. However, marine biodiversity is facing grave threats, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), where sustainable management and effective implementation of governance is yet lacking. Here existing international legal regimes with the protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction are briefly summarized, focusing on potential factors influencing China’s policymaking on the construction of marine protected areas on the high seas. It is concluded that China should actively participate in international negotiations and seriously assess the impacts of establishing these protected areas before making its own decision in order to achieve the sustainable conservation and management of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. In addition, the policy’s future research directions will be the practical challenges for China to establish and manage the marine protected areas on the high seas, especially in the selection of locations and the model of management.