Conservation

Environmental and ancient DNA are mostly present in degraded forms in nature. Plant forensics is necessary for plants like Taxus (Taxaceae), which is a medicinal, as well as poisonous, endangered plant. We designed a study to develop high-efficiency PCR mini-barcoding primers for the identification of Taxus. We collected environmental materials, fresh and old Taxus specimens from natural habitats, herbaria, and ex situ propagation sites. Taxon-specific mini-barcoding primers were prepared through primer3. All the primers were amplified onto Taxus specimens and environmental samples having Taxus DNA, while no amplification on fresh and herbarium specimens other than Taxus was noted. DNA sequencing of amplified regions of matK, ITS, and rbcL yielded lengths of 117, 175, and 200 bp. Blast taxonomy showed 100% identification power at the genus level, while 75–93% at the species level, and identified a total of 30 taxa within the genus Taxus, comprising 16 species, 5 varieties, 2 hybrids, and 7 variants. ITS was the most specific for genus identification, followed by matK and rbcL. Environmental, trade, socio-economic, and toxicological crimes were also identified. Our high-efficiency PCR mini-barcoding method can be useful in the prevention of Taxus illegal trade and habitat degradation to mitigate climate change in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Full article

Small areas of flowering plants within urban landscapes can provide much-needed nutrition, shelter, and host plants for pollinating insects and other wildlife. To create such floral displays in gardens, shared spaces, and derelict properties, the use of ‘seed bombs’ (or ‘bee bombs’) is a popular, convenient method for individuals and community groups. Recently, however, the value of seed bombs and wildflower seed mixes has been questioned in terms of seedling establishment, the numbers of species they contain, and whether these species are actually native ‘wildflowers’ as is often claimed. In this study, we obtained 12 brands of seed bombs available in Ireland, with prices ranging from €0.33 to €2.66 per seed bomb. We processed five seed bombs per brand and identified 3083 seeds belonging to 63 species in 22 plant families. The most frequent plant species were Papaver rhoeas L., Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth., and Trifolium alexandrinum L., none of which are native to Ireland. No brands contained only native Irish plants, and one brand obtained from Germany contained no native Irish species. Multivariate analysis identified a cluster of seven brands with similar plant species composition, suggesting they were from the same source or made to the same specifications. Our results suggest that although seed bombs offer a convenient method of producing mixed-flower habitat patches, consumers should be wary that the number of species they contain can be low, they are likely to contain non-native species, and high prices may not reflect the quality of their contents. Full article

In Aso Kujyu National Park, grassland landscapes are being conserved through volunteer activities to support controlled burns of fields, and the current status of grasslands is being assessed through surveys of natural resources. In discussing the continuation of grassland management in the future, it is necessary to investigate the reasons and factors that lead pastoral associations to request volunteers for managed burning. On the other hand, there are no studies on the reasons why pastoral associations choose to request volunteers to support controlled burns, or the factors behind this choice. Thus, to support multi-stakeholder management of national parks, this study investigates the mechanisms of volunteer engagement in pastoral-led prescribed burning initiatives in Aso Kujyu National Park and key drivers facilitating their engagement involvement. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 161 pastoral associations in the Aso area regarding the introduction of volunteers to support controlled burns. A total of 52 associations responded to the survey, corresponding to a 32% response rate. The results of a discriminant analysis revealed that the pastoral cooperatives that had introduced volunteers did not have enough workers and did not oppose the participation of outsiders, while those that had not employed volunteers had a sufficient number of workers and felt resistance towards the participation of outsiders. Full article

Fire and invasive plant species interactions are critical drivers of biodiversity loss and ecological change in grassland ecosystems worldwide. However, research efforts on this topic are often fragmented, regionally based, and lack synthesis across disciplines. This study aims to map the intellectual structure, collaboration networks, thematic focus, and knowledge gaps in research on fire-invasive species interactions in grassland restoration. A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 1990 and 2024. The search strategy targeted studies addressing fire regimes and invasive plant species in grassland ecosystems, using co-authorship, co-occurrence and thematic clustering analyses to reveal collaboration patterns and research trends. The results highlight a concentration of publications in key ecological journals, with a dominant contribution from institutions in the Global North, through growing representation from the Global South, particularly South Africa, is evident. Thematic clusters are centred on biological invasions, fire regimes, species traits and ecosystem resilience, while long-term post-fire recovery and studies from underrepresented regions remain critical knowledge gaps. This synthesis emphasises the need for interdisciplinary, regionally inclusive and policy-aligned research to inform effective grassland restoration strategies in the context of fire and invasive species challenges. Full article

A self-sustaining population of birdfoot violet (Viola pedata), a host plant for the threatened western subspecies of regal fritillary butterfly (Argynnis idalia occidentalis) caterpillar, was examined during a single year from April to June 2021 on a small, 3.1 ha dry bluff prairie hillslope within the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Minnesota USA. Assessments were conducted to determine if violet populations on small prairie remnants could support seed collecting to establish new populations nearby. Ten transects and five random plots were used to assess violet density and monitor violet growth, reproductive phenology, and seed production. Violet densities were high (>5 plants/m²), with greatest densities at middle elevations on the hillside in the middle of the prairie rather than near the edges. The total population of birdfoot violets on the hillside was extrapolated from density estimates based on 200, 1-m² plots to be >62,000 plants. Seed set was low (less than one pod per plant) but nearly 400,000 total seeds were produced during the 2021 growing season. More than 3000 seeds (<1% of estimated seed production on the study hillslope) were collected for out-planting to establish a new violet population in nearby Whitewater State Park. Some small bluff prairies in southeastern Minnesota and elsewhere under certain conditions may sustain violet populations large enough to permit seed collecting to establish additional populations during restoration of native prairie communities. These ultimately should provide much needed habitat for regal fritillary butterflies to partially compensate for ongoing habitat losses. Full article

Understanding wild bee diversity is critical for pollinator conservation, particularly in understudied tropical regions like coastal Ecuador. This preliminary study provides a photography-based assessment of bee diversity at Finca Botánica, an organic and regenerative farm on Ecuador’s central Pacific coast. Over a 10-day survey in December 2024, researchers documented 51 bee species across four families, with Apidae being the most represented. The study highlights a predominance of solitary, ground-nesting bees and a lower-than-expected diversity of Meliponini (stingless bees) and Euglossini (orchid bees) compared to other regions of Ecuador. Many species were found in forest patches, ecological corridors, and cover-cropped maize fields, underscoring the role of sustainable farming practices in supporting pollinator diversity. While photographic methods provided valuable preliminary data, they also revealed limitations in species-level identification, reinforcing the need for future specimen-based surveys. These findings suggest that Ecuador’s dry coastal forests may harbor a richer bee community than previously recognized and that organic farms can serve as important refuges for native pollinators. Full article

Given the endangered status and very limited distribution of Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. subsp. lepuznica (Nyár.) Soó in stressful, high-elevation habitats, where these plants must prioritise the resource acquisition and vegetative growth to sustain their survival and persistence, we aimed to reveal possible abiotic/biotic-driven constraints in biomass allocation for flower production. Three functional traits, i.e., the tallest shoot height, leaf mass area (LMA) and number of inflorescences (racemes), were measured in thirty plants in each of the three studied populations differing in altitude and sheep grazing intensity (P1—1700 m, grazed; P2—1900 m, ungrazed; P3—2100 m, ungrazed). The LMA and dominant shoot height were significantly higher and, respectively, lower in P3 compared with P1. Although the mean number of racemes in P1 was lower than in P2 and P3, the differences were not statistically significant. The tallest shoot height, followed by the LMA, displayed the highest contribution to differentiating the three populations. The raceme count decreased significantly with increasing height of the dominant shoot in P1 and P2, and also with increasing LMA in P3. The observed constraint in raceme production within all populations is very likely one facet of the trade-off between reproductive and vegetative allocation under harsh edapho-climatic conditions. The studied plants have adopted a conservative-tolerant strategy to cope with the abiotic stress at higher elevations, but an acquisitive-tolerant strategy in face of grazing. The subspecies lepuznica seems to be in a favourable conservation status, but a close monitoring in grazed areas is recommended. Full article

Climate change is increasingly altering ecosystems around the world and threatening biodiversity, especially species with narrow distribution ranges and a dependency on dedicated conservation practices. In Saskatchewan, Canada, the ecological significance of the genus sedge (Carex L.) from the Cyperaceae family is well recognized, yet spatially explicit forecasts of its habitats under future climate scenarios remain absent, creating a major obstacle to forward-looking conservation strategies. This study assesses the current and future habitat suitability of six sedges, including three nationally at-risk species (C. assiniboinensis, C. saximontana, C. tetanica) and three provincially rare species (C. glacialis, C. granularis, C. supina subsp. spaniocarpa). We applied the MaxEnt algorithm to model the distributions of those Carex species of conservation concern using 20 environmental predictors (19 bioclimatic variables and elevation) under baseline climate (1970–2000) and projected future scenarios for the 2030s and 2050s using SSP245 and SSP585 emission pathways. We optimized and validated models with the ENMeval package to enhance predictive reliability. Model accuracy was high (AUC = 0.88–0.99) and the results revealed a diversity of species responses: C. assiniboinensis and C. tetanica are projected to expand their suitable habitat, while C. saximontana is expected to lose high suitability areas. The distributions of C. glacialis and C. supina subsp. spaniocarpa remain restricted and relatively stable across scenarios. C. granularis is projected to have dynamic range shifts, particularly under the high-emission SSP585 scenario. Temperature-related variables were consistently the most influential predictors. These results provide critical insights into the potential impacts of climate change on Carex species of conservation concern in Canada and offer valuable guidance for prioritizing adaptive conservation planning and proactive habitat management. The diversity of species responses emphasizes the necessity of tailored conservation approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. Full article

The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a crucial predator in marine ecosystems, affecting prey populations and overall ecosystem health. Since May 2020, Iberian killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar have interacted unusually with pleasure boats, posing significant maritime safety challenges. Recognized as critically endangered by the IUCN, a conservation plan for these whales has been approved in Spain. This study analyzes media coverage of these interactions, as media can shape public opinion and influence policies regarding human–wildlife conflicts. A total of 107 news articles published between June 2022 and September 2024 in Spanish media were examined, focusing on the interactions between Iberian killer whales and boats. The research included six variables from prior studies to enhance understanding of media representation and its effects on conservation management. Findings suggest that media coverage often limits comprehension of orca behavior and their vulnerable status. Full article

Social dimensions of environmental conservation are crucial for the long-term success of watershed conservation efforts. This study investigates the intricate relationship between community well-being, socioeconomic factors, and watershed conservation efforts in rural areas, particularly in the Mt. Magdiwata Watershed Forest Reserve (MMWFR) in the Philippines. Using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), the findings highlight that the Quality of Life (QoL, R² = 0.55) is the most influential latent factor shaping local attitudes toward conservation, with the provision of safe evacuation areas and access to green spaces emerging as key priorities. Community willingness (R² = 0.39) to participate in watershed conservation is significantly influenced by socio-economic demographics (R² = 0.31), including civil status, household size, and agricultural dependence, highlighting the need for context-specific conservation strategies. The study also identifies water provisioning (R² = 0.14) as a significant motivator for participation, with accessibility and convenience being more critical than cost in driving community involvement. While the influence of awareness of local environmental policies is relatively low (R² = 0.08), it remains a crucial factor for fostering long-term behavioral change and policy support. The research highlights the importance of integrating socio-economic realities, improving service delivery, and increasing community awareness to develop effective and sustainable watershed conservation programs. Policy frameworks must integrate these relationships in ongoing advocacy for the efficient conservation of MMWFR as a protected area in the Philippine countryside. Full article

Population estimates and microhabitat characteristics are widely used to support conservation decisions. However, there had been no surveys focusing on the population status of the endemic and Critically Endangered Ta Kou bent-toed gecko to inform conservation actions across its distribution range. In this study, we conducted the first field surveys to assess its population status using the mark–capture–recapture method, determine microhabitat characteristics, and identify anthropogenic threats to the species’ survival in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. Based on our study results, Cyrtodactylus takouensis was only recorded on granitic rocks at various elevations from 265 to 694 m a.s.l. In total, 148 individuals of C. takouensis were detected in the dry season, and 95 individuals of C. takouensis were encountered in the rainy season. Of these, 73 and 51 adults were documented during the two seasons, respectively. The estimated total population size of C. takouensis was 315 individuals in the dry season (95% confidence intervals ranging between 189 and 581 individuals), whereas it comprised 149 individuals, calculated using the Petersen–Lincoln and Schnabel formula, in the rainy season (95% confidence intervals ranging between 108 and 361 individuals). The estimated difference in total population size was probably due to several factors, such as the rapid growth of interlaced vines making parts of the surveyed transects inaccessible during the rainy season, weather variations, and differences in survey effort and detection probability. Additionally, several microhabitat variables and species behaviors were investigated in both seasons. However, humidity was the only significant environmental variable when compared between the two seasons. Moreover, we found that tourism activities and parasites could pose threats to C. takouensis on Ta Kou Mountain. However, no structured or quantitative framework was employed to assess these risks in this study. Further research is needed to quantify factors affecting the species’ survival. Full article

Globally, both natural and human-induced activities are accelerating biodiversity loss and land degradation, posing a significant threat to food security. Implementing sustainable biodiversity management in the agriculture sector provides a solution by enabling long-term food production, along with preserving environmental health. In this context, biodiversity finance emerges as a valuable tool to strengthen the agricultural sector and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the Indian context, Madhya Pradesh stands out for its agricultural relevance but faces challenges between productivity and conservation, posing significant challenges and a threat to the state’s long-term sustainability. This study applies to the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) framework to assess government investments in sustainable agriculture and agricultural biodiversity conservation from 2016 to 2022. Of the INR 21,197.55 crore (~USD 2.46 billion) allocated, approximately INR 4202.03 crore (19.8%) (~USD 0.49 billion) directly supported biodiversity-related agricultural initiatives. While sustainability-focused schemes saw a sharp rise in investment from 26.4% to 87.55%, allocations for conservation awareness declined. No financing gap was identified for achieving targets under the Madhya Pradesh Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018–2030). The study proposes a BIOFIN aligned investment strategy emphasizing landscape-level management, payment for ecosystem services, and institutional coordination to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. Full article

Understanding genetic variation in commercially valuable tree species is essential for improving breeding and conservation efforts. This study investigates genetic variation, heritability, and trait relationships in Pterocarpus macrocarpus, a vital hardwood species for Thailand’s reforestation initiatives. We evaluated growth (height and diameter), morphology (biomass dry weight and specific leaf weight), and physiological traits (net photosynthesis [A], transpiration rate [E], and water-use efficiency [WUE]) across 112 open-pollinated families from six natural populations under controlled nursery conditions over 30 weeks. Using a randomised complete block design, variance and covariance analyses were conducted to estimate genetic parameters. Seedling survival reached 95%, confirming favourable conditions for genetic expression. There were significant differences among populations and families within populations in growth and biomass. In contrast, physiological traits showed notable family-level variation (A, E, WUE) and only population effects for WUE. Residual variance was predominant across traits, indicating considerable within-family variation. Growth and biomass exhibited moderate to high heritability (individual: 0.39–1.00; family: 0.61–0.90), while specific leaf weight and shoot-to-root ratio had lower heritability at the individual level. Physiological traits showed low to moderate heritabilities (individual: 0.26–0.43; family: 0.47–0.62), with maternal effects via seed weight significantly influencing early growth. The heritability of height decreased over time, whereas the heritability of diameter remained stable. Strong genetic correlations among growth and biomass suggest the potential for combined selection gains. However, physiological traits show weak or no correlations with growth, highlighting their independent genetic control. Variation at the population level in growth and WUE may reflect adaptive responses to seed-source environments. Our findings support the use of nursery-based screening as a cost-effective method for the early identification of high-quality families. WUE is a promising focus for breeding programs targeting drought-prone regions. This study provides key insights for advancing the genetic improvement and conservation of P. macrocarpus, emphasizing the importance of incorporating physiological traits into breeding and conservation strategies. Full article

The periphery of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is experiencing intense and increasing hunting pressure, driven by both local subsistence needs and growing urban demand for bushmeat. This situation poses a serious challenge to sustainable natural resource management and underscores the need to realign protected-area policies with the realities faced by surrounding communities. In the absence of comprehensive ecological monitoring, this study used hunters’ perceptions to assess the current availability of mammalian wildlife around the park. From October to December 2023, surveys were conducted using a snowball sampling method with 60 hunters from nine villages bordering the park. Results show that hunting is a male-dominated activity, mainly practiced by individuals aged 30–40 years, with firearms as the primary tools. It occurs both in the park’s buffer zones and, alarmingly, within its core protected area. This practice has contributed to the local disappearance of key species such as African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus), and to the marked decline of several Cephalophus species. These patterns of overexploitation reveal critical weaknesses in current conservation strategies and point to the urgent need for integrated, community-based resource management approaches. Strengthening law enforcement, improving ranger support, and enhancing participatory governance mechanisms are essential. Equally important is the promotion of sustainable alternative livelihoods—including livestock farming, aquaculture, and agroforestry—to reduce hunting dependence and build long-term resilience for both biodiversity and local communities. Full article

As tropical forests become increasingly vulnerable to land use changes, fragmentation, and climate shifts, efforts to minimise species loss are essential. Prevalent in most environments and having complex vocalisations, birds are key indicators of ecosystem health and a good model for acoustic monitoring. In Brazil, the Caparaó National Park (CNP) is a preserved remnant of the Atlantic Forest with great avian endemism. Despite having >600 species, limited research has utilised bioacoustics for species assessment. This study employed bioacoustics to examine soundscapes and community composition at two CNP locations—one with ombrophilous montane forest (OMF) and another with semi-deciduous seasonal forest (SSF). Four SongMeters were deployed, recording bird choruses from 08:00 to 11:00 a.m. for two months. Soundscape profiles and species composition were characterised using Raven Pro. Acoustic indices assessed correlations with avian species richness, and sites were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Ninety-eight species were detected, and species richness was greater within SSF. While acoustic indices had little impact on richness, they identified differing soundscapes: more ambient noise in OMF, and gunshots detected in SSF. The results indicate that bioacoustics can aid monitoring strategies. Given the presence of rare species and illegal activities, more studies are needed to support the conservation of birds in this critical environment. Full article

Major human impacts on New Zealand’s ecology began about 800 years ago with immigration firstly from Polynesia, then Europe starting a few centuries later. The humans cleared habitat, hunted species to extinction, and introduced biota, including plants, birds, fish, invertebrates, and mammals. Over the last 70 years, government-funded campaigns have been waged against some of the introduced mammals that became considered harmful to native biota. These campaigns spread poisonous food baits from aircraft to kill and suppress target animals (mainly brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rats (Rattus spp.)) over large areas. Increased intensity, frequency, and scale of poisoning are being trialled under a new conservation strategy (Predator Free 2050) to eradicate several mammalian species. The present study investigates the opportunity for a paradigm shift in conservation, emphasizing the rationales for transitioning from spreading of pesticides to a more targeted approach. NZ’s poison- and predator-focused ecological management has been criticized internationally as cruel and unnecessary, while independent NZ ecologists have called for, and outlined, a new system of conservation management based on ecological knowledge, which embraces all threats to native biota. A central tenet of proposed new methods is the engagement of all relevant stakeholders. Efficient management tools include remote monitoring, and smart, self-resetting kill traps for targeted small mammal control. Ecology-driven, commercially sound, targeted, monitored, relatively humane management can be implemented to protect the remnants of NZ’s natural heritage. Full article

This article addresses agroforestry knowledge and practices of peasant and quilombola women. It draws from research using ethnographic methods, conducted in two different Brazilian communities: with peasant women in the municipality of Pinhão, Paraná, Brazil, and with quilombola women in the Quilombo Ribeirão Grande-Terra Seca in the municipality of Barra do Turvo, in the Ribeira Valley, São Paulo, Brazil. This investigation demonstrates the connection between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women, and it identifies counter-practices that value cooperation and mutual care. It highlights the importance of recovering ancestral knowledge and resisting the rupture with nature imposed by colonialism. The conclusion indicates that these agroforestry practices play a crucial role in the lives of women and in their resistance to the monocultural model and the market economy in both communities studied. In both communities, women play a central role in sustaining agroforestry practices as forms of resistance, care, and cultural preservation. In Pinhão, peasant women uphold biodiversity and traditional knowledge through everyday practices like seed exchange and in the Quilombo Ribeirão Grande-Terra Seca, quilombola women link agroforestry to identity, territorial defense, and Black resistance. Full article

This paper introduces and defines ‘Living Cultural Infrastructure’ as dynamic social-ecological systems where plant heritage and community knowledge are co-produced to reclaim degraded urban landscapes. Addressing the dual challenges of ecological degradation and cultural erosion, we demonstrate this concept through a case study on the Maekha Canal in Chiang Mai, Thailand, employing Participatory Landscape Architecture integrated with urban ethnobotany. Through co-design workshops, biocultural spatial analysis, and ethnobotanical surveys involving 20 key community members, the project engaged residents to reclaim the canal as a functional biocultural corridor. The research documented 149 culturally significant plant species and resulted in a co-created trail system that embodies the principles of a living infrastructure, fostering intergenerational knowledge exchange and strengthening community stewardship. This study demonstrates how a participatory, ethnobotany-informed process can regenerate degraded urban waterways into Living Cultural Infrastructure. The research advances a new paradigm for landscape architecture by providing replicable governance and design tools. Full article

Climate change is altering environmental conditions, which can, in turn, change the geographic distribution and flowering patterns of plant species, affecting both the plants themselves and their pollinators. The responses of melliferous plant species to climate change in southeastern Mexico are poorly understood, which hinders an accurate assessment of their vulnerability and the resulting ecological impacts. As understanding the mechanisms that influence the distribution and susceptibility of these species is essential, the present study examined how climate change affects their potential distribution areas and spatial distribution patterns. This information will serve as reference data for the implementation of conservation strategies and inform the selection of species for reforestation. Ecological niche models were used to estimate the potential distributions of 92 melliferous species under both current environmental conditions and two climate change scenarios projected for the 2041–2060 period (SSP245 and SSP585). Changes in distribution patterns were then assessed by evaluating the range size of each species and analyzing the spatio–temporal trends in species richness. The results revealed that suitable habitats shifted for approximately 80% of melliferous species, with more significant habitat loss observed under the SSP585 scenario than under SSP245. Although a significant decrease in melliferous plant species richness was expected in future scenarios, richness was slightly higher (by 10% for SSP245 and 5% for SSP585) than that observed under current environmental conditions. Under SSP245 conditions, species richness areas expanded to encompass almost the entire region, although this contrasted drastically with the SSP585 scenario, where areas with the highest concentration of species richness contracted significantly and areas with low species richness expanded. These projections are of potential use for conservationists and environmental management authorities, providing crucial insights into the future distributions of several melliferous plant species in the region, the potential impacts of climate change on their habitats, and the vulnerability of threatened species to changing climatic conditions. Full article