Search Results (295)

Rodents are significant agricultural pests in Australia and internationally. Recent proposals to address the Australian problems by allowing farmers to obtain desexed cats, at tax-deductible cost, to control rodents on their properties are, superficially, attractive, especially given enthusiastic endorsement from 15 dairy farmers from nine properties in Queensland and New South Wales. We argue that far stronger evidence is required to take this solution seriously, and for broader ethical and regulatory reasons, it may not be appropriate even if evidence was forthcoming. Evidence via direct population monitoring or indirect monitoring using bait removal is first needed to show that rodents are effectively suppressed by cats and how many cats are required. Further supportive evidence could come from monitoring the diets of cats using techniques such as analysis of stomach contents or scats, collar-mounted video cameras, or stable isotope analysis of cat tissues such as whiskers. These techniques would also quantify any predation by farm cats on wildlife. Population monitoring of cats would confirm whether there is unwanted immigration of cats into the farm cat population, while economic modeling could compare the costs of a farm cat program to other rodent control options. In the absence of such data, promotion of cats as a solution to rodent issues on Australian farms remains unsubstantiated and is premature. Full article

African Swine Fever is a lethal hemorrhagic disease caused by a DNA virus that affects domestic and wild pigs, causing serious economic losses in the swine industry. African Swine Fever virus (ASFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle that includes wildlife and Ornithodoros tick species. A huge investigation about ASFV structure and its infection process in pigs has been carried out in recent years, and although these studies have increased our knowledge about its pathogenesis, there are still many unclear aspects about which immune responses protect swine hosts against the disease caused by this virus. The mechanisms of ASFV infection in ticks are even less well understood. This infection is long term and persistent, with relatively high levels of virus replication in different tick tissues. According to specific infected tissues, the Ornithodoros tick species that are ASFV-competent vectors show transstadial, transovarial and/or venereal transmissions. This review is focused on the main process taking place at the virus–vector interface, summarizing the latest findings about the molecular and cellular aspects of ASFV infection in ticks, which could constitute the basis for developing novel strategies to interrupt the arthropod transmission cycle. Full article

Expanded and intensified agriculture is a major driver of habitat loss for endangered species such as the Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana), making wildlife-friendly farming an increasingly important approach for reconciling biodiversity conservation with agricultural development. Building on a 2018 feasibility study in the Sanjiang Plain, this research employs a choice experiment to examine how preferences for Oriental White Stork-friendly farming have evolved among urban consumers and residents of stork habitats under expanding green consumption and increasing experience with environmentally friendly farming. The results reveal pronounced preference heterogeneity and persistent cognitive separation between wildlife conservation and agricultural production, particularly among urban consumers, despite a stable group being willing to pay a premium for stork-friendly products. Rural residents’ decisions remain largely economically driven, though younger farmers with prior experience in environmentally friendly practices show more positive attitudes. Significant urban–rural differences suggest policy complementarities, whereby price-oriented incentives may encourage price-sensitive farmers to adopt green agriculture, while intrinsically motivated farmers require support through an Oriental White Stork-oriented value chain. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Wildlife-Friendly Farming cannot be effectively promoted through a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, stratified, group-specific policy and market mechanisms are essential for aligning producer incentives with consumer demand and supporting the long-term viability of biodiversity-friendly agricultural systems. Full article

Hemibagrus guttatus is a large omnivorous fish of significant economic value, listed as a Class II protected species in the National Key Protected Wildlife List in 2021 in China. To provide a theoretical foundation for the artificial breeding of H. guttatus, this study employs high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of testes and ovaries to elucidate the molecular regulatory pathways involved in sex differentiation. Because H. guttatus exhibits no obvious sexual dimorphism even during the breeding season, the distinctive contribution of this study compared with previous gonadal-transcriptomic investigations in other Siluriformes lies not only in documenting sex-biased genes but also in providing a molecular foundation for developing non-lethal sex-identification methods for this morphologically indistinguishable species. A total of 303,192,896 raw reads were obtained, with an effective data rate of 98.4%, indicating high sequencing quality. Differential expression analysis identified 8694 genes, including 6369 upregulated in testes and 2325 upregulated in ovaries. Among these, 88 genes were functionally annotated as sex-related, with 62 testis-biased genes such as spata17, sox9, and dmrt1, and 26 ovary-biased genes including cyp19a, wnt8, and sox12. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the TGF-β signaling pathway, insulin secretion, and steroid hormone biosynthesis may play crucial roles in gonadal development and differentiation in H. guttatus. The expression patterns of key genes such as hsd11b1, amh, and insl3 were validated by quantitative real-time PCR, showing consistency with the transcriptome results. These findings lay a molecular foundation for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of sex differentiation in H. guttatus, and provide candidate genes for further investigation into the genetic basis of gonadal development, which is essential for improving artificial reproduction and selective breeding practices. Full article

Despite its global distribution, the impacts of wild pigs on the environment are poorly understood. However, wild boar (Sus scrofa) is recognized as a pest species, causes extensive damage to agriculture, biodiversity, and forests, and contributes to motor vehicle accidents. This study investigates the causes and mechanisms underlying the demographic explosion of wild boar in Italy. The analysis is based exclusively on official datasets from Italian governmental institutes, allowing quantitative correlations between population dynamics, culling rates, and economic impacts. By integrating historical data, population biology, reproductive physiology, and chemical communication, the study reveals that anthropogenic pressures, counterintuitively driven by wildlife management practices, have significantly contributed to population growth. A shift from a K-strategy to an r-strategy in reproductive behavior, induced by sustained control pressure, has led to increased birth rates and accelerated expansion. Disruptions in species homeostasis trigger harmful changes in ecosystem structure and functionality, delineating a model of environmental damage. These findings highlight the urgency of adopting an integrated wildlife management approach that combines conservation biology and physiological principles with targeted operational interventions to prevent further degradation affecting both the species and the ecosystem. Full article

The Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion (YHWD) project has raised concerns about balancing economic benefits and ecological impacts in Lake Caizi, a nationally protected wetland recognized by the World Wildlife Fund. To assess post-diversion contamination and ecological risks, seasonal variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in surface sediments from Lake Caizi. Total PAH concentrations were 103–565 ng/g dw in the wet season, marginally exceeding the 97.1–526 ng/g dw observed in the dry season. The lowest levels occurred in the western sub-lake (Lake Xizi), showing marked declines relative to a decade ago, attributable to enhanced wastewater treatment, farmland-to-lake restoration, and a 10-year fishing ban. Conversely, PAH concentrations in the main lake, particularly the southeastern and northern sectors of the Caizi route, have increased, reflecting pollutant inflows from Zongyang County via the Yangtze River and accumulation driven by the diversion flows. The diagnostic ratio and positive matrix factorization model indicated biomass burning as the dominant PAH source in Lake Xizi across seasons. In contrast, PAH in the main lake were primarily derived from petroleum combustion and leakage, with coal combustion during the wet season shifting to coal combustion dominance in the dry season due to the seasonal halt of shipping activity. Although overall ecological risk remains low in Lake Caizi, localized hotspots near the Caizi routes and industrial zones pose moderate-to-high risks, necessitating continuous monitoring in the future. Full article

Oil spills are a significant environmental issue for marine wildlife and coastal communities. Cellulose derived from citrus peel industrial waste is an interesting, economical, and eco-friendly advantageous material that was used for the first time with the aim of developing a low-cost and sustainable sorbent for water purification. Citrus peel cellulose was grafted with methyl acrylate to enhance hydrophobicity and favor the oil adsorption in aqueous media. Grafting copolymerization was performed in a simple manner, and the conditions were optimized in terms of monomer concentration, amount of catalyst, time, and temperature. The modified cellulose polymer was obtained in different grafting percentages, with a maximum of 93% grafting. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ¹H NMR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis were used to confirm the graft copolymerization of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) onto the mercerized cellulose. Finally, the oil adsorption capacity of selected copolymers from freshwater, artificial seawater, and seawater samples was tested in a continuous-flow system. The results showed promising performance retaining diesel in seawater (4.01 g oil/g cellulose), demonstrating the use of agri-food waste as a natural sorbent in oil removal. Full article

Human–wildlife conflicts arise from increasing human populations and the growing demand for land for agriculture and urban development. In Saudi Arabia, these dynamics have increased the impact of baboons on human communities, as expanding settlements encroach upon the natural habitats of baboons, while rising baboon populations increasingly invade urban areas in search of food, shelter, and water. We aimed to assess the effects of human–baboon coexistence on residents in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. From October 2021 to April 2022, we administered a 43-item semi-structured online questionnaire addressing emotional, social, environmental and financial impacts of nearby baboons. A total of 318 residents of the Al-Baha region completed the survey and shared their experiences regarding interactions with hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) near human properties. In addition, three semi-structured life interviews with residents aged over 70 explored historical perceptions. Respondents attributed increased baboon presence to urban expansion, accessible waste, and intentional feeding and strongly supported government-led mitigation plans. Human–baboon interactions in Al Baha produce emotional stress, social disruption, and economic burdens for residents. Findings support integrated management combining public education, improved waste management, non-lethal deterrents, and carefully planned population control measures, developed with community consultation. Limitations of the study include convenience online sampling and reliance on self-reported impacts; future work should quantify baboon abundance and objectively measure economic losses. Full article

Understanding the economic and psychological values that people assign to threatened species is crucial for their effective protection. The long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is an endangered primate currently threatened by habitat destruction, removal from the wild for scientific, commercial, and recreational purposes, and culling due to conflicts with local communities. We conducted on-site interviews with Maguindanao residents in the Philippines (n = 500) to explore the conservation value of the long-tailed macaque and to assess how cognition, emotion, and folklore influence willingness to pay (WTP). Participants showed pro-conservation attitudes and positive emotions toward the long-tailed macaque, had substantial knowledge about their behavior and biology, but did not believe in folklore traditions. An average annual WTP of PHP 46.9 was estimated for macaque conservation, amounting to PHP 10.5 million annually, based on the number of households in the study area. Conservation attitudes, emotions, and biological knowledge about the long-tailed macaque were positively linked to WTP for its preservation. Conversely, dominionistic worldviews were negatively associated with WTP. Younger participants, females, and those with higher incomes demonstrated a higher WTP than older participants, males, and those with lower incomes. These findings can aid in designing and implementing outreach campaigns to raise funds and educate local communities, thereby further improving their attitudes toward this endangered primate. Full article

Rhipicephalus microplus, also known as the Asiatic blue tick, is an invasive ectoparasite of significant economic and animal health importance in South Africa. This review synthesises evidence on its ongoing range expansion, which is displacing the native R. decoloratus, driven by factors including climate suitability, livestock movement, and communal grazing practices. The tick’s success is compounded by widespread, multi-class acaricide resistance, which has been documented across all major chemical classes. Molecular diagnostics are crucial for accurate surveillance, and population genetics reveal significant gene flow facilitated by livestock movement. Projections indicate that climate change will further expand the tick’s suitable habitat. Current reliance on chemical control is unsustainable. We conclude that an integrated parasite management (IPM) approach combining strategic acaricide rotation, targeted selective treatments, pasture management, and strict biosecurity is critical for sustainable control. Key recommendations include establishing standardised, national resistance monitoring, validating molecular markers for resistance prediction, and developing farmer-facing decision-support tools. This synthesis provides a framework for research and policy to mitigate the impact of R. microplus at the wildlife-livestock interface in South Africa. Full article

This paper examines an approach to local-level community action for the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), amid the growing importance of context-specific implementations to accelerate progress. Land-use governance is critical for contributions to the SDGs, as it shapes a wide range of environmental, social, and economic outcomes. Wildlife conservancies provide an innovative community-driven land-stewardship model that has proliferated across rangelands in various African countries as a sustainable development strategy. This study explores the potential contribution and capacity of conservancies, as a form of land-use governance, in advancing the SDGs at local levels. Using case studies from Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the research draws on qualitative primary data collected through in-depth interviews, a focus group discussion, observation, and document review, supplemented by secondary data obtained from a literature review. The data was analyzed thematically. The results show that conservancies address key socio-ecological challenges corresponding with multiple SDGs, particularly those related to poverty reduction, food security, climate action, and life on land. However, significant segments of local communities remain marginalized in decision making and benefit sharing, a situation rooted in pre-existing social hierarchies and weak governance institutions, raising concerns about social justice. Other major limitations are related to the conservancies’ over-reliance on tourism, and local people’s high dependence on natural resources. To resolve these limitations, the study recommends improving local governance via institutional strengthening, capacity building, gender empowerment, and stakeholder partnerships; diversifying income sources to reduce financial vulnerability; and adopting strategies to alleviate high dependence on natural resources in the long term. Full article

Viral zoonoses or viral pathogens transmitted from animals to humans—constitute a rapidly intensifying global health and economic challenge. They are responsible for an estimated 2.5 billion illnesses and 2.7 million deaths annually, representing nearly 60% of all infectious diseases and 75% of newly emerging infections. Recent outbreaks, including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Ebola, Nipah, and avian influenza, underscore their capacity to overwhelm health systems, with COVID-19 alone projected to reduce global Gross Domestic Product by USD 22 trillion by 2025 and impose annual healthcare costs of USD 2–3 trillion. Beyond mortality and morbidity, zoonotic events disrupt trade, depress rural livelihoods, and inflict agricultural losses exceeding USD 100 billion per outbreak, with impacts disproportionately borne by low- and middle-income countries. Hotspot regions across tropical North and South America, Asia, and Central Africa remain especially vulnerable due to accelerating land use change, climate variability, and intensified wildlife–human interfaces. While the Global One Health Index highlights high regional heterogeneity, with sub-Saharan Africa scoring lowest, a critical gap persists between the conceptual strength of One Health and its operationalization in resource-limited settings. This review synthesizes evidence on drivers, clinical manifestations, and socioeconomic burdens of viral zoonoses, while highlighting novel perspectives on equity gaps, co-infection dynamics, and limitations of global preparedness initiatives. We argue that current strategies remain over-reliant on donor-driven agendas and insufficiently integrated across sectors. Addressing future zoonotic threats requires prioritizing surveillance in high-risk geographies, integrating epidemiological and economic data for preparedness planning, and supporting context sensitive One Health approaches that confront political, financial, and structural barriers to implementation. Full article

The Lake Velence watershed faces increasing challenges driven by local and global factors, including the impacts of climate change, energy resource limitations, and greenhouse gas emissions. These issues, particularly acute in water management, are exacerbated by prolonged droughts, growing population pressures, and shifting land use patterns. Such dynamics strain the region’s scarce water resources, negatively affecting the environment, tourism, recreation, agriculture, and economic prospects. Nadap, a hilly settlement within the watershed, experiences frequent flooding and poor water retention, yet it also boasts the highest solar panel capacity per property in Hungary. This research addresses these interconnected challenges by designing a solar-hydrodynamic network comprising four multi-purpose water reservoirs. By leveraging the settlement’s solar capacity and geographical features, the reservoirs provide numerous benefits to local stakeholders and extend their impact far beyond their borders. These include stormwater management with flash flood mitigation, seasonal green energy storage, water security for agriculture and irrigation, wildlife conservation, recreational opportunities, carbon-smart winery developments, and the creation of sustainable blue-green settlements. Reservoir locations and dimensions were determined by analyzing geographical characteristics, stormwater volume, energy demand, solar panel performance, and rainfall data. The hydrodynamic system, modeled in Matlab, was optimized to ensure efficient water usage for irrigation, animal hydration, and other needs while minimizing evaporation losses and carbon emissions. This research presents a design framework for low-carbon and cost-effective solutions that address water management and energy storage, promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The multi-purpose use of retained rainwater solves various existing problems/challenges, strengthens a community’s self-sustainability, and fosters regional growth. This integrated approach can serve as a model for other municipalities and for developing cost-effective inter-settlement and cross-catchment solutions, with a short payback period, facing similar challenges. Full article

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) represents a growing challenge in the modern era, as electronic systems and wireless technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of EMI, beginning with its historical evolution over centuries, from early power transmission systems and industrial machinery to today’s complex environment shaped by IoT, 5G, smart devices, and autonomous technologies. The diverse sources of EMI and their wide-ranging effects are examined, including disruptions in electrical and medical devices, ecological impacts on wildlife, and potential risks to human health. Beyond its technical and societal implications, the economic dimension of EMI is explored, highlighting the rapid expansion of the global shielding materials market and its forecasted growth driven by telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. Preventative strategies against EMI are discussed, with particular emphasis on the role of advanced materials. Carbon-based nanomaterials—such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon foams—are presented as promising solutions owing to their exceptional conductivity, mechanical strength, tunable structure, and environmental sustainability. By uniting perspectives on EMI’s origins, consequences, market dynamics, and mitigation strategies, this work underscores the urgent need for scalable, high-performance, and eco-friendly shielding approaches. Special attention is given to recent advances in carbon-based nanomaterials, which are poised to play a transformative role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of future electronic technologies. Full article

This work addresses the problem of synurbization, with its causes and effects specified using the example of wild boar (Sus scrofa). It presents basic biological parameters of the species, including those that promote its synurbization—small habitat demands, omnivorism, as well as ecological, behavioral, and demographic flexibility. It also discusses intra-species transformations stemming from wild boar adaptation to the urban space and pinpoints habitat fragmentation, ecological restoration, and phenotypic flexibility as the underlying causes of people–wild boar interactions. These interactions are primarily negative because wild boars attack humans and domestic animals and cause many traffic accidents. An analysis of the literature included in this study shows that, unfortunately, there are currently no fully effective methods that could protect urban areas and their inhabitants from the threats posed by wild boars. In order for sustainable urban development policies to be effectively implemented, there is a need for intensive, holistic research and cooperation between experts in many fields: wildlife, economics, public health, sociology, ethics, psychology, and urban planning. The synurbanization of wild boars is a large and growing social problem, but from an ecological perspective, there is a need to take action and develop methods to mitigate human/wild animal conflicts, not only from a human perspective. A one-sided view and action can be a threat to many animal species. Full article