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Ecosystems that occur on cliffs and rocky outcrops are home to many plants that are specially adapted to harsh environmental conditions. These habitats are seeing increased pressure from development, recreational use, and invasive species, calling for a thorough evaluation of the endangerment of the taxa inhabiting them. However, the conservation status of these taxa is not well understood preventing effective conservation prioritization and action. In this study, we examine the conservation status of vascular plant taxa associated with these ecosystems, using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assessments, and compare these to their taxonomic status (families and genera) and range (realm, country, occupancy). We have assembled data highlighting regions where cliff and rocky outcrop taxa most frequently occur (Madagascar, Brazil, Spain) and found that plants growing in these habitats may be more endangered than expected given global plant endangerment, however, risk patterns do vary. Certain groups find refuge in cliffs or rocky outcrops environments (Euphorbiaceae, 18% less endangered), while others may be facing increased risk (Cactaceae, 19% more endangered). We have also found that taxa occurring in habitats with low mean elevation or narrow elevational ranges are more endangered. To assist future research, we have developed a dashboard summarizing available data that also allows for interactive analyses based on user-defined goals. We see the need for additional research on cliff and rocky outcrop plants to enhance the Red List assessment process and support overall plant conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the classical measures of floristic diversity is crucial to support strategies for the conservation of plant resources in degraded forests. This study aims firstly to assess the parameters of specific and structural diversity of the woody flora of the forest islands of the Lubero mountain range and secondly, to determine its conservation status in order to propose appropriate measures for its sustainable management. A stratified cluster sampling was carried out for the forest inventories. For this purpose, 297 plots of 50 m2 each were materialized in ten forest islands. The specific diversity indices were calculated and the dendrometric parameters were determined. Renyi entropy was calculated to compare the alpha diversity of woody species between forest islands. The Kruskal-Wallis rank test and the analysis of variance were used to compare the structural diversity parameters between woody stands. A total of 104 woody species (86 genera and 45 families) were recorded. The species richness of the forest islands varied between 11 and 78. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was highly variable (1.98 to 4.03 bits) and the Pielou evenness was quite high (0.83 to 0.94). Highly significant differences in density (degree of freedom df = 9, chi-square = 93.1316, P < 0.0001), mean diameter (df = 9, F statistic = 23.163, P < 0.0001), basal area (df = 9, F statistic = 53.568, P < 0.0001) and mean Lorey height (df = 9, F statistic = 208.454; P < 0.0001) of woody species were noted between the forest islands. From a conservation perspective, 87 woody species are reported on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Woody species declared "Vulnerable", "Near Threatened" and "Endangered" deserve special attention from policy makers and forest managers. Knowledge of floristic diversity's classical measures is crucial to support conservation strategies of plant resources in degraded forests. The present study aims firstly to assess the parameters of specific and structural diversity of the woody flora of the forest patches of Lubero and secondly, to determine its state of conservation in order to suggest appropriate measures for its sustainable management. A stratified cluster sampling has been used for the forest inventories. To this end, 297 plots of 50 m2 each have been marked out in ten forest patches. Specific diversity indices have been calculated and dendrometric parameters have been determined. Renyi entropy has been calculated to compare the alpha diversity of woody species between the different forest patches. The Kruskal-Wallis rank test and analysis of variance have been used to compare structural diversity parameters between woody stands. A total of 104 woody species (86 genera and 45 families) have been identified. The species richness of the forest patches nowadays varies between 11 and 78. The Shannon diversity index is highly variable (1.98 to 4.03 bits) and the Pielou equitability is fairly high (0.83 to 0.94). Highly significant differences in density (degree of freedom ddl=9, chi-square = 93.1316, P<0.0001), mean diameter (ddl=9, F-statistic =23. 163, P<0.0001), basal area (ddl=9, F-statistic =53.568, P<0.0001) and mean Lorey height (ddl=9, F-statistic =208.454; P<0.0001) of woody species were noted between forest patches. In terms of conservation, 87 woody species are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s red list. Woody species declared 'Vulnerable', 'Near Threatened' and 'Endangered' deserve special attention from policy-makers and forest managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbaria are an important source of data and material useful in many fields, including plant conservation. Seeds preserved in herbarium specimens may have the potential to germinate, although few studies focused on this topic. Here, the first systematic assessment of six techniques, including priming techniques and melatonin application, aimed at improving the germination of seeds from herbarium specimens is presented. Seed germination of 26 species common in Europe, some of which congeneric to extinct species, collected in herbaria and in the wild (20,549 seeds in total, including 19,509 from 297 herbarium specimens from 8 different herbaria) was tested with the following treatments: exogenous melatonin addition to the germination medium, priming with melatonin, osmopriming, hydropriming for 24 and 48 hours, standard soil, heat sterilization and gibberellins addition. More than 85% of the fresh seeds and 1% of the seeds collected in herbaria germinated, including seeds older than 50 years. Data show that treatment with exogenous melatonin had a positive effect on the germination of fresh seeds, but a negative effect on the germination of herbarium‐derived seeds. Furthermore, osmopriming treatment had a slightly positive effect on the germination of herbarium‐derived seeds. Osmopriming and exogenous melatonin addition seem to be promising techniques that need further investigation and improvement and might be useful for the development of an optimal germination protocol for old and herbarium‐derived seeds. The germination of seeds from herbaria could be an important tool in plant conservation, with the aim of reversing the extinction trend of many species through de‐extinction, safeguarding biodiversity, and genetic variability. This study provides preliminary data for the development of germination protocols, especially for old seeds of species of conservation interest, to maximise the chance of recovering lost genetic diversity and leading to the first de‐extinction ever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Northern Gayo Plateau, Sumatra, is home to at least five Sumatran endemic Ericaceae where large threats come from the expansion of agricultural-related activities and infrastructure development. Rhododendron frey-wysslingii (Ericaceae) which is a northern Gayo Plateau endemic was just recently rediscovered but many parts of its geographical ranges are under severe disturbance. In the present study, we reported results of population and conservation study of the species known only from four populations in the northern Gayo Plateau. The population of this species shows a J-shape pattern showing a good regeneration capacity in the wild. However, no population is known to occur in nationally protected areas. And, due to the narrow geographic ranges and threats from habitat loss from expansions of coffee and other agricultural area as well as the presence of roads and their associated activities, the species is proposed here as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List. Living plant for ex-situ conservation purposes was collected and maintained. Besides that, a species distribution modeling was performed and showed that there are several potential habitats of the species outside the currently known ranges where no plant has been recorded, including Mount Hulumasen, Mount Peuet Sagoe, Mount Leuser, and Mount Bendahara, from an elevation above 1000 m asl. The findings add to the importance of the northern Gayo Plateau as home to narrow endemic species. Future efforts are needed for the species that include further survey in potential but unexplored habitats and implementation of in-situ conservation involving relevant stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities, particularly urbanization, profoundly impact ecosystems often resulting in biotic homogenization. Whether or not urban landscapes can sustain diverse pollinator and plant communities is an important question to be addressed. Here, we investigated the influence of urbanization on plant-hummingbird interaction networks in a large tropical city, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We recorded 13198 legitimate interactions between seven hummingbirds and 57 plant species across 12 local networks. Urban landscapes exhibited predominantly generalized networks, maintaining this pattern across varying vegetation cover and floral resource abundance. Although some functionally specialized hummingbirds with long bills were recorded performing more specialized interactions, urban environments did not generally support specialized networks. Nevertheless, network specialization did increase with the proportion of native nectar plants, emphasizing their importance for maintaining some specialized interactions. Furthermore, we observed a positive effect of plant richness, but not of flower abundance, on hummingbird abundance, indicating that it is not only the amount of flowers, but the diversity of floral resources that may be a key factor in maintaining hummingbirds. Therefore, promoting a diverse assemblage of native plants in urban green areas is crucial for sustainable pollinator communities. Our study highlights that while a biodiverse urban landscape will require careful urban vegetation planning considering both floral resource diversity and availability, vegetation cover per se may not be sufficient to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization. Maintaining a diverse vegetation with different life forms, flowering phenology, and especially of native plants across the urban landscape is needed to create welcoming spaces for pollinators. [Display omitted] • Hummingbirds are important pollinators found in urban areas across the Americas. • Generalized interaction networks predominated across the urban landscape. • Specific types of vegetation should be considered in urban green spaces. • Importance of native flora to support specialized interactions for hummingbirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the last two decades, urban growth has become a major issue in Lahore, accelerating land surface temperature (LST) rise. The present study focused on estimating the current situation and simulating the future LST patterns in Lahore using remote sensing data and machine learning models. The semi-automated classification model was applied for the estimation of LST from 2000 to 2020. Then, the cellular automata-artificial neural networks (CA-ANN) module was implemented to predict future LST patterns for 2030 and 2040, respectively. Our research findings revealed that an average of 2.8 °C of land surface temperature has increased, with a mean LST value from 37.25 °C to 40.10 °C in Lahore during the last two decades from 2000 to 2020. Moreover, keeping CA-ANN simulations for land surface temperature, an increase of 2.2 °C is projected through 2040, and mean LST values will be increased from 40.1 °C to 42.31 °C by 2040. The CA-ANN model was validated for future LST simulation with an overall Kappa value of 0.82 and 86.2% of correctness for the years 2030 and 2040 using modules for land-use change evaluation. The study also indicates that land surface temperature is an important factor in environmental changes. Therefore, it is suggested that future urban planning should focus on urban rooftop plantations and vegetation conservation to minimize land surface temperature increases in Lahore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the evolution of wastewater systems during the rapid urbanization of Beijing, with special focuses on the carbon footprints and growing underground WWTPs (u-WWTPs). Specifically, the Bishui plant (in situ constructed u-WWTP) was assessed in detail regarding eco-environmental benefits. Our results showed that, the direct emission intensity of 65 WWTPs decreased from 0.47 to 0.24 kg CO 2eq /m3, when the electricity intensity increased from 0.22 to 0.39 kWh/m3 from 2010 to 2020. Bishui u-WWTP emitted 36.6 kt CO 2eq /year (0.09 kg CO 2eq /m3), with electricity intensity of 0.43 kg CO 2eq /m3. Additionally, compare to the hypothetical relocating scenario, it saved 6.67 × 104 m2 land and 33.0 kt CO 2eq /year, and the created urban river carries 6.5 × 1013 J/year heat outside town. The evaluation and balance of choice for conventional or underground WWTP should be made case by case. However, this study demonstrated that u-WWTP is not only a construction manner, but a sustainable management model with positive eco-environment effects, algin with future city expansion, and circular economy visions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miller's witch-alder (Fothergilla milleri, Hamamelidaceae) is a newly described globally imperiled shrub that is known from disjunct populations in coastal Alabama, the panhandle of Florida, and one location in Georgia. Little is currently known about the natural history or ecology of the species. We conducted inventories of three populations of F. milleri in Alabama and Florida. A total of 3060 ramets were found; 45% were in one subpopulation ≤0.5 ha in area and 79% were in one population within an area of 4.5 ha. Low ramet counts in few locations makes the species particularly vulnerable to extinction due to stochastic events. Also, all seed capsules found within the surveys were infected by an aphid, which is possibly preventing sexual reproduction within the populations. Microsite habitat data indicated F. milleri grows in a unique transitional habitat between upland conifer forest and wetlands. The sites where extant populations of F. milleri inhabit tend to have acidic and well-drained soils with a high sand content. Further, many populations were under thick midstory vegetation. Thus, fire or other forms of removal may be needed to release those subpopulations before they may become shaded out. Lastly, a habitat suitability model was developed to better facilitate conservation efforts. However, only 0.5% of the study area was within the highest level of suitability. Fothergilla milleri is facing multiple threats that could lead to its extirpation from the wild, and direct and intense conservation action may be necessary to ensure F. milleri remains on the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural vanilla is a high-value crop with demand increasing globally. Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable agrobiodiversity and are prioritized in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Vanilla species are naturally rare with historically infrequent botanical collections. Despite their importance as CWR, fewer than 10% of Vanilla species have been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. Colombia is a diversity center for Vanilla species, yet many remote regions are lacking detailed floristic characterization. We show that the participation of rural communities in scientific endeavor enhances capacity to register biodiversity. We report two Vanilla species in the under-explored region of the Serranía de las Quinchas in the mid--Magdalena River valley in Colombia, including the first report for Colombia of Vanilla karen-christianae. For this, and the second species, Vanilla dressleri, we present descriptions with photographic botanical illustrations, updated distribution maps, and preliminary conservation status assessment. Both species are of elevated conservation concern, categorized as Endangered -- EN: B2a,b(ii,iii,iv,v) following IUCN criteria. Within Colombia, all recorded occurrences for both species fall outside protected areas. Vanilla crop wild relatives in Colombia have urgent conservation needs. The Serranía de las Quinchas is a priority for further botanical exploration for Vanilla, as well as other protected areas with appropriate habitat. In situ conservation should be complemented with ex situ actions. Community participation in biodiversity research is recommended in this and other remote regions as an integral step towards enhancing biodiversity research and community-based conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Research: One noteworthy element found throughout the tropical anthropogenic mosaic is the live fence, which is established within agricultural matrices and its structure within the landscape retains ecological processes, but few are recognized as elements of biological and cultural conservation. Methods: In this study, we have researched plant diversity and anthropic management of live fences in five sites surrounded by contrasting vegetation references: Tropical evergreen forest; tropical deciduous forest; cloud forest; and pine–oak and pine forests. We recorded the type of management by interviews with peasants. We established thirty 2 × 50 m transects within each site and sampled two strata: trees and saplings. Also, we documented seed dispersal mechanism, life form, local use, and origin of each species. Importance Value Index and diversity metrics were estimated for each site. Results: 253 plant species were registered (181 genera/74 families). While fences associated with the tropical deciduous forest showed the greatest species richness (109 species), the pine forest fences showed the lowest richness (21 species). Zoochory was the main type of seed dispersal mechanism. Conclusions: Independent to the site and the altitude, the configuration of living fences is structured by three processes: the selection of the initial trees, the availability of the arrival of zoochory species, and the tolerance of the owners for the plant species. Implications for Conservation: Based on our results, live fences can be considered important tools for landscape management in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of "scientific reductionism", with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletim de Geografia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Research: One noteworthy element found throughout the tropical anthropogenic mosaic is the live fence, which is established within agricultural matrices and its structure within the landscape retains ecological processes, but few are recognized as elements of biological and cultural conservation. Methods: In this study, we have researched plant diversity and anthropic management of live fences in five sites surrounded by contrasting vegetation references: Tropical evergreen forest; tropical deciduous forest; cloud forest; and pine–oak and pine forests. We recorded the type of management by interviews with peasants. We established thirty 2 × 50 m transects within each site and sampled two strata: trees and saplings. Also, we documented seed dispersal mechanism, life form, local use, and origin of each species. Importance Value Index and diversity metrics were estimated for each site. Results: 253 plant species were registered (181 genera/74 families). While fences associated with the tropical deciduous forest showed the greatest species richness (109 species), the pine forest fences showed the lowest richness (21 species). Zoochory was the main type of seed dispersal mechanism. Conclusions: Independent to the site and the altitude, the configuration of living fences is structured by three processes: the selection of the initial trees, the availability of the arrival of zoochory species, and the tolerance of the owners for the plant species. Implications for Conservation: Based on our results, live fences can be considered important tools for landscape management in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured demographic models can be valuable for assessing the status of at-risk plant species and for guiding efforts to protect and manage them, but they may be infrequently employed in assessments of species of conservation concern because they require data that are not often available to those charged with management. We constructed and analyzed matrix projection models for three populations of the threatened perennial plant species Euphorbia telephioides to reevaluate a prior assessment of stable status and to compare the conclusions of models based on different amounts of data. In contrast to the prior assessment, all of our models predicted population decline for all three populations. Projected growth rates were similar for models based on sparse sampling and those based on a larger more representative sample of individuals, but the models supported contrasting patterns of the sensitivity of population growth rate to individual demographic transitions. Models based on more complete data supported greater elasticity of growth rate to the demographic fates of small non-flowering plants, which had among the lowest elasticity values for models based on more sparse data. We conclude that even models based on limited data can be useful to species status assessments, but that more complete data may be necessary to identify targets for effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing wildflower habitats to support beneficial insects providing pollination and pest control services is important for supporting sustainable crop production. It is often desirable to support both groups of insects, making the selection of resource plants for insect conservation programs more challenging. Moreover, the process of selecting resource plants is complicated by the array of possible options in each region, and the need to provide resources over the entire growing season. Identifying traits shared by resource plants that are attractive to both bees and natural enemies can reduce the need to evaluate new plants in each region, by providing a guide for the types of plants expected to be rewarding to these insects. Using insect visitation data collected from replicated common garden plantings of native wildflower and shrub species from the Great Lakes region of the United States, we found a high degree of correlation between the abundance of bees and natural enemies visiting native plant species. These results were used to identify a set of 15 plant species that can provide resources for these insects throughout the summer. Across all tested species, pollen quantity per flower and the week of bloom were positively correlated with some, but not all, taxonomic groupings of beneficial insects. In contrast, floral area was consistently positively associated with visitation of both natural enemies and wild bees. This trait is easy to document and can allow for efficient local testing of potential resource plants, providing a faster path to implementing insect conservation in working landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plants play a critical role in the daily lives of local communities in the Sahel of Burkina Faso. • Many plants perceived to be declining and require urgent management and conservation efforts. • Important to integrate indigenous knowledge and perceptions for developing management strategies for the conservation of plant resources. Natural resources such as plant plays an important role in the livelihood of many local people in Africa. The high anthropogenic pressure on plant resources lead to their disappearance. Assessing ethnobotanical knowledge is useful for development of management and conservation of plant resources. Focusing on woody plants, our ethnobotanical investigations involved 60 randomly selected households across two Sahelian villages. Through semi-structured interviews, we meticulously assessed indigenous knowledge and perceptions related to the conservation of 41 woody plant species spanning 32 genera and 15 families. Our analysis categorized these species based on their diverse uses, encompassing food, medicine, fodder, construction, energy and art. The most dominant families reported Fabaceae and Combretaceae followed by Malvaceae. Notably, fruits, leaves, bark, and seeds emerged as the most valued plant organs. Crucially, our findings pinpointed human activities as the primary threat to species conservation, overshadowing climatic factors. We further identified key species and prioritized those in need of urgent conservation efforts. This study underscores the imperative of incorporating indigenous knowledge and perceptions into the development of effective conservation management strategies for plant resources in Sahelian zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vulnerability of Mediterranean high mountains. • Importance of monitoring early warning indicator species. • Impact of climatic fluctuations on Arenaria nevadensis. • Climatic stochasticity resulting in changing population trends in the species. • Importance of Arenaria nevadensis as indicator species; conservation strategies and knowledge gaps. Mountain ecosystems are proving to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of global change, with Mediterranean high mountains standing out as among the most susceptible regions worldwide. The impact of climate change on biota operates across key levels: metabolism, phenology, evolution, and spatial distribution. Monitoring species within these ecosystems is crucial to establish early warning indicators for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Within this context, annual plants, like the critically endangered species Arenaria nevadensis endemic to Sierra Nevada, could offer advantages as indicators due to their rapid life cycles and dependence on water sources. This study aims to investigate the impact of climatic change on this specific annual, endemic, and threatened species while assessing its potential as an indicator for shifting snow patterns affecting alpine biota. Analyzing data collected between 2005 and 2021 from four populations of Arenaria nevadensis alongside hydro-meteorological data revealed notable variations in population parameters linked to climatic fluctuations. Factors such as precipitation and snowpack significantly influenced plant size, reproductive potential, and population size, with neighboring populations showing distinct responses to climatic variations. The observed unpredictability in population trends across consecutive years underscores the climatic stochasticity inherent in Mediterranean mountains, particularly Sierra Nevada. Forecasts of decreased precipitation and increased temperatures are expected to diminish snowpack depth and duration, posing a severe threat to this critically endangered species. Conservation efforts should prioritize managing higher elevation populations and exploring new suitable habitats for restoration or assisted migration. While Arenaria nevadensis demonstrates promise as a climate change indicator owing to its short life cycle, restricted distribution, and sensitivity to climatic shifts, comprehensive understanding of its germination ecology, seed bank role, and reproductive biology remains lacking. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial to enhance its effectiveness as an indicator species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Forest restoration and compensation are needed to reach the target of native vegetation cover in private lands. • Requiring ecological equivalence can restrict compensation options, but it is a feasible option in Brazilian rural lands. • Forest restoration on low productive pasture increases the ability to achieve the private conservation target. • A combination of on-site restoration and off-site compensation allows to achieve the conservation target in Brazil. Environmental policies that require native vegetation conservation can be challenging to implement, especially in productive agricultural landscapes. In Brazil, the Brazilian Native Vegetation Protection Law mandates 'Legal Reserves', protected native vegetation that landowners must retain on their properties. If landowners do not have the required minimum amount of native vegetation on their properties (the Legal Reserve 'target'), they must either restore vegetation on the same property to meet the target, or compensate by protecting existing vegetation or restoring it on another property, ideally in ecologically equivalent areas. Here, we evaluate how different strategies (on-site/off-site protection and/or restoration), and different requirements for ecological equivalence when off-site strategies are used, affect the ability to achieve Legal Reserve targets, while minimising the need to restore native vegetation on productive farmland. We used a novel iterative tool to build scenarios that reflect different combinations of strategies to meet the minimum conservation target under different requirements for ecological equivalence, and compared their ability to achieve the target and their likely cost. The Atlantic Forest was the only biome where it was not possible to achieve the Legal Reserve target by protection of existing native vegetation, even when ecological equivalence rules were relaxed. As a consequence, vegetation restoration is required in this biome. Directing this required restoration to pasturelands that are less-suitable for agriculture allowed the target to be achieved in all states of Brazil, as long as only minimal ecological equivalence was required; however, for most states, the need to restore native vegetation on productive areas on farmlands could still be avoided while requiring medium to high ecological equivalence. These findings show the potential for moderate ecological equivalence to be achieved across most of Brazil in a cost-effective way and without impairing productive lands when seeking to meet the Legal Reserve targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The First International Symposium on the Frontiers of Plant Diversity Conservation Research in the Pan-Third Pole Region was successfully held in Kunming, China from August 28 to 31, 2023. The symposium, hosted by the Kunming Institute of Botany, brought together over 200 participants from 12 countries and regions to discuss topics such as biodiversity, conservation, and the impact of global climate change on plant species. The experts established the Pan-Third Pole Region Plant Diversity Research and Conservation Consortium to strengthen cooperation in plant diversity research and promote talent development. The next symposium will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Boletim de Geografia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Contributii Botanice is the property of Contributii Botanice and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is time to synthesize the knowledge that has been generated through more than 260 years of botanical exploration, taxonomic and, more recently, phylogenetic research throughout the world. The adoption of an updated Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) in 2011 provided the essential impetus for the development of the World Flora Online (WFO) project. The project represents an international, coordinated effort by the botanical community to achieve GSPC Target 1, an electronic Flora of all plants. It will be a first‐ever unique and authoritative global source of information on the world's plant diversity, compiled, curated, moderated and updated by an expert and specialist‐based community (Taxonomic Expert Networks – "TENs" – covering a taxonomic group such as family or order) and actively managed by those who have compiled and contributed the data it includes. Full credit and acknowledgement will be given to the original sources, allowing users to refer back to the primary data. A strength of the project is that it is led and endorsed by a global consortium of more than 40 leading botanical institutions worldwide. A first milestone for producing the World Flora Online is to be accomplished by the end of 2020, but the WFO Consortium is committed to continuing the WFO programme beyond 2020 when it will develop its full impact as the authoritative source of information on the world's plant biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural resource managers need information about the risks associated with climate change to provide guidance on where to implement various management practices on natural lands. The spatial variation of projected impacts within a vegetation type can be used to target climate‐adaptive management actions because different locations will be exposed to different levels of climatic stress. Vegetation refugia are areas that retain non‐stressful climate conditions under future climates. Consensus vegetation refugia – areas retaining suitable climates under both wetter and drier future projections – represent only 14.6% of California's natural vegetation. One state and one federal government agency have incorporated vegetation refugia maps into conservation planning for 522 vertebrate species and for post‐wildfire reforestation. Monitoring how vegetation responds to management actions at sites within vegetation refugia can improve the conservation of plants subjected to a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees possess the potential to safeguard outdoor cultural heritage through the regulation of microclimates in their surroundings. The Leaf Area Index (LAI), a collective measure of the foliar portion within vegetation structure, reflects the regulatory ability of trees. In this study, numerical simulations were performed to compare the hygrothermal conditions of the Nanjing City Wall facing four orientations under the influence of evergreen trees with four LAI values, while also assessing the potential risks of salt weathering and algal growth. The results were as follows: 1) under the protective canopy of trees with identical LAI, the west and east walls experienced the highest temperature fluctuations, followed by the south and north sides. Wall surface temperature fluctuation was negatively correlated with LAI; 2) except for LAI = 1.5, the north wall had the least water content fluctuation under equivalent LAI levels. Water content fluctuation generally exhibited a decreasing trend with rising LAI; 3) at the same LAI level, the south wall presented the highest risk of salt weathering (including efflorescence and subflorescence), whereas the north wall faced the lowest risk. The risk of salt weathering decreased with an increase in LAI; 4) When shielded by trees with identical LAI, the north wall exhibited the greatest risk of algal growth, while the east wall faced least the risk. Higher LAI values were associated with an increased risk of algal growth on the wall surface. These results could provide a theoretical basis for large outdoor immovable heritage conservation and plant management around heritage sites. • Hygrothermal conditions of four wall directions under varying LAIs were simulated. • Raising LAI reduced fluctuation of temperature and water content on wall surface. • As LAI increased, salt weathering risk decreased and algal growth risk increased. • North wall had stable hygrothermal conditions, but serious algal growth. • A comprehensive evaluation of plant regulation is necessary in application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) can substantially modify their habitat through their interactions with woody vegetation. Nonetheless, the scale, intensity and characteristics of these relations are not yet fully understood. Consequently, it is unclear how vegetation-megafauna interactions can be disrupted by external factors, such as land management. This study attempted to quantify and characterize structural changes in vegetation caused by elephants, from landscape to tree level scales. We applied multi-scale geospatial tools, including airborne (ALS) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), to address the following questions: (1) How do elephants shape landscape level vegetation structure in conservation areas? (2) Are the impacts of elephants evident on individual tree architecture? Our study area was located at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in South-eastern Kenya. The occurrence of elephants was estimated using elephant observation records and proximity to elephant tracks. Landscape level structure was assessed using tree density maps calculated based on individually detected treetops from ALS data. Next, TLS measurements of 72 trees were processed using quantitative structural modelling to characterize their architecture. Our results demonstrate a widespread influence of elephants on both landscape and tree level structural characteristics. This influence was strongly mediated by management, as we observed differences in vegetation structure inside and outside conservation areas. Tree density was up to 42% lower (5.84 trees/ha) in conservation areas than in non-conservation areas (10.17 trees/ha). Trees were relatively larger with closer proximity to elephant tracks, while smaller trees were more often observed in areas further away from elephants. At an architectural level, trees closer to elephant tracks had lower ratio between the crown length and the tree height, demonstrating a substantial influence of elephants on the morphological characteristics of trees. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for vegetation fauna interactions when planning conservation areas in African savannahs. • We quantified structural changes in vegetation caused by elephants at multiple scales. • The impacts of elephants were assessed using airborne and terrestrial LiDAR. • We demonstrate the influence of elephants on landscape and individual tree levels. • Tree density was up to 42% lower in conservation areas than in non-conservation areas. • Trees consumed by elephants had reduced crown length-to-height ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminal lakes are imperative to regulate regional climate and construct an ecological barrier in drylands. In recent decades, many terminal lakes have shrinked sharply and undergo seriously ecosystems degradation because of climate change and human activities. In order to restore the decline of the world's terminal lakes, various restoration programs, such as ecological water transfer, have been implemented worldwide to increase the area of the terminal lake while ignore restore the vegetation around the lake, especially the priority restored location, area and vegetation types. We used Zonation to generate a framework to identify the vegetation conservation priority sequence of the terminal lake in drylands based on the remote sensing dataset. And then taking the Taitema Lake, Northwest China, as a study area, analyzed the vegetation conservation priority sequence of Taitema Lake. We found that the vegetation of Taitema Lake is mainly perennial herbs, whose distribution area accounts for 57.7% of the total vegetation area, shrubs for 39.6%, and annual herbs for the least, 2.7%. The high-priority areas for vegetation protection are mainly distributed in the lacustrine plain area of Taitema Lake, where the high-priority areas for vegetation protection of perennial herbs and annual herbs are distributed in the lacustrine plain at the end of Qarqan River, and the high-priority areas for vegetation protection of shrubs are distributed in the lacustrine plain at the end of Tarim River. In each priority area, the area of perennial herbs is between 50 and 60%, shrubs are between 30 and 45%, and annual herbs are between 0%–11%. The framework developed in this study can effectively determine the conservation priority location, area and types of vegetation around the terminal lakes in drylands with easily available dataset like NDVI, and provide a basis for the precise conservation of vegetation around the terminal lake. • We developed a framework for the precise ecosystem restoration of dryland terminal lake. • The framework only requires remote sensing data and is easy to apply. • The lacustrine plain area of Taitema Lake is a priority area for vegetation restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Manoomin, a Northern wild rice uniquely native and found only in northern Wisconsin, northern Minnesota, and adjacent parts of Canada. Topics discussed include the belief of Ojibwe tribes that Manoomin is a gift from the Creator, the health benefits of Manoomin such as its ability to lower blood cholesterol, and the fear among the Ojibwe Native American community that Manoomin (wild rice) may be forced to become extinct because in 2021.

Copyright of Cuadernos de Geografia: Revista Colombiana de Geografía is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Estimates of home-range are reported for the Tasmanian Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae castanops using radio-telemetry in a modified agricultural land-forest landscape in south-eastern Tasmania. Home-range sizes for two female Owls were 1991 ha and 1896 ha using the Minimum Convex Polygon method, and 2507 ha and 2320 ha, respectively, using the Kernel Estimator method. The 50% isopleth Kernel estimated a core area of 174 ha and 309 ha for each Owl, respectively. Both Owls used two core areas within their home-range reflecting frequent foraging and roosting sites. The location and configuration of the home-ranges within the landscape, and areas of core use, suggest that Masked Owls are responding to geomorphology, heterogeneity of forest patches, forest structure and abundance and accessibility of prey. Both Owls preferentially foraged at forest edges, riparian zones and small forest patches. Frequently used foraging locations were in open forest with minimal understorey vegetation and a pasture groundcover, which probably reflects increased prey abundance, diversity and accessibility in this habitat type. The diet of both Owls was dominated by locally abundant native and introduced ground-dwelling eutherian mammals and marsupials. The strong association with riparian zones of both Owls in this study highlights the potential importance of retaining streamside vegetation to the conservation of the Tasmanian Masked Owl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletim de Geografia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• All populations of 213 endangered plants related to different ecosystems in Berlin. • Most populations were found in forests, grasslands and ruderal sites. • Novel urban ecosystems harbored most populations of endangered plants. • Yet population density was highest in natural remnants. • Strong arguments for broad approaches in urban biodiversity conservation. As urbanization accelerates globally, a better understanding of how cities contribute to biodiversity conservation is increasingly pressing. Previous studies reveal that cities can harbor a considerable biological richness, including endangered plant species. Yet, a key question on the urban contribution to plant conservation remains critically open, as little information is available on how populations of endangered plant species occur across different biotope types within cities and to what extent anthropogenically shaped vs. natural ecosystems provide habitats for endangered plants. We analyzed a unique dataset on the exact geographical position of 1742 populations of 213 endangered plant species in the city of Berlin. We first assessed the relative importance of Berlin's nine major biotope classes as habitats of these species. Second, we applied the novel ecosystem concept to quantify endangered plant populations for natural remnants vs. hybrid vs. novel ecosystems within Berlin. Populations of endangered plant species were generally, although unevenly, associated with specific biotope classes, with forest, grassland, and ruderal biotopes as the most important habitats. Surprisingly, novel ecosystems harbored the highest numbers of total populations, of total species, and of species that were exclusively confined to one type of ecosystem novelty. Quantifying the relative importance of biotope classes and novel vs. (near-)natural ecosystems as habitats of endangered species demonstrates that the urban contribution to biodiversity conservation is best ensured by providing a range of ecosystems. Rather than prioritizing only natural remnants, we thus argue for broad approaches to urban biodiversity conservation that include novel ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wildfires on roadsides are a growing problem due to the higher ignition probability. • Distance to roads and distance to settlements are the most meaningful variables in fire ignition. • Wildfire risk is rarely taken into account by road design and road maintenance projects. • The best method to mitigate the likelihood of fire ignition is to decrease the roadside flammability. Wildfires in urban landscapes spreading into forested landscapes are a growing problem due to socioeconomic and climate changes. Fire ignition and flame spread depend on meteorological and environmental conditions and the physicochemical traits of the fuel. In this approach, environmental variables and geostatistical techniques (maximum entropy model) identify distance to roads (37.9% of importance) and distance to settlements (18.4% of importance) as the most meaningful variables explaining fire ignition potential at a regional scale. Hence, the assessment of the ignition potential of roadside vegetation may play a cornerstone role in fire prevention management. In this research, our aim was to identify the fire ignition potential on roadsides according to fire ignition likelihood and the flammability of the main species at particle level. The flammability of 14 species found on Spanish roadsides was studied at the bench-scale using flammability categories classification, combustion index and flammability index. Nerium oleander , Tamarix gallica and Washingtonia filifera limited the potential to fire spread based on ability to start a fire. Chamaerops humilis, Pistacia lentiscus, Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Retama shaerocarpha and Spartium junceum would be useful due to their less severe fire spreading in order to improve the landscape and biodiversity components of the road projects. Due to the global importance of human risk (road presence) in fire occurrence, this approach should be a suitable tool for planning the construction and maintenance of roads, from the perspective of fire prevention and fire impacts mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Mastication of burned trees did not significantly change soil physical properties. • Mastication of burned trees did not enhance post-fire soil losses. • Mastication residues in crown-fire affected areas did not help reduce soil erosion. • Mastication of non-commercial burned trees did not affect vegetation recovery. Forest mastication is frequently used as a fuel reduction treatment aimed at minimising severe wildfires in fire prone areas worldwide. In recent years, mastication of non-commercial burned trees has become common practice in NW Spain, as a way of providing cover on the burned soil and preventing erosion. However, little is known about the possible effects on soil conservation and vegetation recovery. In this study, 20 experimental plots were established in a Pinus sylvestris L. plantation affected by a crown fire that caused moderate-high soil burn severity in the summer of 2016. Immediately after the fire, burned trees were masticated in half of the plots, while burned trees were left standing in the other half of the plots during the first two years after the fire. The objectives of the study were to determine how mastication affected soil erosion, soil physical properties (soil penetration resistance, soil shear strength, soil bulk density) and vegetation recovery. The masticated material covered 43% of the burned soil. During the first year after wildfire + mastication, precipitation was lower than the annual mean level in the area, and the mean soil loss in the untreated burned soils (5.7 Mg ha−1) was not significantly different from that in the masticated plots (5.0 Mg ha−1). Mastication did not have any detrimental effects on either the soil physical properties analysed or on the regeneration of natural vegetation. The results indicated that in addition to mastication of severely burned non-commercial trees, extra mulch should be applied to reduce the risk of soil erosion. Mastication after wildfire is not detrimental to soil conservation. No advantage was obtained by leaving the standing burned trees on site, in relation to reducing soil erosion or enhancing vegetation recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following educational scenario "Plants in Our Lives" shows the use of differentiated teaching techniques and digital learning objects in 6 to 9 year-old children. This is a scenario based on the 'Living Organisms' section of the 'Natural Sciences' learning area for the Early Childhood School (EC Curriculum 2011, pp. 81- 97). Knowledge areas involved: * Natural Sciences * Information and communication technologies * Language * Mathematics * Education for the environment and sustainable development The script is authenticated on the differentiated teaching techniques that it uses, as far as the very carefully organised objectives and evaluation of the scenario and students (Smyrera, 2007: 31), and its attractive activities planning (Gliau, 2012: 7). Mostly, originality depends on the choice of digital learning objects that run activities and assist in achievement of the objectives. The scenario applies to kindergarten students but is also appropriate for students 6-9 years of age. Concerning the scenario's pedagogical and scientific approach, one can say that it is followed by the social construction of knowledge with the contribution of ICT. Students are intrigued by discoverable and dynamic ways of learning (Cohen, & Elias, 2011) through differentiating pedagogy: based on their readiness, interests and learning profile, the learner engages them in interactive processes of sharing and achieving knowledge. From this point of view, the scenario follows the Socio-cultural model (Good, 2006: 9-10). Collaborative guided discovery, declining guidance and exploratory-discovery learning are suggested as a teaching model, with the intense use of digital learning objects that facilitate learning in fields such as the Sciences Of Nature (Bosniadou, 2006b). Above all, "Differentiated pedagogy" offers us the following abilities: * Adapt the teaching, to avoid the risk of teaching failure * Flexible grouping * Continuous evaluation * Active involvement of students * Student-centered profile in teaching * A solid basis (and not just a stage) in boosting eligibility for all students (Watts- Taffe et al, 2013). The teacher keeps Vygotsky's theory of the "zone of impending development" and facilitates, coordinates, guides the learning process. The scenario is compatible with the curriculum and the teaching and learning principles of the Greek pre-school (IEP, 2012). Interactivity is a primary objective between learners and educational material in an ICT integrated learning environment so as to enhance the active engagement of students in learning processes. The scenario includes sources of information and works for the area "Experiential Actions and Research -- Project" that gives students opportunities to develop the appropriate attitudes and social, self-learning, meta-cognitive and methodological skills required by self-regulated learning ("learning how to learn"). Children are actively participating in learning by linking information with their individual and collective experience, but also with broader social issues. The proposed digital scenario aims to inspire, foster motivation and enhance creativity in student groups so that Science will become attractive to young students. Differentiated instruction is a way to combine the specific cognitive fields with each student's level of understanding and promoting equality in education. Analytically, Science utilizes an exploratory approach to build experiences and problems, as there is an interest in understanding how scientific knowledge is the result of social practices and is governed by rules and procedures. In the Greek lesson, students understand and produce their own oral speech (present their work in class and argue), design their own texts (poems, songs, stories) so that they can be effective within the communicative use of language. Students experience language as a carrier of ideological and cultural meanings in the context of the sociocultural approach to knowledge. In Mathematics students are helped to adopt a way of thinking that utilizes features of mathematical science. They organise mathematical actions such as searching for relationships, connections, similarities, ways of dealing with situations, drawing conclusions, assumptions and predictions, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the value of plants as part of a natural balance. In Education for Sustainable Development it is aimed to adopt positive attitudes and values with issues related to plant conservation, and in particular, to help children instil a sense of 'belonging' to the environment. Humans are a part of the natural balance between the respect for the environment and the respect to oneself. In ICT students use various digital sources and tools as 'objects to think about' (Papert, 1980: 207). ICT runs all the preschool's learning areas (Zevenbergen, 2007), as they are combined with other media or materials each time and it is mainly the teacher who chooses the learning objects for their students. In the present scenario, the added value of technology lies in contacting children with material of various forms such as photos, videos, virtual tours of distant places, sounds, digital games and articles, while digital tools emotionally arouse interest, evaluate skills and encourage speech production and teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]