Conservation, Volume 4, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 20 articles

The population of the endangered southern greater glider (Petauroides volans) is rapidly declining across coastal lowlands in New South Wales, Australia. Here, we focus on a typical coastal lowland glider population in Seven Mile Beach National Park, New South Wales, that is declining primarily due to habitat fragmentation. This study aimed to assess the population’s status and viability in order to guide conservation efforts. Using the double-observer distance sampling method, we estimated the population size to be 347 gliders, with a density of 0.46 gliders/ha. Population viability analysis revealed a high extinction risk, with only a 1% chance of survival over the next 50 years. Fire was identified as the primary threat, followed by a low effective population size and inbreeding. The most effective conservation strategy involved genetic reinforcement through possible translocation and the installation of up to 50 nest boxes to improve habitat (hollow) availability. Full article

Whale blow, the vapor exhaled during respiration of cetaceans, provides valuable genetic information to monitor health status and population dynamics. However, obtaining samples of sufficient quality and quantity remains a challenge, particularly for small odontocetes. Here, we developed both field and laboratory protocols optimized for the genetic analysis of blow samples of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Blow collection was performed from a small research vessel at a slow speed using a hand-held carbon fiber pole equipped with a sterile Petri dish. Determination of the sex was conducted using up to five PCRs of multiplexed markers from a classical methodology (SRY + ZFX/ZFY genes) and a novel protocol (SRY + FCB17) optimized for highly degraded, fragmented and/or scarce DNA. A total of 47 blow samples of free-ranging pilot whales off the Canary Islands were collected. The presence of DNA was confirmed in 98% of the blow samples, which were further processed resulting in 32 of them with positive genetic sex determination applying the novel methodology (70%), compared to only 8 (19%) with the classical method. Results confirmed the success of sampling, DNA extraction and sex determination using multiplexed markers in blow samples of odontocetes. This protocol represents an important management tool to conduct future non-invasive health assessments of small cetaceans in the wild. Full article

Recently, there has been growing interest by farmers and researchers in various agroecological approaches enhancing biodiversity and conservation including the use of natural herbicides derived from fungi to provide adequate weed control. This change is driven by growing concerns about herbicide resistance, environmental impacts and regulatory requirements. This review summarizes the results of various studies and highlights the efficacy and benefits of fungal bioherbicides in weed control. Fungi-based bioherbicides utilize the natural weed suppression capability of selected fungi to reduce weed density and competitiveness without completely eradicating the plants and such an approach is at the core of agroecology. Bioherbicides contribute to conservation by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides. By reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals, fungal bioherbicides help preserve soil health, water quality and protect non-target species, including beneficial organisms such as pollinators and soil microbes. They also promote biodiversity by selectively targeting specific weed species, leaving native plants and other organisms unharmed and favoring diversified weed flora without the dominance of a few species. Despite their promising potential, bioherbicides face several challenges, including delayed action, production difficulties and the potential toxicity of certain fungal toxins to mammals. This review highlights the growing adoption of fungal bioherbicides as an eco-friendly component of Integrated Weed Management (IWM). Further research is necessary to identify optimal fungal strains for controlling persistent weeds without putting at risk the overall biodiversity and to develop improved formulations for enhanced efficacy. Full article

High-severity wildfires create heterogeneous patterns of vegetation across burned landscapes. While these spatial patterns are well-documented, less is known about the short- and long-term effects of large-scale high-severity wildfires on insect community assemblages and dynamics. Ants are bottom-up indicators of ecosystem health and function that are sensitive to disturbance and fill a variety of roles in their ecosystems, including altering soil chemistry, dispersing seeds, and serving as a key food resource for many species, including the federally endangered Jemez Mountain salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus). We examined the post-fire effects of the 2011 Las Conchas Wildfire on ant communities in the Valles Caldera National Preserve (Sandoval County, New Mexico, USA). We collected ants via pitfall traps in replicated burned and unburned sites across three habitats: ponderosa pine forests, mixed-conifer forests, and montane grassland. We analyzed trends in species richness, abundance, recruitment, loss, turnover, and composition over five sequential years of post-fire succession (2011–2015). Ant foraging assemblage was influenced by burn presence, season of sampling, and macrohabitat. We also found strong seasonal trends and decreases over time since fire in ant species richness and ant abundance. However, habitat and seasonal effects may be a stronger predictor of ant species richness than the presence of fire or post-fire successional patterns. Full article

Small mammals play important roles as ecological indicators, dispersers of seeds, food for various species, and contributors to a stable and healthy ecosystem. However, the lack of ecological data to inform their conservation remains a significant challenge in the protection of many rare and threatened species in their natural environments. Among the various small mammals at risk is the Madras hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris), endemic to a few districts in South India. To inform conservation initiatives for this species, distribution data and thorough investigations of the threats that the species is facing are of upmost importance. In this study, we focused on finding new distribution records for P. nudiventris through field visits and community interviews. Further, we compiled and analysed rescue data for P. nudiventris from the years 2012 to 2022 and used this information to further map the species’ presence in selected districts. To supplement our findings, we gathered information from previously published sources, newspaper reports, and roadkill data. We conducted a questionnaire survey interviewing village residents between January 2021 and May 2022 to collect primary data on the presence of hedgehogs. Our efforts resulted in the recording of 230 sightings of P. nudiventris in a total of 19 districts in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. These discoveries contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of this species and will be useful in conservation planning and management at local and national levels. Full article

The East African country of Djibouti is known to host an important seasonal feeding aggregation of whale sharks that allows the frequent observation of their surface feeding behaviour. The influence of environmental factors on the different whale shark feeding strategies (passive, active, and vertical) was studied over a four-year period (2017, 2020, 2022, 2024) in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Across 81 immature male whale sharks identified and 1082 surface feeding behaviours recorded in this period, the chlorophyll-a concentration was the main parameter predicting the choice of the filter-feeding technique. Active and vertical feeding behaviours were associated with rainfall, lower sea surface temperature, worse sea conditions, and low wind speed during the morning, all factors positively correlated to chlorophyll-a concentration. On the contrary, passive feeding behaviour was favoured in the inverse environmental conditions. Both passive and vertical feeding behaviours occurred during El Niño events, whereas active feeding was more common during La Niña events. Since it is known that whale shark abundance and distribution are associated with food availability at coastal locations, it is fundamental to understand environmental drivers of filter-feeding strategies when managing conservation efforts for this endangered species. Recommendations for future research work at this site are presented. Full article

The sustainable management of aquaculture by-products is crucial for advancing circular economy practices. Mediterranean mussel shell waste, rich in calcium carbonate, presents a sustainable alternative to conventional liming materials, especially for mitigating soil acidification, a very important and common issue that limits crop productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of processed mussel shell waste in enhancing soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability. A 180-day pot experiment using highly acidic soil (pH < 4.5) collected from a local field was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design. Treatments involved two grain sizes of mussel shell powder (Fine: <1 mm; Coarse: 1–2 mm) at rates between 0.1 and 6%. Treated soil pH was measured monthly, whereas organic matter, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) were measured at the beginning and the end of the experiment. The results revealed significant improvements in pH, organic matter, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K), particularly in the Fine Powder treatments. However, total nitrogen (N) remained unaffected. These findings highlight the potential of mussel shells as an eco-friendly and cost-effective amendment, advancing sustainable agriculture and waste recycling, thus contributing to broader conservation efforts by reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture waste and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience through sustainable resource management. Full article

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) have been used for eradication of mammals such as rats and mice on islands for more than three decades. Baits containing 25 to 50 parts per million of an AR (usually the second-generation anticoagulant brodifacoum) were aerially applied to 70% or more of the area on islands. In some areas, baits entered the seas. Many apparent coincidences between the AR bait applications and marine mammal strandings that were observed are summarized and discussed. The coincidences were not well studied and the associations between AR applications and mammal strandings have been understudied or denied. Such associations warrant a need to investigate whether AR applications are directly associated with marine mammal deaths and strandings, for which challenges are discussed. Monitoring marine ecosystems faces many challenges. This review calls for attention to consider and possibly establish a reasonable certainty of no harm for ecosystem restoration efforts. Cases potentially related to ARs are presented to illustrate the concept and the need of establishing such a certainty. Full article

For the past 20 years, reintroduction efforts have been underway to re-establish a migratory population of Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita) in Central Europe, which now consists of more than 250 birds. They breed both north and south of the Alps and migrate to a common wintering ground in Tuscany. Recently, the start of autumn migration has been increasingly delayed, which correlates with extended warm periods in autumn. Later in the year, however, the birds no longer find sufficient thermals to cross the Alps and remain in the northern Alpine foothills. In order to save their lives, we had to capture the affected birds before the onset of winter, which is not a sustainable solution. A new approach to solving the problem is the establishment of a second migration route to a wintering area in Andalusia, Spain, connecting our population with a sedentary population there. The new migration route bypasses mountain barriers and also allows the birds to reach the wintering grounds later in the year. The modelling of a pan-European population will provide the birds with high ecological and spatial flexibility. Our project exemplifies the consequences of advancing global warming for animal populations and the associated challenges for conservation projects. Full article

The early connection children form with nature is vital in fostering positive attitudes towards the environment. Television plays a significant role in shaping these attitudes, yet the inclusion of environmental messaging in children’s programs remains unexplored. This study investigates the extent of conservation messages and nature portrayals on Australian free-to-air children’s television. A mixed-methods approach was employed, analysing all programs airing on ABC Kids, a network aimed at children aged two to six years old, over a seven-day period. Phase 1 involved summarising program descriptions, types, styles, moral themes, and durations. Phase 2 entailed viewing all episodes and noting environmental representations, which were then analysed using content analysis. Only 14.3% of programs (10/70), representing 10.3% of airtime (481/4652 min), included an ‘Environmental Experiences’ moral theme. Content analysis revealed six distinct themes in environmental representations, with more positive than negative messages. These messages were predominantly implicit, conveyed through character dialogue and imagery. Environmental moments represented a balance of flora and fauna but were largely not fact-based. This study suggests a need for increased airtime for environmentally focused programs and more consideration of current environmental issues. Producers are encouraged to include more positive environmental morals and align themes with children’s learning styles to enhance their connection to and understanding of environmental issues. Full article

On the surface of the Cave of Altamira’s prehistoric paintings, a series of active deterioration processes are evident, leading to significant alterations of this invaluable heritage. This study proposes a comprehensive methodology for the systematic recording and management of these alterations. To achieve this, advanced microphotogrammetric monitoring techniques are employed, allowing for the acquisition of very high-resolution images that provide objective and quantifiable data that let us determine the evolution of the alterations. By comparing these images with those from earlier campaigns, the study tracks changes. The data collected through this protocol has helped with the development of new research avenues to understand, among the many alteration processes that impact paintings, the dynamics of water and fluid mechanics affecting the conservation of Cave of Altamira. These investigations help clarify how, why, and at what rate degradation processes such as pigment migration, washing, and bacterial colonization occur. The insights gained from these techniques inform indirect conservation measures aimed at reducing the deterioration of the cave art, located both on the Polychrome ceiling and throughout the rest of the Cave of Altamira. The results underline the importance of regular monitoring and the application of precise, non-invasive techniques to protect rock art from continued degradation. This research provides a model for similar conservation initiatives at other vulnerable heritage sites. Full article

The rapid decline in global biodiversity demands innovative conservation strategies. This paper examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in wildlife conservation, focusing on the Conservation AI platform. Leveraging machine learning and computer vision, Conservation AI detects and classifies animals, humans, and poaching-related objects using visual spectrum and thermal infrared cameras. The platform processes these data with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformer architectures to monitor species, including those that are critically endangered. Real-time detection provides the immediate responses required for time-critical situations (e.g., poaching), while non-real-time analysis supports long-term wildlife monitoring and habitat health assessment. Case studies from Europe, North America, Africa, and Southeast Asia highlight the platform’s success in species identification, biodiversity monitoring, and poaching prevention. The paper also discusses challenges related to data quality, model accuracy, and logistical constraints while outlining future directions involving technological advancements, expansion into new geographical regions, and deeper collaboration with local communities and policymakers. Conservation AI represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent challenges of wildlife conservation, offering a scalable and adaptable solution that can be implemented globally. Full article

Dry rainforest communities are globally threatened by anthropogenic pressures and climatic change but are less well researched and more poorly conserved than mesic rainforests. In response to the increasing loss of biodiversity, the Australian Government joined other international signatory parties to adopt the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The GBF emphasises the maintenance of connectivity and genetic diversity of whole ecosystems via landscape-scale conservation initiatives. Rainforest plant diversity, distinctiveness, and the current level of conservation of seasonal rainforest regional ecosystems of the Central Queensland Coast region in Australia were evaluated. Our three-marker DNA barcode dated phylogeny of rainforest plant taxa together with community species lists were used to calculate phylogenetic diversity (PD) estimates and species composition. Levels of rainforest ecosystem protection were assessed using Queensland government data. This study found selection pressures for moisture and geology significantly influence rainforest distribution and species diversity and evidence of a high degree of variability in terms of conservation. While some phylogenetically distinctive rainforest community types were well conserved, restricted or endangered communities were very poorly protected. Additionally, we found smaller dry rainforests in the Central Queensland Coast represent regional plant migration but are inadequately protected, highlighting the need for a revision of conservation objectives within the region. Full article

Pest rodents cause extensive damage to crops worldwide. Up to 40% of global crop production is lost annually to pests and diseases, with rodents accounting for 15–30% of this loss amounting to billions of dollars each year. The current method of controlling rodent populations involves the extensive use of chemical rodenticides. While effective in the short term, these chemicals pose serious environmental and health risks, leading to secondary poisoning of non-target species and other long-term negative ecological consequences, underscoring the need to adopt more sustainable pest-control measures. Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), on the other hand, are increasingly recognized for addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, and they include actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems. In this context, Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are highly effective as a natural pest-rodent control agents in agro-ecosystems. The species has a wide distribution and adaptability to various environments, and its diet consists predominantly of small mammals, with rodents making up from 50–60% up to even 90–95% of the diet according to different geographical regions. Each Barn Owl family can consume thousands of rodents annually, creating a high potential to reduce crop damage and infestations. Deploying nest boxes in agricultural areas can significantly increase Barn Owl populations, ensuring continuous and effective rodent control. Limitations of this solution must also be taken into consideration such as predation on rodents and small mammals that are not pests, and possible competition with other nocturnal birds of prey. Ιn the current paper, we aim to introduce the concept of owls as a NbS for pest rodent control and outline the main challenges, pitfalls, advantages, and disadvantages of implementing this solution in a new geographical region, and all the necessary in-between steps (scientific, societal, administrative, educational) that have to be followed for a successful implementation. So far, several countries have successfully implemented Barn Owl nest box schemes, with Israel and Cyprus achieving reduction in the use of pesticides by 45% and 58%, respectively, whereas the project is spreading to other Mediterranean countries (Jordan, Palestine Authority, Greece, Morocco, Spain), in palm plantations in Malaysia and USA, and in the vineyards of Napa Valley in California. The success of Barn Owl nest box programs relies on integrating scientific research, societal needs, supportive policy frameworks, and education. Barn Owl nest box programs are both bottom-up and top-down initiatives, in need of the participation of farmers and local communities to establish and deploy the Barn Owl solution. Continuous research is also necessary to explore systematically Barn owl trophic ecology, foraging and breeding ecology, interactions with agricultural landscape, and land uses in temporal and spatial scales, and challenges such as habitat suitability, availability of nesting sites, and regional ecological conditions must also be addressed. Full article

Invasive alien species severely impact native and endemic species, disproportionately affecting insular species like Caribbean reptiles. The Lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima, is rapidly declining due to hybridization with non-native green iguanas (NNGIs). With numerous NNGI populations present in the region, the last I. delicatisisma-inhabited islands remain highly susceptible to invasion, whereupon the rapid in situ differentiation of NNGIs is essential. However, currently only few scale and coloration characters allow the in situ identification of NNGIs. Here, we assessed the differentiating power of an additional 20 meristic and length-dependent characteristics between the I. delicatissima population on St. Eustatius and the NNGI population on St. Maarten, the main source of NNGIs arriving on St. Eustatius. Of these, 13 significantly differed between I. delicatissima and NNGIs, with a ≥94% assignment accuracy in multi-variate predictive models. We recommend that these characteristics be assessed and validated, especially for hybrid individuals, allowing the identification of NNGIs even in populations where hybridization is ongoing. Our work demonstrates the value of investing in baseline morphometric datasets for I. delicatissima and other native iguanas to aid in the rapid in situ detection of NNGIs for removal. Full article

Invasive alien species frequently encounter limited natural predation pressure in their non-native ranges, which can contribute significantly to their unchecked proliferation and adverse ecological impacts. Here, we document a novel instance of a livestock guardian dog preying upon an adult coypu (Myocastor coypus) in Lake Kerkini, Greece—a significant observation given the coypu’s status as a prominent invasive species with few natural predators in Europe. The coypu’s presence in the region, coupled with the absence of effective predation among others, has allowed it to establish a robust population and exert considerable pressure on local ecosystems. This novel observation not only highlights an unusual predator–prey interaction involving a domestic mammal traditionally used for livestock management but also provides insights into understanding how domestic animals might inadvertently influence the dynamics of invasive species, potentially serving as a complementary tool in conservation management. By demonstrating that domestic dogs could play a role in controlling invasive species populations, our findings introduce a previously unconsidered aspect of invasive species management with conservation implications. Full article

The Chesapeake Logperch (Percina bimaculata) is a medium-sized darter that has had a limited distribution in Pennsylvania and Maryland. It is a threatened species native to the Susquehanna River and historically occurred in the Potomac River. It is currently being reviewed to determine if it should be listed as federally endangered. There are major efforts to reintroduce the Chesapeake Logperch to where it was historically native. Toward this end, we documented the selected habitats and diets, to aid in the selection of new habitats for reintroduction. Because historical data on habitat selection and diet of the Chesapeake Logperch were not available, we compared these habitats selected to those of the closely related Northern Logperch (P. caprodes semifasciata), and diet to the Ohio Logperch (P. caprodes caprodes). The habitat occupied by the Chesapeake Logperch was only a portion of that occupied by the Northern Logperch. Selection of streams for reintroduction can use data presented herein for the Chesapeake Logperch and historical data for the Northern Logperch. The diet of both the Chesapeake Logperch and the Ohio Logperch indicated that their diets differ, thus the prey items reported herein must be present when selecting putative reintroduction sites. These results will help to create more informed choices for streams considered for the reintroduction of the Chesapeake Logperch. Full article

This study examines the perceived influence of corruption on the practice of trophy hunting in South Africa, the largest trophy exporter in Africa. Corruption is a major problem in South Africa, where it takes the form of bribery and embezzlement. To investigate its perceived effects on the practice of trophy hunting, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 trophy hunting stakeholders in South Africa. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, transcribed, and coded using a qualitative content analysis. Six of the 15 respondents had personally witnessed corruption in the trophy hunting industry in South Africa, and 13 respondents had heard accounts of corruption witnessed or experienced by others. Respondents identified several perceived problems caused by corruption in the trophy hunting industry and suggested ways to mitigate corruption. Based on these results, a multi-pronged approach for addressing corruption within the trophy hunting industry in South Africa may be necessary. Full article

Information gaps about the distribution of species hamper the evaluation of conservation status and decisions on biodiversity conservation, affecting areas with high species richness and endemism to a greater extent. In this context, carrying out biological inventories in protected and unprotected areas is an important tool to fill these gaps by providing data on the composition, richness, and abundance of species in each locality. The southeastern region of Coahuila (northeast Mexico) is a region where biodiversity research is required, as anthropogenic activities pose a serious threat to the avian diversity of this region. The present study aimed to compare the capacity of protected and unprotected areas to support the richness, abundance, and composition of bird species, as well as providing a list of bird species from eight areas located in this region. The point count method was conducted at the sites, and one-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of area type on species richness and abundance. Based on our field observations, literature review, and digital databases, the avifauna of these eight areas includes 388 species in 63 families. Of these, 5 species are endemic to Mexico, 6 species are of global conservation concern, and 35 species are of regional conservation concern. The species richness found in this study supports the importance of protected and unprotected areas in southeastern Coahuila. The results of our study highlight the need for further assessment to conserve the avian community, especially considering the increasing threats of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as additional studies that will allow for better characterization of the avifauna of the region. This will help to ensure the conservation of the birds currently threatened by strong anthropic pressure due to the conversion of semiarid ecosystems to agricultural and livestock areas as well as increasing urbanization. Full article

With the online wildlife trade and the demand for viral videos increasing, the trade in primates on TikTok is becoming more prevalent. Despite wildlife trading being banned on most social media platforms, the trade in primates persists. TikTok’s policies ban the sale of live animals, and specific terms related to wildlife trading are banned; however, these search-term bans are easy to get around, and sellers are still prolific on the site. This study documented primates for sale on TikTok using the search term “for sale monkey” over a four-month period (from mid-July to mid-November 2023) with the aim of determining how widespread primate trade is on TikTok, the legality of advertisements, and which countries advertise the most primates for sale. In total, 43 individual advertisements were identified, spanning six different genera of primates and five different countries. Spider monkeys, rhesus macaques, and common marmosets were found to be the most commonly advertised species on TikTok. All the spider monkeys were advertised from the USA, while the majority of the marmosets were advertised from the UK, and all of the rhesus macaques were advertised from Pakistan. The USA was the only country identified in this study that advertised a range of species, and the only species found in this study that was not advertised in the USA was the mona monkey. In total, 44% of all species recorded were classified as either Endangered or Critically Endangered, and it was found that Endangered species were more frequently sold illegally than non-Endangered species. The findings of this study underline a need for stricter primate legislation and wildlife law enforcement, especially if the UN’s sustainable development goals are to be achieved by 2030. They also show a need for TikTok to broaden their restrictions on wildlife trading on their app. Full article