We examined the vertical distribution and ecology of epiphytic Peperomia Ruiz Pav. species in tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) of the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India, spanning two forest types: upper montane cloud forest (UMCF) and lower montane cloud forest (LMCF). Mature phorophytes (> 10 cm DBH) bearing substantial epiphytic loads were selected across ten study sites and stratified into five Johansson vertical zones, within which Peperomia populations were characterized through field and microscopic observation. Five epiphytic species were recorded, representing 41
The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), a near threatened antelope endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is declining because of habitat loss, poaching, and human–wildlife conflict. Preserving habitat connectivity is crucial for maintaining viable populations in fragmented landscapes. This study assesses habitat suitability for blackbuck in the Kaimur district of Bihar, India, using the MaxEnt species distribution model. Field observations were combined with bioclimatic and anthropogenic predictors to evaluate potential habitats and inform conservation strategies. Results indicate that 11.75
This study assessed the vegetation composition, structural characteristics, and carbon storage potential of tropical dry deciduous forests across the north-central Eastern Ghats using 45 systematically laid sampling stations between 2021 and 2023. The Vegetation Carbon Pool (VCP) sampling design, combined with the R-BIOMASS package, ensured reliable and consistent estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) and aboveground carbon (AGC). A total of 39,755 trees representing 107 species across 33 families were recorded, with Fabaceae and Rubiaceae emerging as the most diverse families. Stem density varied widely (340–1663 stems ha⁻1), reflecting heterogeneity in stand structure and site conditions. Structural analyses revealed substantial variation in DBH (16.5 ± 7.5 cm), height (10.2 ± 5.6 m), and basal area ( 428 m2 ha⁻1), indicating mixed growth stages. Regression analyses showed that DBH explained a moderate proportion of variation in AGB and AGC (R2 ≈ 0.49), whereas tree height accounted for a much smaller share (R2 ≈ 0.20), highlighting the dominant role of large-girth trees in carbon accumulation. AGB and AGC exhibited pronounced spatial variability, with AGB ranging from 1.3 to 896.7 Mg ha⁻1 and AGC from 0.61 to 421.45 Mg C ha⁻1. Sampling uncertainty remained below 17
Tropical dry forests are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, yet their biodiversity remains understudied compared to humid tropical forests. We integrated functional trait ecology with environmental vulnerability assessments to evaluate multi‑causal disturbances affecting amphibians and reptiles in Oaxaca, Mexico, a hotspot of endemism and biodiversity loss. Environmental Vulnerability Scores (EVS) were constructed for the complete herpetofaunal assemblage and compared against international (IUCN) and national (NOM‑059) classifications. Significant discrepancies emerged: reptiles (n = 222) exhibited higher EVS than amphibians (n = 99), yet 14
Adansonia digitata L. (African baobab) is an ecologically and socioeconomically important tree species across sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence concerning its geographic distribution, population regeneration, indigenous utilisation and conservation remains fragmented across regions and study disciplines. This systematic scoping review synthesised the available evidence and identified geographic and thematic gaps relevant to sustainable management and conservation. Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, six bibliographic databases were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2025, supplemented by reference-list screening. The search identified 94 records, of which 24 publications met the predefined eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. Eligible studies were systematically examined for information on geographic distribution, population occurrence and regeneration, indigenous and medicinal uses, utilisation pressures, trade and conservation interventions. Evidence was synthesised narratively and comparatively across Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, with emphasis on geographic coverage and methodological characteristics. The evidence base revealed substantial geographic and thematic heterogeneity in research on A. digitata. Although reported occurrence was widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, occurrence records should not be interpreted as direct measures of population abundance or demographic security. Across the included studies, regeneration emerged as an important conservation concern, with evidence indicating that persistence of mature trees may coexist with inadequate recruitment. The species is widely reported as a source of food, medicine, materials and livelihood benefits, while land-use change, harvesting pressures and other environmental stresses may threaten long-term population viability. Conservation evidence was unevenly distributed among regions, highlighting important geographic and thematic knowledge gaps. The synthesis also identified opportunities to integrate field-based demographic monitoring with remote sensing, spatial modelling and genetic approaches to improve assessment and conservation planning. Overall, the evidence indicates that conservation assessment of A. digitata should extend beyond documentation of mature-tree occurrence to incorporate population structure, regeneration, recruitment and spatially explicit demographic indicators. Sustainable management should integrate community-based utilisation, protection of regenerating individuals, habitat conservation and improved monitoring of harvesting and trade. Future research should prioritise underrepresented regions, standardised demographic assessments and longitudinal studies capable of distinguishing persistence of mature trees from effective population regeneration. A coordinated framework integrating ecological, socioeconomic and genetic evidence is recommended to strengthen the long-term conservation and sustainable utilisation of A. digitata across sub-Saharan Africa.
