Understanding how urbanisation shapes animal behaviour and habitat use is critical for biodiversity conservation in human-modified landscapes. We investigated the effects of sex, environmental conditions, and habitat structure on micro-habitat use patterns, basking behaviour, and activity patterns of the rainbow lizard (Agama agama) in a semi-urban environment in southern Nigeria. A total of 203 sightings were recorded across farms, residential areas, and plantations. Micro-habitat use was strongly non-random, with individuals more frequently occupying elevated, anthropogenic structures. Males were more frequently associated with exposed substrates, whereas females predominantly used sheltered or vegetated micro-habitats, indicating sex-specific spatial strategies. Basking was the dominant behaviour across all contexts and increased significantly with environmental temperature. Binomial modelling revealed that males had a higher probability of basking than females, with differences becoming more pronounced at higher temperatures. Weather conditions modulated this relationship, with reduced basking under cloudy conditions, although temperature remained a key predictor. In contrast, macro-habitat type had a limited direct influence on behaviour compared to fine-scale habitat features. Activity budgets further highlighted sex- and environment-dependent behavioural variation, with males engaging more in basking and territorial behaviours, while females showed higher frequencies of resting and sheltering. These findings emphasise the importance of micro-habitat structure and sex-specific strategies in shaping urban reptile ecology. Incorporating structural heterogeneity into urban planning may enhance habitat suitability and promote ecological resilience in urban ecosystems.

As global visitation to PAs (Protected Areas) nears record highs, the Island Model of car-centric governance has become a primary culprit of ecological degradation and social marginalization. This review follows changes in transportation in PAs from early scenic drive glimpses in the aesthetics of nature, through the overwhelmed shock of COVID and over-tourism, to coauthoring a new management approach, the Socio-Ecological Mobility Structure (SEMF). Envisioned as a revolution in protected area governance, the SEMF aims to reconceptualize protected areas not as isolated sanctuaries but rather as dynamic nodes within regional socio-ecological transportation networks. Combining three key concepts from Green Transit Corridors, Soft Mobility Networks, and Digital Governance, the SEMF promises a new scalable strategy to meet the Dual Mandate of public access and resource protection. In this paper, we discuss the technical needs and governance interventions needed to transition toward Infrastructure Dematerialization, as exemplified by the use of the Mobility Health Index (MHI) to inform visitor flow management. By comparing remote and urban fringe protected area dynamics, we show that solving the Last Mile Problem and achieving Mobility Justice are part of ecological necessity, not altruism, and decoupling visitation from the environment by a Decoupling Coefficient (D), to supply the intuition, data, and analytics, will be essential to 21st-century conservation. Because of this, we conclude that maintaining the wildland urban interface in the future depends upon the reconceptualization of transportation from an added logistical burden to an elegant means of fostering ecological and social resilience.

Modern urban environments are increasingly disconnected from human evolutionary biology, contributing to a dementia cliff where rising rates of cognitive decline threaten global healthcare sustainability. This commentary argues that Protected Areas (PAs) are not merely recreational spaces but essential neurological infrastructure. Physical exercise triggers the release of the myokine Irisin, which crosses the blood-brain barrier to stimulate Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. However, in high-stress urban or gym settings, elevated cortisol levels act as a biochemical brake, suppressing this neurogenic potential. Natural environments provide a green multiplier effect: forest phytoncides and fractal visual patterns lower systemic cortisol, unlocking the brain to receive maximum BDNF dividends. Furthermore, navigating the stochastic, uneven terrain of natural trails demands intense spatial mapping and proprioceptive engagement, physically enlarging hippocampal volume. By delaying the clinical onset of neurodegeneration by three to five years, universal access to green exercise offers a superior return on investment (ROI) compared to traditional pharmacological interventions. Integrating health and environmental policies is a biological and economic necessity to ensure long-term cognitive resilience in an ageing population.

This study examined the nutritional and mineral composition of edible insects (EIs) at different developmental stages (nymphal, larval and adult) in comparison with chevon. Laboratory experiments conducted at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, included proximate and mineral analyses to determine the contents of moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, energy and essential elements. The results showed that EIs contained markedly lower moisture (4%-17%) than chevon (69%) but were significantly richer in protein (up to 50% in Rynchophorus phoenicis vs 18% in chevon), carbohydrates (15%-20% vs 3%), and metabolisable energy (1 398 kJ/100 g in crickets vs 109 kJ/100 g in chevon). Macroelements were more abundant in EIs, with sodium (112 mg/100 g in Macrotermes bellicosus vs 82 mg/100 g in chevon), potassium, magnesium and calcium exceeding the levels found in chevon. Conversely, trace elements, such as zinc and iron, were generally lower in insects than in chevon. Adult insects exhibited slightly higher nutritional values than larvae or nymphs, except for crude fat, which was greater in the latter. These findings highlight the potential of EIs as nutrient-dense alternatives that can help address protein-energy malnutrition while contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 3. Greater awareness, farmer training and supportive policies for insect farming are recommended to maximise their role in improving nutrition, health and sustainability.

Entomophagy is a globally recognized ancient practice with substantial potential as a sustainable source of animal protein and essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This practice warrants encouragement due to its role in addressing food security and promoting human health and development. This study investigated consumer knowledge and perceptions regarding selected edible insects (EIs) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, a region characterized by inherent entomophagy. Structured questionnaires were administered to 450 respondents across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs), focusing on key EIs: Macrotermes bellicosus (Termite), Brachytrupes membranaceus (Cricket), Oryctes rhinoceros (Raffia palm beetle), and Rynchophorus phoenicis (African palm weevil). Also investigated were the contributions of EIs to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by gathering information about harvest, sale, consumption, and other purposes. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that crickets and termites are consumed at adult stages, while palm weevils and raffia palm beetles are favored in larval and adult forms. A perception of disgust was articulated by respondents in Eket (53.58

Adolescence is a pivotal stage of heightened brain plasticity and risk, neurobiologically marked by the comprehension lag between the emotion regulating subcortical areas and the executive functioning prefrontal cortex. This commentary provides a critical, evidence-based appraisal of urban recreational parks as essential neuro-structural scaffolding for the maturing adolescent brain. By reviewing publications from both the fields of neurobiology and emergency medicine, we identify the three way collaborative actions through which these places help to develop the adolescent brain namely neurogenesis (increased BDNF), regulation to the HPA axis, and myelination (white matter optimization). Additionally, this article deals with the Green Gap issue by stating that the provision of a good standard of open air recreational facilities is not a luxury granted by city authorities but rather a public health requirement for the proper development of the adolescent brain and for the prevention of trauma.

Recreational planning in the Global South is frequently constrained by Western models that prioritize ornamental aesthetics over local socio-ecological crises, resulting in metabolically inefficient and exclusionary landscapes. This paper proposes the Agro-Blue Commons (ABC): a reframed infrastructure that integrates food production, sustainable water management, and communal leisure. The framework is validated through a qualitative meta-synthesis of four illustrative prototypes in Lagos, Mumbai, Rajasthan, and Nairobi, selected via purposive sampling to represent diverse biomes and climate-vulnerable informality archetypes. These cases were evaluated using a diagnostic Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) focused on metabolic circularity, governance polycentricity, and socio-spatial accessibility. Drawing on non-colonial Northern precedents—such as Goetel’s socialized nature and Krakow’s health-integrated gardens—the ABC model treats recreation as a survival metabolism. The study explores how intersectional governance, including labor-for-resource credits, and anti-gentrification strategies like "Just Green Enough" can transition ornamental spaces into productive commons. Results demonstrate that triadic integration (food–water–leisure) enhanced by polycentric stewardship increases urban resilience and reduces resource dependency. However, systemic change requires addressing municipal barriers, specifically institutional inertia and insecure land tenure, to prevent the speculative displacement of marginalized communities. By situating the model within established planning frameworks—such as Mumbai’s DP 2034 and Nairobi’s Urban Agriculture Act—the ABC framework provides a decolonized, actionable roadmap for the resilient 21st-century city.

Food safety in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasingly compromised by invisible chemical contaminants in wild-sourced proteins, often referred to as bushmeat. This study provides a novel integration of toxicological risk assessment and socio-behavioral modeling by analyzing 60 consumers and meat samples of the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) across Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Chemical analysis revealed severe heavy metal contamination. Zinc (385 mg/kg) and Chromium (2.5 mg/kg) significantly exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible thresholds by 7.6 and 2.5 times, respectively. Health risk assessments demonstrated a cumulative Hazard Index (HI) of 2.440, indicating significant non-carcinogenic health risks for consumers. Furthermore, the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for Chromium reached 3.82 × 10⁻4, dangerously exceeding the globally acceptable threshold. Socio-behaviorally, a stark literacy-awareness paradox emerged. Despite 60.71% of respondents holding a tertiary education, 57.14% were entirely unaware of the causes of chemical contamination, and 60.71% were unfamiliar with safety or risk-reduction practices. Binary logistic regression confirmed that education level (p < 0.05) and specific toxin awareness (p < 0.01) are critical predictors of consumer behavior. Notably, toxicologically aware individuals were 7.28 times more likely to pay for safety-certified bushmeat. These findings imply that standard educational campaigns are insufficient. Public health interventions must shift from general literacy to localized, evidence-based risk communication to mitigate chronic toxicity and protect urban food systems.

This chapter examines innovative techniques in soil remediation, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to restore degraded land. It discusses various bioremediation strategies, including phytoremediation, mycoremediation, and microbial bioremediation, which utilize biological organisms to detoxify contaminated soils. Additionally, the chapter highlights advancements in electrokinetic remediation, green chemistry approaches, and biochar applications for carbon sequestration. The importance of policy frameworks and economic incentives in promoting these technologies is also analyzed, emphasizing the role of community engagement in successful remediation projects. Additionally, a promising avenue for further research is the optimisation of soil restoration procedures through the application of neural networks and machine learning. The challenges of scaling up innovative remediation techniques, regulatory barriers, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration are addressed to pave the way for effective land restoration. By embracing these innovative methods, stakeholders can work towards enhancing soil health, promoting sustainability, and contributing to global environmental goals.

The African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, faces significant threats across its range, yet specific data from many regions, including parts of the Niger Delta, remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the population status, habitat conditions, and anthropogenic pressures impacting O. tetraspis in Omuihechi Community, Aluu, Nigeria. Systematic sampling, involving visual encounter surveys along six established transects, habitat assessments, structured questionnaires, and interviews with local hunters/fishermen (n = 7), was employed. Relative abundance was derived from survey counts, while anthropogenic activities were quantified by frequency of occurrence. The interview data provided valuable insights into hunting pressures and local perceptions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Farming (19) and logging (7) were the most frequent habitat disturbances. Hunting, primarily for sale (85.71%), has a significant impact on the species, with juveniles being the most targeted size class (57.14%). Relative abundance averaged 102 individuals across surveys, with notable variation between transects (Transect 2 highest: avg. 31; Transect 4 lowest: avg. 9.5). Most hunters (71.43%) caught crocodiles opportunistically, predominantly using wire traps (85.71%) during the dry season (100%). Most respondents (57.14%) perceived a decline in crocodile numbers. O. tetraspis in the Omuihechi Community is under considerable pressure from habitat alteration (primarily farming and logging) and unsustainable hunting practices targeting juveniles. Urgent conservation actions are needed. It is recommended to implement community-based conservation programs focusing on awareness campaigns about the ecological role of crocodiles and the negative impacts of current hunting levels, alongside the development and promotion of alternative livelihood options to reduce reliance on hunting. Enforcement of existing wildlife laws and continued population monitoring are also crucial for the species' long-term survival in the region.

This study compared the effectiveness of three different types of beehives (Kenyan top-bar, Langsthroth frame, and perforated mud-pot hives on honey production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Parameters assessed in the study included the weight gained from bee occupation, honey yield, and monthly weight gain in the hives. The study was conducted over a period of six months, and the data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD was used to ascertain mean differentiation. The results obtained indicated that the Kenyan top-bar hive was the most effective hive in terms of weight gain (7.55±8.82 kg) from bee occupation, and monthly weight gain (3.18±3.06 kg). The Langsthroth frame hive was the second most effective with the highest honey yield (6.67±5.72 litres), while the perforated mud-pot hive was the least effective hive. Moreover, there was significant difference in honey yield between the three hives (p < 0.05) and the value gained from honey production using the Kenyan top-bar hive was almost four times its cost of production. The study, therefore recommends the Kenyan top-bar hive and Langstroth frame hive for beekeepers interested in maximizing their honey production.

Protected areas are vital for biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services, including recreation and tourism. However, while on-site ecological impacts are well-documented, the land-use footprint of protected area recreation extends well beyond protected boundaries. This paper conceptualizes the extended land-use footprint, defined as the total area of land both directly and indirectly required to sustain recreational activities linked to protected areas. It encompasses off-site impacts arising throughout the visitor journey and associated supply chains, including transportation infrastructure and energy use, accommodation and ancillary services, food production, equipment manufacturing, and waste management. Collectively, these processes contribute to land-use change, habitat fragmentation, and resource depletion at multiple spatial scales, from local to global. Methodologically, the study applies a multi-scalar analytical framework that integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Input-Output Analysis (IOA), and spatially explicit modelling to capture both proximate and distant effects. This synthesis demonstrates that existing management paradigms often neglect these externalized costs, thereby underestimating the full ecological burden of recreation. The paper advances a conceptual and methodological foundation for assessing and mitigating these off-site impacts, emphasizing the importance of data integration, standardized indicators, and cross-sectoral policy coherence.

The tropical plant Cola accuminata, more often known as Cola nut, has a long history of traditional and ethno-medical applications. Our discussions have covered many topics related to Cola accuminata, such as its phytochemical components, nutritional qualities, scientifically proven pharmacological effects, ethnomedicinal usage, safety concerns, and commercial values. Caffeine, theobromine, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds are only some of the many phytochemicals found in Cola accuminata. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-glucose, neuroprotective, and cancer-fighting activities can be attributed to these components. Scientific studies proving the plant’s usefulness in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models give data supporting these pharmacological potentials. Cola accuminata has a wide variety of historical and contemporary applications in traditional and folk medicine. It has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a stimulant, to improve memory and focus, as an aphrodisiac, to treat respiratory diseases, and to control gastrointestinal issues. In addition to its diuretic properties, Cola accuminata has been used in wound healing and ulcer care. Nevertheless, when working with Cola accuminata, it is essential to prioritize safety. Cola accuminata contains caffeine, which in large doses can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat in those who consume it. Care should also be required during pregnancy, lactation, and with certain medical conditions to avoid adverse reactions, drug interactions, gastrointestinal distress, and other complications. In addition, Cola accuminata has marketable qualities. Beverages, flavours, and conventional herbal medicines all benefit from their use. Moreover, the pharmaceutical sector is also interested in its features for the creation of new medicines and therapeutic agents.