Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forests are at a critical crossroad, increasingly threatened by multiple stressors acting simultaneously that not only affect species distributions and population dynamics but also disrupt essential ecological processes such as trophic interactions, habitat connectivity, and resource availability. Many forested landscapes are approaching ecological thresholds beyond which recovery may be uncertain. Concurrently, wildlife populations that depend on forest ecosystems are experiencing range shifts, genetic isolation, and disrupted trophic interactions, leading to cascading effects on biodiversity and ecological stability. The decline in keystone species and apex predators can lead to cascading effects, destabilizing ecosystem function and threatening biodiversity. The urgency of addressing these issues is underscored by the need for adaptive management strategies that are responsive to real-time changes in ecosystems.

As we confront these mounting challenges, conservation strategies must evolve from traditional static models to adaptive, integrated conservation approaches that consider the dynamic and complex interactions between forest ecology, wildlife dynamics, and emerging environmental stressors to develop science-based strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience. A crucial component of this shift is the implementation of long-term ecological monitoring, advanced analytical tools, and predictive modeling to ensure the resilience of forest ecosystems and wildlife populations. Traditional methods such as field surveys, dendrochronology, and ecological assessments provide foundational data on species dynamics and forest health, offering critical baselines for understanding resilience and guiding future management strategies. These time-tested techniques, when combined with modern monitoring technologies such as remote sensing, machine learning, and species distribution modeling, enhance our ability to track ecosystem changes, assess species responses, and inform conservation decision-making. Additionally, fostering habitat connectivity, mitigating human–wildlife conflict, and adopting adaptive management approaches are crucial for sustaining biodiversity and promoting ecosystem recovery amidst accelerating environmental stressors.

This Topic seeks to advance interdisciplinary research that addresses contemporary threats to forest ecosystems and their wildlife. We welcome studies that explore species–habitat relationships, ecosystem responses to environmental stressors, the role of keystone and threatened species, and methodological advancements in conservation science. Submissions may include original research articles, reviews, short communications, and case studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of ecosystem resilience and adaptive conservation solutions. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven conservation strategies, this Topic aims to develop science-based interventions that sustain forest biodiversity and ecosystem function in the face of unprecedented global change.

Dr. Yiannis G. Zevgolis
Dr. Triantaphyllos Akriotis
Dr. Anastasia Christopoulou
Prof. Dr. Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos
Dr. Dimitra-Lida Rammou
Prof. Dr. Dionisios Youlatos
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Animals animals	2.7	5.2	2011	17.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Biology biology	3.5	7.4	2012	17.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Conservation conservation	1.9	3.2	2021	26.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Diversity diversity	2.1	4.0	2009	17.1 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Ecologies ecologies	1.9	3.0	2020	25.8 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Forests forests	2.5	4.6	2010	17.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Land land	3.2	5.9	2012	16 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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All Animals Biology Conservation Diversity Ecologies Forests Land

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25 pages, 3703 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Individual Selection Silvicultural Treatment on the Vertical Structure of a Pine-Oak Forest in Northern Mexico

by Joel Rascón-Solano, Samuel Alberto García-García, Rufino Sandoval-García, Eduardo Alanís-Rodríguez, Sandra Pérez-Álvarez, Patricia Uranga-Valencia, Oscar Aguirre-Calderón, Gerónimo Quiñonez-Barraza, Juan Abel Nájera-Luna, Benedicto Vargas-Larreta and Francisco Hernández

Ecologies 2025, 6(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6040074 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 50

Abstract

Understanding the structural dynamics of temperate forests is essential for their sustainable management. This study assessed the vertical structure of a mixed temperate forest in the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, under an individual selection cutting regime implemented in 2012 and 2022. Nine Permanent [...] Read more.

Understanding the structural dynamics of temperate forests is essential for their sustainable management. This study assessed the vertical structure of a mixed temperate forest in the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, under an individual selection cutting regime implemented in 2012 and 2022. Nine Permanent Silvicultural Research Sites were established, and measurements were carried out in 2012, 2022, and 2023 to record tree species, height, and crown cover. The analyses describe dendrometric variables, structural verticality indices and the Pretzsch index; regression models were fitted and Kruskal–Wallis tests performed. The results revealed a multistratified forest: Pinus durangensis dominates the upper canopy, while broadleaved species concentrate in the lower layers, enriching the understorey. Following silvicultural interventions, structural reorganisation was evident, with an increase in emergent individuals in the canopy and stability in crown-cover frequencies. A slight increase in pine and oak cover was detected, together with the presence of new tree species characteristic of the region. Taken together, the findings indicate that planned individual-selection cutting can maintain the stand’s original vertical structure and the functionality of the mixed temperate forest in northern Mexico, providing an analytical approach applicable to other comparable forest regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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26 pages, 1443 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Perception of Stakeholder Groups on Ailanthus altissima in Hungary

by András Demeter, Dénes Saláta, Szilárd Czóbel, Péter Csépányi, Tibor Limp and Eszter Tormáné Kovács

Land 2025, 14(11), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14112133 - 26 Oct 2025

Viewed by 279

Abstract

In order to tackle the problems caused by invasive alien plant species, it is important to know what the main groups that have the largest influence on the spreading of the species, know and think about them. Nation-wide questionnaire surveys were carried out [...] Read more.

In order to tackle the problems caused by invasive alien plant species, it is important to know what the main groups that have the largest influence on the spreading of the species, know and think about them. Nation-wide questionnaire surveys were carried out in Hungary between 2016 and 2019 among three important stakeholder groups (local governments, national park directorates (NPDs), and state forestry units (SFUs)) of tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). The aim of the surveys was to reveal the perception of the three groups about Ailanthus altissima, their experiences with eradication, and other needs for its successful management of the species. Besides basic statistical methods, the chi² test, Fisher’s exact test, Cramer’s V value, and Mann–Whitney U test were conducted to compare groups and reveal relationships between different variables. 221 local governments, 10 NPDs, and 110 SFUs filled in the questionnaire. The response rate was quite low for local governments (8.8%) and high for NPDs (100%) and SFUs (97.5%). Our findings show that the species was recognised by only 59% of respondents representing local governments. Further results are presented regardingthis subsample.The negative impacts of Ailanthus altissima were perceived in all three groups at a higher rate (over 95% in all three groups) than positive impacts (local governments: 63%, NPDs: 10%, SFUs: 35%). The two groups managing forest areas (NPDs and SFUs) ranked the problems caused by the species high (the median was −4 for both groups on a −5–+5 scale). Ailanthus altissima was present in the areas of at least 80 percent in each examined group. In areas where the species was present, eradication was applied in a significantly higher percent of NPDs (86%) and SFUs (88%) than regarding local governments (36%), and the same tendency was found for using mechanical and chemical methods (p < 0.05). The two groups managing forest areas also applied biological methods, although at a lower rate (NPDs: 10%, SFUs: 14%). The unit costs and area of eradication varied between NPDs and SFUs, but the difference was not significant between the two groups (p = 0.073 and 0.213, respectively). NPDs used more external funding for eradication than local governments and state forestry units, mostly co-financed by European Union funds (e.g., LIFE and European Regional Development Fund). Information was required by a large percentage of respondents from local governments (75% of those who recognised the species). The need for cooperation between stakeholder groups was indicated by 78% of local governments recognising the species, and was ranked high by the two expert groups as well (medians were 4 for NPDs and 5 for SFUs on a 0–5 scale). Sharing knowledge about and experience with eradication among the two expert groups and transferring knowledge to the local governments are recommended for the successful management of the species. Further research is needed regarding the effectiveness, the environmental impacts, and the costs of eradication, as well as influencing factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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17 pages, 2101 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Rare Primate Rhinopithecus bieti Can Sustain the Resilience of Montane Forests

by Na Li, Hao-Han Wang, Yan-Peng Li, Cyril C. Grueter, Lu-Jiao Dai, Hui-Ming Xu, Zhi-Pang Huang and Wen Xiao

Animals 2025, 15(20), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15203021 - 17 Oct 2025

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Abstract

This study addresses a critical challenge in global conservation: understanding how rare species contribute to ecosystem structure and resilience. The ecological role of the endangered black-and-white snub-nosed monkey in China’s temperate mountain forests was examined, with the hypothesis that its tree-shaking behavior alters [...] Read more.

This study addresses a critical challenge in global conservation: understanding how rare species contribute to ecosystem structure and resilience. The ecological role of the endangered black-and-white snub-nosed monkey in China’s temperate mountain forests was examined, with the hypothesis that its tree-shaking behavior alters forest structure and microclimates to enhance ecosystem health. To assess long-term impacts, current monkey-inhabited forests were compared with historical sites abandoned over decades, by analyzing tree gaps, forest structure, and environmental conditions. Monkeys’ canopy-disturbing actions were also directly observed. Findings revealed monkey activity created more canopy gaps (38.3% in current habitats vs. 29.9~33.5% in abandoned sites) and altered microclimate conditions, which boosted plant diversity and optimized the community’s vertical and age structures. Current forests supported nearly twice as many tree species, 2.5 times as many shrub species, and threefold more herb species than areas abandoned for 40 years. Even 20 years after monkeys disappeared, abandoned sites retained higher diversity and gaps, showing lasting ecological benefits. These results confirm the monkey’s vital role as a resilience promoter, demonstrating how rare species can shape healthier ecosystems. This highlights the need to prioritize protecting such species, as their survival not only preserves biodiversity but also sustains ecosystem functions crucial for human well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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20 pages, 2079 KB  

Open AccessReview

Mapping Research Trends on Fire and Invasive Plant Species in Grassland Restoration: A Bibliometric Review

by Sellina Ennie Nkosi, Yingisani Chabalala and Mashudu Patience Mamathaba

Conservation 2025, 5(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5040059 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 555

Abstract

Fire and invasive plant species interactions are critical drivers of biodiversity loss and ecological change in grassland ecosystems worldwide. However, research efforts on this topic are often fragmented, regionally based, and lack synthesis across disciplines. This study aims to map the intellectual structure, [...] Read more.

Fire and invasive plant species interactions are critical drivers of biodiversity loss and ecological change in grassland ecosystems worldwide. However, research efforts on this topic are often fragmented, regionally based, and lack synthesis across disciplines. This study aims to map the intellectual structure, collaboration networks, thematic focus, and knowledge gaps in research on fire-invasive species interactions in grassland restoration. A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 1990 and 2024. The search strategy targeted studies addressing fire regimes and invasive plant species in grassland ecosystems, using co-authorship, co-occurrence and thematic clustering analyses to reveal collaboration patterns and research trends. The results highlight a concentration of publications in key ecological journals, with a dominant contribution from institutions in the Global North, through growing representation from the Global South, particularly South Africa, is evident. Thematic clusters are centred on biological invasions, fire regimes, species traits and ecosystem resilience, while long-term post-fire recovery and studies from underrepresented regions remain critical knowledge gaps. This synthesis emphasises the need for interdisciplinary, regionally inclusive and policy-aligned research to inform effective grassland restoration strategies in the context of fire and invasive species challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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15 pages, 6704 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Habitat Suitability and Identification of Conservation Priority Areas for Endangered Marco Polo Sheep Throughout Khunjerab National Park (Pakistan) and Tashkurgan Natural Reserve (China)

by Ishfaq Karim, Xiaodong Liu, Babar Khan and Tahir Kazmi

Animals 2025, 15(13), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131907 - 28 Jun 2025

Viewed by 925

Abstract

This study assesses habitat suitability and identifies conservation priority areas for the endangered Marco Polo sheep throughout Khunjerab National Park (Pakistan) and Tashkurgan Natural Reserve (China). We analyzed species occurrence records against environmental variables (elevation, slope, climate, land cover) using MaxEnt modeling. Model [...] Read more.

This study assesses habitat suitability and identifies conservation priority areas for the endangered Marco Polo sheep throughout Khunjerab National Park (Pakistan) and Tashkurgan Natural Reserve (China). We analyzed species occurrence records against environmental variables (elevation, slope, climate, land cover) using MaxEnt modeling. Model performance was validated through AUC-ROC analysis and response curves, generating spatial predictions of suitable habitats to inform conservation strategies. Spatial predictions were generated to map potential distribution zones, aiding conservation planning for this endangered species. The model’s predictive performance was evaluated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, yielding an AUC of 0.919, indicating strong discriminatory capability. Elevation (43.9%), slope (25.9%), and September precipitation (15.9%) emerged as the most influential environmental predictors, collectively contributing 85.7% to the model. The total percentage contribution and permutation significance values were 98.6% and 77.8%, respectively. Jackknife analysis identified elevation (bio-1), slope (bio-7), hillshade (bio-2), and the maximum July temperature (bio-9) as the most significant factors influencing the distribution of Marco Polo sheep, Conversely, variables such as viewshade (bio-14), land cover (bio-3), and precipitation in August (bio-4) contributed a minimal gain, suggesting that they had little impact on accurately predicting species distribution. The habitat suitability map reveals varying conditions across the study area, with the highest suitability (yellow zones) found in the northern and western regions, particularly along the Wakhan Corridor ridgelines. The southern regions, including Khunjerab Pass, show predominantly low suitability, marked by purple zones, suggesting poor habitat conditions. The eastern region displays moderate to low suitability, with fragmented patches of green and yellow, indicating seasonal habitats. The survival of transboundary Marco Polo sheep remains at risk due to poaching activities and habitat destruction and border fence barriers. This study recommends scientific approaches to habitat restoration together with improved China–Pakistan cooperation in order to establish sustainable migratory patterns for this iconic species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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34 pages, 5721 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Stability Analysis of a Four-Species Periodic Diffusive Predator–Prey System with Delay and Feedback Control

by Lili Jia and Changyou Wang

Biology 2025, 14(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14050462 - 24 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 605

Abstract

In this work, we present a novel four-species periodic diffusive predator–prey model, which incorporates delay and feedback control mechanisms, marking substantial progress in ecological modeling. This model offers a more realistic and detailed portrayal of the intricate dynamics of predator–prey interactions. Our primary [...] Read more.

In this work, we present a novel four-species periodic diffusive predator–prey model, which incorporates delay and feedback control mechanisms, marking substantial progress in ecological modeling. This model offers a more realistic and detailed portrayal of the intricate dynamics of predator–prey interactions. Our primary objective is to establish the existence of a periodic solution for this new model, which depends only on time variables and is independent of spatial variables (we refer to it as a spatially homogeneous periodic solution). By employing the comparison theorem and the fixed point theorem tailored for delay differential equations, we derive a set of sufficient conditions that guarantee the emergence of such a solution. This analytical framework lays a solid mathematical foundation for understanding the periodic behaviors exhibited by predator–prey systems with delayed and feedback-regulated interactions. Moreover, we explore the global asymptotic stability of the aforementioned periodic solution. We organically combine Lyapunov stability theory, upper and lower solution techniques for partial differential equations with delay, and the squeezing theorem for limits to formulate additional sufficient conditions that ensure the stability of the periodic solution. This stability analysis is vital for forecasting the long-term outcomes of predator–prey interactions and evaluating the model’s resilience against disturbances. To validate our theoretical findings, we undertake a series of numerical simulations. These simulations not only corroborate our analytical results but also further elucidate the dynamic behaviors of the four-species predator–prey model. Our research enhances our understanding of the complex interactions within ecological systems and carries significant implications for the conservation and management of biological populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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15 pages, 2895 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal High-Altitude Adaptation in the Qinghai Toad-Headed Lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii

by Jun Zhong, Jian Chen, Yu-Hong Lu, Yu-Fei Huang, Ming-Sheng Hong and Xiang Ji

Biology 2025, 14(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14050459 - 24 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The plateau environments are always harsh, with low pressure, low oxygen, and low temperature, which are detrimental to the survival of organisms. The Qinghai toad-headed lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii has a wide range of altitude adaptation from 2000 to 4600 m. But it is [...] Read more.

The plateau environments are always harsh, with low pressure, low oxygen, and low temperature, which are detrimental to the survival of organisms. The Qinghai toad-headed lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii has a wide range of altitude adaptation from 2000 to 4600 m. But it is still unclear how organisms maintain tissue function by balancing energy supply and demand changes in high-altitude environments of P. vlangalii. We investigated the plateau metabolic adaptation through transcriptome and metabolome analyses of P. vlangalii from three populations at different altitudes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The genes related to carbohydrate metabolism were significantly down-regulated at the high altitude. The metabolites alpha-D-glucose 1-phosphate, beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate, D-glycerate 1,3-diphosphate, 3-phosphoglycerate, and phosphoenolpyruvate in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were down-regulated, too. The lipid metabolic and fatty acid synthase-related genes were up-regulated at a high altitude. In conclusion, the glycogen utilization-related genes and metabolites experienced broad down-regulation, while lipid-related genes and metabolites had a clear trend of up-regulation. Thus, we suggest that P. vlangalii tends to increase lipid utilization and reduce the dependence on glycogen consumption to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience)

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