Conservation

The rubber plantations in Sankuru province, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have historically been pivotal to the regional economy. However, the absence of suitable silvicultural practices has promoted self-regeneration, resulting in the proliferation of diverse species. This study aims to characterize species richness and plant structure of these plantations. To this end, 80 subplots measuring 0.25 hectares were meticulously established, with a proportionate division between state-owned and farmer plantations. The results obtained from this study indicate that these plantations are home to approximately 105 species, classified into 33 distinct botanical families, with dominant families such as Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Olacaceae, Clusiaceae, and Moraceae. Despite the similarity between the two types of plantations (Cs = 58%), significant disparities were observed in terms of individuals, 635 ± 84.06 and 828 ± 144.62 (p < 10⁻³); species, 41 ± 7.49 and 28 ± 4.59 (p < 10⁻³); families, 19 ± 3.06 and 16 ± 1.62 (p < 10⁻²); and basal area, 29.88 ± 5.8 and 41.37 ± 7.57 (p < 10⁻²) for state and peasant plantations, respectively. State plantations exhibited greater diversity (H′ = 1.87) and enhanced equity (J’ = 0.43) than peasant plantations. The diametric structure exhibited an inverted J-shaped distribution, indicating constant and regular regeneration of these plantations. The upper canopy dominates the vertical structure in both types of plantations, with a significantly higher proportion in peasant plantations (83.60%) than in state plantations (73.8%), ANOVA (F (2.24 = 21.78), df = 24; p = 4.03 × 10⁻⁶). The findings indicate that the sustainable management of these plantations could incorporate agroecological principles to promote the coexistence of rubber production and biodiversity conservation while contributing to the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the well-being of local communities. Full article

Accurate taxonomy is fundamental for assessing extinction risks and implementing conservation strategies. We evaluated the extinction risk of Grindelia atlantica (Asteraceae), endemic to southern Brazil, using the IUCN criteria, and comparing three scenarios of taxonomic accuracy and data availability. Herbaria records and field surveys confirmed the historical existence of five records and currently only two remaining, isolated populations, totaling 633 individuals (513 in Pelotas and Rio Grande; 120 in Jaguarão). Habitat loss and invasive species are the primary threats. Analyses resulted in an Extent of Occurrence of 475.832 km² and an Area of Occupancy of 36 km². These findings, coupled with significant population decline, justify the classification as Critically Endangered. The results emphasize the critical role of reliable taxonomy in conservation biology. They demonstrate the impact of a few errors on extinction risk assessments, which can unfold in the misallocation of resources or insufficient protection. This is critical, particularly for endemic species like G. atlantica in the threatened Pampas, one of Brazil’s most degraded biomes and the least represented in preserves. The creation of a conservation unit is proposed as an urgent measure to ensure the survival of this species and its habitat, benefiting other endemic and rare threatened animal and plant species. Full article

Scientific research in Amazonia plays a fundamental role in identifying pathways to sustainable development for the region, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, preserving its unique ecosystems, and aligning with societal challenges and rights advocated by its diverse populations. This paper encompasses a broad range of scientific publications, spanning from 1977 to 2024, and highlights key research areas, analyzing their results and trends to inform future developments. It also identifies areas that require deeper investigation. The results emphasize a focus on agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. On the other hand, there is a need for more extensive research within the social sciences. As shown, research on indigenous land rights, cultural heritage, and the socio-economic impacts of environmental disruptions is essential for developing comprehensive conservation strategies. Furthermore, research on governance, policy, and socio-political dynamics in Amazonia can provide innovative approaches to addressing the challenges and opportunities for its people, biodiversity, and role in climate regulation, as demonstrated by the findings. The strategic research fields identified in this paper provide a guide for future studies and policy development aimed at protecting the forest and its inhabitants. This study emphasizes the need for approaches that integrate both natural and social sciences as essential for addressing the complex ecological and socio-economic challenges that continue to shape the contemporary research landscape. Furthermore, this paper highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among Amazonian countries and research institutions in achieving these goals. In this context, reinforcing long-term, large-scale research programs such as the LBA (Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia) and the Scientific Panel for the Amazon (SPA) are crucial to advancing integrated, policy-relevant science for the sustainable future of the region. Full article

Phytoremediation is based on the use of plants to decontaminate water and soil. In this work, the capacity of high Andean vegetation in the absorption and translocation of heavy metals was analyzed. Species were identified to analyze the presence of metals in roots, stems, and leaves by spectrometry. The translocation factor was determined and analyzed by means of pattern clusters. Based on the floristic inventory, the dominance of the Poaceae and Asteraceae families was determined, and 12 plant species with a high importance value were selected. According to the ICP-AES, mercury (951.07 mg/kg) was determined in the roots of Lachemilla orbiculata, and chromium (21.88 mg/kg) in Carex bonplandii. Arsenic (2.79 mg/kg) was detected as being significantly higher than the values recorded in lowland plants. Cadmium mobility was high in all species, reaching higher values in Baccharis salicifolia (86.28%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (37.16%). Rumex acetocella accumulated lead in leaves (9.27%), while Taraxacum officinale (1.20%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (1.20%) accumulated silicon. Stabilization of chromium, mercury, and sodium was determined in the roots without translocation to higher organs. Finally, cluster analysis showed physiological interactions between metals as a toxicity mitigation mechanism affecting mobility. These findings suggest that they are hyperaccumulator species. Full article

The drastic and historic fall in natural rubber prices has prompted many smallholders around the world to abandon rubber plantations in favor of other survival alternatives. In the Lomela and Lodja territories of Sankuru Province (Democratic Republic of Congo), where a historical absence of a rubber market prevails, local communities have conserved rubber plantations inherited from the colonial era (dating back to 1955). Data collected from 401 households enabled us to identify the perceptions and determinants of rubber plantation conservation. The results show that households are highly dependent on forest ecosystem services. Agriculture is the main activity for 81.3% of respondents, in the context of extreme poverty where daily incomes amount to 0.33 USD/person. The patriarchal system favored men, who inherited 97% of the plantations. Men perceived the conservation of the plantations as beneficial, while women perceived it as serving external project interests. Perceptions were significantly influenced by gender, age, social and legal organization, geographical origin, mode of acquisition, main activity, diversification of income sources, membership in a tribal mutuality, access to the informal mutual aid networks, membership in an association and contact with extension services. Conservation was positively and significantly correlated with geographical origin, membership in an association, contact with extension service, consideration of plantations as natural heritage and the ecosystem services provided. These results underline that rubber plantations cannot be understood only in terms of rubber production, but also in terms of their socio-ecological and heritage dimensions. Full article

Previous studies have consistently reported the detrimental impact of dam construction on natural populations of softshell turtles across East and Southeast Asia, with particularly severe effects on large-bodied species. The Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle (Palea steindachneri), a large-sized and Critically Endangered member of the family Trionychidae, remains poorly documented throughout much of its native range in Southeast Asia. In this study, we present new field data from the Đà River basin in northern Vietnam, encompassing areas both upstream and downstream of the Sơn La Dam. Data were obtained through a combination of direct field observations, camera trap monitoring, and semi-structured interviews with local fishers and traders. Two individuals of P. steindachneri—including a juvenile—were recorded, providing the first confirmed evidence of ongoing natural reproduction in the region. Additionally, we documented 102 individuals of Pelodiscus sp., encompassing all life stages and indicating a stable, reproducing local population. Despite overlapping in macrohabitat use along the river, the two species were spatially segregated, with a minimum interspecific distance of 8.2 km, suggesting broad sympatry without syntopy, potentially due to microhabitat partitioning. These findings underscore the persistence and likely reproductive viability of P. steindachneri in modified riverine systems affected by dams, and have broader conservation implications for other threatened taxa with similar ecologies, such as Rafetus swinhoei. Urgent conservation actions, including habitat protection, community-based monitoring, and strengthened regulation of the wildlife trade, are essential to ensure the survival of remaining wild populations. Full article

Contemporary scientific consensus recognizes forests as vital to the global carbon cycle and essential for mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. Several internationally coordinated forest conservation initiatives were established in the late twentieth century. Market- and rights-based strategies and community-driven participatory reforms have evolved in the fortress forests of the Global South. However, there remains a gap in understanding how these overlapping conservation ideologies—particularly neoliberal, participatory, and fortress conservation—have evolved and interacted within specific geographies. This study investigates the nexus of three conservation ideologies in Myanmar since the 1990s. Using a Marxist materialism perspective and poststructuralist political ecology, we explore how power dynamics in forestry are shifting under neoliberal political philosophy. We show how hegemonic neoliberalism influences the roles of state and non-state actors in Myanmar, where new governance approaches to forest conservation have emerged. New ways of governing forest conservation have emerged in Myanmar, where numerous conservation philosophies have guided the state through global programs, leading to skeletal forest conservation governance. However, these approaches have downplayed Myanmar’s historical and geographical characteristics, both of which are progenitors of its problems in forestry. Our study critiques the contrasting tenets of forest conservation theories to inform future policies. Full article

Cantabrian mixed forests, located in areas of Spain, Portugal, and France, serve as an essential biogeographic transition region, noted for its extraordinary plant diversity and ecological intricacy. To aid conservation and research initiatives, a uniform checklist of vascular plants was created, incorporating information from citizen science platforms, scientific databases, herbarium records, and local floras. The outcome is a carefully selected collection of more than 8000 taxa, with over 76% recognized as native, highlighting the area’s importance as a reservoir of biodiversity and a climate refuge. Taxonomic discrepancies were resolved via expert verification and adherence to international naming standards, establishing a dependable basis for ecological research. The checklist demonstrates notable variations in organisms, ecological approaches, and evolutionary lineages, influenced by geographical diversity, climate variations, and past land use patterns. Importantly, the study emphasizes the drawbacks of unchecked biodiversity data and shows the benefits of expert-driven synthesis for addressing gaps and biases in species documentation. The floristic information presented here can act as a basis for transboundary conservation planning, ongoing biodiversity tracking, and the development of adaptive management approaches in response to climate change and ecological decline. This initiative represents an important move towards safeguarding the distinct natural heritage of this distinctive biogeographic region. Full article

Free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) pose a significant but often overlooked threat to wildlife populations and global conservation efforts while also having the potential to contribute positively to conservation initiatives. As generalist predators and scavengers, these adaptable animals can lead to biodiversity loss through predation, disease transmission, competition, and behavioral disruption of native species. This review synthesizes global studies on their ecological impact, highlighting notable cases of predation on endangered species, such as the markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) in Pakistan and elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) in Mexico, as well as the spread of zoonotic diseases like Echinococcus spp. and canine distemper. A growing concern is hybridization between free-ranging dogs and wild canids. Such genetic mixing can erode local adaptations, reduce genetic purity, and undermine conservation efforts for wild canid populations. Current management strategies—including lethal control, trap–neuter–release, and vaccination—have produced mixed results and face challenges related to data limitations, regional variability, and cultural barriers. This review advocates for integrated, context-specific management approaches that consider ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Future research should prioritize standardized definitions and data collection, long-term evaluation of intervention effectiveness, and the socio-economic drivers of dog–wildlife interactions to develop sustainable solutions for mitigating the multifaceted threats imposed by free-ranging dogs to global diversity. Full article

Climate change and anthropogenic activities, which are central to landscape-related concerns, affect both the well-being of populations and the structure of semi-urban and urban landscapes worldwide. This article aims to assess the environmental impact of landscape modifications across Togo as perceived through the lens of urban ecology. In conjunction with Landsat 8 satellite imagery, data were gathered via questionnaires distributed to stakeholders in urban space development. Four land use classifications are discernible from analyzing the Agoè-Nyivé northern municipalities’ cartography: vegetation, development areas/artificial surfaces, crops and fallows, meadows, and wetlands. Between 2014 and 2022, meadows and wetlands decreased by 57.14%, vegetation cover decreased by 27.77%, and fields and fallows decreased by 15.38%. Development areas/artificial surfaces increased by 40.47% due to perpetual expansion, displacing natural habitats, including wetlands and meadows, where rapid growth results in the construction of flood-prone areas. In wetland ecosystems, 91 plant species were identified and classified into 84 genera and 37 families using a floristic inventory. Typical species included Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze; Nymphaea lotus L.; Typha australis Schumach; Ludwigia erecta (L.); Ipomoea aquatica Forssk; Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine. This concerning observation could serve as an incentive for policymakers to advocate for incorporating urban ecology into municipal development strategies, with the aim of mitigating the environmental risks associated with rapid urbanization. Full article

Freshwater fishes are one of the most threatened animal taxa in North America. In Canada, roughly 30% of the occurring species are currently listed and under protection, including redhorses. This review covers Moxostoma spp. ecology, biology, conservation efforts, and highlights challenges to galvanize actions and outcomes through research. The threats to their survival are strongly associated to increasing anthropogenic pressures, superimposed by climate change effects. In Canada, recovery plans for the copper and the black redhorse, and a management plan for the river redhorse, are operational. The recovery strategy for the copper redhorse relies on stocking campaigns of 0⁺ juveniles, which was exclusively based on artificial breeding of captured wild broodstock. A conservation aquaculture program that includes genetic diversity and adaptation considerations was recently initiated, and the areas of refinement identified are the following: broodstock and early-life rearing protocols and environmental and physical enrichment protocols to improve juveniles’ post-release fitness. Research through the prism of conservation physiology is proposed in the identification welfare and health bioindicators and adaptability/response to climatic change. Concurrently, aquatic ecosystem protection/restoration, control of invasive species, eDNA detection/telemetry tracking, and post-release monitoring efforts should also be reinforced. Full article

Vehicle collisions with wild animals are a significant cause of wild animal mortality. This impacts their population and spatiotemporal distribution within the ecosystem. Data on the impact of road kills on wild animals, particularly in the south-central part of Uganda, are not present. This study aimed to investigate the number of species involved in road kills in South-Central Uganda and their spatial and temporal distribution within South-Central Uganda. Three transects, each 40 km in length, were surveyed. In both wet and dry seasons, surveys were conducted monthly in the morning and afternoon from November 2019 through April 2024. The findings showed that 161 wildlife–vehicle accidents were detected within a four-and-a-half-year period, with 178 animal species involved. These incidents belonged to 12 mammals, five reptiles, two amphibians, and 32 avian families. Our study adds to a better understanding of the impact of roads on wildlife in Africa and is an essential starting point regarding conservation efforts to mitigate these effects. It provides a first summary of species that are frequently found as roadkill in this area of south-central Uganda. This acts as a reference point for future studies. Full article

The bacterial community in water from the Houston-toad captive assurance colony held at the Houston Zoo, TX, was used for comparison to the native pond bacterial composition by Ilumina-based 16S rRNA V3 amplicon sequencing. We analyzed composite sediment–water samples from native breeding ponds before and after the release of eggstrands, focusing on opportunistic pathogens of the genus Mycobacterium within the phylum Actinobacteria. Proximal native breeding ponds without headstarting were analyzed for comparison. Tank-water samples from holding facilities (NACQ, Rm1, Rm3, Rm4) showed similar bacterial profiles, with sequences identifying Proteobacteria (57.8 ± 6.2% of all reads), Bacteriodetes (28.1 ± 8.9% of all reads), and Firmicutes (4.1 ± 2.0% of all reads) generally accounting for more than 90% of all reads. Actinobacteria were identified in low abundance, accounting for 1.4 ± 1.1% of all reads, with Nocardiaceae being the most prominent group (54 to 75% of reads), followed by Microbacteriaceae (6 to 12%) and Mycobacteriaceae (1 to 3%). In the pond samples, Proteobacteria remained the most prominent phylum, comprising about 30% of all reads, though other phyla such as Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, and others were also well represented, ranging from 1% to 15%, with individual phyla peaking at specific sampling times. The prevalence of Actinobacteria sequences varied widely among ponds (<1 to 11% of all reads) and over time (10% and 1%). Most mycobacteria sequences retrieved from tank water were not detected in pond water. Thus, the potential introduction of opportunistic mycobacteria pathogens with tank water from holding facilities and eggstrands via headstarting does not seem to lead to the establishment of these bacteria in natal ponds. Full article

Fungi are of critical importance in supporting biodiversity and the world’s ecosystems, yet their conservation status has only been assessed relatively recently as part of the IUCN’s Red List of threatened species. While there are several challenges to evaluating fungi for conservation purposes, there is an urgent need to bring fungi more broadly into the conservation framework. Here, we present an automated bioinformatic pipeline for processing data from one of the largest fungal biodiversity datasets to assess species conservation status using a test case of conspicuous macrofungi from the state of Colorado. This pipeline can rapidly process existing data from both specimen- and observation-based records available through MyCoPortal for making conservation status assessments, and the approach presented employs ‘fuzzy matching’ techniques for correcting commonly encountered misspelled taxonomic names in the data. Such assessments are required for integrating fungi into the NatureServe conservation status framework. The pipeline can easily be scaled to produce robust assessments, even at the national level, which can be valuable in focusing field activity for verification purposes. Of the available 117,006 biodiversity data records from Colorado, our processing test case produced a final processed dataset of 36,637 macrofungal records from the state. From this, a focus list of 1613 rarely documented Colorado species was produced for consideration, with 30 of these also being found on the Red List. A more comprehensive conservation status assessment based on scoring in the NatureServe framework was then produced that provided status ranking for 2438 unique, valid, and current taxonomic names for Colorado macrofungi in the processed dataset. Full article

Globally, national governments have committed to restoring their native biodiversity, which can include the reintroduction of species. Amassing public support can prove difficult when the species is considered a contestable species, such as the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx, within the UK. Using an e-questionnaire widely distributed across social media platforms enabled the investigation of public perceptions regarding any proposed lynx reintroduction to England. The majority of the public generally supported the idea of a lynx reintroduction to England. Further investigation by societal groups allowed for greater and more detailed knowledge of perceptions, attitudes, and potential barriers to the potential reintroduction of this contestable species. There were varying opinions both negative and positive, between distinct societal groups, while respondent statements highlighted justifications for their positions. A closer investigation identified specific areas for educational efforts and engagement prior to any public consultation. Many negative opinions were based on either a lack of knowledge or misinformation, which highlighted where educational efforts should be targeted. Misinformation appeared rife within the farmer, vet, and wildlife photography groups. The study highlighted that applying both macro- and micro-scale analyses greatly benefits the identification, detail, and specific issues that need to be addressed, therefore enabling more efficient planning of relevant actions to address concerns before proceeding with such a proposal, especially at a time when funding is limited. Full article

Urban regions represent complex acoustic environments with few respites from noise other than small or remote patches of green infrastructure (GI). Recent noise action planning in the German Ruhr region indicates that urban expansion is fueling encroachment upon GI and subsequently the loss of quiet areas. A systematic exploration of this loss in Germany is needed. An explorative systematic review on Scopus with snowballing supports the synthesis of a conceptual framework linking acoustically relevant ecosystem services with GI. Our review identifies natural quietness, abatement, connection to nature, positive soundscape perception, fidelity, and bird sound presence as sound-related ecosystem functions or services. Empirical case studies justify the need to better understand the link between GI, ecosystem services, and the acoustic environment. Guidance for quiet area assessments in the EU to address this research gap in noise action planning is an emerging topic and needs further study. To address the knowledge gap and provide quiet area assessment guidance, we present a stratified habitat-based acoustic study design for a multi-community area in the middle of the German Ruhr region. A multi-tier sample of 120 locations across eleven habitat and land use strata in the Ruhr is presented, pointing out the scarcity of protected biotopes and large biotope complexes in the study area. This work is a contribution towards a conceptual and methodological basis for quiet area assessment, especially in German and EU noise action planning. Full article

Historically protected by cultural traditions, sacred forests are now increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, particularly in West Africa, where natural areas and wildlife populations have dwindled as human populations have increased exponentially. Residents in the vicinity of sacred forests play critical roles in conservation success or failure, but few studies have investigated their views. We surveyed 281 residents representing ~100% of households surrounding the sacred forest of Nakpadjoak, a 50-hectare remnant of Sudan-Guinea woodland savanna in northern Togo that is now surrounded by human-dominated landscapes. The majority of residents believe that the sacred forest should be protected (92%) and that access to the forest should be prohibited (55%). Most residents own livestock (93%) and reported that the forest has become a pasture for domestic animals (70%) while wildlife populations have declined (79%). Two-thirds of residents (64%) reported that the forest has changed due to wood cutting, a practice that occurs despite being banned. Most (96%) residents use wood as their primary source of domestic energy, but 90% would switch to alternative fuels, such as natural gas, if available. Unfortunately, despite residents’ desire to protect the forest and external funding for its protection and restoration, Nakpadjoak forest has become increasingly degraded due to ongoing exploitation and conflicts of interest surrounding its use. We recommend bolstering local prohibitions on sacred forest exploitation as well as government interventions such as subsidizing natural gas as an alternative to wood fuel to support the conservation of this and other protected areas in the region, which may otherwise be destroyed. Full article

Agroforestry systems (ASs) are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for ecological restoration and sustainable land use in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and early outcomes of an AS established in a degraded urban area in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Specifically, we analyzed the system’s establishment process, estimated its costs, assessed structural development over time, and compared species performance and carbon accumulation across different biodiversity arrangements. After three years, the system accumulated 17.69 Mg ha⁻¹ of carbon and demonstrated significant basal area growth, particularly among fast-growing species such as Ceiba glaziovii, Gliricidia sepium, and Moringa oleifera. These species enhanced overall system productivity and likely contributed to increases in soil organic matter, facilitating the establishment of more demanding, slow-growing species. Cost analysis indicated a total implementation and maintenance estimate of BRL 57,468.79 ha⁻¹ (USD 11,096.29) over three years, with irrigation and maintenance accounting for 44.39%, labor and site preparation 31.59%, and seedling production 24.02%. Although the system proved viable under institutional support, its replicability for smallholders remains dependent on reliable water access or implementation aligned with the rainy season. The use of nursery seedlings enhanced seedling survival and system feasibility. The broader adoption of agroforestry in semi-arid regions will require supportive public policies and technical assistance. Strengthening government programs such as PNAE and PRONAF is essential, as these initiatives can promote system adoption by facilitating access to credit while also reducing costs, particularly when short-cycle crops grown within the system are sold to local schools. It is important to note that agroforestry costs vary depending on the intended objectives, species diversity, and arrangement design. Therefore, technical assistance is critical to guiding smallholders in selecting and implementing context-appropriate systems. Our findings reinforce the potential of agroforestry systems to promote carbon sequestration, restore degraded lands, and support food security and sustainable development in climate-vulnerable regions. Full article

In 2011, the European Union Member States adopted a new system for updating the European Commission under Article 12 of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), and every six years, Member States will report on measures taken to conserve birds. The main assessment is carried out on the basis of species censuses and their temporal trends. Regrettably, however, the assessment only takes into account the species at the global level and not the recognized valid subspecies, which represent important tesserae of taxonomic diversity. This paper constructively discusses some of the results of the fourth assessment and proposes some modifications to future assessments to achieve more inclusive results of at-risk subspecies. Full article