Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (456)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = Tiger

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
23 pages, 2754 KiB  
Article
How Are Residents’ Livelihoods Affected by National Parks? A SEM Model Based on DFID Framework
by Likun Gu, Guoqing Shi, Yuanke Zhao, Huicong Liu and Xinyu Ye
Land 2025, 14(7), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071501 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
National parks represent a global initiative for biodiversity conservation and environmentally sustainable societal development, with China having launched its own national park program. The establishment and operation of these parks significantly impact local residents’ livelihoods. Based on DFID’s Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, an assessment [...] Read more.
National parks represent a global initiative for biodiversity conservation and environmentally sustainable societal development, with China having launched its own national park program. The establishment and operation of these parks significantly impact local residents’ livelihoods. Based on DFID’s Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, an assessment tool introduced by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for evaluating the livelihood standards of residents, this study constructs a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework to analyze how national parks affect residents’ livelihoods, discussing livelihood risk management and feasible capacity-building interventions. Focusing on the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park as a case study, the research reveals that indirect wildlife-inflicted damage poses more pronounced negative impacts on local communities than park establishment policies. Both regulatory land-use restrictions and wildlife conflicts disrupt land-based livelihood activities, ultimately affecting residents’ livelihood stability. Mitigation requires comprehensive measures, including retaining essential farmland; providing vocational skill training; offering specialized loans; diversifying employment channels; and improving compensation mechanisms to safeguard residents’ livelihood security. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3979 KiB  
Article
Comparative Histopathological and Morphometric Analysis of Lung Tissues in Stillborn Cubs of South China Tiger and Amur Tiger
by Le Zhang, Jincheng Yang, Fengping He, Yaohua Yuan, Zhaoyang Liu, Guangyao Geng, Kaixiong Lin, Qunxiu Liu, Dan Liu, Tianlong Liu and Yanchun Xu
Biology 2025, 14(7), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070833 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether the fetuses experienced hypoxic distress or intra-partum death due to compromised oxygen supply by quantitatively analyzing the lung structures of deceased captive South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis, SCT) cubs. Furthermore, it investigated the etiology [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine whether the fetuses experienced hypoxic distress or intra-partum death due to compromised oxygen supply by quantitatively analyzing the lung structures of deceased captive South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis, SCT) cubs. Furthermore, it investigated the etiology and mechanisms of asphyxia in the deceased cubs and explored potential factors contributing to the high mortality rate of SCT cubs. The research focused on three deceased SCT cubs, using three deceased neonatal Amur Tigers (P. t. altaica, AT) with no inbreeding background as controls. Histological analysis of the cubs’ lungs was conducted using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and special staining techniques. The possible causes of death in SCT cubs were evaluated by comparing pulmonary pathological changes and morphological parameters, including alveolar space (P(ASP)) values, mean alveolar linear intercept (Lm), and mean thickness of alveolar septa (Tas). Our research reveals that hypoxia is one of the most significant factors contributing to the mortality of tiger cubs. Additionally, we hypothesize that inbreeding depression may lead to abnormal lung development (e.g., thickening of lung tissue) in SCT cubs. This study lays the foundation for comprehensive investigations into the mortality of highly inbred SCT cubs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Zoology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3788 KiB  
Article
Updated List of Oklahoma Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) with Notes on Their Distribution and Conservation Status
by Alexander J. Harman and W. Wyatt Hoback
Diversity 2025, 17(7), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070463 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Tiger beetles are a family of predatory beetles characterized by their large eyes, long legs, and often bright colors. While popular with researchers, insect collectors, and photographers, the distribution of species in Oklahoma remains relatively understudied. Recently, three species were added to the [...] Read more.
Tiger beetles are a family of predatory beetles characterized by their large eyes, long legs, and often bright colors. While popular with researchers, insect collectors, and photographers, the distribution of species in Oklahoma remains relatively understudied. Recently, three species were added to the state list, bringing the total to 39 species, the third highest in the United States. Knowledge of a species’ distribution is often characterized at the county level in the United States, with Oklahoma having 77 counties. Using collection records and community science submissions, we increased the number of documented county records 68%, from 461 to 776. In addition to reporting the county-level distributions for each species in the state, we discuss the utility of community science platforms for documenting species distribution records. We also present habitats that are utilized by these species, the subspecific taxonomy of populations in Oklahoma, and how anthropogenic changes are differentially affecting species distributions. Substantial range expansions for many southern species into the state suggest potential for tiger beetles to serve as indicators of warming temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 8654 KiB  
Article
The Symbiotic Bacterial Profile of Laboratory-Reared and Field-Caught Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes from Greece
by Elias Asimakis, Ioannis Galiatsatos, Georgia Apostolopoulou, Eleni C. Savvidou, Georgios Balatsos, Vasileios Karras, Vasiliki Evangelou, Eva Dionyssopoulou, Antonios Augustinos, Nikos T. Papadopoulos, Antonios Michaelakis, Panagiota Stathopoulou and George Tsiamis
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071486 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 554
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive species capable of transmitting human pathogens. For population management, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is considered an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, such as insecticides and reducing or eliminating breeding sites. [...] Read more.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive species capable of transmitting human pathogens. For population management, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is considered an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, such as insecticides and reducing or eliminating breeding sites. The use of symbiotic bacteria to improve the application of SIT or design combined SIT/incompatible insect technique (IIT) approaches is currently considered. In this context, exploring the microbiota of local mosquito populations is crucial for identifying interesting components. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing and microbiological methods to characterize the diversity of laboratory and wild Ae. albopictus in Greece. Differences were recorded between wild and lab-reared mosquitoes, with laboratory samples exhibiting higher diversity. Laboratory treatment, sex, and developmental stage also resulted in variations between communities. Populations reared in the same facility developed mostly similar bacterial profiles. Two geographically distant wild populations displayed similar bacterial profiles, characterized by seasonal changes in the relative abundance of Pantoea and Zymobacter. Wolbachia was dominant in most groups (63.7% relative abundance), especially in field-caught mosquitoes. It was identified with two strains, wAlbA (21.5%) and wAlbB (42.2%). Other frequent taxa included Elizabethkingia, Asaia, and Serratia. Blood feeding favored an increase in Serratia abundance. Various Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter strains were isolated from larval and adult mosquito extracts and could be further characterized as diet supplements. These findings suggest that the microbiota of local populations is highly variable due to multiple factors. However, they retain core elements shared across populations that may exhibit valuable nutritional or functional roles and could be exploited to improve SIT processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiota: From the Environment to Humans, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2623 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Insights into the Gut Microbiota of Captive Tigers in Republic of Korea: Influence of Geographic and Individual Variation
by Beoul Kim, Saebom Lee, You-Jeong Lee, Yong-Myung Kang, Man Hee Rhee, Dongmi Kwak, Yong-Gu Yeo, Ju Won Kang, Taehwan Kim and Min-Goo Seo
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061427 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the health and physiology of tigers (Panthera tigris), influencing digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. While numerous studies have characterized the gut microbiota of domestic carnivores and some wild felids, comparative analyses across [...] Read more.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the health and physiology of tigers (Panthera tigris), influencing digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. While numerous studies have characterized the gut microbiota of domestic carnivores and some wild felids, comparative analyses across different tiger subspecies under varying environmental contexts remain limited. In this exploratory study, we investigated the gut microbiome diversity and composition of 15 captive tigers, including both Siberian (P. tigris altaica) and Bengal (P. tigris tigris) subspecies, housed in two different regions in Korea. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples, we analyzed microbial diversity across multiple taxonomic levels. Preliminary analyses revealed significant differences in microbial composition between geographic locations, whereas sex-based differences appeared minimal. Alpha and beta diversity metrics demonstrated substantial inter-individual variability, likely influenced by regional and environmental factors. Given the small sample size and the confounding between subspecies and housing location, the findings should be regarded as preliminary and not generalized beyond this specific cohort. Nevertheless, these insights highlight the potential utility of gut microbiome profiling for health monitoring and management in captive-tiger populations. Future research incorporating larger, more diverse cohorts will be essential to validate these trends and clarify the roles of diet, health status, and enrichment in shaping the gut microbiota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gut Microbiota)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 11621 KiB  
Article
Accuracy of Vegetation Height and Terrain Elevation Derived from Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Inventory Satellite in Forested Areas
by Zhao Chen, Sijie He and Anmin Fu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6824; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126824 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 321
Abstract
Forest ecosystems serve as pivotal components of the global carbon cycle, with canopy height representing a critical biophysical parameter for quantifying ecosystem functionality, thereby holding substantial implications for forest resource management and carbon sequestration assessments. The precise extraction of ground elevation and vegetation [...] Read more.
Forest ecosystems serve as pivotal components of the global carbon cycle, with canopy height representing a critical biophysical parameter for quantifying ecosystem functionality, thereby holding substantial implications for forest resource management and carbon sequestration assessments. The precise extraction of ground elevation and vegetation canopy height is essential for advancing topographic and ecological research. The Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Inventory Satellite (referred to as TECIS hereafter) offers unprecedented capabilities for the large-scale, high-precision extraction of ground elevation and vegetation canopy height. Using the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park as our study area, we first processed TECIS data to derive topographic and canopy height profiles. Subsequently, the accuracy of TECIS-derived ground and canopy height estimates was validated using onboard light detection and ranging (LiDAR) measurements. Finally, we systematically evaluated the influence of multiple factors on estimation accuracy. Our analysis revealed that TECIS-derived ground and canopy height estimates exhibited mean errors of 0.7 m and −0.35 m, respectively, with corresponding root mean square error (RMSE) values of 3.83 m and 2.70 m. Furthermore, slope gradient, vegetation coverage, and forest composition emerged as the dominant factors influencing canopy height estimation accuracy. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing the screening and application of TECIS data in global forest carbon monitoring. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2788 KiB  
Article
Horchata Processing Waste: A New Source for Starch Film Production
by Anita Patrón-Espá, María Eugenia Martín-Esparza, Chelo González-Martínez and Amparo Chiralt
Polysaccharides 2025, 6(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides6020050 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 903
Abstract
Starch films were obtained by solvent casting and thermoprocessing using glycerol as a plasticiser from a new starch source: tiger nut waste from horchata production. The tiger nut starch (TNS) films showed a barrier capacity to water vapour and gases in the typical [...] Read more.
Starch films were obtained by solvent casting and thermoprocessing using glycerol as a plasticiser from a new starch source: tiger nut waste from horchata production. The tiger nut starch (TNS) films showed a barrier capacity to water vapour and gases in the typical range of other starch films, such as corn starch (CS) films, with a high barrier capacity to oxygen. The tensile properties of the films were affected by the processing method, exhibiting higher stiffness and resistance to break and lower stretchability than the more common CS films. Thermoprocessed TNS films were less water soluble than CS films, and their solubility was higher than that of cast TNS films. However, all films exhibited similar swelling power. Thermal stability was also similar for all TNS and CS films, showing the typical thermal degradation pattern of starch–glycerol films. Therefore, TNS obtained from horchata production waste can be used to obtain thermoplastic starch films for packaging applications, with characteristics comparable to the most common corn starch films. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1805 KiB  
Article
Integrated Diagnostic Approach Using Basophil Activation Test and IgE Assays for Shrimp and Prawn Allergy
by Nhu N. Q. Nguyen, Thao H. Nguyen, Minh K. Le, Tram B. Duong, Duy L. Pham, Tai T. Tran and Tu H. K. Trinh
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061040 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Shellfish allergies are common in Vietnam. The basophil activation test (BAT) is a powerful tool in the diagnosis of food allergies. We aimed to evaluate the application of BAT to distinguish shrimp allergy in comparison with skin prick test [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Shellfish allergies are common in Vietnam. The basophil activation test (BAT) is a powerful tool in the diagnosis of food allergies. We aimed to evaluate the application of BAT to distinguish shrimp allergy in comparison with skin prick test and specific IgE measurement. Materials and Methods: We recruited adult shrimp- or prawn-allergic subjects from the University Medical Center (Vietnam). BAT was performed using the in-house crude extracts for two allergens: black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (shrimp) and giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (prawn). The percentages of CD63 in response to shrimp and prawn were recorded. The results of skin prick tests (SPT) and the specific IgE (sIgE) levels in response to commercial shrimp/prawn were noted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: Of 43 recruited subjects, 9 (26.5%) subjects had a specific allergy to shrimp, 2 (5.9%) subjects had a specific allergy to prawn, and 23 (67.6%) subjects had both shrimp and prawn allergy. Basophil CD63% was significantly increased in subjects with allergy to shrimp and prawn (p < 0.05% for all). Compared with SPT and sIgE, CD63 expression-based BAT was better in discriminating subjects with allergies to these species from their non-allergic counterparts (AUC/sensitivity/specificity = 0.88/77%/89% for shrimp, and 0.74/88%/77% for prawn, p < 0.05 for all). The addition of SPT and BAT improved the diagnostic power. A positive BAT could help identify shrimp/prawn allergy among cases with negative SPT/sIgE to shrimp/prawn. BAT facilitated the diagnosis of shrimp allergy among prawn-allergic subjects (100% accurate). Conclusions: The BAT test can help predict clinical reactions to shrimp and prawn in allergic patients, and enhance diagnostic accuracy in cases where SPT or specific IgE tests yield negative results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Minimum Support Price for Economically Relevant Non-Timber Forest Products of Buxa Tiger Reserve in Foothills of Eastern Himalaya, India
by Trishala Gurung, Avinash Giri, Arun Jyoti Nath, Gopal Shukla and Sumit Chakravarty
Resources 2025, 14(6), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14060088 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 819
Abstract
This study was carried out at 10 randomly selected fringe villages of Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) in the Terai region of West Bengal, India through personal interviews with 100 randomly selected respondents. The study documented 102 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that were utilized [...] Read more.
This study was carried out at 10 randomly selected fringe villages of Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) in the Terai region of West Bengal, India through personal interviews with 100 randomly selected respondents. The study documented 102 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that were utilized throughout the year. In the local weekly market, 28 NTFPs were found to be traded by the collectors. The study shows that without proper price mechanisms and marketing channels; the residents cannot obtain fair prices for their products. The study found only nine NTFPs that were prominently traded with the involvement of middlemen and traders along with the royalty imposed by the State Forest Department. The MSPs computed for these nine NTFPs were 25–200% higher than the prices the collectors were selling to the traders. The nationalization of NTFPs through MSPs will help their effective marketing, ensuring an adequate income for the collectors, which will lead to their sustainable harvest and conservation through participatory forest management. Introducing MSPs for NTFPs with an efficient procurement network can advance the economic status of the inhabitants. We recommend increasing the inhabitants’ capacity to collect, store, process, and market NTFPs with active policy, institutional, and infrastructural support. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5008 KiB  
Article
Integration of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals Mechanisms of High-Temperature Stress Tolerance in the Hepatopancreas of Penaeus monodon
by Li Liu, Peng Zhao, Lishi Yang, Yundong Li, Zhong Huang, Qibin Yang, Yukai Yang, Jianzhi Shi, Yibiao Chen and Jianhua Huang
Biology 2025, 14(6), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060591 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 519
Abstract
High temperatures in summer often trigger disease outbreaks in shrimp, resulting in significant economic losses. To investigate the heat tolerance mechanisms of Penaeus monodon, juvenile tiger shrimp were subjected to a high-temperature stress of 38 °C for 144 h. The cumulative survival [...] Read more.
High temperatures in summer often trigger disease outbreaks in shrimp, resulting in significant economic losses. To investigate the heat tolerance mechanisms of Penaeus monodon, juvenile tiger shrimp were subjected to a high-temperature stress of 38 °C for 144 h. The cumulative survival rate of shrimp sharply decreased to 5.29% in the later 144 h. The heat-sensitive shrimps (S group) were collected in the first 24 h, while those that survived beyond 120 h were collected as the heat-tolerant group (T group). The hepatopancreas of two groups was subjected to transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results revealed that, compared to the S group, the T group exhibited a total of 3527 DEGs, including 2199 upregulated and 1328 downregulated genes. Additionally, 353 DAMs were identified in the T group, with 75 metabolites showing increased levels and 278 metabolites displaying decreased levels. The results revealed that the mechanisms of heat tolerance involve energy supply strategies, immune system regulation, amino acid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Energy supply strategies include the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and proteins, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fructose and mannose metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism, all of which collectively meet energy demands in high-temperature environments. The immune system is regulated by C-type lectin receptor pathways and IL-17 signaling pathways, which together coordinate innate immunity to prevent pathogen invasion. In amino acid metabolism, various glycogenic amino acids, such as histidine, phenylalanine, valine, and serine, are metabolized for energy, while excess ammonia is converted to γ-glutamyl-glutamate and L-glutamate to mitigate ammonia accumulation. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further indicate that glutathione metabolism plays a crucial role in the adaptation of P. monodon to high-temperature environments. This study explains the high-temperature tolerance mechanism of P. monodon from the aspects of gene expression regulation and material metabolism regulation and also provides a scientific basis and basic data for the selection and breeding of new varieties of P. monodon with a high-temperature tolerance. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2216 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Levels on the Growth, Body Composition, and Health of Liver and Intestine in Juvenile Tiger Puffer (Takifugu rubripes)
by Lu Zhang, Chenchen Bian, Ziling Song, Yang Liu, Jiahao Liu, Qiang Ma, Yuliang Wei, Mengqing Liang and Houguo Xu
Animals 2025, 15(11), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111514 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, plays a critical role in animal growth, inflammatory regulation, lipid metabolism, and neurological functions. However, the optimal dietary requirement of DHA for tiger puffer remains unknown. This study systematically investigated the effects of different dietary [...] Read more.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, plays a critical role in animal growth, inflammatory regulation, lipid metabolism, and neurological functions. However, the optimal dietary requirement of DHA for tiger puffer remains unknown. This study systematically investigated the effects of different dietary DHA levels on the growth performance, body composition, hematological parameters and tissue physiology of tiger puffer (average initial body weight 17.78 ± 1.92 g). Six experimental diets with graded DHA concentrations (0.09%, 0.57%, 1.35%, 1.61%, 2.28%, and 3.08% dry matter) were formulated. The feeding experiment was carried out in a seawater flow-through system for eight weeks, with each diet assigned to three replicate tanks. Based on the regression analysis of weight gain and specific growth rate, the maximum values were observed at the dietary DHA level of 1.75% and 1.88%, respectively. Appropriate DHA levels also significantly improved the muscle protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, and strengthened the intestinal morphology. Furthermore, a threshold for efficient DHA deposition in muscle was identified, beyond which excess DHA (3.08%) may be β-oxidized and therefore largely wasted. In conclusion, the optimal dietary DHA level for juvenile tiger puffer should be within the range of 1.75–1.88%. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 8188 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Trends in Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: Implications for Socio-Ecological Sustainability
by Manju Shree Thakur, Prakash Chandra Aryal, Hari Prasad Pandey and Tek Narayan Maraseni
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101478 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 1777
Abstract
The conservation of biodiversity and the balance between ecological and societal needs are critical but often contested global issues. Wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) on vital infrastructure, especially linear infrastructure, remains a persistent challenge from policy to practice and poses a serious life-threatening implication to [...] Read more.
The conservation of biodiversity and the balance between ecological and societal needs are critical but often contested global issues. Wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) on vital infrastructure, especially linear infrastructure, remains a persistent challenge from policy to practice and poses a serious life-threatening implication to humans and other non-human lives. Addressing this issue effectively requires solutions that provide win-win outcomes from both ecological and societal perspectives. This study critically analyzes a decade of roadkill incidents along Nepal’s longest East-West national highway, which passes through a biologically diverse national park in the western Terai Arc Landscape Area (TAL). Findings are drawn from field-based primary data collection of the period 2012–2022, secondary literature review, key informant interviews, and spatial analysis. The study reveals significant variations in roadkill incidence across areas and years. Despite Bardia National Park being larger and having a higher wildlife density, Banke National Park recorded higher roadkill rates. This is attributed to insufficient mitigation measures and law enforcement, more straight highway segments, and the absence of buffer zones between the core park and adjacent forest areas—only a road separates them. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) and spotted deer (Axis axis), the primary prey of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), were the most frequently road-killed species. This may contribute to human-tiger conflicts, as observed in the study areas. Seasonal trends showed that reptiles were at higher risk during the wet season and mammals during winter. Hotspots were often located near checkpoints and water bodies, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation efforts such as wildlife crossings and provisioning wildlife requirements such as water, grassland, and shelter away from the regular traffic roads. Roadkill frequency was also influenced by forest cover and time of day, with more incidents occurring at dawn and dusk when most of the herbivores become more active in search of food, shelter, water, and their herds. The findings underscore the importance of road characteristics, animal behavior, and landscape features in roadkill occurrences. Effective mitigation strategies include wildlife crossings, speed limits, warning signs, and public education campaigns. Further research is needed to understand the factors in driving variations between parks and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3848 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Exploited Stock and Management Implications of Tiger Tooth Croaker (Otolithes ruber) in Coastal Waters of Makran, Pakistan
by Samroz Majeed, S M Nurul Amin, Asad Ullah Ali Muhammad and Sudheer Ahmed
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050238 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 1608
Abstract
Pakistan’s marine fishing industry is crucial to the country’s economy, generating employment opportunities and foreign revenue. It produces 80% of the country’s total fish production. Otolithes ruber is a commercially important fish on the Makran coast of Pakistan, contributing significantly to the region’s [...] Read more.
Pakistan’s marine fishing industry is crucial to the country’s economy, generating employment opportunities and foreign revenue. It produces 80% of the country’s total fish production. Otolithes ruber is a commercially important fish on the Makran coast of Pakistan, contributing significantly to the region’s croaker fisheries. This study is the first to apply three length-based approaches for assessing the stock status of O. ruber in the Makran coast: (1) TropFishR to estimate the mortality, growth parameters, and current exploitation status, reference points based on the yield per recruitment model, (2) the length-based Bayesian biomass method (LBB) to calculate stock biomass, and (3) the length-based spawning potential ratio (LBSPR) to estimate the spawning potential ratio. The length–weight relationship of Otolithes ruber was a positive allometric pattern (b = 3.28; R2 = 0.94). Growth parameters for Otolithes ruber were L = 55.47 cm, K = 0.50 year−1. The calculated total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were 2.27 year−1, 0.67 year−1, and 1.6 year−1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) was 0.70, indicating severe overexploitation. The current length at first capture (Lc50) = 27.37 cm was lower than that at first maturity (Lm50) = 30.75 cm, indicating growth overfishing. The current spawning potential ratio (8%) was lower than the optimal value (40%), indicating recruitment overfishing. The current biomass, concerning virgin biomass B/Bo, was also 8%, resulting in a 92% stock decline. We recommend reducing the exploitation pressure by limiting the commercial catch to an optimum length range of 34.5–42.2 cm and reducing fishing pressure by 40% to ensure sustainable fishery management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4956 KiB  
Article
Seasonal and Environmental Influences on the Gut Microbiota of South China Tigers (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
by Li Zhou, Xiyao Xu, Zhirong Zhang, Xu Zhang, Kaixiong Lin, Hongxing Luo, Cheng Huang, Xipan Lin, Chunli Zhang, Yan Qing, Liwei Teng and Zhensheng Liu
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101471 - 19 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 485
Abstract
In ex situ conservation, gut bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in maintaining the intestinal microecological balance of the gut, and disruptions in this system may negatively impact host health. The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is a critically [...] Read more.
In ex situ conservation, gut bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in maintaining the intestinal microecological balance of the gut, and disruptions in this system may negatively impact host health. The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is a critically endangered tiger subspecies currently surviving under human-managed care and captive breeding programs, with only a small number of individuals remaining. Disruption in the gut microbiota, particularly the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, can be fatal for cubs. This study analyzed the composition and seasonal changes of the gut bacterial and fungal communities of South China tigers in captive and semi-released environments during the winter of 2023 and the summer of 2024, using 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the dominant gut bacteria were Bacillota, Actinomycetota, Fusobacteriota, Pseudomonadota, and Bacteroidota. The abundance of Bacillota decreased in summer and was slightly lower in captive tigers than in semi-released tigers. Fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota, with a negative correlation observed between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The abundance of Ascomycetes was lower in summer but significantly higher in semi-released tigers than in captive ones. Diversity analysis revealed no significant effects of the season or the environment on bacterial α-diversity, and fungal α-diversity was also not significantly affected by seasonal variation. However, microbial diversity increased under semi-free-range conditions, with fungal richness significantly higher than in captive environments (p < 0.01). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on Bray–Curtis distances revealed significant differences in the community structures of both bacterial (Adonis, R2 = 0.2364, p = 0.001) and fungal (Adonis, R2 = 0.1542, p = 0.001) communities across different seasons and environments. These findings provide valuable insights into the health management strategies and ecological adaptation of South China tigers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 906 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Conservation-Led Resettlements in Nepal: Ecological Perspectives
by Hari Prasad Pandey, Armando Apan and Tek Narayan Maraseni
Land 2025, 14(5), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051057 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 816
Abstract
The widespread practice of deliberate human displacement for biodiversity conservation remains a contentious issue in the Anthropocene era. This study explores the ecological impacts of conservation-led resettlement (ER) in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), a biodiverse region under significant conservation and development pressures. [...] Read more.
The widespread practice of deliberate human displacement for biodiversity conservation remains a contentious issue in the Anthropocene era. This study explores the ecological impacts of conservation-led resettlement (ER) in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), a biodiverse region under significant conservation and development pressures. Although ER aims to enhance ecological integrity, the role of displacement in conservation has been understudied. Using case studies from the TAL, we examined ecological indicators in vacated settlement areas within parks and newly resettled sites outside protected zones. Data were collected through a review of secondary literature, 240 household interviews, 5 focus group discussions, 25 key informant interviews, and multiple field visits across resettlement sites. Between 1973 and 2019, TAL gained 922.52 sq. km of core protected areas (displacing over 4800 households) and dispossessed communities from 2120.12 sq. km of buffer zones, significantly expanding protected areas and upgrading conservation standards from IUCN category IV to II. This contributed to the recovery of key species such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants. However, resettlements, often located along critical biological corridors and buffer zones, led to habitat fragmentation, endangering the gene pool flow and creating isolated habitats. Results show that, in general, most ecosystem and environmental variables were perceived significantly different (p < 0.05) among resettled communities in the study area. The cultural and land-based attachments of displaced communities were overlooked. These findings highlight the risks of short-term resettlement planning, which can exacerbate pressures on critical corridors, escalate human–wildlife conflicts, and provide a clear indication of the trade-off between conservation benefits and social costs. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop