Conservation biology increasingly acknowledges that effective biodiversity conservation is closely linked to social equity; however, gendered dimensions of environmental stewardship remain insufficiently examined within Asian contexts. This paper presents a narrative and conceptual review of ecofeminist and social-ecological scholarship to examine how women’s knowledge, roles, and participation influence biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Asia. Focusing on documented cases from South and Southeast Asia - including community forestry initiatives, indigenous resource management practices, and women-led environmental movements - the study situates gender within core conservation concerns such as ecosystem resilience, local biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource governance. Through thematic synthesis of existing literature and case-based evidence, the review identifies three conservationrelevant dynamics: (i) women’s traditional ecological knowledge contributes to sustainable management of forests, water, and agro-biodiversity; (ii) gender-inclusive participation improves conservation outcomes by enhancing local compliance, stewardship, and institutional legitimacy; and (iii) ecofeminist frameworks provide analytical tools to critique exploitative power structures that undermine both ecological integrity and community-based conservation. The paper contributes to conservation biology by demonstrating how integrating gender equity and women’s participation into conservation strategies can strengthen biodiversity outcomes in Asia. By linking ecofeminist theory with applied conservation practices, the study offers a conceptual foundation for gender-sensitive conservation planning, policy formulation, and communitybased biodiversity management, highlighting women as indispensable actors in achieving long-term ecological sustainability.
Understanding community perspectives on large carnivores is essential for designing effective coexistence strategies in human-wildlife conflict zones. This study examines social attitudes toward leopards among 79 residents of five villages bordering Bannerghatta National Park, India. Semi-structured interviews and quantitative analyses examined how experiences of conflict, institutional support, and compensation influence willingness to coexist. While 72% of respondents supported leopard conservation, only 18% felt coexistence, defined as accepting leopards’ regular presence near settlements, was feasible, revealing a coexistence paradox of moral support without spatial tolerance. No significant associations emerged between conflict experience, perceived support, or compensation and willingness to coexist. However, gaps between official mitigation advice and community beliefs, along with low satisfaction with institutional responses, highlight opportunities for improved outreach. These findings emphasise that coexistence requires more than tolerance; practical progress depends on context-specific risk mitigation, community-inclusive governance, and culturally grounded education that can rebuild trust and support long-term conservation outcomes.
In the current investigation, the diversity, abundance, and conservation status of avian species was documented from May 2023 to August 2023 at Kathok and Khecheopalri Lake, West Sikkim, India. Data was collected using direct observation and point count method. A total of 155 birds from 22 different families and 56 species were reported at the study sites during the periodic visits. The maximum number of the species observed both at Kathok Lake (n=5) and Khecheopalri Lake (n=6) belongs to the family Leiotrichidae. Summer migrants include Verditer flycatcher and Barn swallow at Khecheopalri Lake. The Verditer flycatcher, however, was also observed as a summer visitor at Kathok Lake. For the conservation status, all the recorded species were categorized as “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List and for the Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972, the recorded species were classified under Schedule IV. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index value was found to be 2.52 and 3.27 for Kathok Lake and Khecheopalri Lake, respectively, thus indicating the higher bird diversity at Khecheopalri lake in comparison to Kathok Lake. Consequently, an understanding of the composition and diversity of bird communities is necessary to assess the importance of local or regional landscapes for avian conservation. Further studies in different seasons mainly focusing on how seasonal interactions drive population change in different bird species, are required for better understanding and monitoring of the birds.
The present collection of Sida angustifolia Mill. (Malvaceae), from Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, confirms its occurrence in Tamil Nadu which was previously treated as being doubtful. This species is described and a photographic plate given to assist with its future identification.
Earthworms play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers in soil formation, nutrient cycling, and overall ecosystem function. This report covers the effects of land-use change and climate variability on earthworm diversity and related soil ecosystem processes. With an emphasis on India, a comprehensive literature review of around 48 peerreviewed papers at both regional and global levels was carried out using major scientific databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The overview demonstrates that soil physicochemical properties (such as soil organic carbon, nitrogen, pH, and texture) and climatic parameters (such as temperature and precipitation) have a significant impact on earthworm distribution, variety, and survival. Land-use changes including urbanization, deforestation, and increased agriculture have been shown to reduce native earthworm diversity and alter community composition, while invasive species like Pontoscolex corethrurus contribute to biotic homogenization and disruption of soil processes. The review highlights the detrimental consequences of climate variability and human disturbances on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The lack of long-term datasets and the insufficient mechanistic understanding of species-specific responses to environmental change are two examples of critical knowledge gaps. This study emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring and sustainable land management practices to maintain soil ecosystem services and preserve earthworm variety, particularly in climatically and physiographically diverse locations like India.
Sorong District, situated in the Southwest Papua Province of Indonesia, boasts exceptional avian diversity, attributed to its unique ecosystems and diverse range of habitats including dense forests, wetlands, and lowland ecosystems. This study documents the avian diversity from 5 subdistricts across 14 villages in Sorong District, viz. Kasimle, Klafdalim, Klaforo, Klasarin, Klasof, Matawolot, Ninjemur, Sakamerin, Wonosobo, Asbaken, Rawa Sugi, Klasowoh, Malaguptuk, and Wayankede. This study is the first to document bird diversity in Sorong District within the broader context of identifying High Conservation Value (HCV) areas. Utilizing an HCV framework, the research pinpoints critical habitats and endemic species should be focused for biodiversity conservation. During the study, seventy-four bird species were recorded belonging to 31) families and 13 orders. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating conservation priorities with active involvement from local communities to protect Sorong's avian biodiversity. Moreover, this study alsohighlights the global importance of Sorong District as a significant biodiversity hotspot, emphasizing the need for sustainable land-use management. Recommendations are provided for key areas and actions to preserve bird diversity and the habitats and landscapes that support the sustainability of High Conservation Value areas.
Amphibians play a major role in maintaining ecological balance as they are key indicators of environmental health and contribute significantly to both pest control and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Despite their importance, amphibians are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. We conducted survey from June 2022 to February 2023 in the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, aimed to document the diversity of anuran species and evaluate the conservation challenges they face. Over the course of the study, 14 distinct anuran species were identified, representing 5 families and 11 genera with 1 new record from Assam. All recorded species were classified as "Least Concern" according to the IUCN Red List criteria. However, the sanctuary's amphibians are under threat from the expansion of tea plantations, agricultural development, and increasing human populations.
Vultures are crucial for the ecosystem as they are good scavengers and their population declined because of habitat destruction and food unavailability. This study focuses on the vultures associated with the Gau Shala located in Madhwaliya forest range of Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharajganj district of Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. Association of vulture with Gau Shala helps them to find food. Gau Shala is situated near large grassland area, and the grassland is also used as dumping site of carcass. This grassland provides suitable habitat for foraging because of water availability nearby Gau Shala and presence of trees like Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), and Semal (Bombax Ceiba) which provide suitable roosting sites for vultures. Maharajganj district is located on the international Indo-Nepal border in the North of Uttar Pradesh. This study shows the population of vultures in three different seasons i.e., Summer (n=6), Winter (n=33) and Monson (n=12) in the area of interest. The inter-species correlation analysis revealed distinct ecological associations. White Rumped Vulture showed negative or independent correlations with both Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Himalayan Grif fon Vulture (Pearson r = –0.188), suggesting differing ecological niches or avoidance patterns among species. On the other hand, Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Himalayan Griffon Vulture exhibited perfect positive correla tion (r = 1.0).
Studying of the basin mangrove remnants in Songkhla Lake basin. A vegetation profile diagram was created for each site to illustrate the structural aspects of the vegetation, including plant heights and species composition. Salinity and pH measurements of the water regime were recorded monthly over one year, from September 2023 to September 2024. The study identified 21 plant species across 19 families and 21 genera. These included trees (52.4%, 12 species),herbs (19.0%,4 species) ,and both lianas and ferns (9.5% each, 2 species). The predominant species in this study were Rhizophora apiculata Blume and Lumnitzera racemosa Willd. , Melaleuca cajuputi Maton & Sm. ex R.Powell was found to be dense in disturbed areas. Salinity measurements across the three study sites indicated brackish water conditions. The pH values indicate a neutral environment ) 6 .2-7.2). The soil in these areas contains undecomposed organic matter periodically influenced by saline water but unaffected by tidal movements. All basin mangrove remnants in Songkhla Lake are on private land/or under local administration and have limited ecological knowledge. High land taxes on unused land drive landowners to drain and convert these areas for agriculture, which could soon lead to the permanent loss of basin mangroves in the Songkhla Lake Basin.
Across Asia, climate extremes have emerged as the primary drivers of ecological transformation. Heatwaves, monsoon irregularities, rapid glacier thinning, expanding glacial lakes and marine heat anomalies are reshaping ecosystems at rates far exceeding assumptions embedded in traditional conservation frameworks. These accelerating changes challenge static protected-area boundaries, infrequent monitoring cycles, and management strategies anchored in historical baselines. Foundational studies published in the Asian Journal of Conservation Biology documented early signals of climate-driven change. Chettri et al. (2019) documented warming-induced range shifts in Ophiocordyceps sinensis, while Bhasin et al. (2023) highlighted degradation of high-altitude rangelands in Changthang. Together, these studies underscored the vulnerability of cold-adapted systems well before the recent escalation of climate extremes, which now necessitates a decisive toward climate-adaptive conservation approaches.
African butterflies are essential for ecosystems but face threats. To protect them, aligning biodiversity conventions with specific butterfly conservation goals is crucial. This review aimed to optimize the alignment of regional and international biodiversity conventions for enhancing African butterfly conservation. To achieve this, I systematically assessed relevant conventions, their provisions, some success stories, and implementation effectiveness in Africa. A comprehensive search of academic databases and official convention resources was conducted using rigorous selection criteria to identify high-quality information directly related to butterfly conservation and the role of these conventions. Thus, international and regional biodiversity conventions offer a multifaceted approach to African butterfly conservation. The CBD provides a framework for biodiversity conservation, including identifying, monitoring, and conserving butterfly populations. The ACCNNR indirectly supports butterflies through sustainable resource use and habitat protection. Climate change poses a significant threat, but the UNFCCC can mitigate its impacts. CITES regulates butterfly trade, and its effectiveness can be enhanced through expanded coverage, aligned strategies, and sustainable farming initiatives. The Ramsar Convention, focusing on wetlands, can significantly enhance butterfly conservation by recognizing them as bioindicators and integrating their conservation into wetland management plans. And the World Heritage Convention protects crucial butterfly habitats. These conventions collectively contribute to butterfly conservation by promoting habitat protection, sustainable practices, public awareness, and international cooperation. International conventions have demonstrated their effectiveness in advancing African species conservation through collaborative initiatives. The KAZA TFCA and MDTFCA exemplify successful transboundary cooperation, showcasing how these agreements facilitate large-scale habitat conservation, promote species movement, and enhance research. International conventions are crucial for African butterfly conservation. By fostering cooperation and promoting habitat protection, they significantly contribute to safeguarding butterfly populations. However, resource constraints and data gaps hinder progress. To maximize impact, aligning national plans with international goals, investing in research, and strengthening community engagement are essential.
Zomba Mountain has enormous plant species diversity, mainly contributed by the riparian forest along the Mulunguzi River. Most of these plant species are undisturbed remnants of natural vegetation. This study was carried out in this riparian zone, to explore the relationships for the distribution of species richness and diversity of riparian woody species (shrubs and trees) against elevational change. The nested quadrat method was used to sample woody plants with demarcated dimensions of (50m x20m) for trees, and (5m x 5m) for shrubs in their natural environment. The results portrayed the occurrence of inverse relationships between the distribution of woody species richness and its diversity with increasing elevation. These results led to a monotonic decreasing pattern of species richness and diversity, where more woody species existed in lower elevations than those in higher elevations. These results were ascertained by a single-factor analysis of variance that tested the hypothesis and discovered the existence of their relationships. Significant negative correlation relationships for woody species richness and diversity with elevational change were also supported by both simple linear regression and correlation and the Carl-Pearson correlation coefficient. This study may assist in the formulation of effective measures for the management and conservation of the forest ecosystem.
Highland bamboo (Yushania alpina) is a perennial, multipurpose, and fast-growing plant that significantly supports local livelihoods. This study, conducted in the Dawro Zone of SNNPRG, Ethiopia, aimed to enhance the utilization of bamboo resources. A cross-sectional survey design employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used, with multistage sampling techniques. Site preference showed a strong positive correlation with bamboo production, with a correlation coefficient of .917**. Factors such as site condition, agro-ecology, bamboo species, plantation technique, and tilling frequency were positively correlated with production. Discussions with stakeholders highlighted the need for scientific management to improve production. Traditional products crafted from bamboo include mats, tables, chairs, beehives, and baskets, mostly sold directly to consumers. However, the production remains limited, with poor processing techniques and no formal training provided. Bamboo diseases are poorly managed, with uprooting being the only mitigation strategy. There is no use of commercial fertilizers, and the bamboo market chain is hindered by inadequate infrastructure. Scientific intervention is essential to enhance bamboo utilization in the Dawro Zone.
Ten rare, threatened, and endangered Rhododendron species were collected from different altitudinal ranges starting from 2247masl to 3580masl. of Eastern Himalaya (particularly Darjeeling Hills) were studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA sequences (RAPD) to measure the degree of the genetic diversity and relationship among the species which are urgently needed to promote effective conservation and management activities. Initially, 19 decamer oligonucleotide primers were screened on ten samples for unambiguous and reproducible band patterns. Out of nineteen, six decamer oligonucleotide primers finally yielding the best results were selected and used for the analysis of present samples. Mean 61 alleles were amplified by using six primers, among ten samples. Total 126 were unique bands showing an average of 79.43% polymorphism. The Genetic Similarity Coefficient (GS) was ranging from 0.45455 to 0.93827. The present study shows an average low level of genetic diversity (PIC= 0.2096, Hs= 0.979, Ho= 0.986, Ht= 0.985, I= 3.973). The population of Rhododendron shows a negative value of inbreeding coefficients (Fis < 0) indicating heterozygotes produced by the population due to crosses happens in between genetically distant individuals but the value does not support that there is a chance of outbreeding depression and population bottleneck in recent future. Results of AMOVA show that variation among and within populations is 1% and 99% respectively. The mean inbreeding coefficient (Fst) within subpopulations is 0.006. A dendrogram based on RAPD markers using the neighbor-joining cluster analysis method produced from Jaccards estimates using Free Tree software divided nine (out of ten) Rhododendron species into two main sister groups this result also supported by Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA). The obtained RAPD analysis results also suggested that some rare, threatened, and endangered species of Rhododendron in the present study could maintain moderate levels of genetic diversity. STRUCTURE assessment (ΔK= 5) showed the selected species distributed distantly from each other and estimated that the R. falconeri genotype is the maximum level of admixture among the ten species. Results of Mantel's test show a positive correlation between geographical distance and genetic similarity or dissimilarity of ten Rhododendron species. Whereas the positive regression analysis value (R²= 0.0809) does not tally for the deep connection between geographical distance and genetic similarity or dissimilarity among the evaluated species. Based on the results, summarized that Rhododendron species of Eastern Himalaya are at a high risk of outcrossing depression, which will lead to a population bottleneck. Therefore, immediate conservation (in-situ and ex-situ) measures have to be taken for these rare, threatened, endangered, economically, and ethno-botanically important Rhododendron species.
Mangrove forests are vital components of coastal ecosystems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where they act as natural barriers against environmental hazards. This study aimed to identify and classify mangrove vascular flora, plants adapted to coastal intertidal zones at the species level, analyze their composition and diversity, assess their zonal distribution, and evaluate their conservation status. The study focused on five municipalities: Hinatuan, Barobo, Lianga, San Agustin, and Cagwait, selected for their diverse mangrove ecosystems. Using a non-destructive belt-transect method, the study identified 32 mangrove species from 13 families, totaling 1,301 individuals. Among the most abundant species were R. mucronata (127) and R. apiculata (110). Several species were found to be near-threatened, including C. decandra, H. littoralis, and A. floridum, while those classified as vulnerable included C. tagal, O. octodonta, and A. rumphiana. Additionally, two species, A. aureum and B. gymnorrhiza, are not yet assessed. While, O. octodonta is classified as endemic, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The overall species diversity index was calculated at 3.68, indicating a very high level of diversity. These findings are crucial for participatory resource management, enabling the development of conservation strategies that protect biodiversity while addressing the economic needs of vulnerable coastal communities. The study provides a baseline for future studies and assists local governments in developing effective mangrove preservation strategies while raising community awareness of these critical ecosystems.
The Eastern Ghats offer better opportunity to link plant community structure and environmental drivers through their tropical mountain forests. However, the biotic and abiotic factors lead to rapid degradation along with species loss. Systematic inventorization, documentation and conservation of these biological resources are necessary. Therefore, this study aims to document the diversity of vascular plants and their economic uses in the four protected reserve areas of Nayagarh Forest Division of Odisha. A total of 284 genera and 83 families comprising 364 vascular plant species were recorded. Of these, the most dominant family was Fabaceae (47 species), followed by Acanthaceae (21 species), Poaceae (19 species), Rubiaceae (18 species), Apocynaceae (17 species), Malvaceae (16 species), Asteraceae & Euphorbiaceae (11 each), and Amaranthaceae (9 species), among others. Trees were the dominant life forms possessing (127 species, 35%), followed by herbs (106 species, 29%), shrubs (91 species, 25%), and climbers (38 species, 10%) and fern (2 species, 1%). In utility categories, medicinal plants were showing highest number of species (314), followed by economical (293), food (131) and timber (44) species, respectively. The documentation of diversity and economic uses of the vascular plants of the Nayagarh Forest Division will aid conservation biologists and policy makers in preserving the priceless plant resources as well as their sustainable utilization.
During the extensive bird survey conducted in Raimona National Park (RNP) from January to June 2023, a significant sighting was made: the observation of a nesting pair of Indian Thick-knee (Burhinus indicus) in the Pekua area of RNP, Assam. The sole nest was documented in the riparian zone within the ground zone habitat. On April 18, 2023, two mature Indian Thick-knees and one fledgling were recorded at the nesting habitat site. These birds were observed foraging in the grasslands adjacent to the nest platform during an 8-minute observation window. The observation reaffirmed the bird's breeding season, primarily occurring in March and April, as documented in previous literature. This documented instance of successful breeding of the Indian Thick-knee from Assam is significant, as no prior published literature exists on the subject. The discovery of the Indian Thick-knee nest with surviving fledglings in the riparian zones of RNP underscores the critical need for conservation and protection of this vulnerable landscape to prevent encroachment and alteration for future preservation efforts.
The present study utilised the Maxent model to predict the distribution of the rattan species Calamus flagellum in Assam to prepare potential distribution and future predictions of suitable zones using bioclimatic variables and CMIP6 environmental models within a GIS framework, focusing on the BCC-CSM2-MR-ssp126 model for the period 2021-2040. Along with the predicted variables, a land use and land cover prediction map of 2040 is also prepared using MOLUSCE plugins (ANN-Multi layer perception) from QGIS 2.8.2 version to anticipate and establish probable land use changes in the year 2040 as well as to detect the transition of land use changes in the study area for the three periods 2014, 2017 and 2020. The model demonstrates high significance with AUC validation statistics of 0.96 for current and 0.95 for future predictions. These results can be utilized to conserve the species under both present and future climatic scenarios.
A new species, Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon sp. nov., from a freshwater-associated habitat in Uva province, Intermediate Zone, Sri Lanka, is described using males and reliably associated larvae. Males of this species are distinguished by a transparent pronotum and elytra with bright red thoracic terga and mesocutellum, pale yellow abdominal ventrites, and medial restricted photogenic organs. The conical-shaped photogenic organs challenge the traditional generic diagnosis of Diaphanes using light organ morphology.
Local knowledge about natural resources is increasingly crucial in formulating conservation strategies and activities. This study collects data regarding medicinal plant use from Sepahat and Tamiang village residents. A total of 100 participants were included in the study, consisting of 50 participants from the Sepahat and another 50 from the Tamiang. Respondents were selected using the Snowball sampling technique, which involved identifying a key individual, such as local leaders, to initiate recruitment of other respondents. The study's findings indicate that the inhabitants of Sepahat village utilize 36 plant species belonging to 24 families, while Tamiang villagers use 11 plant species belonging to eight families. In Sepahat village, the botanical components used for medication comprise 25% rhizomes, 8% bark, 22% fruit, 3% shoots, 34% leaves, and 8% stems. In contrast, Tamiang comprises 23% rhizomes, 16% bark, 15% fruit, and 46% leaves. The utilization of stems and bark has the potential to pose a threat to sustainability. Among various uses, it has been observed that approximately 33% in Sepahat and 27% in Tamiang can lead to plant mortality. Conservation initiatives have been undertaken for 71% of Sepahat and 67% of the utilized plant species in Taminag. Traditional medicines have been used for generations to treat various health conditions, such as back pain, bleeding, controlling cholesterol, coughs, dengue fever, and diabetes. While current use might not threaten the biosphere reserve, villagers must embrace sustainable harvesting techniques, including selective harvesting, replanting, and establishing community nurseries dedicated to cultivating medicinal plants
