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Open AccessArticle

Ethnobotanical Knowledge and the Distribution of Pesticidal Plants in Northern Tanzania: A Multi-Ethnic Perspective

by Immaculate K. Constantine, Richard A. Giliba and Angela G. Mkindi

Diversity 2026, 18(5), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18050253 - 25 Apr 2026

Viewed by 304

Abstract

Pesticidal plants are vital for pest management in sub-Saharan Africa, yet knowledge about them is culturally and geographically unevenly documented. This study examined ethnobotanical knowledge and the distribution of pesticidal plants among six ethnic groups (Maasai, Chagga, Iraqw, Pare, Nguu, Zigua) in northern [...] Read more.

Pesticidal plants are vital for pest management in sub-Saharan Africa, yet knowledge about them is culturally and geographically unevenly documented. This study examined ethnobotanical knowledge and the distribution of pesticidal plants among six ethnic groups (Maasai, Chagga, Iraqw, Pare, Nguu, Zigua) in northern Tanzania. Data related to ethnobotanical knowledge were collected from questionnaire surveys involving 266 participants, 24 focus group discussions, 26 key informant interviews, complemented by field verifications across the six ethnic groups. Pesticidal plant coordinates were accessed from herbarium voucher specimens from The National Herbarium of Tanzania. Chi-square tests of independence assessed associations between ethnic groups and knowledge transmission pathways. Penalized logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the influence of demographic factors on reported knowledge of pesticidal plants. Spatial overlay was conducted to examine the distribution of pesticidal plant species occurrences across agroecological zones and rainfall gradients. The results revealed a significant association between ethnic group and the source of pesticidal plant knowledge. Across all ethnic groups, knowledge was predominantly acquired through family/community traditional sources, with the highest frequencies recorded among the Maasai, Iraqw, and Zigua. Knowledge is mainly transmitted orally, particularly among the Maasai, Iraqw, and Zigua. A total of one hundred and six distinct species were recorded across the six ethnic groups surveyed, with Tephrosia vogelii and Solanum incanum being the most frequently cited. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part across all ethnic groups, with notably high usage among the Chagga, Iraqw, and Maasai. Perceptions of the declining population of pesticidal plants were the highest among the Maasai. Spatial mapping revealed pesticidal plant hotspots in the Northern Rift and Volcanic Highlands agroecological zones, and they fall within zones receiving moderate to relatively high rainfall. The findings highlight that ethnobotanical knowledge of pesticidal plants in northern Tanzania is strongly shaped by ethnic affiliation, oral knowledge transmission, and localized ecological availability, with clear spatial hotspots aligned to specific agroecological zones and high-rainfall areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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53 pages, 3262 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Step Too Far: Culling a Native Australian Honeyeater, the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephalis), for ‘Conservation’: Biases, Contradictions, and Myth-Making

by Gisela Kaplan

Diversity 2026, 18(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18020099 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1105

Abstract

Birds of the Anthropocene have to adapt to changing and often very unfavourable conditions, among them habitat fragmentation or outright habitat loss. Many organisations worldwide are deeply committed to stemming the tide of extinctions of native species and maintaining biodiversity. The question is [...] Read more.

Birds of the Anthropocene have to adapt to changing and often very unfavourable conditions, among them habitat fragmentation or outright habitat loss. Many organisations worldwide are deeply committed to stemming the tide of extinctions of native species and maintaining biodiversity. The question is how far scientists and practitioners are willing to go to achieve conservation goals in situations that are not entirely resolved, are contradictory, or involve dubious claims about alleged causative agents. The noisy miner, Manorina melanocephala, has been painted as such a causative agent in the decline of small woodland birds. The noisy miner is a highly successful, flexible, and socially complex small native Australian honeyeater (woodland bird). As will be shown in a new data analysis, the noisy miner also ranks highly in cognitive abilities. Despite its status as a native species, a protracted campaign against the species has led to government policies permitting its culling in New South Wales due to its alleged ‘overabundance’ and ‘harmful’ impact on small woodland birds. As a consequence, noisy miners can now be shot legally and have been culled in their thousands in the last decade. Allegedly, these actions have been taken for conservation purposes. This paper raises significant doubts about the claims against this species, and the methods and ethics of how a native species can become the sole bearer of the ills of the Anthropocene. This paper exposes bias or misinterpreted evidence and shows how myth-making is possible in modern science and how language can purposefully mislead the public via characterisations of avian behaviour. In essence, this paper is a case study of ethical issues in science: about the degree and type of intervention, and how far we are willing to go in the name of conservation, particularly when based on spurious or contradictory evidence and at the cost of native animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 9446 KB

Open AccessArticle

Centering Communities in Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation: Preliminary Insights from a Citizen Science Initiative in Kalimantan, Indonesia

by Muhammad Syazwan Omar, Rona Dennis, Emily Mae Meijaard, Syafiie Sueif, Syahmi Zaini, Muiz Mohamdih, Andi Erman and Erik Meijaard

Diversity 2025, 17(10), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17100679 - 29 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary findings on the effectiveness of a citizen science initiative that engages local communities in rural Kalimantan in collecting wildlife observations within their village forests. By leveraging the power of community participation, the initiative aims to build on local knowledge, [...] Read more.

This paper presents preliminary findings on the effectiveness of a citizen science initiative that engages local communities in rural Kalimantan in collecting wildlife observations within their village forests. By leveraging the power of community participation, the initiative aims to build on local knowledge, promote sustainable management practices, and collect valuable data on species distribution. Through a combination of focus group discussions, training workshops, field surveys, and mobile app-based data collection from 2023 to 2025, the initiative successfully mobilized community members, particularly those with limited technological experience, to actively participate in biodiversity monitoring. We recently introduced a small ‘payment for wildlife observations’ system that significantly boosted observations. The initial results highlight the potential for citizen science to generate valuable species trend data and foster a sense of pride, ownership, and stewardship among community members. While the current manuscript does not provide statistical analyses of the wildlife data, we describe how we plan to overcome data biases that are inherent to opportunistic, unstructured survey efforts. The project continues, but the lessons learned thus far can inform future citizen science initiatives and contribute to the development of sustainable, long-term, low-cost and effective community-based conservation strategies in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1309 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Differential Accumulation of Particulate Pollutants in Gills and Gastrointestinal Tracts in Sphoeroides Fish from Tropical and Subtropical Estuaries in Brazil

by Sérgio Murilo de Souza Filho, Marco Tadeu Grassi, Mayara Padovan dos Santos, Juliano Morimoto, Marcelo Soeth and Luís Fernando Fávaro

Diversity 2025, 17(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040300 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1451

Abstract

The widespread use of recyclable materials in contemporary society has led to the accumulation of pollutants in estuaries and marine ecosystems, with potential impacts on biodiversity. This study assessed the abundance and types of particulate pollutants in Sphoeroides fish across two Brazilian estuaries [...] Read more.

The widespread use of recyclable materials in contemporary society has led to the accumulation of pollutants in estuaries and marine ecosystems, with potential impacts on biodiversity. This study assessed the abundance and types of particulate pollutants in Sphoeroides fish across two Brazilian estuaries (tropical and subtropical). Our findings showed that 70 biological samples from fish (92.11%) contained debris, with the tropical estuary exhibiting the highest abundance (n = 499 particles—67% of the total), dominated by laminar (film) particulate pollutants (76.75%). In this estuary, the gill exhibited the highest contamination index, with most particulate pollutants (<1 mm and 1–3 mm) found in 63.6% and 54.5% of samples, respectively. In the subtropical estuary, 246 debris particles (33% of the total) were detected in the biological samples, with 58.5% of particles being of the film type. The gastrointestinal tract had the highest contamination index in this region, with 70.6% of particles in the 1–3 mm size range. These results highlight the pervasive presence of particulate pollutants in estuarine ecosystems and the organ-specific contamination patterns in tropical and subtropical regions, underscoring the ecological risks posed by plastic waste to estuarine biodiversity in hotspot regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 7400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity and Seasonal Succession of Macrobenthos in Saltmarsh Habitat Adjacent to a Ship-Breaking Area

by M. Shafiqul Islam, Hossain Zamal, Muhammad Shah Alam, Md. Maheen Mahmud Bappy, Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal, M. Belal Hossain and Takaomi Arai

Diversity 2025, 17(4), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040231 - 25 Mar 2025

Viewed by 2002

Abstract

The Fauzderhat coast of Chattogram (Bangladesh) is increasingly affected anthropogenic pressures, necessitating an understanding of its ecological conditions to inform effective ecosystem management. Despite this urgency, the local succession patterns and environmental impacts on macrobenthic communities remain poorly understood. This study examines the [...] Read more.

The Fauzderhat coast of Chattogram (Bangladesh) is increasingly affected anthropogenic pressures, necessitating an understanding of its ecological conditions to inform effective ecosystem management. Despite this urgency, the local succession patterns and environmental impacts on macrobenthic communities remain poorly understood. This study examines the saltmarsh bed macrobenthos in Fauzderhat, documenting 81,724 individuals from 54 species. These include ten families and twenty-two species of annelids, ten and twelve species of arthropods, and ten and eleven species of mollusks, as well as six and nine species from different phyla. Seasonality showed significantly different patterns of changes, with the number of species and abundance peaking during the monsoon (53 species) and post-monsoon (21,969) conditions, respectively, and being lowest in the post-monsoon condition (39 species) and winter (18,265 individuals). Species richness, diversity, and evenness were significantly higher in monsoon and lower in post-monsoon conditions, with the differences being only significant in the former. Cluster analysis and line graphs indicated that average species abundance was lowest post-monsoon, increased through the winter and pre-monsoon conditions, then declined again during monsoon conditions. SIMPER analysis revealed the highest dissimilarity between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon conditions while winter and post-monsoon conditions showed the lowest dissimilarity of microbenthic assemblages. Correlation coefficients showed the macrobenthos were positively correlated with soil salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH, while they were negatively correlated with sand, Inundation Period, and nutrients. CCA showed that monsoon conditions (higher water temperature, inundation period, and tidal height) created unfavorable environments for most species, except for several species. Conversely, winter favored species like M. oligobranchia. Post-monsoon nutrient levels increased stress, reducing species presence, while pre-monsoon conditions supported balanced diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 1794 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Financing for Biodiversity Conservation in Mexico: Links Between Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Funds

by Miriam Sosa and Antonina Ivanova

Diversity 2025, 17(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030185 - 5 Mar 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3974

Abstract

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, significant progress was made in biodiversity conservation efforts. In this regard, financing has been considered a key issue for achieving the objectives. The overview of Mexico’s experience with biodiversity finance in this study presents the experience of an [...] Read more.

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, significant progress was made in biodiversity conservation efforts. In this regard, financing has been considered a key issue for achieving the objectives. The overview of Mexico’s experience with biodiversity finance in this study presents the experience of an emerging economy, which must finance pressing development priorities and biodiversity and climate action at the same time. Therefore, it is very important to find synergies in the available finance and look for new innovative options. The large overlap between the climate and biodiversity agendas and the international commitments derived from these also presents an opportunity to accelerate biodiversity funding. The methodology applied is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The study presents the national strategy on biodiversity in Mexico (ENBioMex), the financial needs of the country, and the existing biodiversity financing, stressing the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), and the Adaptation Fund in Mexico. The discussion section centers on analyzing the existing results and outlining some proposals to enhance the existing instruments, looking for innovation and synergies. In the authors’ opinion, the financing of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is the main instrument that can link biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change impacts, at the same time providing a sustainable way of life and guaranteeing the well-being of communities, but it is not adequately used. Finally, we present some concluding remarks and future research topics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2758 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytosociological Research and Meaningful Learning: Constructivist Approaches for Teaching Vegetation

by Ana Cano-Ortiz, Carmelo Maria Musarella and Eusebio Cano

Diversity 2025, 17(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030172 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1942

Abstract

Phytosociology reached its peak development during the 20th century, particularly after 1992 with the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, which incorporated plant associations into habitat classifications. The objective of this study is to assess the diversity of Mediterranean grasslands using the phytosociological [...] Read more.

Phytosociology reached its peak development during the 20th century, particularly after 1992 with the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, which incorporated plant associations into habitat classifications. The objective of this study is to assess the diversity of Mediterranean grasslands using the phytosociological methodology, focusing specifically on the PBTs and BsHl associations. Although both types of grasslands are of interest for livestock farming, we emphasize those belonging to Poetea bulbosae (PbTs), which are included in the priority habitat 6220 and are of high value for sheep grazing. The results indicate that Vca-Vco = 0.390 for PBTs and 0.525 for BsHl, the latter due to the absence of companion species diversity in BsHl. A strong linear correlation was observed for both associations, with R² > 0.8 for PbTs and R² > 0.9 for BdHl. Given the importance of grassland diversity research, its teaching should be predominantly practical and conducted outside the classroom. To achieve this, an inquiry-based constructivist methodology is employed, which is particularly suitable for learning the phytosociological method, allowing students to take ownership of their learning process. The aim of this teaching approach is to expose students to field research methodologies, enhancing their scientific training. The results are highly positive, with a 100% success rate in students’ comprehension of the two grassland types after the teaching-learning process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 1154 KB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Wildlife Biodiversity Awareness: Rural Children’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Conservation in the Selva Maya

by Jonathan Pérez-Flores and Jorge Omar López-Martínez

Diversity 2025, 17(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030152 - 24 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

We live in an era where future generations are experiencing a serious loss of knowledge, sensitivity, and interest in biodiversity. This situation is thought to be unique to urbanised countries with limited green spaces. However, with the increasing urbanisation of rural areas, it [...] Read more.

We live in an era where future generations are experiencing a serious loss of knowledge, sensitivity, and interest in biodiversity. This situation is thought to be unique to urbanised countries with limited green spaces. However, with the increasing urbanisation of rural areas, it is necessary to investigate what is happening in places of high biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of children and adolescents in the rural municipality of José María Morelos in southeastern Mexico. We analysed 1119 drawings by 117 children in their first three years of school and interviewed 280 students in their last three years of primary, secondary and high school. Younger children drew more native species, with the majority being mammals. Of the students surveyed, secondary school students had the highest level of species knowledge and considered deer and jaguar to be the most important species. They considered hunting to be the main cause of animal depletion and had a positive attitude towards nature conservation. Based on our findings, we recommend that educational strategies be implemented at all school levels to promote knowledge of the less emblematic species that inhabit the Selva Maya. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 1154 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beauty Bias? Exploring the Influence of Attractiveness on Conservation Intentions for Plants and Their Pollinators

by Pavol Prokop, Simona Todáková and Jana Fančovičová

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010071 - 19 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2482

Abstract

Plants are an essential component of ecosystems; however, their significance is frequently underestimated, resulting in less effective conservation efforts. One approach to address plant blindness (PB) or plant awareness disparity (PAD) is to establish connections between plants and animals, as animals inherently attract [...] Read more.

Plants are an essential component of ecosystems; however, their significance is frequently underestimated, resulting in less effective conservation efforts. One approach to address plant blindness (PB) or plant awareness disparity (PAD) is to establish connections between plants and animals, as animals inherently attract more human attention. In this study, we employed an online questionnaire to manipulate visual materials featuring plant flowers alone, plant flowers accompanied by pollinators, and pollinators in isolation. We assessed participants’ willingness to protect (WTP) and the perceived attractiveness of both plants and their pollinators. Our findings revealed that pollinators presented alone received higher WTP scores than plants. Moreover, the visual association between pollinators and plants enhanced WTP plants. Conversely, plants were consistently perceived as more attractive than pollinators, irrespective of whether the flowers were displayed alone or alongside pollinators. The perceived attractiveness of both plants and pollinators was significantly correlated with WTP. Notably, colourful pollinators such as Selasphorus rufus, Vestiaria coccinea, and Danaus plexippus positively influenced WTP plants, while the remaining five species (predominantly invertebrates) did not exhibit a similar effect. We propose that establishing a connection between visually appealing pollinators and plants can help mitigate PB/PAD. These pollinators should be utilised as umbrella species to enhance human attention and interest in pollination processes and plant biology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 8318 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Flow Velocity on the Dynamics of Juvenile Fish Habitats in River Meanders of the Irtysh River

by Andrey A. Chemagin, Elena I. Popova and Martin Schletterer

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010068 - 19 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2544

Abstract

Understanding the spatial distribution of freshwater fish in heterogeneous aquatic environments is crucial for understanding riverine ecosystems and the rational use of aquatic biological resources. This study investigates the distribution patterns of juvenile fish in the lower reaches of the Irtysh River, including [...] Read more.

Understanding the spatial distribution of freshwater fish in heterogeneous aquatic environments is crucial for understanding riverine ecosystems and the rational use of aquatic biological resources. This study investigates the distribution patterns of juvenile fish in the lower reaches of the Irtysh River, including hydrodynamic conditions during different water level regimes. With hydroacoustic surveys, we assessed fish density and distribution in two wintering riverbed depressions during the spring flood and summer low water period. The main fish aggregations consisted of Cyprinidae and Percidae, with juveniles predominantly occupying areas with reduced flow velocities (0.15–0.75 m s⁻¹). Correlation analysis showed strong direct relationships between the area occupied by juvenile carp and perch and zones with specific flow velocities. The study highlights that hydrodynamic characteristics, particularly flow velocity, are key factors influencing the distribution and aggregation of juvenile fish. These findings underscore the importance of considering hydrodynamic factors and species-specific traits in understanding fish distribution patterns and in managing freshwater ecosystems effectively. This research contributes to the understanding of the multifunctional roles of riverbed depressions in supporting juvenile fish populations and emphasizes the importance of hydroacoustics to predict fish distributions in dynamic aquatic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3020 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bayesian Inference of Human-Made Hazards in Networks of Island Wetlands: The Case of the Aegean Archipelago

by Cleo M. Gaganis and Andreas Y. Troumbis

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010054 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2524

Abstract

This research aims to provide guidelines using probabilistic methods to understand better the dominant characteristics of the 824 under-pressure wetlands on 75 islands within Greece and to inform future conservation efforts. Identifying the characteristics and types of anthropogenic pressures is crucial for developing [...] Read more.

This research aims to provide guidelines using probabilistic methods to understand better the dominant characteristics of the 824 under-pressure wetlands on 75 islands within Greece and to inform future conservation efforts. Identifying the characteristics and types of anthropogenic pressures is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The study employs power-law modeling to validate the natural size distribution of wetlands, naïve Bayesian inference to model human impacts, and the epsilon statistic to assess wetland sensitivity to specific pressures, addressing potential sampling biases. Power-law modeling reveals a natural heavy-tailed distribution of wetland sizes, highlighting the ecological significance of larger, rarer systems. Naïve Bayesian inference indicates that agriculture and transportation are the predominant pressures affecting natural coastal wetlands. The epsilon statistic further differentiates wetland sensitivity, identifying estuaries, lagoons, and marshes as particularly vulnerable. By profiling the most vulnerable wetlands using these methods, the research provides a framework for assessing anthropogenic impacts and informing targeted conservation and management strategies to protect these vital ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 8669 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship between Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development Goals for Ecological Conservation: A Case Study in the Hehuang Valley of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

by Hejie Wei, Ke Wang, Yu Ma, Qingxiang Meng, Yi Yang and Mengxue Liu

Diversity 2024, 16(9), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090553 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 3440

Abstract

With the increase in human activities and the acceleration of urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources has led to a decline in ecosystem services (ESs), subsequently affecting the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). As the key ecological zone of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the stability [...] Read more.

With the increase in human activities and the acceleration of urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources has led to a decline in ecosystem services (ESs), subsequently affecting the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). As the key ecological zone of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the stability and enhancement of ESs in the Hehuang Valley are crucial for achieving SDGs and biodiversity conservation. This study quantifies nine SDGs for the Hehuang Valley in the last twenty years. Four ecological models were utilized to compute key ESs: net primary productivity (NPP), water yield, soil retention, and sand fixation. Panel data were analyzed using a coupling coordination model to quantify the relationship between ESs and sustainable development level (SDL) in each county. Additionally, the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model was employed to examine the correlation between ESs and SDL. The results indicate the following: (1) During the period, NPP and water yield first increased and then decreased. The capacity for soil retention and sand fixation showed an overall increase, highlighting substantial variability among counties in their ability to deliver these ESs. (2) The SDL of counties in the Hehuang Valley increased, with Xining City showing slightly higher SDL than other counties. (3) The overall coupling coordination degree among NPP, water yield, soil retention, sand fixation, and SDL in the Hehuang Valley exhibited an upward trend in the last twenty years. SDL demonstrated the highest coordination degree with NPP, followed by soil retention, water yield, and sand fixation. (4) Most counties in the Hehuang Valley exhibited a lag in SDL relative to NPP, water yield, and soil retention in the last twenty years. In the early stage, sand fixation and SDL were primarily lagging in SDL, while in the late stages, sand fixation lagged behind SDL. (5) During the period, there was an increasing negative correlation observed between the four ESs and SDL. The positive contribution of NPP and sand fixation in some counties gradually shifted to a negative effect, and the negative effect of water yield and soil retention on SDL intensified. The impact of human activities on ecosystem function hindered local SDL. This study offers scientific theoretical backing and practical recommendations for promoting SDL and biodiversity conservation in the Hehuang Valley. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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Review

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21 pages, 941 KB

Open AccessReview

Human Communities in Protected Natural Areas and Biodiversity Conservation

by Elizabeth Olmos-Martínez, Heidi Leticia Romero-Schmidt, María del Carmen Blázquez, Camilo Arias-González and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio

Diversity 2022, 14(6), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060441 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 9889

Abstract

Using socioecological concepts and within a historical biodiversity conservation context, this research study reviews the main interactions between human communities and protected natural areas (PNAs) to describe their different stages over time and assess the implications arising from climate change. The review suggests [...] Read more.

Using socioecological concepts and within a historical biodiversity conservation context, this research study reviews the main interactions between human communities and protected natural areas (PNAs) to describe their different stages over time and assess the implications arising from climate change. The review suggests that both society and governments have raised awareness and interest regarding the importance of biodiversity conservation. The interactions of human communities in these areas have had different effects on biodiversity use, management, and conservation. Local communities have historically developed traditional uses of natural resources that allow them to remain over time and conserve them. Thus, the interest in PNAs as a conservation instrument has increased worldwide. Regarding climate change, this study found evidence indicating that PNAs may act as buffer barriers to prevent biodiversity loss and mitigate the impacts of extreme events; nevertheless, a great variation can be expected. The magnitude of the impacts on human communities, levels of vulnerability, and resilience capacity of PNAs facing climate change (CC) rely on many factors, such as location, extent, composition, management, and ecology of a given protected area. Therefore, the new scenarios that CC may bring are challenging current systematic conservation planning and traditional management methods of the natural resources that are vital for people. Finally, the authors suggest that society is increasingly aware of PNAs as one of the best tools humans have to prevent biodiversity loss, and potentially buffer the effects of CC. These increases in social awareness of biodiversity conservation importance and PNAs are gratifying and spread optimism about the future that next generations may face. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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Other

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23 pages, 25460 KB

Open AccessEssay

How Ancient Trees and Botanical Indicators Evidence Both Change and Continuity

by Ian D. Rotherham

Diversity 2025, 17(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17020118 - 6 Feb 2025

Viewed by 3529

Abstract

Knowledge of ancient trees and tree-forms helps inform understanding of landscape continuity and change. Information analysis of tree-form and growth rates may be combined with precise aging through dendro-chronology and carbon dating. Until recently, much of the information has been neglected, and indeed, [...] Read more.

Knowledge of ancient trees and tree-forms helps inform understanding of landscape continuity and change. Information analysis of tree-form and growth rates may be combined with precise aging through dendro-chronology and carbon dating. Until recently, much of the information has been neglected, and indeed, there was an absence of accepted methodologies. Assessments of both coppice trees and pollards, for example, now suggest that trees achieve great age (for example, 500 years+ to 1500 years or more). These trees reflect both natural processes and human management. Examined within a robust conceptual and analytical framework, these trees generate insight into landscape evolution over centuries. Tree analysis combined with archival sources and site archaeological information, including mapping of ‘botanical indicator species’, soils, and other sediments, generate reliable timelines of human–environment interactions. Drawing together diverse approaches and insights into landscape evolution helps the formulation of new concepts of historical ecology and environmental history. Importantly, such emerging paradigms trigger new ways to demonstrate how understanding past landscape evolution both informs knowledge of contemporary ecologies and may guide future site planning. However, there is a rider to these observations since case studies in Great Britain highlight the vulnerability of such historic landscapes and show how they are being rapidly erased from the countryside. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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