Conservation, Volume 6, Issue 3 (September 2026) – 25 articles

Soil yeasts represent a significant component of the agricultural microbiota and possess high ecological and biotechnological potential in production systems such as those for sugarcane. This review analyses the importance of these microorganisms in fundamental processes related to soil health and functionality, highlighting their role in nutrient cycling, the decomposition of organic matter, and the availability of essential elements for plant uptake. Numerous studies have shown that certain yeasts possess plant-growth-promoting characteristics, including the production of phytohormones, siderophores and compounds capable of solubilizing nutrients, thereby promoting plant development and the sustainability of the agroecosystem. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential of yeasts as agents for the biological control of agricultural diseases and pests. Various mechanisms of action are described, including the production of volatile organic compounds, hydrolytic enzymes, antagonistic toxins, competition for nutrients and space, and the induction of defense responses in plants. In sugarcane systems, some yeast species such as Metschnikowia spp., Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Pichia spp., and Rhodotorula glutinis have demonstrated antagonistic activity against plant pathogens and the potential to be integrated into sustainable agricultural management strategies. Full article

Anthropogenic noise from Australia’s expanding Blue Economy, including shipping, fishing, and offshore renewable energy development, may impact pinnipeds on land and at sea, as they rely heavily on sound for communication, environmental sensing, and predator avoidance. Effective noise management requires species-specific hearing data. We present the first aerial audiograms of two Long-nosed fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) between 100 Hz and 20 kHz, following a conditioned-response paradigm. Hearing tests were conducted inside an anechoic chamber at Taronga Zoo, Sydney. Both seals showed peak sensitivity at 3.2 kHz, with thresholds of 7 and 12 dB re 20 µPa. The younger female exhibited greater high-frequency sensitivity, while overall audiogram shapes were comparable to those reported for other (Northern) fur seals. Audiograms were overlain with spectra of common terrestrial noises and detection ranges were discussed. This study provides essential baseline data for developing auditory weighting functions, assessing the potential impacts of noise, and informing environmental management of coastal and offshore developments. Full article

Small-scale fisheries are socio-ecological systems in which resource users interact with environmental conditions, fishing regulations, community initiatives, and institutional actors. Understanding how fishers perceive and report these interactions provides information on the social context of fisheries management, although such perceptions cannot substitute for independent assessments of ecological sustainability, behavioural compliance, or governance effectiveness. This study characterized fishers’ environmental perceptions, self-reported fishing practices, participation in environmental education and conservation activities, and perceptions of community and institutional involvement in fisheries management in Tecomate Lagoon, Guerrero, Mexico. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used, and structured questionnaires were administered to 120 active artisanal fishers selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Respondents primarily associated the lagoon with economic (49.17%) and food-related (25.83%) functions. Declining water levels (60.00%) and reduced species abundance (40.00%) were the environmental changes reported by respondents. Regarding fishing practices, 94.17% stated that they complied with fishing regulations, and 100% reported releasing organisms below the minimum legal catch size. Environmental training was reported by 95.00% of respondents, while 94.17% reported participation in conservation-related activities. CONAPESCA (80.83%) and UAGro (19.17%) were identified as institutions involved in fisheries-related initiatives. These findings characterize the perceptions and self-reported experiences of surveyed fishers and should not be interpreted as evidence of ecological sustainability, actual behavioural compliance, educational effectiveness, or governance performance. The contribution of the study lies in systematically documenting the resource-user perspective as a component of the social dimension of the fishery. This information provides a descriptive baseline that can complement future ecological, behavioural, institutional, and longitudinal assessments of small-scale fisheries in coastal lagoon systems. Full article

The Oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana Swinhoe, 1873 (Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae), once common as a sedentary stork species across Japan, experienced a marked population decline during the last century, reaching extinction in the country in 1971 as a result of anthropogenic alterations to the natural environment. After the reintroduction of five captive descendants of continental pairs in 2005, the naturalized population of Oriental storks has steadily increased in Japan, reaching >500 wild storks by 2025. We recently encountered a case of apparent intestinal fluke infection with Chaunocephalus ferox (Echinostomata; Echinostomatidae) in a 2-month-old stork fledgling within a few days after leaving the nest on 29 June 2025. The parasite was subjected to morphological and molecular identification based on nucleotide sequences of the small- to large-subunit ribosomal RNA gene and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene and was identified as C. ferox, a parasite exhibiting high host specificity for ciconiid birds worldwide. This finding suggests the re-establishment of its natural transmission cycle in the field in Japan, accompanied by the dispersal of definitive hosts after a gap of at least 30 years. Following the establishment of a reintroduced sedentary Oriental stork population in Japan, this health-threatening chaunocephalosis may, by chance, have a pronounced impact on infection-susceptible stork chicks cared for and fed by parent birds inhabiting fields with dense C. ferox endemicity (hotspots). Another Oriental stork fledgling from the same nest in June 2025 survived and was observed in March 2026 in a paddy field at a distant locality. Parasites are natural components of healthy ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity and trophic balance; therefore, inappropriate anthropogenic habitat modification may create scenarios in which parasites become overly destructive rather than serving merely as ecological regulators. Full article

The wildland–urban interface (WUI) refers to areas where forests with little human influence and other vegetation types intersect with human development. Ecosystem management in the WUI presents special challenges. Human dwellings and other infrastructure can constrain management options, such as timber harvesting, prescribed burning, and managing wildlife. Humans can also negatively affect ecosystem functioning through the introduction of invasive plant and animal species, wildfire ignition, habitat fragmentation, and attracting nuisance wildlife species. Although there are WUIs throughout the world, this review will focus mostly on the eastern United States, where a high population density and maturing forests highlight exceptional challenges to forest management. Land ownership in the WUI in this region is dominated by non-industrial private forestlands with diverse ownership objectives and is often distributed in relatively small parcels, creating difficulties for coordinated forest management. Landowners and loggers often plan timber harvests without input from forest managers. On the frontlines of WUI management are extension agents, state and local agencies, non-government organizations, and consulting foresters. Public education, cost-share agreements, and local government engagement are needed to conserve and manage forests in the WUI. Full article

Top predators drive ecosystem functions. Reintroductions of top predators are a vital conservation management strategy to achieve this. Ten spotted hyenas (hyenas—Crocuta crocuta) were reintroduced to the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (TKR). To determine how hyenas recolonised the TKR, we fitted five hyenas with satellite collars. We assessed home range development and stabilisation using Movement Kernel Density Estimation (MKDE), home range overlap and dynamic interactions between individuals using proximity analysis. From hourly locations, we compared movement rates between individuals. We found that hyena home ranges stabilised within seven months of release. The average home range for reintroduced hyenas was 307 km² (SD = 124 km²). Home ranges overlapped ≤36% between individuals. Hyenas’ movements synchronised with each other at distances ≤ 10 km. The hyenas moved farther hourly in cooler seasons, and they displayed unimodal activity patterns (longest hourly movements in the afternoon and night). We found that hyenas reintroduced into the TKR (without other top predators) required <7 months to re-establish themselves, and their social dynamics are not strictly tied to those individuals with which they were reintroduced. In arid settings where there are no lions and resources are abundant, home ranges for reintroduced hyenas may be smaller than is typical for this species. Full article

Coral reef degradation has accelerated the development of active restoration approaches, including the use of mid-water coral nurseries (Floating Reef Devices; FRDs) designed to enhance coral growth and survival. Although primarily used for coral propagation, the broader ecological roles of FRDs remain poorly understood. We assess the biodiversity and ecological structure of a long-term FRD deployed in the Gulf of Eilat over two decades as an active coral nursery. We surveyed naturally recruited sessile organisms and associated fish communities, quantifying taxonomic breadth and distinctness (Δ+), functional diversity, and trophic structure. The FRD supported a diverse community spanning eight phyla and 128 genera, with high taxonomic distinctness and wide functional trait representation across multiple trophic levels. Despite lower genus richness compared to natural habitats, coral and fish assemblages exhibited taxonomic and functional patterns that fell within the range observed for the adjacent natural reef. Functional analyses showed that the FRD’s coral assemblage occupied nearly the full regional trait space, while fish biomass was dominated by planktivores and secondary consumers, indicating a differently structured trophic organization. These findings demonstrate that long-term floating nursery systems can develop into structurally complex, multi-trophic communities, providing ecological and conservation values and ecosystem services beyond their original restoration role. These findings provide an ecological foundation for future studies of floating restoration systems and their associated ecological roles, while also informing their design, implementation, and evaluation as practical tools for enhancing ecosystem recovery and associated ecological functions. Full article

The return of the wolf is causing controversy. Herders (hereafter referred to interchangeably as shepherds) are among the groups most strongly affected and yet scarcely investigated. Using a mixed-methods online questionnaire, 82 German-speaking herders provided information on their assessment of the wolf’s return, their perception of the risk to their livestock, and their evaluation of the socio-political debate. Overall, the shepherds view the wolf rather critically; at the same time, their opinions are nuanced: opposition is less pronounced than might be expected based on similar studies. Negative assessments are grounded in three ethical lines of reasoning: agent-centered, since the wolf increases the workload and mental strain for the shepherds; anthropocentric, as it threatens pastoral farming; and pathocentric, because the grazing animals suffer from its presence. Positive assessments reflect biocentric–holistic arguments, according to which the wolf has a right to exist and is welcomed as part of a diverse natural environment. In addition, supporters point out that the wolf’s return leads to greater appreciation of the shepherding profession. The effectiveness of herd protection measures is subject to widely differing assessments. Generally, the wolf is considered one of several risk factors; however, unlike force majeure events such as lightning strikes or falls, the wolf is perceived by critical voices as anthropogenic and therefore avoidable. The perception that the wolf’s return has been intentionally facilitated by humans appears to reinforce the rejection. Respondents criticize the socio-political debate on the wolf as detached from practical realities, dominated by actors who lack on-site experience and are not directly affected. Full article

The propagation of native plants that support pollinators is a relevant strategy for strengthening seed banks, pollinator gardens, and local restoration efforts. This study evaluated whether pre-sowing magnetic exposure modifies germination, early survival, and initial seedling growth in two Salvia species with ecological and biocultural value from Michoacán, Mexico. A total of 1000 seeds, equally distributed between both species, were analyzed. The seeds were assigned to a non-exposed control group and magnetic field exposure treatments at 83.94, 166.94, 292.30, 305.40, 350.70, or 375.10 mT for 5, 10, 15, or 20 min. Germination, survival, time to radicle emergence, and seedling height on day 13 were recorded. Although magnetic exposure did not significantly increase germination, seedlings from exposed seeds were taller on day 13 than those in the control group. Furthermore, higher seed mass increased germination probability. These results suggest that magnetic exposure cannot be considered a direct strategy to increase germination in these species but could be explored as a complementary tool to promote early seedling growth in native plants intended for conservation, environmental education, and restoration. Full article

Urban river corridors play an important role in reducing urban heat and supporting vegetation, yet their environmental influence is still poorly understood in rapidly growing African cities. This study examined the spatial and temporal relationship between vegetation cover (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), and built-up intensity (NDBI) along the Kebena River corridor in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using Landsat 8 and 9 imagery from 2015, 2018, 2022, and 2026. A buffer-based approach (0–250 m, 250–500 m, and 500–1000 m) was applied to evaluate how these indicators change with distance from the river. The results reveal a clear environmental gradient. The 0–250 m zone consistently showed higher vegetation cover, lower surface temperature, and lower built-up intensity compared with the outer zones. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between NDVI and LST (r = −0.49 to −0.64) and a strong negative relationship between NDVI and NDBI (r = −0.83 to −0.90), while NDBI and LST were positively correlated (r = 0.51 to 0.67). Regression analysis further showed that a 0.1 increase in NDVI reduced LST by approximately 2.7–3.9 °C. The river corridor continued to provide measurable cooling benefits, notwithstanding a slight reduction in vegetation cover over the study period. The lower built-up intensity near the river in 2026 is consistent with the timing and recorded activities of the recent Kebena River rehabilitation programme. These results indicate that conservation and restoration of urban river corridors can improve ecological resilience, mitigate the effects of urban heat and support the sustainability of green infrastructure in rapidly urbanising cities. This study offers evidence to guide conservation planning and long-term management of urban riparian ecosystems in Addis Ababa and other cities facing similar environmental pressures. Full article

Abies koreana Wilson (Korean fir) and Abies nephrolepis (Trautv. Ex Maxim.) Maxim. (Khingan fir) are ecologically and economically significant coniferous species in East Asia. However, morphological similarities and hybridization complicate species identification, affecting conservation, forestry management, and commercial activities. Here, we developed a species-specific DNA marker using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the mitochondrial nad5 intron 1 region to discriminate between A. koreana and A. nephrolepis. In particular, PCR amplification and sequencing analyses of candidate drought and heat stress-responsive genes as well as mitochondrial nad5 intron 1 and nad5 intron 4 revealed a species-specific T-to-G substitution in nad5 intron 1. Allele-specific primers were designed, and competitive allele-specific labeled light emission technology was employed for SNP detection. The primers were validated using real-time PCR, achieving high specificity and reliability. Overall, the molecular diagnostic tool offers a practical solution for accurate species identification, aiding conservation efforts and sustainable resource management. Full article

Rice intensification influences soil biodiversity and ecological functioning in paddy ecosystems; however, its effects on soil nematode communities across different rice production systems remain poorly understood in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (MD). This study evaluated the effects of rice cropping practices in the MD on nematode community composition, trophic structure, functional guilds, diversity, plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), and soil chemical properties. A total of 91 soil samples were collected from double-rice intensive (RR), triple-rice intensive (RRR), and rice–upland–rice rotational (RUR) systems. Thirty nematode genera were identified, with a total abundance showing high variability, but no significant differences among cropping systems. Community composition differed considerably among systems, with Chronogaster dominating across all systems, particularly under RRR, whereas RUR supported more dominant genera with higher abundances of Tyleptus, Mesodorylaimus, Cephalobus, and Calolaimus. RUR exhibited significantly greater genus richness, and higher abundances of fungivores, omnivores, and higher colonizer–persister groups (cp4–cp5), indicating greater soil food-web complexity and ecological stability. In contrast, RRR was characterized by bacterivore-dominated communities, and increased abundance of cp3 nematodes, suggesting simplified community structures associated with agricultural intensification. Plant-parasitic nematodes remained relatively stable across management systems, despite taxon-specific responses. Soil pH, organic matter, and nitrogen availability were strongly associated with nematode community variation. Therefore, crop diversification through rotational practices enhanced belowground biodiversity, and promoted more sustainable soil ecological functioning in intensive rice production systems. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different seed priming treatments on the ex situ propagation of the Balkan endemic species Silene sendtneri Boiss. Seeds were subjected to hydropriming, silicic acid, salicylic acid, proline and combined salicylic acid–proline treatments prior to in vitro cultivation. Following aseptic germination, seedlings were transferred to Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L⁻¹ BA and 0.2 mg L⁻¹ IBA, and their shoot multiplication response, rooting, and acclimatization success were assessed. Seed priming significantly influenced subsequent propagation stages. Plantlets derived from seeds treated with 0.5 mM salicylic acid and 10 mM proline + 0.5 mM salicylic acid exhibited the highest multiplication rates, superior morphological quality, increased rooting frequency, and the greatest acclimatization success. Hydropriming and higher proline concentrations generally resulted in reduced propagation performance. The results indicate that seed priming can influence multiple stages of the ex situ propagation process and may represent a simple and practical addition to micropropagation protocols aimed at improving conservation-oriented plant production of endemic species. Full article

Wild edible plants play a crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods, yet knowledge about their use remains under documented, particularly among younger generations and across gender lines. This study examined the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants across age and gender groups in four municipalities of the Vhembe District, South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 160 participants, primarily in the Venda region. Gendered patterns emerged, where women were more familiar with wild vegetables, while men demonstrated greater knowledge of wild fruits. Promisingly, some female youth demonstrated greater knowledge than older women and male participants. Voucher specimens of the cited plants were verified at the University of Venda Herbarium, and data were analysed using qualitative methods and generalised linear models. Results of this study suggest the need to document and conserve Indigenous knowledge, promote intergenerational knowledge transfer, and empower women and youth in traditional food systems to enhance food security and cultural heritage. The study further provides a foundation for future research on knowledge transmission pathways and supports the development of targeted, community-based conservation and educational initiatives to enhance food security and cultural heritage. Full article

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) has a long tradition in North Macedonia and is internationally recognized for its high quality. Despite this, cultivated areas have steadily declined, reaching only 35 hectares in 2022, with capsule yields of 300 kg ha⁻¹ and seed yields of 583 kg ha⁻¹. The SWOT analysis shows that opium poppy production has several important strengths. The country has favorable agroclimatic conditions, domestic varieties, experienced farmers, and support from government subsidies. The presence of a pharmaceutical buyer is also an important advantage, because it gives this production a clearer market direction. However, there are still many limits that slow down further development. Production is mostly based on small farms, while yields and prices are often low. Many farmers also use outdated machinery, which makes production less efficient. Another problem is the limited interest of buyers and the lack of a secure market for poppy seed. In addition, legal restrictions make the export of capsules more difficult. There are also several opportunities for future growth. The TOWS matrix suggests that the sector could become more competitive through value-added products, stronger cooperation between farmers, modernization of machinery, public information campaigns, and public–private investment. Although opium poppy production faces many challenges, it still has good potential to develop from a declining traditional activity into a sustainable and competitive niche sector, but this requires coordinated institutional support, modernization, market diversification, and the development of value-added products. With better policies and a clearer market strategy, it could develop into a more sustainable and competitive agricultural sector. Full article

This study investigates the structural impact of marine conservation dimensions and institutional frameworks on visitor experiences and behavioral intentions within the National Marine Park of Alonissos–Northern Sporades (NMPA). Anchored in the sustainability prism model (SPM), the research examines how conservation-driven environmental capital, alongside economic, socio-cultural, and institutional pillars, influences tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. Primary quantitative data were garnered via a cross-sectional survey administered to a statistically robust sample of 2251 visitors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) reveals that all four SPM dimensions significantly influence both immediate satisfaction and long-term loyalty. Crucially, the empirical outputs unveil an asymmetric dualism: while immediate tourist satisfaction is predominantly driven by the sensory consumption of pristine biodiversity and active marine conservation (β = 0.577), long-term loyalty is fundamentally anchored in the perceived efficiency of the institutional conservation governance framework (β = 0.413). These findings underscore the imperative of integrating transparent institutional mechanisms with active ecosystem preservation to secure the socio-ecological viability of marine conservation areas. Ultimately, this study provides actionable insights for balancing escalating ecotourism demands with strict, zero-compromise biodiversity conservation in vulnerable marine sanctuaries. Full article

This study examines species recognition of native and exotic animals among primary school pupils and prospective teachers in Extremadura, Spain, to identify patterns of species-level biological knowledge relevant to biodiversity education and conservation awareness. A total of 201 participants (97 pupils and 104 prospective teachers) completed a questionnaire featuring 24 animal images equally divided between native and exotic species. Both groups showed higher recognition of widely known exotic fauna, whereas recognition of native species varied considerably. Although emblematic native species such as the Iberian lynx and red deer were generally well identified, less conspicuous taxa, including the genet, beech marten, and common wall gecko, were frequently misidentified. Prospective teachers achieved higher overall recognition rates than pupils but still showed notable gaps regarding several locally relevant species. These findings suggest that species recognition may be shaped by uneven educational and cultural exposure and highlight the importance of integrating regionally grounded biodiversity content into school curricula and initial teacher training to support biodiversity conservation-oriented education. Full article

Contemporary cultural heritage conservation is increasingly shifting from object-oriented preservation toward human-centered management, yet its philosophical basis and operational implications remain underdeveloped. This article reinterprets that shift through a selective Marxian framework while also foregrounding Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD), collective memory, social memory, and community agency. On the basis of critical heritage studies, the article first conceptualizes cultural heritage as a historical product of human practice, a carrier of social relations, and a medium through which communities transmit memory. It then diagnoses three alienating effects produced by material-centered conservation: the ossification of practice, the reification of social relations, and the narrowing of human needs under technical rationality, authoritative discourse, and capital logic. In response, the article proposes a human-centered conservation framework organized around dynamic practice, ecological wholeness, integrated empowerment, and institutional safeguards. An in-depth case analysis of Xidi Village, China, further shows how festivals, ancestral hall rituals, adaptive reuse, knowledge sharing, and community governance can reconnect heritage with everyday life, collective identity, and social relation reproduction. The study contributes to heritage conservation theory by clarifying how material protection, community memory, and social relations can be integrated without reducing heritage to either static fabric or abstract theory. Full article

Flood-driven hydrological connectivity in managed floodplain wetlands can create transient opportunities for fish dispersal, yet direct field observations of such events remain limited. In Lake Izunuma–Uchinuma, Japan, a rapid water-level rise and temporary backflow from a downstream river were recorded during a flood event, followed by the first detection of the bagrid catfish Tachysurus nudiceps. Its occurrence outside its natural range may pose significant conservation concerns, particularly habitat competition with native congeneric species. The temporal coincidence between the flood and species detection is consistent with potential passive transport into the lake via temporary backflow. Subsequent routine surveys, including stationary net sampling and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, did not detect the species, suggesting either a transient occurrence or an abundance below the detection threshold of conventional monitoring. These findings indicate that short-lived occurrences or low-abundance inflow events may escape conventional, pre-scheduled monitoring, potentially undermining local conservation efforts. We therefore propose that invasion surveillance in managed wetlands should include hydrological information and event-based sampling, especially after extreme rainfall, to enhance conservation strategies and prevent early-stage biological invasions. Full article

In December 2022, 196 nations around the world committed to protecting at least 30% of terrestrial and inland water areas and marine and coastal areas by 2030, one of the targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The ‘30 × 30’ target is one of the most ambitious conservation targets committed to at a global level, and some countries have also made policy commitments to achieve this target at a national level, including Australia. Australia is making progress towards this target, with 22.57% of Australia’s land already protected in 2024 (up from 7% in the mid-1990s), and support across federal, state and territory jurisdictions for a coordinated national approach. To protect at least an additional 57.2 million hectares of land to meet the 30% coverage target in an ecologically representative manner, clear pathways are required. This article makes the case for the most effective and efficient pathways for Australia to achieve its 30 × 30 ambitions, based on past successful science-informed policy and practice. Four key pathways are outlined. These are (1) establish a new dedicated AU$5 billion fund for the purchase of land of high biodiversity importance to create new public, private or Indigenous protected areas; (2) continue to support the creation of new Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) to meet Traditional Owner demand and establish secure long-term funding for IPA management; (3) increase support for the uptake of permanent conservation covenants on private and leasehold land through federal government support for covenant programs, particularly in ecologically under-represented bioregions, develop enhanced protection conservation covenants, and review federal and state tax and financial incentives and barriers to private land conservation; and (4) systematically review public land to identify areas of high conservation significance and subsequent protected area opportunities. Aspects of Australia’s past and potential future approach to meeting area-based protection targets could be useful for other nations as they aim to contribute to the global 30 × 30 target. Full article

Bats (Chiroptera) account for approximately 25% of all known mammalian species and provide essential ecological services, including insect regulation, pollination, and seed dispersal. Despite their importance, they face significant conservation threats and persistently negative social perceptions. Owing to their innate immunity and tolerance, bats constitute a particularly efficient natural reservoir for a wide variety of potentially zoonotic viruses. Over the past two decades, bat-associated viruses have been central to multiple outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. From severe acute respiratory syndromes to filoviral hemorrhagic fevers, bats have consistently acted as key reservoirs in pathogen emergence. This has further damaged the public perception of bats as dangerous animals and vectors of serious diseases, in some cases leading to increased persecution of their populations. However, spillover events should not be attributed to bats, but rather to human-driven environmental changes—including deforestation, land-use transformation, agricultural intensification, urban expansion, biodiversity loss, wildlife trade and research biosecurity—that amplify contact among humans, livestock, and wildlife or their potential zoonotic pathogens. Safeguarding bat populations, minimizing direct interactions with wildlife, and preserving intact ecosystems are critical not only for bat conservation but also for reducing zoonotic spillover risk. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen social communication regarding the importance of bats, in order to counteract their negative reputation and promote greater public understanding of their ecological value. This article reviews health, sociological, and conservation dimensions of the issue, situating them within a broader context to provide an integrated, multidisciplinary understanding. Potential solutions and priority directions for future research are also discussed. Full article

Abandoned pastoral settlements can create disturbed and nutrient-enriched microsites that favor the dominance of native expansive plant species. Yet limited empirical evidence exists on how abandoned Maasai bomas influence the spread of Urtica massaica and associated plant community changes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania. This study assessed the influence of abandoned bomas on plant species abundance, richness, diversity, soil seedbank status, and the spatial distribution of U. massaica. A multistage stratified random sampling design was used, whereby Ngorongoro and Nainokanoka zones were selected from the designated management zones of the conservation area. Vegetation data, soil samples, and geographic coordinates of abandoned bomas were collected from abandoned boma sites and adjacent control sites. Plant species abundance, richness, and diversity were compared between abandoned bomas and control sites after testing data normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Independent-sample t-tests were used for normally distributed data, while Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for non-normally distributed data. Spatial distribution of U. massaica was assessed using GIS-based heatmap and kernel density estimation. Results showed that native plant species abundance was significantly higher in control sites than in abandoned bomas. Plant species richness and diversity also differed significantly between sites in both Ngorongoro and Nainokanoka, with control sites supporting higher richness and diversity. However, soil seedbank results showed no significant differences in species richness and diversity between soils collected from abandoned bomas and control sites, although slightly higher values were observed in control soils. Spatial analysis revealed that U. massaica hotspots were concentrated mainly in highland areas with high densities of abandoned bomas. These findings suggest that abandoned bomas may act as focal points for U. massaica establishment and dominance, reducing aboveground plant diversity while retaining some potential for natural regeneration through the soil seedbank. Management interventions should prioritize abandoned bomas as key sites for controlling U. massaica spread and supporting vegetation recovery in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Full article

Cocoa agroforestry is widely promoted for biodiversity conservation and sustainable production; however, uncertainties remain regarding the distribution of epiphytes and cocoa yield under different shade regimes. This study evaluated the effects of shade on epiphyte distribution and cocoa productivity at two community sites located approximately 6 km apart. One site consisted of cocoa cultivated under indigenous and introduced shade trees, while the other site used a 40% shade net. Annual rainfall at the sites was 1364.70 mm and 1178.44 mm, respectively, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 28 to 35 °C. During the main dry season, light intensity under direct sunlight exceeded 13.00 Klux and was approximately three times greater than in shaded plots. Lichens were the dominant epiphytes across all shade systems, with 40–70 colonies per 225 m² plot. Only one vascular epiphyte species was recorded, occurring exclusively on cocoa trees under the shade net. Correlation coefficients between light availability and epiphyte abundance ranged from 0.08 to 0.62, indicating that light influenced epiphyte distribution and diversity. Cocoa pod production under indigenous shade trees and full sunlight was comparable (127–177 pods per plot), whereas production under the shade net was approximately twice that recorded in unshaded plots. Although flower cushion abundance varied among treatments, pods from shaded plots generally contained more beans. The highest incidence of diseased and wilted pods occurred under shade trees. Overall, the findings suggest that heavy tree shade may limit epiphyte development through reduced light availability, while uniform artificial shading may enhance cocoa yield. Full article

Monitoring large elasmobranchs can employ standardized photo-identification protocols to manage diverse and progressively expanding photographic datasets. This study examines the interpretation of performance metrics generated by a dorsal fin–based photo-identification protocol implemented using the semi-automated IDENTIFIN software. The protocol was applied to dorsal fin photographs of bronze whaler shark collected along the South African coast between 2024 and 2025, facilitating the creation of a structured, individual-specific database. Archival photographic data of white shark (2012–2019) served as a methodological reference, providing context for software outputs under different dataset conditions. Analyses focused on the behavior of similarity scores associated with validated matches and on their relationship with image ranking position, a common metric for assessing software performance. Results indicate that similarity scores exhibit comparable distributions across species-specific datasets, supporting their potential use as an operationally complementary metric for interpreting IDENTIFIN outputs. While operator-based visual validation remains essential, this study provides preliminary methodological insights into the interpretation of similarity scores as supportive information within the individual identification process. Full article

Ecosystem restoration on Mediterranean islands is often hindered by the residual effects of past land use and invasive species. Decades of holm oak forest exploitation, the establishment of secondary pine plantations, and the introduction of invasive mammals have altered habitat configurations. Consequently, converting these conifer stands to promote the recovery of native Quercus ilex L. communities has become a conservation priority. This study investigates the regeneration constraints of Q. ilex in Mediterranean insular environments, focusing on the inhibitory role of conifer-derived litter and seed predation by invasive rodents and lagomorphs. We integrated an ex situ experiment (384 acorns) testing germination under varying local pine-forest soil and commercial substrate conditions, with an in situ field experiment (300 acorns) across five areas, comparing three treatments: closed cages (exclusion of all mammals), open cages (exclusion of lagomorphs), and unfenced controls. Results indicate that, while ex situ, local pine-forest soil significantly favoured germination over the commercial mixture, predation represents the main obstacle in situ, outweighing any soil-mediated effects. Seedling emergence was substantially reduced by early predation and, to a lesser extent, by litter presence. These findings highlight the necessity of integrated management strategies in insular ecosystems. Full article