Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation Research Articles

Tree dissimilarity determines multi-dimensional beta-diversity of herbivores and carnivores via bottom-up effects.

Global biodiversity decline and its cascading effects through trophic interactions pose a severe threat to human society. Establishing the impacts of biodiversity decline requires a more thorough understanding of multi-trophic interactions and, more specifically, the effects that loss of diversity in primary producers has on multi-trophic community assembly. Within a synthetic conceptual framework for multi-trophic beta-diversity, we tested a series of hypotheses on neutral and niche-based bottom-up processes in assembling herbivore and carnivore communities in a subtropical forest using linear models, hieratical variance partitioning based on linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) and simulation. We found that the observed taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional beta-diversity of both herbivorous caterpillars and carnivorous spiders were significantly and positively related to tree dissimilarity. Linear models and variance partitioning for LMMs jointly suggested that as a result of bottom-up effects, producer dissimilarities were predominant in structuring consumer dissimilarity, the strength of which highly depended on the trophic dependencies on producers, the diversity facet examined, and data quality. Importantly, linear models for standardized beta-diversities against producer dissimilarities implied a transition between niche-based processes such as environmental filtering and competitive exclusion, which supports the role of bottom-up effect in determining consumer community assembly. These findings enrich our mechanistic understanding of the 'Diversity Begets Diversity' hypothesis and the complexity of higher-trophic community assembly, which is fundamental for sustainable biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Seasonal land use/land cover change and the drivers in Kafta Sheraro national park, Tigray, Ethiopia

Kafta Sheraro National Park (KSNP) has experienced rapid and consecutive destruction of dry woodland vegetation due to the influence of anthropogenic activities in the past three decades. However, to date, the change in woodland cover and its driving factors have not been addressed. This study aims to assess the spatial and temporal trends of land use/land cover change, seasonal vegetation cover change via the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and human-induced drivers of change that occurred in the KSNP between 1988 and 2018 by using satellite imagery sensors (TM, ETM+, OLI), field observations, and local community interview data. The 2018 image results showed kappa coefficients of the dry season and wet season of 0.90 and 0.845, respectively. There was a continuous decline in woodland (29.38%) and riparian vegetation (47.11%) and an increasing trend in shrub bush land (35.28%), grassland (43.47%), bare land (27.52%), and cultivated land (118.36 km2) over the thirty-year period. Moreover, the results showed that bare land expanded from wet to drier months, while cultivated land and grazing land increased from dry to wet months. Based on the NDVI results, high to moderate vegetation was decreased by 21.47%, while sparse and non-vegetation expanded by 19.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Settlement and agricultural expansion, human-induced fire, firewood collection, gold mining, and charcoal production were the major proximate drivers that negatively affected park resources. Around KSNP, the local communities’ livelihood depends on farming (crop and livestock production). This expansion of farming is the main driver of woodland depletion, which leads to increased resource competition and a challenge for the survival of wildlife. Therefore, urgent sustainable conservation of park biodiversity by encouraging community participation in conservation practices and preparing awareness creation programs should be mandatory.

Spatial Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Changes for A Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation: Factors for Potential Implementation of Buffer Zone for FRIM Natural Heritage Site, Malaysia

There will be nearly 2 billion new residents by 2030 due to human migration and population growth, yet the consequences of both current and future urbanization on biodiversity conservation are poorly known. However, an increase in the awareness of the consequences on the role of biodiversity in sustaining livelihoods and human wellbeing has been translated into the various movements, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially SDG15 and SDG3. Conservation areas (CAs) have become one of the solutions to uphold ecosystem sustainability for biodiversity conservation. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the changes in land use and land cover (LULC) surrounding the CA - Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Natural Heritage Site, Malaysia. The objectives were: 1) to quantify the changes of LULC, 2) to construct the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), of FRIM and the surroundings, thus representing the Malaysian terrestrial CAs and, 3) to suggest LULC changes- based criteria for CA buffer zone (CABAs). The data used were spatial data and satellite images and, ERDAS Imagine and ArcGIS software to execute the analysis. The study revealed a reduction in forest areas and addition in built-up (housing) and water bodies. There was an encroachment of built-up area (housing) into the FRIM. Therefore, the study suggested buffer zones for FRIM, a shield to prevent the stresses caused by urbanization and encroachment activities that may jeopardize the intactness of the conservation areas. The study also provided an effort to formulate a more effective strategy for enhancing sustainable development to the policymakers.

Condition Factor and Length-Weight Relationship of Scardinius erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Anzali Lagoon.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Studies on fish biology are essential for the sustainable management and conservation of fish biodiversity. This study observed the length-weight relationships and condition factors of common rudd fish, which give us some information about the ecological and nutritional conditions of fish. This information is crucial to fishery management. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factors (K) of 270 <i>Scardinius erythrophthalmus</i> caught in Anzali Lagoon from April to August, 2015. <b>Results:</b> The total length and body weight of <i>S. erythrophthalmus</i> ranged from 94-179 mm and 11.98-98.5 g, respectively. A strong positive relationship was observed between length and weight (r = 0.96). There were no significant differences in the condition factors of males and females (p>0.05). The lowest K value was observed in April (K = 1.5±0.04) and the highest in July (K = 2.25±0.34). The sex ratio of 1.0 male: 1.15 female was observed, with no significant difference between males and females (p>0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> In this study, the regression coefficient (b) in males and females was 3.35 and 3.29, respectively, more than 3.0, which means they have positive allometry growth in both sexes.

Environmental damages due to war in Ukraine: A perspective

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is the most prominent conflict in Europe since the Second World War and has several geopolitical, economic, infrastructure, and health implications. The war has serious negative consequences on people and the planet. The damage to industrial and commercial infrastructure can contaminate water sources, which can be hazardous for human and ecosystem health. Water shortages and deteriorating sanitary conditions are already evident since water supply and sanitary infrastructure have been hit. Air quality is adversely affected due to troop movement and constant bombarding. Chances of radiation leakage from nuclear sites also remain. The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil have been impacted due to shelling and explosions, as a result of which, agriculture has been severely affected. Military actions have caused large-scale deforestation and even wildfires. There is also fear of biodiversity loss and species extinction in the long term. The war of such nature may directly hamper efforts to deal with aspects such as climate change, sustainable development goals (SDGs), conservation and protection of biodiversity, and pollution control at local and global levels. Besides this, the repercussions of this war on essential services such as healthcare, education, social security, and public amenities will be felt for a long. As a result of important interruptions in the supply of energy and raw materials throughout the world, prices for commodities, oil, and food have risen dramatically. To avert such damages in the future and make the offenders accountable, in the long term, reforms in the mandate of the International Criminal Court are required to include environmental crimes. New international norms to safeguard the environment during conflict are urgently needed. The environment should not be considered an unavoidable war casualty. Environmental and human security are inextricably linked. The international community's reaction to the crisis must include addressing this as a priority.

For sustainable social impact at Mangalajodi: change processes enabled by NatWest Bank India

Learning outcomes At the macro level, the case study enables the students to appreciate the complexity emerging market economies face in achieving economic development and environmental sustainability without comprising each other. The students understand the importance of behavioural change and empowerment of communities in projects dealing with transformational social changes. Theoretically, the students learn about the change mechanisms and organisational practices market-based organisations install to drive their positive social change (PSC) projects. At the micro level, students learn about the process of setting up Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust (MET) – that not only enthused the local community economically but also instilled it with awareness and motivation towards sustaining its ecosystem. Analytically, at macro level, it assists the students to have a lens of PSC framework to examine corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship and BoP strategies of market-based organisations to affect social change. Application/problem solving: The case study explains to the students how the PSC levers of motivation, capability and opportunity structures were applied by NatWest Bank during different phases of project execution. As management grapples with new problems, the students are encouraged to use the levers to recommend an action plan. It allows students to apply SWOT and think of competitive strategies for MET. It allows students to think of strategies that may apply for a better management of Ecotourism at Mangalajodi. Case overview/synopsis As part of its broader commitment to sustainable development and climate change action, the NatWest Group (formerly Royal Bank of Scotland Group) launched its Supporting Enterprise Programme in India in the year 2007. The project aimed at creating income-generating opportunities for indigenous and economically vulnerable sections of society living in critical natural ecosystems. The project was under the leadership of N. Sunil Kumar, a zealous nature lover, with over two decades of experience in business strategy and public affairs and a specialty in environmental sustainability. He headed Sustainable Banking at NatWest and was head of NatWest Foundation-India. The Mangalajodi project shared the problems many of NatWest’s other projects in India presented. Poor communities that relied solely on natural resources for their sustenance slid deeper into poverty as ecosystems degraded. Lacking alternative sources of livelihood and facing scantier resources, the communities helplessly caused additional damage to weak ecosystems when they drew on the resources even more vigorously. Poaching of migratory birds for supplemental income was a huge problem at Mangalajodi; it was not only rapidly altering the ecosystem to sustain the birds but also deteriorating and weakening its ecology as a whole. Measures to eliminate poaching were failing in the absence of alternate means of livelihoods and a strong incentive to protect the birds. MET was established under the project in 2009. A decade later, it had become a resounding success. A community-owned and run enterprise, MET was providing direct employment to over 100 poorest families at the tiny village and creating income-generating opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures for many others. Poaching was practically negligible at Mangalajodi, and the community was drawing huge admiration for its role in conserving the ecosystem. However, the progress of Mangalajodi Ecotourism was paradoxical, on the one hand; its popularity was rising but, on the other hand, it was becoming overcrowded and looked ill managed. Its rising commercial value was bringing in more land developers, builders and investors, but permanent concrete structures were also coming up quite unscrupulously. There were many challenges – how should growth of ecotourism at Mangalajodi be managed? What mechanisms and practices ensured that the community was empowered enough to participate in decisions of land use, infrastructure, energy and waste management at Mangalajodi? How should MET become more competitive and innovative to grow despite future challenges? Complexity academic level The case study is useful for students of Management at Under Graduate and Post Graduate Levels for understanding the following: the sustainability of fragile ecosystems; the community at the intersection of sustainable development and natural resources conservation and protection of biodiversity; knowing in detail about the planning, implementation and management of ecotourism projects; and decisions regarding community-based ecotourism projects. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management Science

Managing Tourism and Environment—Trail Erosion, Thresholds of Potential Concern and Limits of Acceptable Change

Natural area tourism may contribute to deterioration in biophysical environments important for sustainable conservation of biodiversity and/or historically significant sites. Levels of protection within the IUCN guidelines provide general descriptors of desirable outcomes, and the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) management tool has often been implicitly applied. This article presents an initial attempt to assess the value of Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) relative to LAC as management frameworks for protected areas, using the example of trail width as an indicator of visitor impacts on vegetation, soil, water and, potentially, visitor safety. Visitor preferences relating to trail width were incorporated when applying the TPC and LAC principles. Sections of three walking trails in a high-visitation national park near Sydney, Australia, were measured at ~10.7 m intervals: the mean trail widths were 1.6 m, 1.8 m and 2.14 m. Of the 115 recreationists surveyed, 16% of those having the greatest tolerance towards management interventions (‘Non-purist’ wilderness category) viewed a trail ≥ 2 m wide as acceptable, but 96% of ‘Purists’ nominated a maximum of ≤1.5 m. The TPC was found to provide a broad strategy for identification, assessment and grading of multiple biophysical thresholds within an ecological framework. Combined with stakeholder information, the TPC allows for timely, proactive and calibrated management responses to maintaining biophysical and social sustainability.

Land use effects on tree species diversity and soil properties of the Awudua Forest, Ghana

Rubber plantation establishment is a common land use that can profoundly impact plant diversity and soil properties in tropical forest ecosystems, although empirical data on such effects are scarce in tropical Africa. In this study, we examined the effects of this land use on tree species diversity and soil physicochemical properties of the Awudua Forest in Ghana. We surveyed 60 25 m × 25 m plots, 20 in each of three land uses (i.e., primary forest, secondary forest and rubber plantation) of the study area. Within each plot, we identified and enumerated all trees (≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height, dbh at 1.3 m) and collected soil samples at three depths (i.e., 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm) for the determination of soil physicochemical properties (bulk density, particle size distribution, pH, OC, TN, AP, K, Mg, Ca). Soil physicochemical properties; sand, OC, AP, K, Mg, Ca in the rubber plantation decreased by 4.4%, 24.9%, 40.0%, 16.7%, 50.0% and 20.2% respectively, whereas the primary forest recorded decreases in OC (42.2%), TN (25%), AP (71.1%), K (69%), Mg (59.6%), Ca (27%) from the surface to the sub layers. Results showed significantly lower tree species richness ( S , 12), diversity ( H', 0.37), evenness ( E , 0.43), and basal area (BA, 2.86 m 2 /ha) in the rubber plantation compared to those of the secondary forest (36, 1.10, 0.85 and 0.93 m 2 ha -1 , respectively) and the primary forest (46, 2.28, 0.97, and 3.32 m 2 ha -1 , respectively). Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination also revealed distinct tree species composition among the land uses. Terminalia ivorensis (IVI = 7.1%), Musanga cecropoides (28.91%) and Hevea brasiliensis (72.03%) were the most dominant species in the primary forest, secondary forest and plantation respectively. Soil OC, TN, K, AP, Mg and bulk density differed among the land uses, but no differences were observed in pH and Ca. The findings confirmed the strong negative impacts of rubber plantation land use on plant diversity and soil properties, suggesting the need for mitigation measures such as afforestation and offsetting to ensure sustainable utilization and conservation of biodiversity in the reserve. • Three land uses—rubber plantation, primary forest and secondary forest—were analyzed. • Rubber plantation impacted floristic attributes more than the other land uses. • Conversion of forest to other land uses also affected soil physicochemical properties negatively.

Chemical characterization and potential use of reptile fat from sustainable programs

Reptile meats and fats are used for their medicinal properties and nutritional values ​​perceived through the culture of native peoples, though often with no scientific basis. Providing scientific information about potential medicinal and nutritional use of reptile fats would be a strategy for the full use of wild animals, supporting the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. The objective of this study was to characterize and chemically compare the fat and oil of individuals of Argentine Black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) and Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) from sustainable use and conservation programs. In addition, we evaluated the microbiological characteristics and the antimicrobial activity of the oils obtained by different methods. We used two methodologies to obtain oils, one by fusion extraction and the other by drying-decantation (traditional hunter's method). We obtained the chemical and microbiological characterization of fat and oil of latirostris and S. merianae. All the oil samples presented less than 10 CFU/ml of all the microorganisms tested. C. latirostris and S. merianae oil showed nutritional quality parameters that indicate its potential use. Furthermore, S. merianae oil showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candidas tropicalis. No inhibition occurs for the rest of the microorganisms analyzed. C. latirostris oil did not show antimicrobial activity, although the lipid profile does indicate some anti-inflammatory potential. This study demonstrates the potential application of the tested oils and confirms the pharmacological basis for the traditional therapeutic use of S. merianae oil.

Local perception of ecosystem services and their conservation in Sudanian savannas of Burkina Faso (West Africa)

ContextIn Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for conservation of plant diversity. Due to desertification and insecurity, population migration from the North has increased human density and anthropogenic pressure on southern savannas. This study aims to investigate knowledge of local populations on ecosystem services (ES) and perception of their conservation.MethodIndividual semi-structured interviews about knowledge on ES and ecosystem conservation issues were conducted. Informants were selected according to sociocultural groups and sex in three areas of different land use intensity: the communal area of Dano (CAD), the Total Wildlife Reserve of Bontioli (TWRB) and the Game Ranch of Nazinga (GRN). The use value and vulnerability index of each plant species were determined. A cluster analysis and a principal component analysis were carried out to identify the particular knowledge of different ethnic groups.ResultsOverall, 163 plant species were cited for fifteen ES. Provisioning services were most frequently cited (100%), regulating services second most frequently (92.47%). Entire plants were exclusively used for ES with non-material benefits (protection against wind, for shading, soil fertility, erosion prevention, tourism and religion). The ten species contributing most to ES provision were Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Diospyros mespiliformis, Adansonia digitata, Lannea microcarpa, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Ficus sycomorus, Pterocarpus erinaceus. Seven of them were identified as highly vulnerable. Around GRN, migrants and natives shared the same knowledge, while migrants in TWRB used the ES only to a small extent due to restricted contact with the native population. Migrants and natives of GRN had more knowledge on tourism and crafts services while the natives of CAD and TWRB made use of the services that sustain the quality of the agricultural land and meet their primary needs. To reduce further degradation, different communities suggested unanimously raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. The most quoted motivations to preserve ecosystems were vegetation sustainability and village development.ConclusionThis study documented important local knowledge-based information to guide cultivation of local multipurpose species and initiation of communities to practice best management strategies for sustainable conservation of biodiversity.

EBP-Colombia and the bioeconomy: Genomics in the service of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development

The 2016 Peace Agreement has increased access to Colombia’s unique ecosystems, which remain understudied and increasingly under threat. The Colombian government has recently announced its National Bioeconomic Strategy (NBS), founded on the sustainable characterization, management, and conservation of the nation's biodiversity as a means to achieve sustainability and peace. Molecular tools will accelerate such endeavors, but capacity remains limited in Colombia. The Earth Biogenome Project's (EBP) objective is to characterize the genomes of all eukaryotic life on Earth through networks of partner institutions focused on sequencing either specific taxa or eukaryotic communities at regional or national scales. Colombia’s immense biodiversity and emerging network of stakeholders have inspired the creation of the national partnership “EBP-Colombia.” Here, we discuss how this Colombian-driven collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector is integrating research with sustainable, environmentally focused strategies to develop Colombia’s postconflict bioeconomy and conserve biological and cultural diversity. EBP-Colombia will accelerate the uptake of technology and promote partnership and exchange of knowledge among Colombian stakeholders and the EBP’s global network of experts; assist with conservation strategies to preserve Colombia’s vast biological wealth; and promote innovative approaches among public and private institutions in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, recycling, and medicine. EBP-Colombia can thus support Colombia’s NBS with the objective of sustainable and inclusive development to address the many social, environmental, and economic challenges, including conflict, inequality, poverty, and low agricultural productivity, and so, offer an alternative model for economic development that similarly placed countries can adopt.

Ecotourism Development and Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: Objectives, Conflicts and Resolutions

Biodiversity conservation and sustainably utilizing natural resources improve the benefits of ecotourism development. Ecotourism development makes values for sustainably using biodiversity creating economic development opportunities. This study reviews literature and reveals objectives, conflicts and resolutions for achieving biodiversity conservation through ecotourism development in Sri Lanka. This paper describes conservation objectives in terms of preserving and fostering biodiversity, habitat restoration and managing biodiversity, and making values for natural assets through ecotourism activities. Degradation and destruction of habitat, overexploitation and illegal extraction of species, emissions of greenhouse gasses for climate change, contamination and pollution of the environment, and spread of exotic species are identified as the main conflicts. Conservation resolutions are discussed on education and awareness-raising activities for biodiversity conservation, in-situ conservation and ex-situ preservation of species, integrating biodiversity into ecotourism development, integrating management of biodiversity and ecotourism, linking ecotourism industry and conservation organizations, ecotourism policy and legislations for biodiversity conservation, and imposition of rules and regulations. Policy solutions and building capacity among institutions and other stakeholders for governance and sustainable conservation of biodiversity are key for sustainable ecotourism development.

Ecotourism an approach to the sustainable conservation of biodiversity in the Benue national park of the North Region of Cameroon

AI Publications is an open access peer review international journal to publish the article in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, Food science, Rural Development, Environment and Health Research, Chemistry, Mathematics,Physics.

The Changing Conservation Scene

The science and practice of conservation of wildlife / biodiversity has changed drastically over the years in the international arena due to evolving social standards, scientific understanding of plants and animals, ecology, and the impacts of human development. In Sri Lanka, these changes have not taken root as yet, and thus the implementation of conservation has been weak. This article reviews the past and present status of global changes to conservation as they affect the country, and outlines a future pathway to achieving sustainable biodiversity conservation. Human lifestyle changed from hunter -gatherer to the present via an initial agricultural -life style. The changes resulted in major landscape and resource exploitation, ultimately impacting the natural resources of the world. In this scenario, the desire to conserve biological diversity emerged through attitudinal changes, for example, from “Game” to “Wildlife” to “Biodiversity”. Resolutions for the conservation of biodiversity require an in-depth analysis of the environment, followed by a clear recognition of this transition from Game to Biodiversity. The global interest in conserving biodiversity has been strengthened by the Convention on Biological Diversity. Historical changes in Sri Lankan legislation reflect the various stages of resource exploitation and response to changes in global biodiversity. The new policy, while recognizing the “sustainable use” of natural resources, falls short of enabling this to happen. The future directions of conservation remain, therefore, a desire, but possible through the recognition of weakness in existing legislature and attitudes, and their subsequent rectificati on.

Exploring environmental connection: ecological network opportunities in the Shahdagh National Park, Azerbaijan

The high growth rate of consumption of natural resources by people in the last century have seriously and negatively affected ecosystems and led to the loss of biodiversity. At present, it is important to take the necessary measures to ensure sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Ecological networks play an important role in maintaining and controlling the stability and balance of communication between ecosystem complexes. For this purpose, the possibility of creating an ecological network that includes core areas, buffer zones, ecological corridors and restoration areas in the section of Shamakhi district of the Shahdagh National Park was explored. The designated buffer zone of the national park includes 14 villages and 1 settlement type administrative unit. Mountainous landscapes predominate in the area, and the absolute height ranges from 500-200 m. Riverbeds, intermountain depression, mountain passes, trails and forests which should be planted in the areas we offer, were considered as main factors during the construction of ecological corridors in the national park and the buffer zones. The materials obtained from the literature and our field studies, also, vector and raster data were used during the site identification. The data was processed in software such as ArcGIS 10, ERDAS Imagine, Global Mapper, Google Earth, etc. Existing ecosystems were identified, and areas were calculated in separate elements of the ecological network in the study area.

Falling "fortresses": Unlocking Governance Entanglements and Shifting Knowledge Paradigms to Counter Climate Change Threats in Biodiversity Conservation.

Biodiversity conservation is facing unprecedented challenges at the intersection of rapidly changing climates, widespread ecosystem degradation under the influence of global warming and resultant human tragedies over livelihood, habitation, adaptation and coping needs. These challenges are more acute across biodiversity hotspots in the Global South. This study disentangles the complex interplay to propose alternative paradigms of governance and policy thinking necessary for sustainable biodiversity conservation. Climate change impacts are exposing critical deficiencies of 'scientific forest management' pursued for over a century. For example, recurrent disasters and ecological shifts are increasingly obfuscating cognitive and physical boundaries between the reserve forest and human habitations; putting additional stress on livelihoods which in turn escalate pressures on the forest commons and fuel further conflicts between conservation governance and local communities. Instead of assisting in adaptation, the existing conservation governance mechanisms are producing further conflicts between humans and non-humans; livelihoods and conservation; disaster management and development. Conducted in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve -world's largest mangrove forest ecosystem and a climate change hotspot located along the Bay of Bengal across India and Bangladesh -the study finds an urgent need of rethinking and recalibrating biodiversity conservation in the times of climate change. However, institutional and market-based approaches such as promoting ecotourism or mangrove plantations may have little impact in this regard, the study finds. Instead, integrating cultural ecosystem services and co-producing knowledge will be critical to tackle the entanglements of climate change and its impacts on local lives, livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.

Plant and soil elemental C:N:P ratios are linked to soil microbial diversity during grassland restoration on the Loess Plateau, China

Plant and soil elemental ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play a central role in shaping the composition and structure of microbial communities. However, the relationships between plant and soil elemental C:N:P ratios and microbial diversity are still poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of C:N:P ratios in plant-soil systems on microbial diversity in a chronosequence of restored grasslands (1, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 30 years since restoration) on the Loess Plateau. We found that C and N concentrations, C:N and C:P ratios in leaf, root, soil and microbial biomass, bacterial and fungal diversity (Shannon-Wiener index) gradually increased with year since grassland restoration. Microbial C:N:P ratios ranged from 17.8:4.5:1 to 24.3:6.6:1, and C:P ratio increased from 17.8:1 at the 1-year site to 24.3:1 at the 30-year site, indicating the increasing P limitation for soil microorganisms during grassland development. Soil microbial diversity increased with root, soil, and microbial C and N concentrations, and decreased with P concentration (p < 0.05). Structural equation modeling indicated that soil and microbial C:N and N:P ratios had the greatest influences on soil bacterial and fungal diversity, and elemental C:N:P ratios had a greater effect on soil fungal than bacterial diversity. Our findings emphasize the importance of elemental C:N:P ratios on soil microbial diversity, which is critical for formulating policies for sustainable biodiversity conservation in terrestrial ecosystems.

Reptile pet trade in Brazil: A regulatory approach to sustainable biodiversity conservation

AbstractThe pet trade is the main cause of the growing number of exotic reptiles worldwide, posing a risk for invasion emergence and species extinction. In this study, we identify and analyze the obstacles involved in controlling the native and exotic reptile trade in Brazil to identify the main gaps and limitations in this regard. We propose measures that will aid in the planning of public policies that are more effective to protect native fauna. The pet trade regulation in Brazil is currently guided by poorly implemented policies. The main problems are associated with failures in legislation and enforcement, corruption, and lack of resources. As a result, the illegal trade control, current efforts for the sustainable use of biodiversity, and the prevention of the introduction of exotic species are insufficient. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach, based on actions to reduce legislation deficiencies and inconsistencies, intensification of inspection actions, and investment in educational actions aimed at raising societal awareness.

The use of biotechnology in solving food security problem and promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in developing countries

The use of biotechnology in solving food security problem and promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in developing countries

Role of Seed Banks in the Conservation of Plant Diversity and Ecological Restoration

An appropriate method for conservation of a particular plant gene pool needs extensive approach, collaborate the different ex situ and in situ methods. Gene banks are a type of bio repository that preserves genetic material. According to Dekker, 1997, [12] a seed bank stores seeds to preserve genetic diversity ; hence it is a type of gene bank . There are currently more than 1,000 seed banks exist around the world, varying in type, size and focus. The world's largest secure seed storage is Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Whereas in India, Indian Seed Vault is the largest secure seed bank lies in a high-altitude mountain pass on the Chang La seed vault in Ladakh. Seed banks are maintained with the objectives of improving the effectiveness of sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity through adequate conservation and preserving the genes that plant breeders need to disease resistance, nutritional quality, drought tolerance, taste, increase yield etc. of crops. There are two most important studies regarding seed bank, i.e., soil seed bank and canopy seed bank. In agroecosystem, soil seed bank is more closely related to weed seed bank study [8]. According to Karim et al., 2018 [15], Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L., Family: Asteraceae) is an invasive alien species threatening the biodiversity and the environment in Malaysia. A canopy seed bank or aerial seed bank is the aggregate of viable seed stored by a plant in its canopy. Canopy seed banks occur in plants that delays seed dispersal for some reason. Seed dispersal in serotinous species is normally triggered by fire and seeds are short‐lived after release, germinating during the first favourable period [9]. Therefore, Seed banks have a vital role to play in supporting integrated strategies for conservation and sustainable use of plants. The cost effectiveness of seed banking technology clearly depends on the seed biology of the target species, and the role that the collection will play in long-term conservation and ecological restoration strategies. Seed bank recognises the opportunity to provide ecological restoration materials to users. Seed banks respond to the increasing demand for seed and provide information to support habitat restoration and also reintroduction of threatened species. Cite as Jui Ray, & Sanjoy Kumar Bordolui. (2021). Role of Seed Banks in the Conservation of Plant Diversity and Ecological Restoration. Research and Reviews: Journal of Environmental Sciences, 3(2), 1–16. http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4922618