Conservation

The shade-grown coffee agroecosystem is rich in ecosystem services (ES). In recent years, pests and the decrease in coffee prices have caused producers to change their agricultural activities. These changes in land use have resulted in alterations in the vegetation cover that lead to the loss of ES. The objective of this research was to analyze the effects of land cover and land use changes on the ES associated with coffee production in Cumbres de Huicicila, a coffee-growing region in western Mexico. For this purpose, we analyzed land cover and land use maps for the period 2007–2019, calculated the annual rate of change and estimated the future rate of change to 2030. We used a literature review through the SALSA method to identify and estimate the impact of the ES of coffee plantations under the approach of nature’s contributions to people. As a result, we found alterations with a decreasing trend in agroecosystem cover and loss of ES related to biodiversity. We hope that this research will serve to consolidate efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of the ES of the shade-grown coffee plantations. Full article

Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. is an overexploited forest species in the Lubumbashi region (south-eastern DR Congo), as its roots are highly valued in traditional medicine. Conventional propagation of this species is affected by seed dormancy and a high mortality rate during early seedling development. To improve on existing methods, we developed an in vitro seed germination protocol. After observing the germination rates, the effects of different doses (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) of cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin, and meta-topolin) on S. longepedunculata seedling development were compared. Our results showed that soaking for 10 min in NaOCl (10%) followed by 5 min in ethanol (70%) effectively reduced the death rate of seeds while increasing the germination rate to almost 77%. The addition of cytokinins improved plantlet growth: a 12.2× increase in the number of plantlets was obtained with 1.5 mg/L meta-topolin, while only a single stem was obtained from the control. The effects of different auxin types on rhizogenesis did not differ significantly. The best recovery and rooting were noted with microcuttings from the basal parts of S. longepedunculata plantlets. Finally, the seedlings produced survived during the acclimatisation phase regardless of the type of substrate used. The established protocol provides a means for large-scale production of S. longepedunculata plantlets for the restoration of degraded landscapes and agroforestry. Full article

Despite the socioeconomic importance of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) traditional agroforestry production for family agriculture in Southern Brazil, there has been no systematization of forest management best practices aiming at long-term sustainability. Here, I present an analysis of relevant forest characteristics that are combined with restoration and management best practices to maintain not only sustainable traditional erva-mate production but also a healthy forest environment. Additionally, I developed a framework that offers an easy tool to apply a focused analysis of general forest attributes to help determine best practices for forest restoration, species diversification, and overall sustainability and health of agroforestry systems. This study also demonstrates that the integration of knowledge and practices that small-scale farmers and traditional communities have been developing for generations should be leveraged for more inclusive research and extension, especially considering the threats family farming is facing due to the dominant paradigm of conventional, one-size-fits-all agriculture. Full article

Natural habitats in South America have been intensively used and modified, including their conversion to exotic tree plantations, impacting the terrestrial fauna communities. Carnivores play an important role in the functioning of ecosystems as apex predators. Landscape characteristics and resource availability determine the composition and abundance of co-occurring carnivores. We hypothesized that the diversity and relative abundance of native carnivores varied in relation to the different vegetation macrohabitats. We predicted that native forests support a higher diversity and abundance of native carnivores compared to exotic plantations. Between 1 March 2021 and 31 March 2022, we estimated the species’ richness, composition, and relative abundance of terrestrial native carnivores in three different landscapes of the Coast Range in central Chile: (a) monoculture plantation of the exotic Pinus radiata (MP); (b) Mediterranean coastal thorn forest (TF); and (c) Mediterranean coastal sclerophyllous forest (SF). We monitored an area of 1000 ha in each landscape, installing 10 camera traps (total of 30 camera traps). We used a monitoring transect with unbaited camera traps separated by 1 km, with a total photo-trapping effort of 10,046 camera days. The classification, organization, and analysis of camera trap data were conducted using CameraSweet software. The total number of independent native carnivore species events (photos separated > 60 min) recorded in each landscape were 1564 in SF, 1412 in TF, and 775 in MP. Carnivore richness and composition were not significantly different in all three landscapes. We detected five native carnivore species. Relative abundance by species was significantly higher in SF compared to MP for Leopardus guigna, Conepatus chinga, and Galictis cuja and also significantly higher in TF compared to MP for L. guigna. Our results suggest that the native vegetation cover must be preserved to maintain viable and abundant native carnivore populations, crucially relevant in the highly impacted and human-dominated global biodiversity hotspot of Central Chile. This study contributes to informing evidence-based decision-making and conservation strategies at the landscape level to mitigate biodiversity loss. Full article

Research efforts to protect Philippine biodiversity have increased significantly. However, there is an imbalance in the distribution of published studies, with specific territories receiving more attention than others. Mindanao, a southern Philippine group of islands, is known for its high levels of endemism for amphibians and reptiles. Despite this, research on these groups remains scattered. To address this gap, we conducted a literature review focusing on amphibians and reptiles in the Mindanao faunal region. We found an increasing effort towards herpetofauna over the two decades, yet there is a clear bias in the effort towards amphibians compared to reptiles. Furthermore, we found that amphibians have a significantly higher species threat index than reptiles and all other vertebrate groups, regardless of species endemism and conservation status. Yet, threatened herpetofauna species and those facing greater threats are poorly studied in general. Understanding the factors driving research biases in Mindanao and the Philippines is essential to allow us to redirect research efforts to the most needed areas, particularly understudied and neglected taxa in Mindanao. This is especially urgent in the face of a changing climate, where diverse herpetofauna communities are at an increased risk of extinction. Consequently, by bridging these gaps in biodiversity information, we can effectively contribute to the conservation and understanding of biodiversity in the region. Full article

Affem Boussou community forest (AFC) abounds in important biological resources. This study, which contributes to its better management, examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of the vegetation and its ecological and structural characteristics to propose a zoning plan for said forest. The analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use in the AFC from Google Earth images of 2015, 2018, and 2021 revealed a regressive trend of formations: crops and fallows (−33.98%), dense dry forests (−7.92%), gallery forests (−3.46%), plantations (−100%), grassy savannahs, and meadows (−18.84%), except for tree/shrub savannahs (484.23%). The floristic inventory identified 163 species divided into 129 genera and 55 families. Fabaceae (14.02%), and Combretaceae (10.55%) are the most represented families. Anogeissus leiocarpa (5.19%) and Vitellaria paradoxa (4.72%) are the most frequent species. We note the dominance of individuals of small diameters. The regeneration potential of the AFC is 64 feet/ha due to 21 feet/ha of suckers, 29 feet/ha of seedlings, and 14 feet/ha of shoots. As a zoning plan, the AFC was subdivided into four zones: the agroforestry zone (18.80%), the sustainable production forest zone (42.22%), the buffer zone (11%), and the biological conservation zone (28%). These results constitute a scientific basis for testing ecological indicators of the sustainable management of community forests in Togo. Full article

Soil compaction is one of the main causes of soil degradation, and some parameters have been used to characterize it, like those related to compressibility and the degree of compactness. To evaluate the rotational grazing time during winter and the presence and absence of grazing, on the compressibility and degree of compactness of a Cambisol, an experiment was installed and consisted of corn planting for silage, a fallow and pasture planting period, with two treatments evaluating the amount of rotational grazing (two and three times in a period of, respectively, 2 and 3 months), subdivided into the presence and absence of dairy cattle grazing. The mean bulk density value of 1.47 Mg/m³ separates the occurrence (plastic deformation) or not (elastic deformation) of additional soil compaction, while the traffic of machinery and animal trampling should occur with soil moisture lower than 0.23 kg/kg, when the soil has a larger load-bearing capacity. For the conservation of soil structure, our study recommends the permanence of cattle in the plots for 30 to 40 min/day and an exit when the pasture height is 0.07 to 0.10 m, with two or three grazing in a period of, respectively, 2 and 3 months. Full article

Cultivated meat (CM) is a disruptive technology that provides an alternative to animal protein. In this context, the Amazon manatee (Trichechus inunguis) emerges as an important case. Although it is illegal to hunt this large mammal, its meat continues to be consumed, causing several threats to its natural habitat. The aim of this study is to explore the impacts of introducing the Amazon manatee CM into the traditional meat value chain as a tool to aid the biodiversity of the Amazon Basin. Thus, we developed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats matrix from the content analysis of 11 interviews conducted between October 2021 and May 2022. The interviewees were experts in different fields, ranging from financial analysts of novel food technologies to biologists, researchers, and others. We presented the theme of illegal hunting and its consequences during the interviews, followed by the CM process, and explained how the royalties from the sale of this innovative product could help to preserve Amazon biodiversity through the proposal of a new business model. The main findings suggest that the proposed model would produce good results, but the threat of a rebound effect from the consumption of wild animals was mentioned in most responses, especially by actors involved in conservation. The strengths and opportunities of this disruptive narrative mainly focused on preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness, combining the conservation of wildlife and the consumption of novel food. The weaknesses included the lack of knowledge and the non-existent market. This framework is relevant for policymakers, nongovernmental organizations, and researchers seeking to improve the sustainability not only of the species found in the Amazon, but also around the world. Full article

In Hawai’i, ecosystem conservation practitioners are increasingly considering the potential ecohydrological benefits from applied conservation action to mitigate the degrading impacts of runoff on native and restored ecosystems. One determinant of runoff is excess rainfall events where rainfall rates exceed the infiltration capacity of soils. To help understand runoff risks, we calculated the probability of excess rainfall events across the Hawaiian landscape by comparing the probability distributions of projected rainfall frequency and land-cover-specific infiltration capacity. We characterized soil infiltration capacity based on different land cover types (bare soil, grasses, and woody vegetation) and compared them to the frequency of large rainfall events under current and future climate scenarios. We then mapped the potential risk of excess rainfall across the main Hawaiian Islands. Our results show that land cover type has a very large effect on runoff risk as excess rainfall conditions are 234% more likely in bare soil and 75% more likely in grasslands compared to woody forests and shrublands. In contrast, projected shifts in rainfall intensity by end-of-century show little impact on these probabilities and thus, the risk of runoff. This indicates that the probability of excess rainfall is primarily driven by differences in land cover and not by current or potential shifts in rainfall patterns across the Hawaiian landscape. The ability to estimate the risk of potentially ecologically and economically costly runoff based on changes of land cover is useful for managers focused on invasive species control and restoration planning, especially for native and endemic ecosystems unique to the State of Hawai’i. Full article

Increasing the germination percentages from chemical and/or mechanical processes in native species is vital for the conservation of the species. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different treatments on the germination process of species belonging to the tropical deciduous forest (TDF) in a forest nursery. Eight species of trees and shrubs reported to be native to the TDF were selected; the seeds were collected from various sites of the state of Queretaro, Mexico. A randomized design of four replicates with 25 seeds was used, for which three pre-germinative scarification treatments were evaluated for each species: (1) thermal scarification (TS), (2) mechanical scarification (MS), and (3) chemical scarification (CS). Germination was considered as the protrusion of cotyledons onto the substrate and was recorded every 48 h for 60 days. A significant difference was observed between treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The mechanical treatment (MS) obtained the highest germination percentage and the least variation, in contrast to the thermal, chemical, and control treatments, which presented the lowest amount of germinated seeds. The MS treatment was the most effective for all the species studied because it allowed for 100% of the germination to be achieved. Full article

The present study contributes to bridging the gap in research related to the presence and distribution patterns of carnivore mammals in western México and identifies priority areas for biodiversity conservation in western Michoacán, México. The distribution of 11 carnivore species (Canis latrans; Urocyon cinereoargenteus; Herpailurus yagouaroundi; Leopardus pardalis; Leopardus wiedii; Puma concolor; Panthera onca; Conepatus leuconotus; Bassariscus astutus; Nasua narica; Procyon lotor) in western México was modeled through the application of a two-scale approach, including a large modeled region that corresponded to the western part of the country, for which consensus models were obtained that represent the species’ bioclimatic envelopes (historic occurrence records); and the second modeled study area that includes only the western portion of the state of Michoacán in which compounded models of the species’ habitat suitability (field occurrence records) for this region were proposed. Using species’ habitat suitability models as biodiversity units, prioritization exercises were carried out on important areas for the conservation of these species, as well as the comparison and analysis of the existing natural protected areas (NPA) and existing proposed conservation areas in the study area. The different exercises for prioritizing areas for conservation yielded similar results and show the potential percentages of the landscape that can be subjected to conservation programs. The highest conservation priority values were mainly located in the Costas del Sur and Cordillera del Sur provinces. This study signifies a flexible basis from which future studies on planning and designing a network of natural protected areas can be carried out in this region. Full article

Mountain landscapes support hydric and biodiversity potential under different ownership and land use perspectives. A focal point justifying their preservation is often the legislation’s ethical endorsement. Yet, when scales for assessment diverge without a common analytical purpose, the protective measures may become either ambiguous or insufficient. By considering that mountain cryosphere landscapes have both subjective and supply values, we focused on approaches to protect them and examined conceptual dissonances in their assessment. This ambiguity was examined by analyzing the hydric storage potential of the mountain cryosphere in semi-arid regions in the Andes. We reviewed the technical aspects of cryosphere hydrology and how current legislation aims to preserve freshwater supply and non-instrumental value. The analysis found a clash between instrumental and non-instrumental values and, most importantly, the neglect of a temporal dimension for landscape evolution. Particularly, landscape protection becomes suboptimal as scales of analysis for use and non-use values diverge. Therefore, we recommend analyzing mountain cryosphere landscapes as overlapped sub-units bearing a unified potential (future value) as a hydric resource. This analysis should fit the most inclusive scale on which transaction costs reflecting needs and insurance values reflecting management quality are optimal. Full article

Tropical deforestation has been recognized as a major and multi-faceted sustainability issue, frequently analyzed in terms of its economic drivers, the effectiveness of protection policies, or broader political dynamics. Meanwhile, the role of values as underlying social factors affecting land-use choices remains underexplored. Recognizing that values can, however, be important “deep” leverage points for transformative change, we delve into that dimension using the Brazilian Amazon as a case study. Through a total of 72 key-informant interviews and field visits to 25 sustainable land-use initiatives in the states of Acre and Mato Grosso, we identify values that have motivated choices for conservation in deforestation frontiers and how stakeholders articulate them. Our results reveal that different land users make economic considerations, but these are interwoven with relational values—about connections to the landscape or social relations mediated by nature. Eudaimonic values, such as increased meaningfulness, personal growth through learning and knowledge sharing, as well as a sense of contributing to the world, are shown to be key in those initiatives. These findings challenge the commonplace distinction between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ people, showing that relational values are relevant across the board and may deserve much more attention as leverage points. Full article

Livestock depredation is a major conservation challenge globally, causing significant economic losses to pastoralists and threatening large carnivore species outside protected areas. Our study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of livestock depredation incidences, carnivore species associated with livestock depredation, and assessed mitigation measures in Maasai Mara Conservancies in Southern Kenya. Using daily monitoring of livestock depredation cases, we made comparisons between livestock attacks occurring in predator-proof bomas and those with traditional kraals. A total of 305 livestock depredation incidents were recorded between January and December 2021, translating to a total tally of 1411 livestock maimed or killed. Most livestock depredation incidents occurred during the day (59%) as opposed to night (41%), but this difference was not significant. Livestock depredation incidents in the nighttime occurred mostly inside traditional kraals (34%) and occurred the least in predator-proof kraals (2%). Lions were responsible for more livestock attacks in the grazing fields compared with leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. Hyenas were more daring and attacked livestock inside traditional bomas relative to lions and leopards. Our study concludes that predator-proof bomas are more effective in minimizing livestock depredation and can be embraced as a sound intervention for human–carnivore co-existence in communities’ wildlife conservation areas. Full article

Risks to non-target species from pesticides have been a concern since the 1960s, but non-target arthropods have never received the attention as have non-target vertebrate species. Pesticide exposure could be a contributing factor in the decline of the endangered Cicindela nevadica lincolniana, as well as declines in predaceous and pollinating insects. Consequently, we examined susceptibility to three common pesticides (glyphosate, bifenthrin, and imidacloprid) of larvae of Cicindela circumpicta, a co-occurring species with Cicindela nevadica lincolniana and a potential model species for insect predators generally. Toxicity was tested by direct, 24-h exposure by contact to larvae. No toxicity from glyphosate was observed at any of the doses tested, nor was death in any controls observed. In contrast, C. circumpicta showed alarmingly high sensitivity to small amounts of both imidacloprid and bifenthrin, two of the most widely used insecticides worldwide. This level of toxicity shows a 3-fold higher sensitivity than reported for insect pollinators. The high sensitivity of tiger beetles to neonicotinoids, and the wide and continual use of this pesticide, strongly indicates the potential for declines in larval insect predators generally, and with the decline of C. n. lincolniana specifically. Results suggest that the focus of the concern for non-target impacts from neonicotinoids should be expanded for insect natural enemies. Full article

This study evaluated the status of the well-being of wild Nandus nandus in the Kawadighi Haor through morphometric and gastrointestinal indices and local people’s perceptions. Basic macroscopic morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), the viscera somatic index (VSI), the hepatosomatic index (HSI), the condition factor (K), length–weight relationships, and gut histology were analyzed from the regular commercial catch. The GIT morphology includes a tube-like esophagus, a tapering stomach, a tubular intestinal region, and a rectum, all of which have clinically normal shapes and conditions. VSI and HSI values fluctuate throughout the year, indicating the periodic variation of food content and availability in the ecosystem. The condition factor (K) was generally stable, with minor deviations in December. The mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa were identified from the stomach of N. nandus and showed normal histological characteristics. There were numerous proliferated villi in the tunica mucosa, but no histopathological abnormalities were found in the gut. These findings suggest that the current population of N. nandus in the Haor is in a favorable condition. However, local people reported some potential threats that might be a concern for the long-term survival of this species. The results of the present study will be useful for effective and sustainable stock management of the N. nandus fishery in the Kawadighi Haor and other floodplain ecosystems. Full article

Utilising wildlife as natural resources has a long history and wide appeal for many nations, while seeking international wildlife that is sustainably managed is the primary responsibility of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, data-driven trade reviews are required, utilising CITES data to increase our understanding of the trade and facilitate evidence-based conservation planning. This study presents the first trade review for Toucans utilising CITES import reported data. The total number of Toucans exported was over 22,000, which subsequently generated a retail ‘real price’ value of nearly US $72 million. The countries accounting for the majority of Toucan exports were Guyana (39%), Suriname (33%) and Nicaragua (14%), while the main importing country was The Netherlands (nearly 25%). Toucan species traded were Ramphastos vitellinus (accounting for 21.5%), Ramphastos toco (19%) and Ramphastos tucanus (17%), making the top three while trade was recorded in 10 species. However, successfully identifying economic values for 15 species highlights that trade exists within non-CITES listed Toucan species too. Therefore, the levels of trade in non-CITES-listed Toucan species need urgent attention, as do the non-detrimental findings that underpin the CITES quotas set for each species, given the species’ importance ecologically. Full article

Assessing species at the regional level for their conservation is a vital first step in identifying and prioritizing species for both ex situ and in situ conservation actions. The complex coastal geomorphology of the Farasan Archipelago gives rise to promontories and bays that fragment the coastal flora. Climate change studies, combined with a case study of anthropogenic land use changes such as urbanization, tourism, and fishing, highlight the threat to the fragmented plant populations. In this study, the regional IUCN categories and criteria have been used to assess the conservation status of twelve targeted taxa of the Farasan Archipelago based on the data collected during field surveys and a literature review. According to our results, six species have been categorized as endangered (EN), four species as vulnerable (VU), and two species as near threatened (NT). Compared to an earlier assessment at the global level, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata have been re-categorized with a high degree of threat and ten species have been assessed for the first time. An effective action plan for the protection of the coastal zone and inland area biodiversity of the Archipelago is crucial to reduce threats to the islands’ plants. Full article