Area exclosures, established to restrict human and animal activities in degraded landscapes, are vital for promoting natural regeneration of plant species. This study evaluates an area exclosure in Goro, where such management is uncommon, by comparing woody plant diversity, structure, regeneration patterns, and biomass carbon storage with adjacent open grazing land. Woody species were sampled using systematic transects within 20 m × 50 m plots in both sites. Species diversity, richness, evenness, structural attributes, and regeneration status were assessed. Biomass and carbon stocks were estimated using non-destructive methods, and correlations among biomass, carbon stocks, and richness were analyzed. The exclosure exhibited significantly higher woody plant diversity and richness than the grazing area. Regeneration in the exclosure followed an inverted ‘J’-shaped DBH distribution, indicating healthy regeneration. Above-ground biomass (AGB) and carbon stocks averaged 44.21 ± 16.1 t/ha and 25.80 ± 9.41 t/ha in the exclosure, versus 44.73 ± 44.6 t/ha and 26.07 ± 25.99 t/ha in the grazing land. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that biomass and carbon stock are almost perfectly correlated (r ≈ 0.999, p < 0.001), reflecting the direct dependence of carbon content on biomass. In contrast, species richness showed a weak positive correlation with both biomass (r ≈ 0.15) and carbon (r ≈ 0.15), which was not statistically significant. Area exclosures enhance woody plant diversity and regeneration, though biomass and carbon accumulation are similar. Thus, the study suggests that exclosures and open grazing lands may currently provide comparable ecosystem services, but exclosures hold promise for greater biomass and carbon storage as vegetation structure and species composition develop further over time While short-term carbon gains may be modest, the ecological trajectories initiated by exclosures align well with national objectives for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable land management.
Anthropogenic disturbances, including selective logging, grazing, canopy opening, and extraction of non-timber forest products, can modify habitat conditions and influence plant reproductive traits. In seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs), these effects may be especially important for species with complex sexual systems. Bursera linanoe, an ecologically and economically important tropical tree, exhibits a mixed sexual system. We evaluated whether anthropogenic disturbance is associated with variation in sex ratio, sexual expression, and floral morphometry. Two natural populations under contrasting disturbance conditions were compared. We sampled 100 reproductive individuals (50 per site). A composite disturbance index was developed using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Sex ratio differences were evaluated using chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression. Floral traits were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and linear mixed-effects models that included a three-way interaction among site, branch orientation, and sexual category. Disturbance was significantly greater at the disturbed site (Welch's t = 4.20, p = 0.024), primarily due to grazing, logging, and land-use change. Sex ratio did not differ between sites (χ² = 4.22, p = 0.121), and disturbance had no detectable effect on sexual expression (p > 0.99). In contrast, reproductive traits responded in a context-dependent manner. Significant three-way interactions among site, branch orientation, and sexual category were detected in three of the four reproductive traits examined (p < 0.05). Anthropogenic disturbance did not alter population-level sex ratios but modified key floral traits. These responses were driven by the interaction among disturbance, branch orientation, and sexual category, suggesting context-dependent expression of reproductive traits. Although sexual structure remained stable, changes in floral morphology and reproductive output indicate that disturbance may affect reproductive performance before demographic shifts become evident. Maintaining habitat quality while limiting intensive extractive practices may therefore help preserve reproductive performance in Bursera linanoe populations.
Background/Research Aims: The range of the coyote ( Canis latrans ) has expanded towards southeastern Mexico, including the Calakmul biodiversity hotspot, making a fine-scale understanding of this colonization essential. This study approaches coyote colonization as a socioecological process, integrating patterns of species colonization with local ecological knowledge (LEK). Here, we aimed to assess (1) the spatio-temporal dynamics of coyote colonization in Calakmul, and (2) the characteristics of LEK about coyotes in the region. Methods: We conducted two large-scale surveys. One documented direct experience with coyotes (e.g. sightings, predation), involving 272 participants from 30 communities. The other documented LEK among 461 participants from 17 communities with and without coyotes present. Results: In the first survey, participants reported 365 dated coyote-related experiences, which we grouped into four 10-year periods, from 1984 to 2023. These data suggested a colonization process that accelerated, especially during the last decade. In the second survey, 88% of participants reported knowing about coyotes, independently of the species’ colonization status in their community. Notably, 38% of participants acquired their knowledge outside of Calakmul, primarily through migration, highlighting the translocal nature of their knowledge. Our findings suggest that coyote colonization and LEK development progressed in parallel, though not always synchronously, across space and time. Conclusion: This socioecological study contributes to a better understanding of coyote colonization in a forested tropical landscape. LEK allowed us to document the nonlinear pattern of coyote range expansion in the Calakmul region. The study also demonstrated that LEK is not static, but instead reflects ongoing social and ecological changes. Implications for Conservation: Early detection of coyotes is essential for understanding their interactions with ecosystems and human activities, and for managing the species. As a first step, we recommend that the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve collaborate with local communities to develop a community-based monitoring strategy.
Achieving the global 30 × 30 biodiversity target requires conservation approaches that extend beyond formally designated protected areas. The concept of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) acknowledges that biodiversity protection can emerge from diverse governance systems, including those primarily designed for resource management. Tanzania offers a relevant example through Collaborative Fisheries Management Areas (CFMAs), which are a multi-village co-management arrangement linking Beach Management Units (BMUs) to regulate fishing across shared marine ecosystems. Although established to sustain fisheries and coastal livelihoods, CFMAs may contribute to ecological stewardship through locally negotiated fisheries management practices. Yet their potential relevance to OECMs remains insufficiently examined, reflecting the historical dominance of protected-area-centred conservation approaches within Tanzania’s biodiversity policy and reporting frameworks. We argue that CFMAs represent an overlooked pathway for operationalising OECMs while strengthening inclusive conservation policy. Piloting participatory OECM assessments within selected CFMAs could provide a pragmatic step toward equitable implementation of global biodiversity commitments.
Background and Research Aims: Recent decades have seen increased sightings of the Buff-bellied Hummingbird ( Amazilia yucatanensis ) northeastward from its historical range, including winter sightings in the southeastern United States, but it remains unclear whether these reflect true range expansion or recent migratory behavior. Therefore, we aimed to determine potential range expansion of A. yucatanensis , and evaluate evidence for seasonal migratory movements. Methods: We analyzed occurrence data from public records in scientific collections and citizen-science platforms. Occurrence records from 1961 to 2020 were filtered and mapped to analyze range expansion and migratory patterns. Distances between northernmost points per decade were measured, and temporal trends were assessed using regression models, and latitudinal, longitudinal, and seasonal shifts were evaluated using Anderson-Darling test. Results: Our results show a steep increase in the number of records of A. yucatanensis after the year 2000, with more than 67,000 occurrence records in the last decade (2011–2020). Spatial analyses revealed a clear and significant expansion of the species’ distribution, with approximately 10 degrees of latitudinal and longitudinal movement. The seasonal occurrence records and the full distribution range show the same pattern, showing more data after 2001–2010. Seasonal analyses also showed occurrences in all months of the year, with similar numbers of records between spring–summer and fall–winter, except for a marked increase in fall–winter observations during the last decade. Conclusion: Overall, the evidence indicates that A. yucatanensis have expanded their distribution range over time, with no indication of a migratory pattern. Implications for Conservation : Citizen science data revealed a northward range expansion, providing useful insights for conservation. Targeted monitoring and multidisciplinary research are needed to clarify demographic trends, habitat requirements, and the factors driving range shifts, in order to inform effective conservation strategies.
This study aims to analyze the habitat and altitudinal distribution of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Indonesia, filling the gap left by previous regional studies that lack a broader synthesis of species composition and diversity. This study utilized the PRISMA framework to conduct a meta-synthesis of existing literature, systematically documenting the selection process for both published and unpublished records. The distributions showed that 32 species were distributed in the lowlands, 16 in the midlands, and 17 in the highlands, with the majority of these species occurring in secondary forests (75%), and holes in trees were the most common nesting sites (34.37%). Although current data indicate higher species abundance in secondary forests, we argue that this pattern may represent sampling bias rather than true biological preferences. The structural complexity and high canopy of primary forests likely obscure nesting sites, leading to systematically lower estimates of colony densities in undisturbed habitats than in secondary forests, where nests are more easily observed. Our review highlights how human disturbance and land-use change alter species composition and shift distribution patterns across elevations.
The human population in Africa is predicted to more than double by 2050, making up half of all births worldwide during this period. Such growth will present critical challenges for conservation across Africa if no efforts are made to actively reverse it. Unfortunately, practical steps to address these challenges are rarely discussed. We use the Ugalla ecosystem in Tanzania to explore the relationships between human population and conservation outcomes. This paper draws on our long-term experience as researchers working in Ugalla. We also performed a thorough online search of available literature to identify relevant reference materials, incorporating key words such as population, sub-Saharan Africa, conservation crime, and wildlife. Ugalla is experiencing a significant increase in demand for land and other natural resources from a growing human population. Both farmers and pastoralists compete for land, and pressures on protected areas from unauthorised resource use have escalated. Current rates of population growth around Ugalla must reduce, to preserve wildlife and to ensure food availability for future generations. Ensuring access to modern contraception, advocating family planning, discouraging early marriages and unplanned pregnancies, land-use planning, enhancing capacity for entrepreneurship and livelihood diversification, and facilitating access to economic opportunities for young people are important for addressing population-driven conservation challenges. Changes in the size and composition of human populations present challenges for conservation. Addressing these challenges requires a strong understanding of local livelihoods and socio-ecological contexts. While appropriate measures to ensure local people can live prosperously alongside wildlife will vary according to context, we argue that limiting population growth, despite its perceived controversy, is a key part of the solution. If done in an equitable and socially acceptable way, it can contribute to better conservation policy and practice across Africa.
Background and Research Aims: The global wildlife trade is a major driver of biodiversity loss, yet invertebrates remain largely overlooked in conservation policy and monitoring. Scorpions are ecologically important tropical arthropods, and Brazil harbors one of the world’s richest and most endemic scorpion faunas. Despite national legislation prohibiting the collection and commercialization of native wildlife, the extent of international online trade in Brazilian scorpions remains undocumented. We aimed to identify Brazilian species involved in the exotic pet trade using publicly accessible online data and to evaluate associated conservation and biosecurity concerns. Methods: We conducted systematic searches of public social media platforms and online marketplaces between January 2020 and December 2024 using Portuguese and English keywords related to scorpion trade. Posts explicitly indicating possession or sale were recorded, including species identity, country, year, and price when available. Results: We compiled 69 records involving nine species across five genera. Most posts originated outside Brazil, particularly in Europe and North America. Medically significant species, including Tityus serrulatus , Tityus stigmurus , and Atreus obscurus , were repeatedly detected. Records spanned more than a decade, indicating persistent international circulation, with only 26% of records including a price, and given prices ranging between US$12 and US$200. Conclusion: Brazilian scorpions are recurrently present in international online trade, representing an overlooked pathway for the circulation of tropical wildlife. Implications for Conservation : Digital trade exposes enforcement gaps and may contribute to unregulated extraction, biosecurity risks, and neglected pressures on tropical invertebrate biodiversity. Integrating invertebrates into wildlife trade monitoring is urgently needed.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) initiatives like coral restoration sites have potentially changed ecological conditions by influencing species composition and structural attributes. While numerous studies highlight the positive impacts on coral survival and coverage of coral restoration projects, there is a growing need for in-depth investigations into the morphological traits of coral species and the community-level structure. Here, we conducted benthic surveys during January 2020 and May 2023 in a coral restoration site located in the Maritime Police Camp (Mabini, Philippines), and compared the morpho-functional groups between timepoints. Surveys conducted in 2023 demonstrated a significant increase in arborescent hard corals compared to 2020. Additionally, outstanding sponges and other life categories (e.g., echinoderms & mollusks) showed notable increases in 2023. These observations suggest a rise in fast-growing corals and enhanced structural complexity during the pandemic, likely linked to reduced anthropogenic pressures. However, causality cannot be confirmed, particularly in the context of COVID-19 restrictions, highlighting the need for further long-term and multi-site studies conducted under similar conditions of reduced anthropogenic pressure to better understand the ecological responses observed here. The observed temporal shifts in coral and benthic communities at the restoration site highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management in coral restoration. In particular, future restoration efforts can become more precisely tailored to promote long-term biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of coral reefs in the face of environmental change.
Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) plays a key ecological role in African savannas, yet its population status remains poorly documented in South Sudan. This study present the first standardized, protocol-based assessment of warthog density and sightings predictors in Nimule National Park (NNP), South Sudan. It also examine its density variations across the continent. The line transect sampling method was employed to assess the population. A total of 20 transects were laid in three habitat types covering a distance of 264km in 2015 and 2016. DISTANCE sampling estimated approximately 4,000 warthogs within the 256 km2 core zone during 2015-2016, substantially exceeding the 265 individuals recorded in 2000, although remaining below historical estimates from 1987. Warthog sightings and abundance increased 16-22-fold between survey years, indicating strong interannual fluctuations likely linked to environmental conditions and forage availability. GLMs identified burrow availability as a significant predictor of both sightings and abundance, whereas human disturbance showed no significant effect. Comparative GLMM analyses across Africa demonstrated that local site-level factors were more influential than broader macrogeographical effects in shaping density patterns. Although the modeled density at Nimule in 2015-2016 ranked high among continental populations, comparisons revealed considerable variation in warthog densities among sites within countries. The NNP supports one of the highest warthog densities in Africa, emphasizing its conservation importance and the value of long-term, standardized monitoring to better define management strategies for savannah ungulates under variable ecological and anthropogenic pressures. Despite currently high densities, warthog populations in Nimule National Park show strong interannual variability and dependence on burrow-rich dry-season refugia, indicating that sustained multi-year monitoring, habitat protection, and consistent local management are essential to maintain their favourable conservation status.
This study investigates the ecological role of urban dams as a shared resource, assessing avian richness and abundance alongside human disturbances to understand the pressures facing avian species. The study was conducted at Bankani dam in the northern region of Ghana. A total count of birds was conducted in mornings and late afternoons covering both wet and dry seasons. Counts were conducted along three main observation points: the embankment, left shore, and right shore. Surveys were conducted three days a month for 6 months results in 18 sampling days. Human activities that potentially affect the wetland was also documented concurrently with the bird count. A total of 50 bird species were recorded, belonging to 15 orders and 28 families. 21 out of the 50 species identified were migrants. The study recorded a high avian richness of 43 species in the dry season and 29 species in the wet season. The generalized linear model (GLM) result shows that abundance of birds varied significantly between the seasons ( p < 0.001), with higher numbers observed during the dry season. Major threats to birds identified include hunting, sand mining, water abstraction, and improper disposal of used agrochemical containers. This study highlights the dual anthropogenic disturbances and ecological significance of the Bankani Dam. It emphasizes the role the dam plays in sustaining both resident and migratory avian species using the dam during wintering periods. The findings reveal seasonal variations in avian richness and abundance, alongside increasing human pressures that threaten the integrity of this wetland habitat. As a wintering haven under pressure, the Bankani Dam illustrates conservation challenges facing multi-use wetlands in an urbanizing arid landscape. Safeguarding such habitats requires an integrated conservation approach that balances ecological integrity with the needs of the people.
Vanilla is a high-value crop whose persistence in Amazonian landscapes is increasingly threatened by human activities, yet limited information exists on how cultivation systems affect the yield of Vanilla pompona subsp. grandiflora , particularly in conservation landscapes. We evaluated whether forest plantation systems enhance the yield of V. pompona subsp. grandiflora compared to secondary forest and shade-net systems within a private conservation area in Alto Mayo, Peru, and assessed the relationship between soil properties and yield-related traits. Three cultivation systems were evaluated: forest plantation, secondary forest, and shade-net systems. Variables associated with yield constraints (unfertilized flowers, unharvested capsules, and diseased capsules) and yield performance (fertilized flowers, harvested capsules, capsule weight and length) were recorded. Soil physicochemical properties were analyzed. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on soil variables, and PC1 was used to assess correlations with yield-related traits. Significant differences were observed among cultivation systems. Forest plantations recorded the highest number of fertilized flowers and harvested capsules, as well as the greatest yield per plant and total yield. Shade-net system produced the longest capsules per plant, whereas the secondary forest system yielded heavier capsules and greater capsule length. Soil properties were positively associated with fertilized flowers, harvested capsules, and total weight. Vanilla pompona subsp. grandiflora yield varied among cultivation systems. Forest plantation provided the most favorable conditions for crop performance, primarily by increasing capsules number per plant, while secondary forest and shade-net systems enhanced individual capsule size. Forest plantation systems may represent a promising agroforestry strategy within conservation landscapes, as they were associated with higher yield and favorable soil conditions while maintaining tree cover. These findings suggest compatibility with sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation in the Peruvian Amazon; however, given study limitations, results should be interpreted with caution.
Ardeidae (herons, egrets, and bitterns) are key components of wetland ecosystems but are increasingly threatened by hunting and belief-based uses in Benin (West Africa). Despite their ecological importance, the cultural knowledge and practices associated with these species remain poorly documented in Benin. This study aimed to analyze traditional knowledge and uses of Ardeidae species by ethnic communities living in the wetlands of South-East Benin (Ramsar Site 1018), in order to understand the role of cultural factors in shaping human-bird interactions. Structured questionnaires were administered to 300 individuals across 12 communes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, citation frequencies, ethnobiological use values, and principal component analysis to assess relationships between ethnic groups and bird species. Ethnic group significantly influenced Ardeidae-related knowledge. Food and mystical uses were significant according to linear regression analysis. Ardea purpurea was the most consumed species, whereas Bubulcus ibis was predominantly used for mystical purposes. Ethnic background also significantly influenced use values, with Goun and Fon groups showing the highest food and mystical use values, respectively. Traditional knowledge and practices strongly shape Ardeidae exploitation in South-East Benin. For effective conservation, it is essential to integrate ethnozoological knowledge into management strategies, develop culturally sensitive awareness programs, and promote community participation in wetland biodiversity protection.
Stakeholder engagement is promoted as a cornerstone of conservation governance; however, its practical implementation often produces unintended consequences. This study examines stakeholder engagement in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa, using the control-entropy paradox (CEP), which conceptualises governance as both an exercise of control and a generator of disorder. A qualitative case study design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and document analysis of management planning processes. Data were thematically analysed using the CEP framework. The analysis draws on qualitative data collected between 2017 and 2018 and is framed as a historically grounded, theory-driven examination of enduring governance dynamics rather than a longitudinal assessment. Stakeholder engagement simultaneously broadened governance reach and generated systemic strain. Expanding participation introduced competing agendas, fragmented roles, and increased resource demands. At the same time, key marginalised groups remained excluded. This reveals a central paradox: participation was both under-inclusive and overextended, exceeding institutional and energetic capacity. These dynamics contributed to tokenism, misaligned expectations, and declining engagement. Participatory governance is not inherently stabilising but constrained by informational, institutional, and energetic limits. Stakeholder participation must be matched to institutional capacity, designed to reduce informational breakdowns, and linked to clear decision-making authority. Where engagement exceeds organisational limits or lacks consequence, it can produce fatigue, mistrust, and governance fragility rather than improved outcomes. Effective conservation, therefore, requires participation that is not only inclusive but calibrated (energetically sustainable), communicatively coherent, and demonstrably consequential for management.
Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with ecological science is essential for biodiversity conservation strategies that are both effective and culturally legitimate. This study aimed to document the role of TEK in biodiversity conservation and to assess its ecological and cultural significance in the Hadiya and Kambata-Tembaro zones of central Ethiopia. Integrated ethnobotanical surveys and ecological assessments were conducted across sacred groves, community-managed forests, agroforestry plots, and grazing lands. Data collection included species inventories, cultural use documentation, and ecological measurements of richness and structural complexity. A total of 78 plant species were recorded, with culturally significant species such as Aframomum corrorima and Cordia africana serving multifunctional roles in medicine, food, and rituals. Sacred groves, maintained through cultural taboos and local institutions, harbored the highest species richness (62 species) and structural complexity, significantly exceeding disturbed sites. Communities identified biodiversity decline as a biocultural crisis linked to agricultural expansion, overharvesting, and weakening institutions. Adaptive TEK practices, including rotational harvesting, ritual prohibitions, community nurseries, and hybrid governance were employed to sustain ecological and cultural functions. Biodiversity conservation in this region is inseparable from cultural and institutional contexts. Effective strategies must move beyond ecological metrics to integrate TEK and community governance systems. Recognizing sacred sites as biocultural refugia and strengthening community-led stewardship offers resilient pathways to conserve biodiversity while safeguarding cultural heritage. Framing TEK as a dynamic, actionable framework underscores its potential to support ecologically robust and socially grounded conservation outcomes.
Zingiberaceae species are integral to the cultural practices and livelihoods of rural and tribal communities in Odisha, Eastern India. However, these plants are neglected and underutilized due to limited awareness, poor domestication, and insufficient research attention. This study aims to examine the phytogeography, species diversity, ecological distribution, and ethnobotanical significance of Zingiberaceae in Odisha, with special emphasis on their conservation relevance. Systematic field surveys, herbarium consultations, and literature reviews were conducted across multiple habitats in Odisha for taxonomic documentation, and their distribution was analyzed at both local and global scales to establish phytogeographical affinities. Ethnobotanical knowledge was documented through semi-structured interviews with local informants and quantitatively assessed using four important indices. A total of 33 species representing 9 genera were recorded, with Curcuma L. showing the highest diversity (10 spp.) followed by Zingiber Mill. (8 spp.). Gingers of Odisha exhibited the highest phytogeographical affinity with Myanmar (86.21%), followed by Bangladesh (82.76%) and Thailand (75.86%). Ethnobotanical analysis revealed that nearly half of the species are primarily medicinal (48%), with rhizomes being the most exploited plant part (88%). Quantitative indices revealed strong correlations between frequently cited species and cultural importance (RFC-CI, r = 1.000; RI-CV, r = 0.922, p < 0.01). Cluster analysis identified three major ethnobotanical groups, with Zingiber zerumbet emerging as the most culturally and medicinally significant species. The study highlights the multifunctional value of Zingiberaceae in Odisha and identifies priority species that are at risk due to overharvesting and the need for community-based conservation strategies to safeguard wild Zingiberaceae populations and associated traditional knowledge.
Bats rely on various roosts, which are crucial for daily rest, thermoregulation, reproductive success, and survival. Daytime roosts are particularly critical for globally threatened bat species, with around 40% depending on subterranean shelters. This study aimed to assess the richness and abundance of bats in natural and human-made roosts, examine their relationship with roost physical characteristics, and identify priority sites for conservation. We surveyed fourteen natural and human-made roosts in threatened dry forests of northern Colombia. Bats were captured using mist and hand nets inside the roosts, and abundance was estimated via photographs of the colonies. Data on roost type (natural/human-made), mean height, elevation, structural complexity, presence of heat traps, and water availability were recorded. Associations between bat richness, abundance, and physical variables were analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs). Roost conservation priority was assessed using a standardized index based on biotic potential and vulnerability. Most roosts had low to moderate species richness, whereas two supported large colonies (>7,000 individuals). Bat richness and abundance were significantly associated only with roost complexity, with moderately complex roosts supporting higher richness and abundance. Only one roost was identified as high conservation priority due to its vulnerability, large mormoopid colonies, and role as a mating site for the vulnerable, migratory Leptonycteris curasoae. Two natural roosts were classified as medium priority due to their relatively high richness and diversity. These findings highlight the importance of roost characteristics in supporting bat populations and provide a framework for prioritizing roost conservation in threatened ecosystems. Protecting roosts is crucial for ensuring the survival of cave-dwelling bats and the health of underground ecosystems and their surrounding habitats, as they provide vital ecosystem services. Resumen Los murci & eacute;lagos dependen cr & iacute;ticamente de refugios diurnos para su descanso, termorregulaci & oacute;n, & eacute;xito reproductivo y supervivencia. Esto es particularmente relevante para especies amenazadas, pues cerca del 40% depende de refugios subterr & aacute;neos para sobrevivir. Este estudio evalu & oacute; la riqueza y abundancia de murci & eacute;lagos en refugios naturales y artificiales, examinar su relaci & oacute;n con las caracter & iacute;sticas f & iacute;sicas de los refugios e identificar sitios prioritarios para la conservaci & oacute;n. Muestreamos catorce refugios naturales y artificiales en bosques secos amenazados del norte de Colombia. Capturamos murci & eacute;lagos con redes de niebla y redes entomol & oacute;gicas, y sus abundancias fueron estimadas mediante fotograf & iacute;as. Registramos el tipo de refugio (natural/construcci & oacute;n humana), altura media, altitud, complejidad estructural, presencia agua y de trampas de calor. Las asociaciones entre la riqueza, abundancia y variables f & iacute;sicas fueron analizadas mediante Modelos Lineares Generalizados Mixtos (GLMMs). La prioridad de conservaci & oacute;n se evalu & oacute; mediante un & iacute;ndice estandarizado de potencial bi & oacute;tico y vulnerabilidad. La mayor & iacute;a de los refugios presentaron riqueza baja a intermedia, y dos albergaron grandes colonias (>7,000 individuos). La riqueza y abundancia solo estuvieron relacionadas significativamente con la complejidad: refugios con complejidad media presentaron mayor riqueza y abundancia. Solo un refugio fue clasificado con alta prioridad de conservaci & oacute;n, dada su alta vulnerabilidad, presencia de grandes colonias de morm & oacute;pidos y su importancia como sitio de apareamiento para Leptonyceris curasoae, una especie vulnerable y migratoria. Dos refugios naturales fueron clasificados con prioridad media, por albergar una alta riqueza y una abundancia media a alta. Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de las caracter & iacute;sticas de los refugios para mantener poblaciones de murci & eacute;lagos y proporcionan un marco para priorizar la conservaci & oacute;n de los refugios en ecosistemas amenazados. Proteger los refugios es crucial para garantizar la supervivencia de los murci & eacute;lagos cavern & iacute;colas y la salud de los ecosistemas subterr & aacute;neos y sus h & aacute;bitats circundantes, ya que proporcionan servicios ecosist & eacute;micos vitales.
The Body Condition Score (BCS) protocol is a non-invasive method for assessing and collecting health data without disturbing the animals being studied. The primary goal of BCS is to categorize the amount of body fat in different body parts into different scores that reflect an individual animal's nutritional status. This status can fluctuate throughout an animal's life due to various factors, including food availability, seasonal hormonal changes, age, and reproductive condition. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this approach in analyzing the BCS dynamics of lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) living in two Brazilian biomes: the Cerrado and the Pantanal. These biomes are distinguished by their unique vegetation structures, seasonal variations, and levels of exposure to human-induced threats. We specifically tested how the BCS varies across biomes, health conditions, age stages, and seasonal changes by systematically comparing these factors in tapirs between these biomes. Our findings indicate that the BCS is not effective at capturing predicted differences in health and sex among lowland tapirs within biomes. However, it is a practical method for examining differences among tapirs in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. In the Pantanal region, tapirs showed no significant differences in BCS due to variations in wet and dry conditions, but the results suggest that female tapirs generally have a lower BCS than males. We discuss how the BCS approach can be a tool for monitoring wildlife health and the importance of interpreting its results with caution, particularly for projects that lack resources for a comprehensive health investigation. Moving forward, integrating various methods-such as clinical visual inspections, genetic analyses, and habitat assessments-alongside traditional BCS evaluations could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the health and conservation needs of tapirs and other vertebrate species.
Background: The increasing pressures of urbanization and land-use change highlight the need to evaluate the conservation potential of natural habitat fragments within anthropogenically altered environments. Hong Kong has an intense history of human occupation and subsequent landscape modification, yet culturally significant Fung Shui woodlands have been preserved, with some estimated to date back 400 years. Methods: Here, we adopted a camera trap placement strategy targeting tree hollows, a microhabitat typically associated with mature forests. We assessed the hypothesised value of this resource across 13 Fung Shui woodlands, while providing insight into the ability of these forest patches to support mammalian diversity. Results/Conclusions: We found that these woodlands support a large proportion of the territory's non-flying mammal community (12 species; 40%). This high diversity relative to surveyed habitat patch size likely reflects an abundance of habitat generalists found territory-wide, rather than a remnant community of species reliant on mature forest. We also documented hollow-use by murids, soricids, Pallas's squirrel and East Asian porcupine. A high percentage of total detections of murid rodents (53%) and Pallas's squirrel (46%) were recorded as hollow-use events (either entering, exiting or within a hollow), suggesting that tree hollows play a role in the ecology of Hong Kong's small mammal species. Implications: This study demonstrates that tree hollows in Fung Shui woodlands, and more broadly in Hong Kong, provide supplementary microhabitats for a range of mammals, highlighting the conservation significance of this resource for Hong Kong fauna. Despite the relatively small size of Fung Shui woodlands in Hong Kong, our study underscores the need for their better protection and for further monitoring efforts of large trees and their habitat features across the territory, while providing wider insights on the persistence of biodiversity within habitat fragments in altered mosaic landscapes.
Background and Research Aims: Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of communities living adjacent to protected areas is essential for effective wildlife conservation, as local support-shaped by experiences and perceived costs and benefits-underpins coexistence and long-term conservation outcomes. This study examined how community engagement through park visits, alongside perceived benefits, costs, and demographic factors, influences attitudes toward Tanzania's Ruaha National Park (RNP), wildlife conservation, and lions. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods, pre- and post-visit design using semi-structured, face-to-face questionnaires to assess community perceptions of RNP and wildlife. Surveys were conducted between January 2012 and February 2018 with 933 participants from villages surrounding the park, prioritizing individuals with little or no prior park experience. Complete pre- and post-visit data were obtained from 879 participants. Results: Most participants (64.4%) had never visited RNP prior to the study. Park visitation varied by ethnicity, age, and gender, with younger Maasai and Hehe males visiting more frequently. Before visits, attitudes toward the park were overwhelmingly positive (97.8%), though perceptions varied among villages and ethnic groups. Attitudes toward lions were less favorable, particularly among pastoralists, with 60.1% expressing concern about livestock depredation. Following park visits, 91.5% of participants reported high enjoyment, with pastoralists expressing greater enjoyment than farmers. Positive perceptions of the park remained high (97.5%), and 77% reported improved views of its benefits. Attitudes toward lions within the park improved substantially, although concerns about lions on village land persisted. Conclusion: Park visits significantly enhanced community perceptions of RNP, particularly regarding wildlife protection, recreation, and the intrinsic value of conservation. Even among first-time visitors, experiential exposure fostered positive conservation attitudes. Implications for Conservation: Expanding accessible and culturally appropriate park visitation-particularly for pastoralist communities-alongside sustained conflict mitigation and equitable benefit-sharing, can foster pro-wildlife attitudes, reduce human-lion conflict, and support sustainable conservation outcomes.
