Lowland sand ecosystems are among the most vulnerable and least represented habitat types in area-based conservation frameworks, particularly in the arid landscapes of Central Asia. Despite their high ecological specialization and endemism, these ecosystems remain poorly integrated into national and regional conservation planning. In this study, the applicability of the Important Plant Area (IPA) framework to arid lowland sands was assessed, and the Yozyovon Sand Massif in the Central Fergana Valley (FV), Uzbekistan, was evaluated as a proposed IPA. Floristic surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025, supplemented by herbarium and documentary records, yielded an integrated inventory of 296 vascular plant taxa belonging to 175 genera and 44 families; historical but unconfirmed records were flagged separately and excluded from the IPA trigger-species assessment. The application of 14 Criterion A trigger taxa of high conservation importance, whereas the habitat-based assessment under Criterion C revealed greater spatial discontinuity and a marked reduction in the extent of continuous sandy habitats. Anthropogenic pressures were evaluated using an IUCN-aligned threat assessment approach, which identified irrigated agriculture, hydrological modification, and substrate disturbance as the dominant drivers of ecosystem degradation. To quantify long-term habitat dynamics, Random Forest classifications were applied to Landsat imagery for 1991, 2000, 2015, and 2025 and evaluated using held-out, spatially separated reference data. Within the fixed 416.24 km2 study extent, the mapped Sand area declined from 125.95 km2 in 1991 to 54.79 km2 in 2025, corresponding to an overall reduction of 56.50%. The integration of floristic evidence, standardized threat assessment, and validated land-cover classifications provided a more comprehensive basis for applying the IPA framework in data-poor arid lowland environments. The results support the proposal of the Yozyovon Sand Massif as an IPA. If formally recognized, the site would represent the fourth IPA in the FV and would address a major gap in the regional IPA network. More broadly, this study highlights the need to explicitly incorporate desert sand ecosystems into biodiversity conservation strategies and provides an evidence-based approach for conservation prioritization in arid regions.
Ecotourism in protected areas has experienced significant growth in recent years, increasing scientific interest in understanding its environmental impacts. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on the negative effects of ecotourism in protected areas from a recreation ecology perspective. Using the Scopus database, 684 documents published between 2016 and 2025 were analyzed to identify publication trends, leading countries, influential authors and institutions, subject areas, and thematic evolution. The results reveal a sustained increase in scientific production, with an annual growth rate of 15.25%, particularly from 2019 onward. Environmental Science, Social Sciences, and Agricultural and Biological Sciences were the predominant research areas. The United States, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada accounted for the largest scientific output, while keyword co-occurrence analysis identified ecotourism, protected areas, biodiversity, sustainability, recreation, and environmental conservation as the dominant research themes. The reviewed literature consistently reports environmental impacts associated with ecotourism, including wildlife disturbance, soil degradation and erosion, CO2 emissions, waste generation, and increasing pressure on natural resources. Overall, the findings demonstrate the growing maturity of this research field and highlight the need to strengthen management strategies that promote environmentally sustainable ecotourism in protected areas.
Long-term demographic data for fossorial amphibians remain scarce, yet are critical for understanding population trajectories and guiding conservation actions. In this study, capture–mark–recapture monitoring of the Western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) was conducted in France across contrasting contexts: an Atlantic coastal forest site with a permanent pond (Le Porge) and two Mediterranean agricultural sites with mainly man-made ponds of variable hydroperiod (Le Plan and Les Tours). Using Pradel robust-design models, we estimated seasonal capture probability, seasonal population size, adult apparent survival, and recruitment. Capture probabilities were low to moderate (0.07–0.22) and varied mainly among seasons, with the highest mean detectability at Le Plan. Estimated seasonal population sizes were broadly comparable between Le Porge and Le Plan (typically 200–350 active adults per season), whereas Les Tours supported markedly smaller numbers (50–100), and abundance was generally higher in spring than in autumn. Apparent survival varied with season and sex, and was higher over the autumn–spring interval than over the spring–autumn interval. Mean estimates suggested lower survival at Le Plan (0.63) than at Le Porge (0.76) and Les Tours (0.83), whereas recruitment showed the opposite pattern, with higher mean estimates at Le Plan (0.40) than at Le Porge and Les Tours (0.11–0.12). These patterns should be interpreted cautiously given the influence of sex, season, and time-dependent effects, as well as the confounding effect of site and study period, but may reflect differences in demographic turnover among populations. These results provide the first site-level demographic estimates for P. cultripes in France and may help inform targeted management actions, including mitigation of road mortality, creation of ponds with diverse hydroperiods in agricultural landscapes, and improved connectivity for small isolated populations.
Galvezia leucantha subsp. leucantha is a critically endangered endemic plant of the Galápagos Islands that has suffered drastic population declines due to introduced herbivores and habitat degradation. By 2007, only six individuals remained on northern Isabela Island. In response, the Charles Darwin Foundation, through its Galápagos Verde 2050 Program, implemented a long-term conservation strategy aimed at restoring viable wild populations. This study aimed to support the recovery of this subspecies by combining ex situ propagation with in situ restoration and reintroduction. Morphological traits were documented through high-resolution dissection plates. Seed viability and germination were tested under different pretreatment and substrate conditions. Seedling growth, flowering phenology, and transplant survival were monitored to identify key criteria for restoration success. G. leucantha subsp. leucantha exhibits distinct floral traits, and this study provides the first standarized and detailed visual record documenting its floral morphology. Seed viability reached a maximum of 52.9% when water-treated and recently collected seeds were used. Sodium hypochlorite (3%) significantly improved germination. However, no statistically significant effect on seed viability was detected, and the available data remain insufficient to determine its impact conclusively. Seedlings showed biphasic growth, reaching heights ≥ 60 cm—identified as the minimum threshold for successful outplanting. From 2017 to 2024, 94 nursery-grown plants were outplanted to Playa Tortuga Negra and Caleta Tagus and continuously monitored for subsequent survival. Flowering (October–January) and natural seedling recruitment were recorded at both sites. This study shows how integrating ex situ propagation, monitoring, and adaptive reintroduction can support the recovery of narrowly distributed island endemics. This approach increased the wild adult population to 20 individuals and successfully re-established a second population at a site where the species had been previously extirpated.
Vocal communication involves the transfer of information between individuals through acoustic signals. In urban environments, these signals often encounter challenges that can impede effective communication. According to the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis (AAH), sound transmission varies across habitats and selection is expected to favour vocalisations that maximise signal propagation in a given environment. To evaluate the relevance of the AAH in the territorial song of the Austral Thrush (Turdus falcklandii), a common species in urban areas, we analysed six bioacoustics parameters relevant to communication in urban areas of Concepción, Chile and assessed their association with four disturbance variables related to urban development that could influence vocal communication: ambient noise (dB), vegetation cover (%), built-up area (%) and building height (m). Our results showed no significant relationship between urban disturbance variables and spectral parameters (minimum frequency, maximum frequency, peak frequency) or song duration of Austral Thrush territorial songs. However, ambient noise level significantly affected the temporal delivery rate of song elements: birds in noisier environments sang with faster element rates. Ground cover type also influenced element rate, with birds in bare soil areas singing approximately 0.46 elements/s faster than those in grass-dominated areas. These findings suggest that the Austral Thrush maintains consistent spectral song characteristics across urban disturbance gradients, while modifying the temporal structure of song delivery, representing a previously undocumented behavioural adjustment to urban acoustic conditions in this species.
Accurate species delineation is critical for implementing evidence-based conservation frameworks for endangered species, enabling precise prioritisation of ecological interventions and allocation of conservation resources. Traditionally, finless porpoises across the Indo-Pacific waters were classified into a single species Neophocaena phocaenoides with subdivision of three subspecies. In the past two decades, the finless porpoise has been divided into two separate species: the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise N. phocaenoides and the narrow-ridged finless porpoise N. asiaeorientalis, with the Yangtze finless porpoise as the subspecies (N. a. asiaeorientalis) or freshwater population of the latter. In this review, we synthesise multidisciplinary evidence from morphological and anatomical measurements, biochemical and molecular genetic markers and comparative and population genomics to assess the taxonomic status of the Yangtze finless porpoise. Our synthesis reveals obvious differences between the Yangtze finless porpoise and those marine finless porpoises including (but not limited to) body colour, the length and height of dorsal ridge and the width of tubercule, various skull metrics and life history characteristics, genetic structure by multiple molecular markers. Most notably, recent population genomics studies have uncovered significant genetic structure and especially adaptive evolution associated with water homeostasis and urea cycle, providing the strongest molecular evidence to date for reproductive isolation. In combination with systematic differences in other aspects, we strongly suggest that the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise should be given an independent full species status (N. asiaeorientalis), reproductively isolated from its marine counterparts, the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise N. phocaenoides and the East Asian finless porpoise N. sunameri. Formal taxonomic recognition is critical for effective conservation, as it mobilises enhanced legal protections under national and international frameworks, secures dedicated conservation resources and affirms the irreplaceable evolutionary heritage value of this lineage, none of which would be automatically guaranteed under a subspecific classification.
The theory of island biogeography posits that geographical features play a key regulatory role in shaping biodiversity. As a dispersal-limited group, amphibians are particularly sensitive to island effects. To clarify the community structure characteristics of amphibians on the coastal islands of southern Zhejiang and identify their influencing factors, this study analyzed survey data collected from October 2021 to July 2025. Integrating island geographic characteristics and land cover data, cluster analysis, redundancy analysis, machine learning models, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were employed to elucidate the driving mechanisms behind community structure. The results indicated that a total of nine amphibian species from five families and one order were recorded across 36 islands. Duttaphrynus melanostictus , Fejervarya multistriata , and Hylarana guentheri were identified as the dominant species, showing significant distribution correlations ( P < 0.05). The Shannon-Wiener index was highest on Dongtou Island, Damen Island, Lingkun Island, and Nanji Island. Cluster analysis based on community similarity using the elbow method grouped the islands into two categories. Human activities, along with the proportions of agricultural land and freshwater cover, significantly influenced the current amphibian community structure. The XGBoost model demonstrated the highest goodness of fit for diversity indices and exhibited optimal prediction stability. SHAP analysis identified land area (ARE), shape index (SAI), and distance to the nearest mainland (MID) as key driving factors: ARE had a strong positive effect on island biodiversity, whereas an increase in SAI promoted diversity on small islands. An increase in MID generally reduced diversity on small islands but enhanced it on larger islands. This study quantifies the differential regulatory mechanisms of island geographic features and provides a basis for formulating biodiversity conservation strategies for coastal islands.
A comprehensive morphological and genetic investigation of the widespread copepod species Acartia tonsa Dana 1849 has been conducted across the Black, Caspian, and Baltic seas. A. tonsa is a species that occupies productive estuaries and coastal zones extending from tropical and subtropical regions to higher latitudes throughout the World Ocean. In many regions, it becomes the dominant species within the zooplankton community during the spring and summer seasons. Upon invading non-native ecosystems of higher latitudes, its high abundance allows it to dominate zooplankton communities, playing a vital role in climate-mediated food web shifts; it has the potential to displace native copepod species. Nevertheless, it continues to serve as a crucial dietary component for a wide variety of zooplanktivorous fish. The morphological identification of the genus Acartia presents significant challenges. To date, no genetic methodologies have been employed to address this issue. This research utilizes genetic analyses, including the amplification of the mitochondrial markers CO1, 16S, and Cytb, along with the nuclear marker 18S, to explore the diversity within the genus Acartia offering new insights into spatial distribution of A. tonsa in the warming World Ocean.
Human-wildlife interactions in shared-use landscapes increasingly shape conservation outcomes for large herbivores, particularly where seasonal resource dynamics overlap with anthropogenic land use. In Thailand, the critically endangered banteng (Bos javanicus) persists within protected–buffer mosaics, where non-timber forest product (NTFP) collection and livestock grazing influence habitat use. We quantified seasonal variation in banteng density and habitat use within Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) and the adjacent Huai Thap Salao–Huai Khok Khwai National Forest using repeated dung-count surveys across 130 strip transects over seven periods. Results indicated a mean banteng density of 2.54 individuals/km2, exhibiting low seasonal fluctuations rather than a uniform annual pattern. Density peaked during the late rainy season (2.94 ± 0.56 individuals/km2) and reached its annual minimum during the mid-rainy season (2.00 ± 0.21 individuals/km2). Mixed-effect model evaluations supported the ecological hypothesis, identifying distance from protected area boundaries as the strongest predictor of density, highlighting the reliance on core protected forests. Anthropogenic factors significantly influenced temporal space use: banteng density within NTFP zones declined during intensive harvesting, while receding reservoir levels in the mid-dry season attracted high densities to drawdown grasslands as livestock presence reduced. Our findings demonstrate that, while forest composition dictates initial habitat use, anthropogenic pressures and fire frequency act as dynamic disturbances that strictly necessitate seasonally adaptive conservation strategies. We emphasise the need for seasonally adaptive management, including the regulation of NTFP harvesting during peak periods and the strict prohibition of livestock in dry-season refuges. Furthermore, we propose transitioning from extractive land use to sustainable wildlife tourism near reservoir boundaries to enhance community livelihoods, while ensuring the long-term persistence of this vital banteng habitat.
Data deficiency remains a major constraint in understanding the extinction risk and conservation of Magnolia species globally. Magnolia sumatrae (Dandy) Figlar & Noot. is one of the Indonesian Magnolia species assessed as Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List. It is a tree endemic to Sumatra Island and is known only from Mount Singgalang, Mount Talamau, and Gunung Leuser National Park. In the present study, population surveys of M. sumatrae were conducted in the previously known locations. Additionally, new records of the species in Aceh Tengah Regency, Aceh Province, are reported, which represent its northernmost distribution on Sumatra Island. The implications of these new records for the conservation status of the species are discussed. To ensure the future survival of M. sumatrae , plant materials of the species have been collected to serve as ex situ collections for the first time and become the 11 th Magnolia native to the country available in the Indonesian ex situ collections. Using species distribution modeling methods, the potential distribution of the species is also presented, which predicts the potential habitat in Sumatera Utara Province, where no records have been available so far.
Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and limber pine (Pinus flexilis) are endangered species in Alberta that rely on seed caching by Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) for regeneration. Our objective was to determine which factors affect Clark's Nutcracker habitat use at the northern range limit of 5-needle pine co-occurrence, during fall foraging when seeds are cached, and during the following spring when seed caches are retrieved. This information is essential to inform recovery plans on potential for natural dispersal and regeneration on burns intended for 5-needle pine management. On a large, 2009 prescribed burn in Alberta (5600 ha), we used six automated acoustic recording devices from fall 2018 to spring 2020 to quantify Clark's Nutcracker habitat use. We tested whether Clark's Nutcracker habitat use differed between mast (2018) and non-mast years (2019), between whitebark and limber pine habitat, and burned versus unburned habitat. We used KALEIDOSCOPE PRO acoustic analysis software to quantify nutcracker calls from nearly 2000 hours of recordings with an advanced classifier. Model selection using Akaike's information criterion suggests that nutcracker habitat use depended on masting, habitat type, burned habitat, distance from seed sources, and one or more interactions, in both fall and spring foraging periods. Results from our study show that in the fall when both pine species produce high numbers of cones in close proximity, Clark's Nutcracker used white-bark pine habitat more, particularly unburned stands, suggesting more caching behavior. In the spring when seeds are retrieved, nutcracker habitat use was greater in the non-mast year, particularly in burned whitebark pine habitat. These habitat-use results suggest that in the 2018 mast year, both pine species benefitted from attracting seed dispersers, and further benefitted from lower habitat use the following spring, when caches are vulnerable to seed predation by nutcrackers. Whitebark pine attracted more nutcracker habitat use with fewer trees, and fewer cones per tree than limber pine. The 2009 prescribed burn created attractive habitat for Clark's nutcracker 9-11 years post-fire, demonstrating that opportunities for seed dispersal occur during this period. Continued use of trees resistant to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) by dispersers is essential for natural regeneration to be effective in current recovery strategies, and to leverage existing plantings of white pine blister rust resistant seedling as they reach cone production age in the future.
Immersive virtual reality is increasingly being used as a tool for promoting environmental awareness, particularly to strengthen engagement with nature. However, most research has focused on the short-term effects of a single exposure, neglecting the issue of sustainability and the potential reinforcement of effects through repeated exposure. Furthermore, few studies have examined the role of affective factors such as love and care for nature in this context. The aim of this study was to examine short- and long-term differences in levels of environmental awareness and pro-conservation behavioral intention, depending on repeated (vs. single) exposure to immersive VR depicting degraded nature environments, taking into account love and care for nature as moderators. A laboratory experiment was conducted with 171 students randomly assigned to conditions of single or repeated exposure to immersive virtual reality. Data was collected at two separate times: immediately after exposure and two months later. The results indicate that, in the long term, environmental awareness varies depending on the exposure type, with higher levels observed after repeated exposure compared to a single exposure. However, no significant difference was observed for pro-conservation behavioral intention. Environmental awareness appears to fully mediate the relationship between exposure type and pro-conservation behavioral intention. Finally, the results indicate that love and care for nature positively moderate the relationship between environmental awareness and pro-conservation behavioral intention. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that, in the absence of pre-test measurement of the dependent variables, an intervention effect, in the strict sense, cannot be determined.
Amphibians are amongst the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide and population declines are driven by climate change, habitat degradation and the spread of emerging infectious diseases. One of the most devastating pathogens is Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative agent of chytridiomycosis. In Mexico – a global hotspot of amphibian diversity and endemism – Bd has been reported in numerous taxa. However, studies addressing the potential distribution and ecological niche overlap of this species with native amphibians are limited. In this study, we modelled the potential distribution of Bd alongside 13 amphibian species from three families: Hylidae, Ambystomatidae and Plethodontidae. Species were selected, based on their conservation status, endemicity and data availability, particularly for Pseudoeurycea, which remains poorly studied beyond presence records. Ecological niche models (ENMs) and niche overlap analyses revealed extensive spatial congruence between Bd and amphibian distributions, especially within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and Sierra Madre del Sur — regions already recognised as amphibian biodiversity hotspots. Our findings highlight the high environmental suitability of these plants for both Bd and amphibians and reveal critical areas where the risk of disease transmission may increase. These findings emphasise the urgency of implementing targeted conservation actions, including long-term monitoring, early detection of infections, identification of resistant or tolerant populations and regulation of ecotourism in vulnerable regions. Mapping zones of overlap provide valuable guidance for prioritising areas for disease mitigation and habitat protection, particularly for endangered and endemic amphibian species. Our study offers novel insights into the spatial dynamics of Bd in Mexico and contributes to the development of proactive strategies for amphibian conservation.
The conservation of endangered species is under growing threat from poaching, which has become more complex and globally widespread. In Romania, escalating human–wildlife conflicts and diminished public support for wildlife are driving an increase in poaching. Moreover, the country lacks a centralized and official database to monitor and document poaching events. In this study, we aim to contribute to the understanding of poaching in Romania by (1) identifying the wildlife species most affected by poaching, exploring the incentives behind illegal hunting and fishing, and assessing the methods involved; (2) analyzing the spatial distribution of poaching to identify hotspots of illegal hunting and fishing; and (3) proposing practical and ethical strategies to mitigate and minimize poaching. We examined poaching incidents reported in Romania by national media between 2007 (following the country’s accession to the European Union) and 2024. A series of statistical analyses, including Correspondence Analysis (CA), was conducted to explore patterns within the collected data. The findings indicate that ungulates and aquatic species are primary targets of poaching, largely driven by economic motivations associated with the trade in meat and other animal-derived products. In addition, protected species such as large carnivores are frequently targeted by poachers due to human–wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving livestock predation and low levels of tolerance among local communities. The spatial analysis identifies key poaching hotspots requiring urgent intervention. This study provides a comprehensive overview of poaching in Romania, contributing to the development of a national anti-poaching strategy with policy-relevant recommendations for decision-makers.
The present study presents an initial eDNA-based assessment of metazoan biodiversity associated with Zostera seagrass meadows and neighbouring bare sand habitats in Foros Bay, located along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Environmental DNA metabarcoding targeting the 12S and 18S rRNA regions revealed species-specific habitat associations, the presence of economically important fish species and increased detection frequencies of benthic metazoans in seagrass habitats relative to bare sand. On the contrary, data analyses conducted at the community level revealed that the degrees of compositional heterogeneity, total fish detection and eDNA signals were comparable amongst habitats. This indicates that mobile taxa are not closely associated with particular habitat and that habitat effects depend on the ecological characteristics of the organisms and the spatial scale of the research. These results highlight that Zostera meadows can enhance species richness and diversity; however, they do not consistently stabilise community composition. Our findings, demonstrate that eDNA metabarcoding is an effective instrument for evaluating the ecological and management significance of coastal habitat mosaics.
Amphibian misidentification within the commercial wildlife trade represents a growing challenge for biodiversity conservation and wildlife regulation. Morphologically similar species are frequently traded under incorrect names, which can obscure conservation status, facilitate illegal trade, and mislead consumers. We purchased four specimens advertised as Hoplobatrachus chinensis, a widespread farmed species, from an online marketplace in China. Because of their unexpected morphology upon reception, we barcoded them with a widely used tyrosinase (TYR) gene marker. We reconstructed a Bayesian inference-based phylogeny using a final dataset consisting of 572 bp from 51 homologous TYR sequences. The resulting tree clustered all four samples within the Quasipaa spinosa clade with high posterior probabilities (>0.99), rather than H. chinensis as advertised. This finding indicates that a protected species has been misidentified and traded despite China’s wildlife trade regulations. The case underscores the urgent need for accurate taxonomic identification tools for traders to prevent such misidentifications and stricter amphibian trade regulations to curb the ongoing illegal trade of threatened taxa.
Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are increasingly recognized not only for their symbolic and experiential values but also for their potential to shape human behavior. Song lyrics incorporate natural motifs; however, these references are often generic and not tied to specific places, raising questions about their ability to foster place-based attachment or local engagement with the ecosystems. School songs are institutionally embedded and repeatedly performed within defined communities, which could be making them reinforce local ecological identity. This study examined whether ecological terms in school songs are associated with nature-related education activities. We focused on public elementary and junior high schools in Hachioji City, Tokyo, where Mt. Takao represents a dominant natural landmark. The lyrics of school songs were collected, and keywords related to mountains were extracted. Information on nature-related educational activities was obtained through a questionnaire survey of schools, with valid responses from 63 schools. A statistical test was conducted to determine whether schools with mountain-related terms in their songs were more likely to conduct nature-related educational activities. Results indicated that schools whose songs contained mountain-related terms had educational programs using local green spaces more often than those without such terms. This finding suggests that cultural representations embedded in school traditions may influence educational practices. Our study suggested that CES expressed through place-specific song lyrics can mediate concrete human-nature interactions.
The flowering plant genus Erica (Ericaceae) includes well over 800 species and numerous formally described subspecies and varieties. Many of these are threatened in the wild. The Global Conservation Consortium (GCC) for Erica was established under Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in order to collaboratively prevent species extinctions. To target this work, we need fundamental information on species distributions, conservation status in the wild, and representation in ex situ collections. In large, complex groups like Erica, such data are not necessarily available or easily accessible. Here, we document the current state of ex situ and in situ conservation of threatened Erica species, identify knowledge and resource gaps, and set out priorities for future work. We further developed and consolidated the large body of data on Erica nomenclature, taxonomy, and diversity now openly accessible as a result of collaborative efforts, in particular through the World Flora Online (WFO), the e-Flora of South Africa, and contributors to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). We obtained accessions data for living plant collections from BGCI’s PlantSearch and from botanic gardens directly, and wild distribution data from GBIF. We linked and summarised data in an updated version (4.03) of the openly available Erica Identification Aid to assist in prioritising work. Through discussions in thematic working groups of GCC Erica we identified further priorities for conservation action. The volume of openly available, georeferenced records for species has increased dramatically in recent years. Although fewer than half of threatened Erica taxa are in ex situ conservation collections, many more botanic gardens hold African/Cape species and could contribute to distributed meta-collections. The most urgent research gaps include undescribed and poorly understood diversity (particularly in South Africa and Madagascar) and shortfalls in up-to-date threat assessments. Between ex situ sites we need to establish accession-level comparisons of data and sharing of conservation grade material. We must improve knowledge of seed longevity and techniques for effective cultivation. We should secure species and collect data through collaboration with landowners and the public. Priority action in situ should include clearance of invasive alien plants as well as habitat restoration and reintroduction. Key statistics for Erica species: 1) Total: 830 species (excluding hybrids; plus 364 subspecies and varieties). South Africa: 747 species; Madagascar/Mascarenes: 41; Tropical Africa: 25; Europe/Mediterranean: 21. 2) 45% species revised taxonomically since 1965. 3) 77% species recorded on GBIF in the last 10 years. 4) 90% species threat assessed (38% in the last 10 years). 5) 46 Critically Endangered (CR), 48 Endangered (EN), 95 Vulnerable (VU) (23% threatened). 6) 47% of threatened species in ex situ collections.
Ophryophryne gerti, an endangered toad endemic to the Langbian Plateau, Vietnam, has been known only from a restricted range in Bidoup Nui Ba and Chu Yang Sin National Parks. The conservation and sustainability of the species require knowledge of its true distribution, life history, and genetic diversity. During field surveys from July 2022 to September 2023 on the Di Linh Plateau, the southernmost extent of the Truong Son Range, adult and tadpole specimens of O. gerti were collected. A 940 bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA-16S rRNA region was sequenced for phylogenetic and population genetic analyses. Our findings extend the species' known range approximately 66 km southward, documenting its presence at lower elevations (500-2000 m). Tadpoles of O. gerti are characterized by an oval, depressed body; dorsolateral eyes; sinistral spiracle; pointed tail tip; and keratodont-free oral disc with serrated jaw sheaths. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the newly collected Di Linh specimens belong to O. gerti, which is closely related to O. synoria. Ten haplotypes were detected across populations, with Di Linh showing higher haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.993) but slightly lower nucleotide diversity (pi = 0.00465) than Bidoup-Chu Yang Sin (Hd = 0.791; pi = 0.00485). Both genetic indices and neutrality tests revealed that populations of this species are threatened in the wild, including Di Linh and well-protected areas such as Bidoup-Nui Ba and Chu Yang Sin National Parks. The Di Linh populations carried excess rare variation or low-frequency polymorphisms due to habitat fragmentation. These results highlight the Di Linh Plateau as an important conservation unit for O. gerti and emphasize the need to protect fragmented forest habitats to preserve the species' genetic diversity and adaptive potential.
Waterbirds are increasingly reliant on smaller, spatially separated but ecologically connected satellite wetlands amid the global loss and degradation of large natural wetlands. However, how waterbirds use these wetlands remains poorly understood. Between November 2023 and February 2024, we conducted four monthly surveys of wintering waterbirds across 55 satellite wetlands surrounding Chao Lake, a typical river-connected lake in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River that is now hydrologically disconnected from the main river. We quantified taxonomic (species richness and Shannon diversity), functional and phylogenetic mean pairwise distance (MPD) and mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD), examined their temporal dynamics and environmental drivers, and compared functional, and phylogenetic indices with null models to test the assembly process. We recorded 20,425 individuals of 44 species, averaging 31 species per month, with noticeable temporal variation. Species richness was lowest in November and did not differ among other months; Shannon diversity was lower in November than in December but otherwise similar, while functional and phylogenetic diversity remained stable over time. Species richness increased with wetland area, habitat diversity, landscape connectivity, and distance from settlements, but decreased with shape complexity, while the Shannon index was positively associated with habitat diversity and distance from roads. Functional and phylogenetic clustering increased with greater landscape connectivity. Both dimensions became more over-dispersed with increasing shape complexity, while greater distance from settlements enhanced functional overdispersion but promoted phylogenetic clustering. Phylogenetic MPD was not significantly associated with any environmental variable. Functional and phylogenetic MPD and MNTD matched null expectations, indicating that stochastic processes dominated wintering waterbird community assembly in these wetlands. This study enhances understanding of community assembly in fragmented wetlands and offers insights for their conservation and management.
