Search

In 2017 we sampled tree stems in a clearcut generated in 1977 in the Pigeon River State Forest, Michigan and compared results to three previous sampling periods completed in 1983, 1988, and 1999, respectively. Trees were recorded by species, height class, and whether or not stems had been browsed by mammalian herbivores and whether stems were alive or dead. The results show the most preferred browse tree species when the clearcut was young (bigtooth aspen) was completely absent by 1999 and thereafter, and tree species richness increased over time. Elk were still using the area in 2017, as shown by the presence of pellet groups and sightings in the clearcut and nearby, but little noticeable browse damage was seen in 1999 or 2017, and tree mortality was negligible in 2017. A total of 22 tree species were identified across the time period, but only five species were recorded as present in all years. A total of 11 species were recorded in 1 y only: six in 1999 and five in 2017. Many species were rare, as defined by relative abundances of, INTRODUCTIONHerbivory is a major selective pressure on plant communities (Crawley, 1983) and browsing by large mammals has been shown to be an important factor in structuring communities in many parts [...]

International trade is hastening extinction for many species of plants and animals despite the fact that many countries have ratified CITES. The adoption of treaties is often symbolic as many countries, especially in the developing world where most biodiversity is found, experience a lack of fit between international agreements and national laws and institutions. Our main objective here is to assess the extent of jurisdictional and institutional fit in the implementation of CITES in Kenya, an important issue given the amount of international trade in wild products and the importance of wildlife tourism to the country. The specific objectives are to assess the following: the capacity and level of coordination among state actors and conservation mandates in national policy and law using a mixed methods approach involving a literature review and 38 key informant surveys representing professional expertise from various stakeholder groups. We found that over 60% of respondents indicated only moderate capacity for the implementation of CITES and coordination between local and central governments. Some participants indicated that judicial officers lack adequate conservation knowledge, thus hampering enforcement via low prosecution rates. A moderate (at best) structural fit involving inefficiencies such as conflicting processes, unequal enforcement, and suboptimal coordination implies a degree of failure in developing the implementation capacity of CITES within Kenya. Our results also show a mismatch between agency staffing and workload at several levels of government, and we make suggestions for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located along the boundary of two zoogeographic provinces, and with the highest peaks and deepest valleys on Earth, Nepal is a center of adaptive radiation for many taxa. Early zoological research was mostly focused on high-profile large mammals due to availability of funding and policy priorities, but knowledge gaps remain for most other vertebrate taxa. Technologies ranging from genetic mapping to GPS, GIS, digital cameras and microtransmitters have advanced with time and greatly expanded research capacities. Here, we present our suggestions of research needs for the lesser terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Nepal and the broader Himalayan region, pointing out knowledge gaps and suggesting where to go from here. The growing numbers of Nepali researchers focusing on small mammalian and avian research is encouraging, but the status of many taxa remains unknown and much of the country remains under-surveyed for breeding and migratory populations. Major knowledge gaps persist for reptiles and amphibians and for the role of local wildlife markets in exploitation. We conclude with suggestions on priorities for research on, and conservation of, Nepal's lesser terrestrial vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine rockland habitat of South Florida is among the most highly threatened terrestrial ecosystems in the neo-subtropics and is among the rarest worldwide. With only 1.2% of its original extent remaining outside Everglades National Park, fewer than 780 hectares of this ecosystem remains across all of South Florida. This fire-dependent ecosystem—habitat for many rare, endemic species—has experienced substantial deforestation and defaunation due to urbanization, land use change, habitat fragmentation, fire suppression, and exotic plant invasions. Owing to the small size of remaining fragments, and the fact that most are surrounded by urbanization, adequate burning regimes are suppressed. The Richmond Tract, a complex of twelve separate parcels under multiple private and public ownership partially surrounding Zoo Miami, is the largest tract of pine rockland outside the federal protection of Everglades National Park. In this article, we take inventory of the threatened biodiversity at the Richmond Tract and focus on the policy and management landscape. We take a close look at threats to the pine rockland's persistence here and review approaches that either help maintain the health of this ecosystem or those that may need to be reconsidered. We end by discussing coordination among multiple stakeholder groups, the potential use for incentive-based conservation practices, and suggesting ways to improve management in highly urbanized South Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coexisting with Large Carnivores: Lessons from Greater Yellowstone Edited by Tim W. Clark, Murray B. Rutherford & Denise Casey Island Press, Washington, DC 2005 Large mammalian predators form a basis [...]