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Background: The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is critically endangered and has suffered from extensive habitat loss and fragmentation. Knowledge of its habitat preference could assist the conservation of the species and associated ecosystem. In the present study, spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of habitat use of a Yangtze finless porpoise population were studied in a 30-km section of the Yangtze mainstream. Seasonal variation in porpoise occurrences was observed based on visual surveys conducted from 2022 to 2023, with five surveys during the dry season and seven surveys during the wet season. Biological and environmental factors were synchronously sampled in both seasons. The maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) was applied to get the effects of biological and environmental variables on porpoise habitat preference. Results: Within the study area, high-suitability habitats of the finless porpoises accounted for 19.0% and 15.4% of the area during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The high-suitability habitat shifted from the mainstream in the dry season to the sandbar head and tributary area in the wet season. In the dry season, variables influencing the distribution were phytoplankton biomass, water velocity, and zooplankton biomass, which contributed 97.05% variation in the MaxEnt modeling. In the wet season, water depth, surface water temperature, and zooplankton biomass accounted for 97.69% variation of the distribution. Above results highlight that food availability plays an important role in porpoises distribution regardless of seasons, particularly in the dry season. This is because plankton is the primary food source for filter-feeding and omnivorous fish, especially those in the upper-middle layer which are frequently preyed on by finless porpoises. Conclusion: Suitable areas for finless porpoises, particularly those with high suitability, differed significantly across seasons at a fine-scale in the Yangtze mainstream. Seasonal variations in habitat were driven by different factors. But food availability plays an important role in porpoises distribution regardless of seasons, particularly in the dry season. These results suggest prioritizing conservation of the finless porpoise in the dry season when fish resources are relatively scarce. Measures including monitoring and evaluating prey resources should be considered. More attention should also be paid on management of shipping in the dry season given that the high-suitability habitat of the finless porpoises shifts to the mainstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest‐regulating natural enemies often require crop and non‐crop habitats to persist and be effective. These habitats offer hibernation sites, alternative prey or floral resources but can also be complementary in when they provide resources. The relative contribution of these different habitats to the performance of pest‐regulating insects is largely unknown, since it is difficult to study empirically. Landscape‐based population‐dynamical modelling can fill this research gap. In this study, we modelled the dynamics of predatory hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphinae) and their aphid prey in a collection of habitats. These hoverflies are dependent on different habitats for different reasons. While their larvae predate on aphids, adult hoverflies require floral resources. Resources are often segregated in different habitats. In addition, they are only temporarily available in any habitat type. In our model, hoverflies move between different habitats and select where to feed and where to produce off‐spring based on optimal foraging considerations. The model represents habitats common in arable landscapes and their temporal availability of resources is parameterized based on field observations. The model shows that effective pest suppression will only occur in the presence of at least three different habitats, including two crops that provide prey resources at different times of the year. A woody habitat with shrubs and trees provide aphid prey very early and late in the season, whereas an early crop and a late crop cover the period in between. In addition, these habitats need to provide floral resources in the same period as aphids, for example by flower strips in the margins of crop fields or blossoming trees or shrubs in the woody habitat. Under the model assumptions, the best pest suppression is obtained when the woody habitats take up 6% to 10% of the landscape. In addition to yearly population fluctuations, also bi‐ or multi‐yearly cycles may occur, depending on the composition of the landscape. Synthesis and applications. Our model shows when an agricultural landscape is ‘complete’ for natural enemies (and for effective pest control). For this, it needs to contain multiple habitats that supply floral and prey resources in different periods of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many mountain woodlands across the globe have undergone anthropogenic degradation with negative implications for the ecological and socioeconomic systems dependent on them. Montane willows are arctic‐alpine species of high nature conservation concern within the altitudinal treeline. Scotland has been pioneering the restoration of montane willow scrub for three decades following widespread loss linked particularly to overgrazing by sheep and deer since the eighteenth century. In the 1990s, the total area of montane willows throughout the country was less than 10 ha, with most remaining populations highly fragmented, in rapid decline, and restricted to inaccessible cliffs. Subsequently, montane willow scrub restoration has been part of an overall 2659 ha area managed for the recovery of mountain woodlands in Scotland. By May 2023, 396,868 montane willows were planted in projects encompassing large‐scale habitat creation, relict population reinforcement by genetic rescue, fencing, and landscape‐scale management for low‐density deer populations. This review summarizes restoration methods and outcomes with case study examples to promote conservation evidence and research on plant growth and survival, planting sites, associated biodiversity, molecular ecology, genomics, and long‐term population sustainability. With the potential for montane scrub restoration to be widely expanded, improved connectivity to revive a treeline mosaic shaped by regeneration will tackle biodiversity loss and help mitigate climate change impacts on a national scale. However, caution must be applied to creating definitions of distinct habitats for restoration that are based on non‐natural or ecologically degraded systems. These experiences are particularly relevant to montane and circumpolar regions with strongly modified landscape histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curbing global wildlife population declines will necessitate the protection of their habitat, and subsequent robust baseline information about wildlife that use and occupy it. Collating such information, however, remains a challenging and costly endeavour. Little did we know that traces of wildlife presence float in the air and can be detected through traces of DNA. Here, we deployed samplers to test the applicability of collecting airborne eDNA for the detection of a threatened species, the koala, and its co‐occurring terrestrial mammalian community. We develop a novel species specific qPCR assay to detect the presence of koalas and applied this in concert with a meta‐barcoding approach to detect the co‐occurring mammalian community. Through sampling of airborne particles, we successfully detected koala presence accurately to habitat patch level, alongside 16 unique taxonomic assignments, successfully assigning 11 of these to species level including detections belonging to the wallaby, antechinus, members of possum family and invasive species such as foxes, domestic dogs and hares. Synthesis and applications: We demonstrate the potential of airborne eDNA for the detection of threatened terrestrial wildlife and their surrounding ecological community under natural conditions. With achievable optimisations we detail how airborne eDNA may be applied for the management and monitoring of threated species for enhanced conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many birds use wetland habitats for all or part of their lives. This study was conducted to investigate the significance of wetlands and associated habitats for bird conservation in the central zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia, from June 2022 to May 2023. The point count method was used to study the bird assemblage structure and diversity. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index and ANOVA were used to analyze the wetland bird community structure. A total of 4337 individual birds belonging to 120 species, 15 orders, and 41 families were recorded. Among the identified bird species, the Abyssinian catbird, white‐winged cliff chat, Abyssinian longclaw, wattled ibis, and black‐winged lovebird are endemic and near‐endemic species, which are found only in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Passeriformes order had the greatest number of species (n = 68), followed by the Columbiformes order (n = 9). The​ Mai‐Shigurti Wetland had the greatest abundance of birds (N = 2472), while the Hatsebo Wetland had the least (N = 936). A high abundance of birds was recorded during the wet season (N = 2805), and a low abundance was recorded during the dry season (N = 1532). A significant difference in the abundance of bird species was observed among wetlands and seasons (p < 0.05). The highest species diversity (H′ = 4.13) was recorded in Mai‐Shigurti during the wet season, whereas the lowest was recorded in Hatsebo during the dry season (H′ = 3.2). The highest species evenness was recorded in Hatsebo (E = 0.82) during the dry season, and the lowest was recorded in Mai‐Shigurti (E = 0.72) during the wet season. The results show that wetlands support a high diversity of birds; however, they are highly threatened by anthropogenic threats, including solid waste disposal, erosion, agricultural expansion, human settlement, livestock overgrazing, military camping, and eucalyptus cultivation. Therefore, community‐based conservation initiatives should be implemented to mitigate these threats. Moreover, wetland management policies should be established to safeguard wetlands and their biological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the rediscovery of the critically endangered spiny butterfly ray in the Adriatic Sea, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced research and conservation efforts. The species, which has experienced substantial population declines, was recently found in Albania and Croatia, with potential nursery areas identified. The study highlights the importance of implementing strict protection measures, improving fishery management, and enforcing habitat preservation to safeguard the species and its critical habitats in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Habitat preferences of invasive predators determine where and for which prey species they pose a threat upon. This is crucial information for the conservation of endangered prey species because invasive predators pose additional predation on top of that caused by natural predators. In large parts of Europe, the most common invasive mesopredator is the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). To understand the risk that the raccoon dog poses for wetland-associated species, we collected information about its habitat preferences near these habitats. We used data on 24 GPS-collared raccoon dogs from three landscape types in Finland, to study their spatial and temporal habitat preferences. We first determined their home ranges, within which we then examined habitat use and preferences. Raccoon dogs showed generalist habitat use, which was evident in their wide range of used habitats. However, in spring and summer, during the breeding seasons of waterfowl and amphibians, they preferred wetlands and peatlands. They also preferred shorelines and the edges of forests and agricultural fields. During autumn and winter, raccoon dogs did not prefer wetlands. These findings support the conclusion that the raccoon dog's habitat preferences pose a particular threat to wetland-associated species, such as nesting waterfowl and amphibians. The species' habitat preferences coupled with high numbers of this invasive mesopredator pose additional predation for endangered wetland-associated species on top of that of native predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here future spatial layout of cultivated land was investigated under the influence of various spatial factors in the city of Changzhou in the Yangtze River Delta. The cultivability of land resource was evaluated to integrate the urban development potential, habitat conservation potential, and the degree of agglomeration. A machine learning-based model was constructed to assess the land cultivability using multiple algorithms. CatBoost also demonstrated the highest accuracy of classification. The PLUS and InVEST model were then used to calculate the urban development and habitat conservation potential, respectively. Finally, the resulting sub-objectives were input into an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). As such, the multi-objective spatial allocation of cultivated land was simulated to delineate the optimization zones. The results show that: 1) Training labels were set using NPP (Net Primary Productivity), elevation, and slope in the land cultivability assessment, considering the influencing factors, such as topography, soil, climate, location, and irrigation. CatBoost was outperformed the rest in the accuracy of classification. The evaluation of cultivability revealed that Changzhou shared a potential cultivated land area exceeding the current cultivated land by 543.61 km², indicating the potential for further cultivation. However, 168.25 km² of the current cultivated land was located in uncultivatable zones, while 254.11 km² of highly cultivatable land remained unused, indicating the significantly spatial imbalances. 2) Changzhou's urban development and habitat conservation potential were calculated using the PLUS and InVEST models, respectively, in order to manage land use conflicts during the optimization of cultivated land layout. The urban development potential exhibited both central outward expansion and road-oriented diffusion. The habitat conservation potential showed the high potential in water bodies and forests, while the low potential in built-up areas. Different weight values were set for the sub-objectives in the utility function. The optimal spatial allocation of cultivated land was simulated under various scenarios. Neglecting degree of agglomeration resulted in the distribution of fragmented land, while the lacking on habitat conservation led to the unreasonable occupation of ecological areas, such as mountains and lakes. The urban development potential was lacking on the substantial cultivated land within core urban development zones. The most optimal layout was achieved to balance the scenario, such as the urban development, habitat conservation, and intensive farming yielded. An average cultivability potential of 0.9387 was obtained for a rational and efficient distribution of cultivated land resources. 3) The spatial allocation was integrated with the current status of land use. A zoning strategy was proposed to maximize the natural endowments of cultivated land, in order to effectively coordinate with urban economic development and ecological conservation. Five zones were divided into the area of core conservation, quality improvement, potential reserve, construction buffer, and ecological conservation. Management strategies were tailored for each zone to enhance the efficient use for the optimal management of cultivated land resources. This finding can provide the new pathway and insights to optimize the cultivated land layout at the patch scale. Regional cultivated land resources were reassessed to effectively mitigate the mismatches of land resource. A comprehensive approach was offered to future spatial layout and management strategies for the cultivated land under multiple spatial factors. The technical insights can be expected to re-evaluate the regional cultivated land resources for the sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Shiqu County, in Sichuan Province, is the eastern edge of the distribution area of the kiang (Equus kiang) on the Tibetan Plateau. However, there is a lack of understanding about the kiang population and its habitat in this region. This study aims to assess the population and habitat status of kiangs. The results showed that the area of suitable habitat for kiangs is 3402.45 km2, with an estimated population of 1395.00 ± 272.20, and a population density of 0.41 ± 0.08/km2. These findings provide a scientific reference for the conservation of the kiang population and its habitat in the region. Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, forms the eastern edge of the distribution area of the kiang (Equus kiang). It is important to assess the population and habitat status of peripheral populations, as these play a significant role in the development of conservation strategies for kiangs. Based on field transect data collected from July to August 2023, this study predicted the suitable habitat distribution of kiangs in Shiqu County using a MaxEnt model and estimated the population size and density using the 'Distance' package. Additionally, it analyzed the responses of the group size of kiangs to environmental factors in Shiqu County. The results showed that the area of suitable habitat for kiangs is 3402.45 km2, accounting for 13.51% of the total area of Shiqu County. The estimated population was 1395.00 ± 272.20, with a population density of 0.41 ± 0.08/km2. Additionally, the group size of kiangs was significantly positively correlated with the distance from the road and grazing site. The distance from the grazing site, elevation, and temperature annual range are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of kiangs. This study initially revealed the peripheral population Status and suitable habitat of the kiang on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, and the potential threat of grazing interference and road obstruction. The research results can provide a scientific reference for the population and habitat protection of kiangs in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate and historical land cover monitoring dataset for Alaska could provide fundamental information for a range of studies, such as conservation habitats, biogeochemical cycles, and climate systems, in this distinctive region. This research addresses challenges associated with the extraction of training data for timely and accurate land cover classifications in Alaska over longer time periods (e.g., greater than 10 years). Specifically, we designed the "Region-Specific Model Adaptation (RSMA)" method for training data. The method integrates land cover information from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD), LANDFIRE's Existing Vegetation Type (EVT), and the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and machine learning techniques to generate robust training samples based on the Anderson Level II classification legend. The assumption of the method is that spectral signatures vary across regions because of diverse land surface compositions; however, despite these variations, there are consistent, collective land cover characteristics that span the entire region. Building upon this assumption, this research utilized the classification power of deep learning algorithms and the generalization ability of RSMA to construct a model for the RSMA method. Additionally, we interpreted existing vegetation plot information for land cover labels as validation data to reduce inconsistency in the human interpretation. Our validation results indicate that the RSMA method improved the quality of the training data derived solely from the NLCD by approximately 30% for the overall accuracy. The validation assessment also demonstrates that the RSMA method can generate reliable training data on large scales in regions that lack sufficient reliable data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying science to conservation requires deliberate planning and action infrequently taught in academic settings. To illustrate impactful analysis and science communication, we describe scientific activities targeting the needs of land trusts, NGOs, landowners, and government agencies working to conserve the Florida Wildlife Corridor ("Corridor"). This 7.2 million hectare area is prioritized for habitat connectivity conservation in the US state of Florida. Our activities are built on decades of science guiding Florida land conservation. We quantified threats (e.g., average of over 14,000 ha of development/year from 2001 to 2019) and socio‐ecological benefits of Corridor conservation, prioritized yet‐to‐be‐conserved Corridor areas, produced and shared a new statewide connectivity model, and convened groups to identify campaign science needs. The new connectivity model—the Florida Circuit Model—supported the geography of the Corridor, as designated, and facilitates local (10 km radius, or less) conservation planning. Our efforts have contributed to allocation of over $2 billion for land conservation and the permanent protection of over 82,000 ha within the Corridor by state agencies from June 2021 to March 2024. Targeting science to outreach and policy, planning, and management decisions can motivate public, media, researcher, and government support for land conservation, improve conservation interventions, and attract research funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the population and habitat conditions of Timor Deer (Rusa timorensis), which is a protected animal, is very important to ensure the survival of this species. One of the most important habitats for Timor Deer is Menipo Nature Park, which must be well managed to support the welfare and sustainability of the species. Good management includes protection of natural habitats, regular population monitoring, and sustainable conservation efforts so that Timor Deer can survive in their natural environment. The purpose of this study was to estimate the population and habitat conditions of Timor deer in Menipo. The method used is a combination of point and path, while the habitat is described descriptively. From the results of research on the 571 ha habitat area, the population of timor deer was estimated to be 399 individuals with a population range of 366 to 432 individuals at the 95% confidence interval with a population density of 1.14 individuals per hectare. The population structure showed an inverted pyramid, indicating less than optimal conditions in terms of population age distribution. The sex ratio was 2:5 for juveniles, 2:3 for adults, and 1:1 for the old age group. This sex ratio is not good for the timor deer population as 1:5 is good. The most common type of grass for deer is timor grass (Ischaemum timorensis). Other grass species are Microlaena stipoides, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Imperata cylindrical, and Desmodium capitulum shrub. However, some areas of this habitat are covered by alien invasive species, Cromolaena odorata, which needs to be eradicated to maintain food availability. Mangrove parts eaten by Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) include young leaves, young stems, and exfoliated bark. Mangrove species commonly found as food for deer include Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera parviflora, and Sonneratia alba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding what influences species and trait composition is critical for predicting changes in communities driven by landscape transformation.We explored how life‐history traits are associated with the persistence of mammal species in human‐dominated habitats within the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. We combined data from a camera trap study and a local ecological knowledge‐based survey in an integrated occupancy model to analyse species occurrence along a gradient of anthropogenic landscape transformation.Results confirmed that mammal occurrence in human‐modified habitats was related to specific life‐history traits. Species with more specialist diets, as well as larger body mass species were more likely to stay in protected areas. Species with slow reproductive strategies occupied more natural areas.Combining different monitoring methods enabled us to increase spatial coverage and mammal sighting numbers. This approach fostered research participation by various stakeholders, an important step for co‐designing wildlife‐friendly anthropogenic spaces.Synthesis and applications. Integrating data from a standard ecological protocol and structured participatory citizen knowledge allowed us to identify the species functional traits associated with mammal species occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes at a local scale. These results advocate for wisely combining methods and will guide conservation‐orientated land‐use planning towards the protection of natural habitats in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve. This methodological approach will enable managers and conservationists to use data obtained from diverse protocols and should catalyse the involvement of citizens in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many effects of forest fragmentation are reasonably well understood, knowledge of interspecific interactions in fragmented ecosystems is much more limited, particularly for high diversity tropical forests. Using nearly 40 years of data from the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in Central Amazonia, we assessed whether forest fragment area and time since isolation impact mutualistic interactions between frugivorous birds and their food resources. We used structural equation modeling to analyze the complex pathways between four main variables determining these interactions: fruiting tree abundance, frugivorous bird abundance, forest fragment area, and time since fragment isolation. Our results confirm that fragment area alters the abundance of some tree resources, with successional plant families increasing in abundance with decreasing fragment size. However, these changes do not drive alterations in the abundance of frugivorous birds. We also tested if bird species with a greater relative diet breadth are less vulnerable to forest fragmentation and found that specialist frugivores are more vulnerable to forest fragmentation immediately after isolation but are not differentially impacted within the long term. Collectively, our results demonstrate the need to further evaluate human‐driven habitat change across multiple timescales to fully understand its impacts on complex species interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of compensatory stream mitigation projects conventionally relies on spatially discrete geometric data and habitat assessments collected from representative reaches. Project success is evaluated by extrapolating site‐scale metrics such as rapid bioassessment protocol (RBP) scores and time‐series changes in width‐to‐depth ratios to adjacent reaches. For example, an excellent RBP score at one location is used to infer excellent habitat in nearby reaches. This paper compares spatially discrete and continuous monitoring data from 38 km of restored stream length on a stream mitigation project in central Kentucky to document how conventional site‐level metrics may not represent conditions in adjacent reaches, particularly on projects plagued by post‐construction geomorphic instability (e.g., headcut migration, propagation of bank erosion, and chute cutoff formation). Over a 5‐year monitoring period, rapid visual assessment walkabouts documented project‐scale geomorphic process trajectories that were not captured by conventional site‐specific monitoring. Early detection of geomorphic instability from this rapid monitoring approach facilitated cost‐effective and tailored adaptive management (e.g., planting of live stakes to arrest bank erosion). Full‐census walkabouts can thereby help to improve mitigation credit valuation, enhance long‐term habitat protection, and facilitate successful steam restoration outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The persistence of large carnivore populations depends on their survival outside protected areas, where they often impact local livelihoods through livestock depredation. Understanding the impacts of human behaviour on large carnivores in shared landscapes is thus important but is often overlooked in habitat assessments or conservation planning. We employed an integrated approach that considers human behaviour and landscape structure metrics to assess the potential for human‐puma (Puma concolor) coexistence in the Chaco region, a global deforestation and defaunation hotspot. Location: Argentine Dry Chaco (~490,000 km2). Methods: We identified suitable puma habitat patches and movement areas using occupancy modelling and combined it with a spatial human‐puma conflict risk model based on interview data to identify 'safe' and 'unsafe' habitat patches. We then used resistance surfaces to identify 'safe' and 'unsafe' movement areas, as well as 'severed' movement areas where anthropogenic land conversion inhibits movement. Results: Safe puma habitat patches (i.e., suitable and safe) covered 29% of the region, whereas attractive sinks (i.e., suitable but risky) represented 12%. Movement areas corresponded to 60% of the region, while conflict risk and high landscape resistance undermined connectivity: unsafe and severed movement areas covered 10% and 11% of the region, respectively. Nearly 98% of safe habitat and movement areas occurred outside protected areas. Main Conclusions: We provide an integrated conceptual framework and spatial explicit template for a three‐pronged conservation strategy to (1) protect safe habitat and movement areas, (2) mitigate livestock depredation in attractive sinks and unsafe movement areas and (3) restore landscape in severed and matrix areas to improve ecological connectivity. This would allow pumas to maintain viable populations while reducing negative impacts on local people. More generally, we show how integrating habitat and conflict risk models can reveal opportunities and challenges for human‐carnivore coexistence beyond protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vegetation classification improve our knowledge and understanding of complex ecosystems. • Vegetation classification, description and mapping method for large areas (> 90 000 hectares). • The use of Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data in conjunction with limited floristic surveys (new approach) resulted in an accurate classification, description and vegetation map of the Karoo National Park. • A total of 12 major plant communities and two sub-communities that are distinctly linked to various abiotic factors were identified, described and mapped for the Karoo National Park. The higher-lying rocky steep midslopes as well as the valley bottomland areas had the highest diversity and species richness. This study aimed at classifying, mapping and describing the plant communities of the Karoo National Park using floristic surveys in conjunction with Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data. Karoo National Park, Western Cape, South Africa. The vegetation of the Karoo National Park was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units using Sentinel-2 images. A total of 128 survey plots (100 m2 each) were surveyed within the different homogeneous units during the period 2016 to 2020. Within each survey plot, all rooted species were identified and their cover abundance estimated. Each plot was photographed and its geolocation recorded. The floristic data were captured using the Braun Blanquet Personal Computer suite and exported to the JUICE Software programme. A modified TWINSPAN classification was done to derive a first tabled synopsis of the plant communities. The different plant communities were subsequently classified and described according to their diagnostic and dominant species gleaned from the synoptic table. Species richness was determined by counting the number of different species per plant community while the Shannon–Wiener Index and Rich-Gini–Simpson Index of diversity (D) were used to derive indices of species diversity per plant community. 12 major communities and two sub-communities that are distinctly linked to various abiotic factors were identified, described and mapped. The higher-lying rocky steep midslopes as well as the valley bottomland areas had the highest diversity and species richness. This study proves the efficacy of using Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data in classification, description and mapping vegetation of extensive natural areas. The vegetation map and classification of plant communities provide a baseline to inform management decisions. Taxonomic reference: SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study is to explore the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics and comprehensive management points of multiple ecosystem services within county units in ecologically fragile areas, which is of great significance to maintaining regional ecological security and implementing the ecological civilization strategy. [Methods] Long County. Shaanxi Province was taken as an example. The quality values of five key ecosystem services in 2000, 2010. and 2020 were systematically evaluated. High- value service supply areas. pairwise trade-off relationships, and changing trends were identified. The OWA method was applied to identify the optimal management scenario to provide improvement suggestions. [Results] (1) From 2000 to 2020, multiple services showed an overall upward trend. (2) High-value clustering areas of habitat quality were incompatible with the existing protected areas. The areas with high values of soil conservation and water conservation mainly distributed in the areas with high forest and grass coverage in the north and south. (3) The trade-off spatial expansion of ecological leisure and food supply services was more obvious in Southeast Town. Wenshui Town, and Tiancheng Town, The synergies between water conservation and habitat quality in the southwest exhibited an expanding trend. (4) Among the simulated scenarios. Scenario 9. capable of responding to the demand for managing high-value supply areas and trade-off synergies, is chosen as the optimal management model. Within this model, the highest management priority Critical Protection and Restoration Zones covers 13.9% of the county's area. [Conclusion] Management of ecosystem services in ecologically fragile areas at the county level should focus not only on protecting high value service supply areas but also on addressing the exacerbated local service trade-offs and the diminished synergies. Timely adjustments in regional development orientations and the exploration of comprehensive sustainable management models are imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ungulate species in Africa range in habitats that vary in type and quality over space and time, but ongoing environmental change is substantially altering their habitats. Identifying key environmental variables that regulate ungulate population densities can guide management actions for effective conservation. We studied the local population density responses of a community of sympatric ungulate species in the Tarangire Ecosystem of northern Tanzania, to a suite of environmental factors that vary over space and time, to quantify population trends, determine the primary environmental correlates of densities, and identify covariation in densities among species. We estimated seasonal densities of five commonly detected species (impala, dik–dik, Grant's gazelle, eland, and waterbuck) based on 7 years of distance‐sampling data from 41 replicate surveys of 237 line transects. We systematically analyzed the effects of spatial, seasonal, and annual environmental covariates on variation in transect species‐specific densities across space and time. Large fluctuations in climatic factors mediated highly synchronous temporal density variation among all species. We documented more spatial than temporal variation in four of the five species, suggesting that spatial heterogeneity may provide some buffer against temporal variation in the environment. Protection of sufficient habitats and water sources should allow ungulates to respond to a temporally changing world by moving across space. Further, among‐species covariation patterns identified two potential ungulate guilds (impala—dik–dik—waterbuck; eland—Grant's gazelle) that should aid in developing efficient and coordinated management actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and fragmentation have caused declines in the abundance and distribution of butterflies, particularly habitat specialists. The Chequered Skipper, Carterocephalus palaemon, has been extinct in England since 1976 after declining from the 1940s predominantly due to changes in woodland management including afforestation and the decline in traditional coppice management. To enable C. palaemon to flourish again, this species was reintroduced from Belgium to England in 2018 with the aim of establishing a resident breeding population. Here, we report on the recent reintroduction, outlining the reintroduction method used, the establishment status of the species in England, the clinical health of reintroduced individuals, and post-release monitoring results. Furthermore, we assess the habitat suitability of sites around the original release site to determine which were similar to the current re-location site and could be used for future reintroductions, and to aid the targeting of further management to increase habitat suitability. Since 2018, 128 Chequered Skipper butterflies have been reintroduced from Belgium to Rockingham Forest in England. Health examinations demonstrated that individuals were healthy, and this in part resulted in the population establishing at the first release site and the area of occupancy increasing each year to 2022. However, the reintroduced population has yet to naturally colonise other areas within Rockingham Forest and therefore is not yet a functioning metapopulation. Despite the project still being in its infancy, we are able to report on a successful five years. Implications for insect conservation: Rigorous scientific research has provided the evidence to support reintroductions, and will continue to be used to ensure the ecology and population dynamics of this species is sufficiently understood so that Chequered Skipper populations can thrive again in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urban land use expands, understanding the conservation of biodiversity in urban settings becomes increasingly important. Urban areas contain a wide range of remnant natural, semi-natural and anthropogenic woodlands but the biodiversity of these woodlands is not well studied. Urban woodlands are usually constrained in size and subject to management which may not be focused on promoting biodiversity. As a habitat of critical importance, the characteristics of urban woodlands need to be better understood to maximise their biodiversity within a limited footprint in the urban landscape. We used repeat line-transect surveys and rapid woodland structure habitat assessments to investigate the habitat associations of butterflies in ten woodland patches representing a range of sizes (between 1 and 40 ha), ages and woodland characteristics in the urban habitat matrix of Milton Keynes, UK. We found that ancient woodland sites supported every species detected, but the butterfly communities of amenity and roadside woodlands had similar species richness, diversity and abundance, regardless of size. Butterfly species richness was strongly associated with both woodland area and structural complexity at a site-scale, but only with structural complexity on a transect scale. Simpson diversity showed no correlation with any variable at the site scale, but strong correlation with structural complexity on transects. Abundance only correlated with area at the site scale. Our results suggest that management techniques that introduce structural complexity within urban woodlands may be an effective way to support butterfly richness and diversity in contexts where woodland areas cannot be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species often associate with specific habitat characteristics, resulting in patchy distributions, whereby they only occupy a proportion of available habitat. Understanding which characteristics species require is a valuable tool for informing conservation management. We investigated the associations of eleven species of day-flying Lepidoptera larvae and their foodplants with habitat characteristics within calcareous grassland reserves in Bedfordshire, UK, across two scales relevant to land managers and target species: the reserve (cardinal aspect, vegetation type) and foodplant patch scale (foodplant height and density). We investigated whether ecological traits (habitat specialism, as defined at a national-scale, and overwintering life stage) influenced the strength of associations. At the reserve scale, we found variation in associations with habitat characteristics across species, with species that overwinter at non-adult life stages having more restricted associations, indicating that they may be more vulnerable to environmental change. Associations were generally stronger with vegetation type than aspect, which can be manipulated more easily by land managers. Seven species had similar associations with habitat characteristics to their foodplants, implying that management to benefit foodplants will also benefit larvae. However, the remaining four species had different associations to their foodplants, and may require alternative management approaches. At the foodplant patch scale, four species were associated with foodplant characteristics, which could be used to inform effective fine-scale management. Implications for insect conservation: Implications for insect conservation: Diverse habitat associations imply that topographic and vegetation variation are valuable for supporting diverse assemblages of butterflies and their foodplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife and natural resources constitute an integral part of the ecosystem, whereas human interventions dismantled the living conditions of the wildlife. This is testified in the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS) where the habitats of Asian elephants have changed due to human intervention and deforestation over the decades. The present study aimed to assess the elephant habitat suitability in the DWS of Jharkhand state (India) using the geospatial parameters such as forest density, degree of slope, proximity to water bodies, land use land cover, proximity to agricultural land, built-up density, and road density. The analytical hierarchical process technique was utilized to determine habitat preference and selection of relevant factors to categorize criteria. The study revealed that about 6.7% (26.74 km2) of the area is very highly suitable for elephant habitat, while 52.26% (208.49 km2) of the forest area was found highly suitable. The most suitable habitat was identified in the core parts of the forest, while the least suitable areas were found in the southern part, where the presence of roads, built-up, and agricultural land was prominent. It was also observed that most human–elephant conflicts were exhibited in the low and very low suitable areas, while 90% of the elephant movement was witnessed in the high and very high suitable areas. Among the four identified corridors, three are inactive, and their location corresponds with low to very low suitable habitats. The study identified the migratory corridor routes inside the sanctuary where effective management is required for the conservation of elephant habitats and minimizing conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to analyze spatio-temporal changes in habitat quality in Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration during the 2000–2020 period and explore its topographic gradient effects. Using land use data from this period, the InVEST model was employed to assess the spatio-temporal variations in habitat quality. The bivariate spatial autocorrelation model was used to analyze the spatial correlation characteristics between habitat quality and various topographical factors. Additionally, terrain factor analysis was utilized to study the terrain gradient effects on habitat quality in the study area. The results reveal that: (1) The primary land use changes in the study area from 2000 to 2020 predominantly involve substantial arable land and forest conversions into urban development. (2) The average habitat quality indices for 2000, 2010, and 2020 in the Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration stand at 0.651, 0.622, and 0.606, respectively, indicating a consistent declining trend in habitat quality. The distribution of habitat quality grades demonstrates a spatial pattern of "lower in the central surroundings, higher in the surroundings." (3) The Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration shows significant positive correlations between habitat quality and topographical gradients. Spatial aggregation tendencies between habitat quality and topographical gradients primarily exhibit "high-high" and "low-low" clustering. (4) The habitat quality of the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration exhibits a significant topographic gradient effect, primarily characterized by an increase in habitat quality with the rise of the topographic gradient. The study outcomes contribute to unveiling the spatiotemporal variations in habitat quality within the Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration. Moreover, leveraging different habitat types' distinctive terrain distribution characteristics, it proposes targeted habitat conservation measures, thereby offering theoretical support for biodiversity conservation and territorial spatial planning in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing restorations for durable metapopulations of endangered butterflies, it is important to understand how frequently the adults mix between sites and their probability of colonising vacant patches unassisted by human translocations. We analysed 43 examples of natural dispersal by Phengaris arion L. to restored sites in three regions following its reintroduction after extinction to the UK. We compared the years taken to reach restored habitats with the distance from a source colony, the number and density of P. arion on source sites, the size of source sites, the nature of the intervening matrix, summer temperatures, the incidence of drought and whether a more dispersive phenotype has evolved across restored landscapes. Isolation of sites was the most important constraint on the colonisation of new habitats, followed by the number, but not the density, of P. arion on source sites. Emigration was more frequent in warm summers and when the habitat was degraded by drought, but neither factor remained significant in multifactorial analyses. A matrix of woodland between sites was a greater barrier to dispersal than open or mixed terrain, but again insignificant in multifactorial analyses. A more mobile phenotype of P. arion has evolved while it exploited vacant habitat patches during its first 10–12 generations in the UK. Adults now fly twice as far to find new colonies as in the early years. We map the probabilities of linking restored sites with neighbouring populations in three former landscapes in the Cotswold Hills of Gloucestershire, UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saguinus bicolor is one of the most endangered primates in the Amazon, mainly due to threats related to human activities, such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Moreover, the encroachment of Saguinus midas, a widely distributed species, into the restricted range of S. bicolor, poses further conservation challenges and extinction risks. This study focuses on the potential niche overlap and competition between these two species, which are closely related callitrichid primates with a parapatric distribution. We employed the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to investigate the potential of invasion by S. midas into the area of occurrence of S. bicolor by quantifying and comparing the habitat suitability for both species. We used environmental variables that are known to be relevant descriptors of callitrichid niches and a similarity test was applied to assess niche overlap between the two species. Our analysis reveals that the majority of the area occupied by S. bicolor exhibits higher habitat suitability for S. midas than for S. bicolor. Furthermore, we found a high niche similarity between the species. These results suggest a significant invasive potential of S. midas into the range of S. bicolor. The research highlights the concerning prospects for the long-term persistence of S. bicolor, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures. The conservation and maintenance of an ecologically functional urban forest matrix, along with the preservation of habitat quality and connectivity in rural areas, are crucial. Monitoring the current contact areas between the two species and the areas indicated as highly and moderately suitable for S.midas in the range of S. bicolor is also essential, and the observed trends in the occupation of these areas need to be incorporated into adaptive conservation strategies to protect less anthropogenically impacted areas. The findings are expected to contribute to the ongoing National Action Plan for the conservation of S. bicolor and support the management and conservation efforts for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have been calling for further analysis of the relationships between academia and policy making. Since several studies are conducted with resources from public funding agencies, it is essential to assess whether governments have been supporting research that can contribute to future environmental policies and whether research has been supporting the elaboration of public policies. To fill these gaps, the objective of this study was to evaluate the similarities and gaps between research and environmental policies. A bibliometric analysis of studies funded by Chilean agencies and text analytics techniques were employed to analyze research and environmental policies. We used BERTopic, a topic modeling technique that generates coherent topic representations. Then, topics obtained from the two sets of documents (research and policies) were compared. This study found that sustainability, life‐cycle assessment, climate change, and ecosystem services are central research themes in the country. The topic modeling analysis showed that research has been concentrated on the areas of “Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Management” and “Sustainable Bioenergy Production and Chemical Processes.” The topics most frequently present in the environmental policies were “Environmental Education for Children: Awareness and Care,” “Bird Conservation and Habitat Importance in Chile,” and “National Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Strategy.” The greatest gaps are observed in the clusters of “Sustainable Bioenergy Production and Chemical Processes” and “Copper Mining and Mineral Processing Techniques” (prevalent in research) and in “Anatomy and Physiology of Aquatic and Terrestrial Organisms” and “Biogeography and Taxonomy of Southern Hemisphere Insects” (prevalent in policy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crambe sventenii Pett. ex Bramwell & Sunding and Pleudia herbanica (A.Santos & M.Fernández) M.Will, N.Schmalz & Class.-Bockh. are two single-island endemic species from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), inhabiting the same areas and similar habitats. They are under the "Critically Endangered" category due to historical herbivore pressure, mainly goats, leading to habitat fragmentation and poor population recruitment. The main aim of our study was to provide insights into the conservation genetics and habitat suitability of these two species. For this purpose, we sampled all known populations on the island and developed two new sets of microsatellite markers. Moreover, to assist restoration plans, we performed species distribution models to determine the most suitable areas for reintroduction. While Crambe sventenii is highly fragmented, with low genetic diversity indices in some populations, Pleudia herbanica's genetic structure is quite homogeneous, grouped in three main regions, with signs of inbreeding and an overall low genetic diversity. Both species could present moderate to high levels of autogamy. Our findings can provide guidance to local governments regarding conservation actions to be implemented in the field, like the identification of propagule sources and new suitable areas for restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMethodsKey results and conclusionsMarsupella profunda Lindb. is known from Britain, Portugal and Macaronesia. Its population status and ecology in Britain were investigated.An inventory of records of Marsupella profunda was prepared, and surveys were conducted at a subset of sites. Population size was measured by counts of ‘individual-equivalents’, defined as occupied 1 m grid cells. Habitat and community composition were recorded by relevés.Marsupella profunda is confined to habitat created by china clay quarrying, and mostly occurs on kaolinised granite. It is one of the earliest colonists of this substrate. The longevity of habitat patches is limited mainly by competitive exclusion by other bryophytes and excessive shade from scrub development. It has been recorded from six sites in West Cornwall but presently survives at only one of these, where it will likely become extinct within the next 20 years due to vegetation succession. In East Cornwall, an enormous complex of active and disused quarries within the St Austell China Clay Region supports a large population (10,000–20,000 individual-equivalents), but this is declining because china clay production has decreased greatly over the past 30 years. Attempts to conserve the species by the special protection of areas of land have failed because the quarrying process that originally supplied fresh suitable substrate no longer operates in these areas, habitat management measures have been insufficient, and scrub development has progressed. The future of the species in Britain depends on the uncertain future of commercial quarrying in areas of kaolinised granite in Cornwall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumas (Puma concolor) have a broad geographic range across the Americas and are globally listed as Least Concern. However, in Uruguay’s Pampas Grasslands, they are considered Data Deficient and regionally endangered in Argentina and Brazil. Understanding the distribution and population status of pumas is crucial for their conservation. This study examines puma occurrence in Uruguay’s Grasslands within a regional context, assessing habitat suitability and recent land use changes. Using a Species Distribution Model (SDM) in MaxEnt with 224 occurrence records (1999–2011) and bioclimatic and topographic predictors, we found intermediate habitat suitability in the Pampas Grasslands, indicating a naturally sparse puma population. The highest suitability was along riverbanks and riparian areas. Recent land use changes have transformed suitable habitats into areas less likely to support pumas, affecting a significant portion of Uruguay’s land. Our results suggest source-sink dynamics, where Uruguayan puma records likely represent dispersing individuals from established subpopulations in Eastern Argentina and Southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is recognized worldwide as an icon for wildlife conservation. The Qinling subspecies (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis) inhabiting the Qinling Mountains is more endangered. Previous studies have indicated that Qinling pandas are potentially at risk from environmental pollutants, which they are exposed to via food and drinking water. However, there is little information about the surface water quality in the Qinling Mountains, and it is unknown whether drinking water is an important pollutant source for pandas. Water samples were collected from five different nature reserves in Qinling, each of which is home to a population of pandas. The samples were analyzed for five essential metals of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) and four non-essential metals of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). The concentrations of all heavy metals (HMs) were higher in buffer zones than in the core areas and were highest in Foping and Niuweihe nature reserves. The concentrations of mercury exceeded the water quality standard in the core zone of three reserves, suggesting that NWH (Niuweihe), THS (Tianhuashan), and PHL (Pingheliang) giant panda populations were at risk from mercury toxicity. The accumulation of other elements over time could also pose a serious risk to pandas. Three main sources of pollution were identified: coal combustion, waste incineration, and fertilizer use; traffic-related activities; and metal mining. Environmental pollution is compromising the efforts to conserve the giant panda, and measures need to be put in place to control pollution sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep pools are considered vital habitats for both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in arid and semi-arid rivers. These 'refugia' habitats sustain the aquatic biodiversity of local and regional importance when water flow ceases. Banas is an ecologically unique and non-perennial river in the Ganga Basin originating from the Aravalli Range and flowing through the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. This study maps and characterises the deep pools in the water stressed river using Sentinel-2 satellite data (2019–2022). Mapping and analysis were done using geospatial tools and field data. The composite map reported 2.18 km2 (0.6% of the total area) and 72.42 km2 (19.0% of the total area) of permanent water spread in the floodplain and reservoirs of Banas River, respectively with seasonal variations. A total of 558 contiguous habitats with varying sizes (50 to 314,422 m2) were delineated and most of them were located in the downstream of Bisalpur Dam especially along the river meandering. The composition of the area under different land use land cover classes in the riparian zone varied across the deep pools with medium land use intensity. The high proportion of vegetation and cropland near and far from the riparian buffer indicated existence of the natural and agrarian landscapes, respectively. The indications of various ecosystem services by the deep pools necessitate spatial quantification. Additionally, impact of the various anthropogenic threats on aquatic habitats recommends measures for habitat restoration and conservation planning of Banas River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union on Directive 92/43, on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna, in relation to the hunting of a wolf in Tyrol, Austria. The validity of certain articles of the Directive is questioned and the importance of evaluating the conservation status of species before granting exceptions is highlighted. The need to consider economic criteria when evaluating alternative measures to protect species in a favorable conservation status is emphasized. [Extracted from the article]

The paper contains information about the current state of habitats of species of the orders Charadriiformes, Ciconiiformes, and Gruiformes found in the southern coastal part of the Caspian Sea, the influence of anthropogenic factors on their habitability, and the status of species included in international conventions. It was revealed that, 24 species found in the southern coastal part of the Caspian Sea have the status of global protection. Of the 154 species with European conservation status, only 48 are eligible for higher global conservation statuses. That is, 3 species are in crisis, 13 species are endangered and 29 species are vulnerable. The number of 2 species is unknown, and there is no sufficient information about 1 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North America is a hotspot of freshwater mussel diversity. However, over the last century, many anthropogenic stressors have led to substantial declines in freshwater mussels of the families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae in North America. Conserving the remaining mussel fauna is a priority, as they play an integral role in freshwater ecosystems. The Little River in Arkansas is home to one of the last remaining populations of the federally endangered freshwater mussel, Arcidens wheeleri (Unionidae: Anodontini). Population dynamics information is lacking for A. wheeleri , and no population genetics study has been conducted on this species. A greater understanding of the genetic diversity within a population can serve as a benchmark for developing an effective management plan. We sampled A. wheeleri from three locations in the Little River. Genomic data were generated with a single-enzyme restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing approach to assess genetic diversity and structure of A. wheeleri in the Little River. Genetic structure analyses indicated one genetic population among the three locations, with limited, fine-scale subpopulation structure. Observed heterozygosity values were considerably lower than expected heterozygosity values, with H o = 0.14 and H e = 0.22, likely indicating a genetic bottleneck. Demographic analysis of the Little River population of A. wheeleri also suggests a historical bottleneck. Furthermore, a high inbreeding coefficient (F IS = 0.33) indicates A. wheeleri in the Little River is losing genetic diversity. Data generated indicate considerable risk of extirpation for A. wheeleri from the Little River and should serve as a baseline for future monitoring. Given its high risk of extinction, we recommend increased study of A. wheeleri across its range and on-the-ground conservation actions that include habitat protection and restoration, which are the only options until a successful host fish and protocols are identified for propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA, USA) is working toward a future where the beauty of nature can be enjoyed by all through its sustainability and stewardship efforts. Using case studies highlighting water quality and conservation, carbon footprint reduction, material circularity, and land stewardship, this paper examines the multifaceted approach that Longwood takes to address its environmental impact. First, a description of Longwood's innovative water quality and conservation strategies and their integration of green and gray infrastructure is described. Next, the paper explores the comprehensive measures adopted to curtail its carbon footprint, from energy-efficient infrastructure to renewable energy sources. Then, Longwood's commitment to material circularity is investigated, showcasing initiatives that reuse organic materials and create necessary products for the Gardens onsite. Finally, the Gardens' holistic land stewardship practices are detailed, including habitat preservation and biodiversity enhancement. The paper concludes with valuable findings learned from the organization's sustainability and stewardship journey, offering insights applicable to other gardens or campuses seeking to improve their ecological impact while maintaining a commitment to esthetic and horticultural excellence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Helan Mountains, located at the interface between China's arid and semi-arid zones, form a natural dividing line in the heart of the desert. Often described as a "desert oasis", this region functions as an ecological island with a uniquely distinctive geographical setting, making it a focal point for contemporary ecological research. The Alashan wapiti (Cervus canadensis alashanicus), an isolated population in this area, has become a key conservation concern for the Chinese government. Our multi-scale habitat assessments identified bare land as the principal limiting factor for the availability of suitable habitats for the species. Consequently, the protection and restoration of Alashan wapiti habitats are of critical importance, particularly in enhancing the quality of existing habitats. Our findings provide valuable scientific insights to support future conservation and management efforts in the Helan Mountains. The Helan Mountains, situated in the heart of the desert, act as a dividing line between China's arid and semi-arid zones. Often referred to as a "desert oasis", they create an ecological island with a uniquely distinctive geographical location, making this area a focal point of contemporary research. Ungulates play a critical role in this ecosystem. The Alashan wapiti (Cervus canadensis alashanicus), an isolated population of China's smallest wapiti (Cervus canadensis) subspecies, is found exclusively within the Helan Mountains Nature Reserve. The conservation of this isolated population is fraught with challenges, particularly during winter, the harshest season for northern ungulates. Winter habitats are crucial for ensuring population stability. Therefore, we used certain methods, such as factor screening and model parameter optimization to assess habitat suitability using multi-scale species distribution models. The optimized results show that suitable habitats overlap with areas of high vegetation coverage in the Helan Mountains, covering just 588.32 km2, which is less than a quarter of the reserve's total area. The bare land area and winter NDVI are the two primary factors influencing habitat suitability, with other factors having minimal impact, underscoring the critical importance of food resources for the Alashan wapiti. The limited availability of these resources poses significant conservation challenges. Our findings provide a more precise foundation for targeted habitat protection and restoration efforts. We recommend enhancing the protection and restoration of food resources, effectively conserving vegetated areas, and preventing desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Indian pangolin, an endangered species found in Pakistan, was studied in the Nowshera district to assess its population and suitable habitat. We used the line transect method and recorded 56 signs of pangolins, including burrows and digging, over a 156 km2 area. The estimated population was very low, with only 29 individuals and a density of 0.013 individuals/km2. The MaxEnt model, which predicts habitat suitability, showed that 12.01% of the area was highly suitable and 13.61% was moderately suitable for the pangolin. To protect this fragile population and available habitat patches, the results obtained in the current study recommend stronger law enforcement and conservation efforts. The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) stands out among the four surviving species of Asian pangolins, being the sole species present in Pakistan and listed as endangered owing to trafficking and illicit commerce. In the present study, we explored the population status of the Indian pangolin and the existing suitable habitats in Nowshera district, Pakistan. We employed the line transect method to confirm the species presence and subsequent population estimation. In a survey effort of 156 km2, a total of 56 signs of Indian pangolin were recorded within the research area. Amongst the 56 signs, 46 were burrows (living burrows (53.57%) and feeding burrows (28.57%)). Digging was observed nine (16.07%) times, along with one direct sighting (1.7%). Our results revealed a population estimate of only 29 pangolins in the Nowshera district, with a population density of 0.013 individuals/km2. Later, MaxEnt was applied to the species' presence points, along with climatic and topographical variables. The MaxEnt model accuracy was good (AUC = 0.811). Of the total area studied, 210 km2 (12.01%) were highly suitable and 238 km2 (13.61%) were moderately suitable habitat for the Indian pangolin. To safeguard the fragile population and habitat of the Indian pangolin, we highly suggest strengthening watch and ward and law enforcement in the study area. By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses both the direct threats to Indian pangolins and the underlying factors driving their decline, we can effectively protect this endangered species and ensure the preservation of its essential habitats for robust conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificially planted nearshore limited-size vegetation patches are widely used as near-natural measures for bank protection and habitat creation, highlighting the importance of understanding their impact on local flow structures. This study conceptualizes a square vegetation patch located near the sidewall of an open channel as a porous array composed of rigid cylinders of equal diameter. Large eddy simulation is conducted to investigate the effects of varying vegetation density (λ) on the mean and turbulent flow fields. Differences caused by stem arrangement patterns are also considered. The simulation results indicate that, at λ ≥ 0.097, the group effect of the array becomes apparent, forming corner recirculation vortices upstream of the array, which contribute to flushing low-velocity fluid from lower heights to near the water surface, and a patch-scale horseshoe vortex system. Both the flow deflection occurring upstream of and within the array intensify with increasing vegetation density. For the same λ value, vegetation patches with stems arranged in a linear pattern experience weaker lateral flow deflection but stronger lateral shear layer turbulence compared to those with staggered arrangements. No recirculation bubbles were observed in the mean flow field downstream of the porous array within the parameter range covered, due to strong longitudinal bleeding flow. Compared to a solid square cylinder of the same size, the porous patch reduces bed shear stress near both sidewalls while only considerably increasing bed shear stress in the center of the channel. Additionally, the staggered arrangement pattern achieves the same reduction in bed shear stress with a lower vegetation density compared to the linear arrangement with a higher λ value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean coasts are threatened by human activities that alter habitats structure and functionality, modifying vegetation and causing the loss of typical species. The definition of the conservation status of coastal habitats is essential to preserve these fragile environments through planned policies. This study aims to assess the conservation status of the habitats of community interest (sensu EEC Directive 43/92) through the analysis of biodiversity and correlating it with urbanisation. A total of 73 vegetation relevés were carried out, so allowing 13 revealing different habitats to be identified. The total plant species diversity per habitat was measured by means of the H-index, also used to assess naturalness (N), differently considering native, alien, and disturbance species. To correlate the N index with distance from urban centres, a statistical analysis was performed. The analysis showed the highest values of H+ were found in habitats 2240, 2110, 2260, and 2230, while lowest values were observed in habitats 2270* and 2240. The habitats 2270* and 2240, the closest to urban centres, have a lower naturalness score than habitats 1420, 2120, 2250*, and 2270*, where higher naturalness scores have been found and therefore lower levels of disturbance. The criteria and methods discussed in this study can be used in coastal management in order to identify the most sensitive habitats and implement an effective conservation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the present study, the phylogeography of the wetland specialist, freshwater crab, Potamonautes flavusjo, was investigated and compared to that of the ubiquitous, generalist, P. sidneyi, using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). We inferred the evolutionary history of each species and compared their population‐level genetic structure by constructing haplotype networks and using an analysis of molecular variation. Additionally, we explored the evolutionary relationship between southern African lentic and lotic freshwater crab species by examining the usefulness of carapace attributes in relation to genetic indices and a species' assumed dispersal capacity. In the lentic species, P. flavusjo, a single interconnected haplocluster characterized by shared haplotypes was observed, suggesting marked maternal dispersal, a result corroborated by the low FST values. In contrast, for the lotic species, P. sidneyi two distinct haploclusters and marked genetic differentiation was observed indicating the absence of maternal dispersal, a result corroborated by the high FST values. The phylogenetic relationship in P. sidneyi was further investigated using a maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses with the addition of sequence data from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA locus to estimate divergence times. Three species delimitation methods (ASAP, PTP, and bGMYC) were used to explore the presence of distinct lineages in P. sidneyi. The phylogenetic results indicated that within P. sidneyi two clades were present, while divergence time estimates suggest cladogenesis during the middle to late Pleistocene. The species delimitation methods used showed moderate congruence, however all oversplit the number of putative lineages. Our results indicated that P. sidneyi is a species complex comprised of two cryptic lineages, occurring in sympatry contemporarily possibly alluding to secondary contact. Carapace height was found to have no discernible influence on the genetic indices and presumed dispersal capabilities of mainland southern African freshwater crab species. The importance of our results are discussed in terms of conservation of freshwater habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful conservation of expanding large carnivore populations and management of human–wildlife conflict to promote coexistence requires sufficient spatiotemporal knowledge to inform appropriate action. In Canada, cougars (Puma concolor) are expanding their range eastwards and little research is available for use in decision making by land managers and conservation planners. To inform proactive management regarding expanding populations of cougars in Canada, we utilized open‐source cougar presence and land‐cover data in a maximum entropy habitat suitability model to determine potentially suitable habitat for cougars across the country. We then used a gap analysis to determine the effectiveness of existing formal protected areas to protect potential cougar habitat. Suitable habitat exists for range‐expanding cougars dispersing eastwards through the central and eastern provinces to the Atlantic coast. While the habitat is highly fragmented, the highest suitability occurs in areas of medium road density, indicating that the potential for new human–cougar conflict will likely involve residents of exurban and rural areas. Protected areas offered 16% coverage of suitable habitat, although most protected areas that overlap predicted cougar habitat are not large enough to effectively conserve the large home range requirements of cougars. Synthesis and Applications: High fragmentation of suitable habitat and the potential for human–wildlife conflict requires proactive management to ensure appropriately sized and connected areas are maintained for the establishment of expanding cougar populations. Many of the management actions intended to aid in the conservation of cougars and their habitat can also serve to mitigate potential human–cougar conflict arising as a consequence of an expanding population, such as highway wildlife crossing structures and formal habitat protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is exerting unprecedented impacts on marine habitats, and many sessile invertebrate species, such as the endangered giant clam Tridacna maxima, are particularly sensitive to climate driven changes in their environment. Understanding its spatial distribution and conservation requirements is of crucial significance in formulating effective protection strategies. However, the species has been extensively harvested and depleted in many regions, leading to its listing as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While marine protected areas (MPAs) are considered effective conservation tools, it remains uncertain whether existing MPAs adequately protect these vulnerable giant clams. To enhance the management and conservation of this species, we employed a Species Distribution Models (SDMs) approach, integrating occurrence records of T. maxima with environmental variables, to predict its potential distribution based on habitat suitability and capture spatiotemporal changes. Based on geographical and genetic variations, the T. maxima in the Indo‐Pacific core region is primarily divided into two populations: the East Indian Ocean‐South China Sea population (EIOS) and the West Pacific‐Indonesia population (WPI). We first quantified realized niche to reveal significant differences in ecological niche space among different populations. Subsequently, SDMs were constructed at both species and population levels, demonstrating that population‐level SDMs provide more reliable predictions of population distributions due to differential responses to climatic predictor variables. Finally, we conducted an assessment to identify conservation gaps for T. maxima beyond the existing MPAs and proposed recommendations for future establishment of MPAs within the current framework. Based on these findings, appropriate conservation policies have been proposed to effectively protect the habitat of different geographical populations of T. maxima. Additionally, spatiotemporal predictions of habitat suitability provide crucial information for developing adaptive management strategies for T. maxima in response to climate change, including designing new protected areas and adjusting the location and extent of existing protected areas based on their geographical distribution. We employed a Species Distribution Models (SDMs) approach, integrating occurrence records of Tridacna maxima with environmental variables, to predict its potential distribution based on habitat suitability and capture spatiotemporal changes. In addition, we conducted an assessment to identify conservation gaps beyond the existing MPAs and proposed recommendations for the future establishment of MPAs within the current framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holistically managed urban greenspaces have human and ecological benefits. Butterflies and skippers (Papilionoidea) are particularly sensitive to human impacts and changing environmental conditions and can serve as model organisms for park management. We monitored butterflies across 18 urban parks in Cincinnati, Ohio, to explore the relationship between the amount of forested and non-forested microhabitat and Papilionoidea biodiversity. Transect counts were used to assess Papilionoidea occurrence throughout the summer of 2021. Species richness was found to significantly increase with the amount of non-forested area, while no relationships were found between forested species richness and area or total species richness and total park area. In addition to providing suggestions for urban park microhabitat management, this study updates the species checklist for Hamilton County, Ohio, adding four species. Forty-three species and 433 individuals were sighted during the study. Three species found in Cincinnati Parks were under Ohio Department of Natural Resources conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring lost or degraded wetlands is a major challenge in contemporary conservation. Understanding how wetland restoration and changes in hydrology affect wildlife is increasingly urgent for endangered species conservation. This is especially pertinent for the endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus), whose range is almost entirely contained within one of the world's most iconic wetland systems, the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. We investigated how E. floridanus may respond to future hydrological and vegetation changes associated with current and planned Everglades hydrologic restoration efforts. We conducted acoustic surveys at 194 random points stratified across a restoration gradient (no hydrologic restoration, partial hydrologic restoration, full hydrologic restoration, and reference). Using generalized linear mixed models, we determined the most important predictors explaining variation in bat activity and foraging likelihood. Positive associations between bat activity and several hydrologic variables expected to increase with restoration (hydroperiod, water depth, distance to canals, and extent of freshwater forested wetlands, ecologically intact reference areas, and zones with full hydrological restoration) suggest that foraging habitat for this species will likely benefit from hydrologic restoration both in the near term (immediate increases in hydroperiod and water depth) and in the longer term (as freshwater forested wetlands expand). Our results inform immediate management decisions for this species and suggest the benefits of restoration for wildlife adapted to historically longer hydroperiods and greater water depths, which are anticipated to increase with the gradual return of natural hydrological regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No single studies on the Burmese Red Serows, a little known bovid to date yet considered as nationally endangered species, have been conducted in Bangladesh. As part of a systematic wildlife inventory and monitoring project, this study utilized 48 camera traps to elucidate their occurrence, activity pattern and possible sympatric association with other artiodactyls species inhabiting Baraiyadhala National Park. The study found 25 independent serow events with relative abundance index (RAI) of 0.89. The number of individuals seems low, but this is by far the country's stronghold population. The Red Serows are mostly nocturnal and showed moderate temporal activity with barking dear (∆1 = 0.59) and wild boar (∆1 = 0.62) in this area. Anthropogenic pressures due to tourists (RAI = 4.8) and poachers (RAI = 1.7) were highly evident and must have negative impact on overall wildlife of the national park. The study suggests similar studies in adjacent protected area (Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary), habitat protection and restoration program, and awareness raising program targeting forest dependent communities for long term conservation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius have severely declined since 2000 leading to increased legislative protection in the UK and Europe. Artificial nestboxes are widely used for its conservation and monitoring. Previous research has focused on how to identify suitable areas for nestboxes, but where to place individual boxes to promote occupancy is less well understood. Here, we demonstrate the use of machine learning Random Forest regression to predict nestbox occupancy from a wide range of microhabitat variables using a UK woodland as a case study. Random forest models are powerful predictive tools that allow simultaneous testing of many predictors with relatively few observations. Field data included observed nestbox occupancy (2017–2021) and measurements of 76 microhabitat variables collected in the summer of 2021 from 45 occupied and unused nestboxes located in a deciduous woodland in Berkshire, UK. We applied Random Forest regression to identify important variables and predict nestbox occupancy demonstrating robust approaches to tune model hyperparameters and evaluate importance metrics. In our study area, nestboxes were more likely to be occupied in sites with more hazel Corylus avellana, greater overall tree abundance but not fully closed canopies (optimal 80–85%), more honeysuckle Lolium periclymenum and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, and when located further from footpaths and woodland margins. Occupancy over the study period was well predicted using microhabitat variables (13.3% OOB error) but future occupancy was more uncertain (33.3% error for 2021–2023 records). Modelling approaches that allow consideration of numerous variables from few locations or observations can be help identify relevant features and predict desirable outcomes of conservation actions. Here we demonstrate this approach identifying microhabitat variables that influence artificial nestbox occupancy by hazel dormice in a UK woodland. Findings offer some recommendations for local management that could promote nestbox occupancy and improve monitoring and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater biodiversity is under great threat across the globe as evidenced by more severe declines relative to other types of ecosystems. Some of the main stressors responsible for these concerning trends is habitat fragmentation, degradation, and loss stemming from anthropogenic activities, including energy production, urbanization, agriculture, and resource extraction. Habitat protection and restoration both play an integral role in efforts to save freshwater biodiversity and associated ecosystem services from further decline. In this paper, we summarize the sources of threats associated with habitat fragmentation, degradation, and loss and then outline response options to protect and restore freshwater habitats. Specific response options are to legislate the protection of healthy and productive freshwater ecosystems, prioritize habitats for protection and restoration, enact durable protections, conserve habitat in a coordinated and integrated manner, engage in evidence-based restoration using an adaptive management approach, ensure that potential freshwater habitat alterations are mitigated or off-set, and future-proof protection and restoration actions. Such work should be done through a lens that engages and involves local community members. We identify three broad categories of obstacles that could arise during the implementation of the response options outlined: (a) scientific (e.g., inaccessible data or uncertainties), (b) institutional and management (e.g., capacity issues or differing goals across agencies), and (c) social and political (e.g., prioritizing economic development over conservation initiatives). The protection and restoration of habitats is key to Bend the Curve for freshwater biodiversity, with a comprehensive, connected, and coordinated effort of response options needed to protect intact habitats and restore fragmented, degraded, and lost habitats and the biodiversity and ecosystem services that they support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a globally distributed top predator. Due to its ecological importance and historical declining population trends, data contributing to conservation initiatives (e.g. habitat protections and resource management) pertaining to all life stages of this species are essential to facilitate population recovery. Of particular interest, the locations and discrete seasonality of C. carcharias parturition remain uncertain. Understanding C. carcharias parturition in relation to each population is relevant to population recovery since neonate to young-of-the-year (YOY) sharks are more vulnerable to predation and particularly threatened by and susceptible to commercial fishing pressure. Herein, this paper provides a synthesis from published literature across seven well-studied C. carcharias populations to identify common trends associated with parturition location, seasonality, and habitat characteristics. The data reviewed in this study are consistent with previous population-specific hypotheses, that C. carcharias parturition occurs during spring and summer for all populations. Further, this review also indicates that parturition likely occurs in insular shelf waters and water temperatures ranging from15.7 to 23.1 °C. Although discrete parturition sites were not identified, the compiled data are suggestive that C. carcharias parturition may occur over horizontal and vertical spatial scales that exceed the inshore, shallow water environments associated with nursery area habitat to perhaps minimize predation by conspecifics. Due to the vulnerability of C. carcharias, conducting non-lethal technological (e.g., baited remote underwater video systems—BRUVS), morphological (i.e., ontogenetic changes in dorsal fin shape), and reproductive (e.g., blood chemistry and ultrasonography) research that may help identify parturition location and seasonality are thus warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]