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Studying the ecological risk of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to wild animals from human disturbance (HD) is an important aspect of "One Health". The highest risk level of ARGs is reflected in pathogenic antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (PARBs). Metagenomics was used to analyze the characteristics of PARBs in river sediments. Then, the total contribution of ARGs and virulence factors (VFs) were assessed to determine the health risk of PARBs to the rivers. Results showed that HD increased the diversity and total relative abundance of ARG groups, as well as increased the kinds of PARBs, their total relative abundance, and their gene numbers of ARGs and VFs. The total health risks of PARBs in wild habitat group (CK group), agriculture group (WA group), grazing group (WG group), and domestic sewage group (WS group) were 0.067 × 10−3, −1.55 × 10−3, 87.93 × 10−3, and 153.53 × 10−3, respectively. Grazing and domestic sewage increased the health risk of PARBs. However, agriculture did not increase the total health risk of the rivers, but agriculture also introduced new pathogenic mechanisms and increased the range of drug resistance. More serious was the increased transfer risk of ARGs in the PARBs from the rivers to wild animals under agriculture and grazing. If the ARGs in the PARBs are transferred from the rivers under HD to wild animals, then wild animals may face severe challenges of acquiring new pathogenic mechanisms and developing resistance to antibiotics. Further analysis showed that the total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) were related to the risk of ARGs. Therefore, controlling human emissions of TP and DON could reduce the health risk of rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity in tropical regions is facing threats from agricultural expansion and intensification. Therefore, a promising future for local ecosystem conservation depends not only on traditional protected areas but also on well‐managed agricultural landscapes. In this study, we compared the ecological traits of bird species in paddy fields outside of protected areas and natural forests within the protected areas of Xishuangbanna, southern China. There were 148 species in total, of which 98 were in forests and 55 in paddy fields. The abundance of birds in paddy fields was 176 per kilometer, which was much higher than the 60 per kilometer in forests. There were 26 law‐protected species observed, half of which were found in each habitat. The main functional groups living in nature reserves are invertivores and frugivores, whereas paddy fields provide habitats for aquatic predator and granivore bird species. Our results indicate that paddy fields act as a refuge for wetland and grassland bird species when natural wetlands disappear, highlighting the urgent need to focus more on wetland protection and eco‐friendly agricultural schemes at the landscape scale in future conservation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The study was carried out to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of soil physical and chemical properties in Changli Gold Coast National Nature Reserve, with an aim to provide scientific references for establishing a virtuous cycle of vegetation ecosystem in the reserve.【Method】Fifty-seven sampling sites were determined by 1 000 m×1 000 m grid sampling method, and 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil samples were collected for physical and chemical properties determination. The kriging interpolation method was used for spatial mapping, and the main influencing factors were discussed according to correlation analysis and variance analysis.【Result】The soil physical and chemical properties of the reserve showed obvious spatial heterogeneity in the horizontal direction, and the farther away from the sea, the higher value of some physical and chemical property indexes. The soil texture was mainly divided into four categories: sand, loamy sand, sandy loam and silty loam, of which sand accounted for about 70%, with the sand content reaching 85%-100%. The western Qilihai experimental area was salinized with the total salt quantity of 5.22 g/kg. The coastal area was mainly non-salinized and mildly salinized. There were significant correlations among the indexes, soil bulk density was negatively correlated with water content and nutrient indexes. In addition to bulk density, soil water content was significantly positively correlated with the other six indexes. The four nutrient indexes were positively correlated with each other, and the pH value was significantly positively correlated with available phosphorus, available potassium and total salt quantity. In addition, the distribution pattern of soil physical and chemical properties was affected by factors such as the distance from the coastline, land use type and soil type. The distance from the soastline played a significant role. The water and nutrients content of farm land were significantly higher than those of wood land, grassland and unused land. Compared with tidal soil and coastal salt soil, coastal aeolian sand soil had higher soil bulk density, lower water content, organic matter content, total salt quantity and pH value.【Conclusion】In the western Qilihai experimental area, saline-alkali tolerant plants should be selected as the main species, and drought-tolerant and wind-resistant tolerant seedlings should be selected in the land buffer area, the southern land core area and the Jinshawan experimental area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main management strategies of China's nature reserve is "zonation", dividing reserves into three zones (core, buffer, and experimental zones) to which different levels of restrictions on anthropogenic activities are applied. While zonation has a positive effect on the conservation of target species, it is unclear whether management zones can be effective in conserving biodiversity. Using bird data collected from five national nature reserves of Guangdong province in China during 2018–2019, we investigated how management zones and reserves are associated with bird diversity and community composition. We considered species richness, the community-weighted mean (CWM) values of 10 single traits, and beta diversity based on 2 dissimilarity indices (Jaccard and Bray–Curtis). The overall effects of zone management were weak or insignificant. Species richness and the CWMs of most traits were not associated with zone (p > 0.08). Reserve itself was a strong factor influencing bird traits. Dissimilarity indices also showed variations in bird community composition between reserves in the north region and those in the south region, which were largely contributed by the turnover component of beta diversity (p ≥ 0.06 for nestedness and p ≤ 0.03 for turnover in both dissimilarity indices). The dominance of turnover indicates that these reserves could be equally important to maintain regional bird diversity, requiring a multiple-site management plan. Our study also suggests that current zoning designations of the five reserves may not be as effective in conserving bird species diversity and traits; however, caution is needed due to the limitations of our study design, such as potential observer effect and insufficient sampling effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature reserve of Bec du Feyi near Wibrin has been the object of protection and nature conservation management measures for over 30 years to ensure its perennity. The reserve consists mainly of a mosaic of hay meadows, marshes, ponds, aquatic environments and old clear-cuts in the process of recolonization. The manager shares his thoughts on the evolution of nature through the various environments and habitats that make up this natural site, based on the impact of management actions, but also based on the influence of the numerous factors affecting the local environment and, more broadly, climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important migratory bird habitat along the East Asian-Australasian route, the coastal wetlands along the Yellow Sea have experienced significant human losses and threats due to the impact of wind farms. In this study, the radar data was adopted to examine and analyse the spatial and temporal changes of the human-made characteristic areas that caused the change of the migration route of birds in the Yellow Sea from 2015 to 2022. The results show that the areas of impact zones in the study area on water of the Yellow Sea, during the last 8 years, increased 14 times, from 35.7 km2 to 506.3 km2. The areas of impact zones in the study area on land, during the last 8 years, increased almost two times, from 303.4 km2 to 544.2 km2, which also has a serious impact on the number of migratory birds. Therefore, China should carefully evaluate the impact and potential threat of domestic wind farms under operation and construction on birds and other wildlife, and provide scientific solutions for the site selection of new wind farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In GlobeLand30, a total of 15 sub-maps of land cover covering Yunnan Province in 2000, 2010 and 2020 were interpreted. The measured area of various types of land cover was measured using the point calculation method, and the space-time characteristics of land surface change were compared to analyze its impact on the construction of natural reserve system. The result showed that in the past 20 years, the changes of cultivated land, forest land, grassland and shrub land showed “1 increase and 3 decrease”, the permanent snow cover of wetland and glacier decreased, water body decreased first and then increased, bare land increased first and then decreased, artificial land continued to increase and so on. In the 16 cities and states of the province, artificial surface expansion of cultivated land was not dominant, the covered area of forest, grass and irrigated land had decreased in most of the cities, and the artificial surface expansion of forest and grassland irrigation was the primary contradiction. The five main land covers bearing protected natural areas were reduced, and it was proposed to monitor the change of land cover to maintain the stability of the construction of protected natural areas. The provincial wilderness map was developed from the perspective of provincial land cover as the planning base map, and the least disturbed geographical space was identified and incorporated into the planning of protected natural areas system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guizhou Dashahe National Nature Reserve (DNNR) is one of the important inhabiting areas of François’ langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) in the world. In order to investigate the status of the current population and distribution of François’ langurs in this area, we conducted a year-around field survey by means of randomized sampling questionnaire, direct observation counting, and night caves survey in whole reserve and its surrounding area, from July 2021 to December 2022. The results showed that: 27 groups including 166 individuals were recorded in the DNNR, the population density of François’ langurs in the whole reserve was 0. 62 individuals/km², and the group density was 0. 10 groups/km², group size: Min: 2, Max: 16, mean±SD: (6±4), the overall sex ratio among adult individuals is about 2:1 (female/male) . The François’ langurs mainly distributed on both sides of the valley regions where from Meijiang River to Shuicui River and to the Tiechang River (22 groups,154 individuals) within the reserve, and 97. 00% of the individuals inhabited within the range of DNNR, of which about 86. 75% of the individuals distributed within the buffer area within the distance of 1 km from the river axis. Our study can provide basic information for the subsequent long-term population monitoring and for better conservation management of François’ langurs in DNNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) are a core component of conservation policy and practice. However, many species for which they are designated are highly mobile, and may move among sites within and beyond PA boundaries. Environmental impacts on sites beyond those boundaries could thus impact the PA's protected populations, with the risk of adversely affecting its conservation objectives. Conservationists therefore urgently need tools to assess impacts on PAs and their populations of developments beyond their boundaries. We present a framework for using network analysis of observations of marked individuals to assess the protection footprint of PAs in the wider landscape and the impact footprint of developments within or neighboring PAs. We illustrate the use of this framework by assessing the impact of a current airport development proposal on a partially protected wetland, the Tagus estuary in Portugal, specifically by evaluating the extent of noise disturbance on the PA's population of Black‐tailed Godwits, a protected migratory wader species. By analyzing individual movements between sites and across seasons, we find disturbance impacts on up to 68.3% of individual Black‐tailed Godwits overall, greatly exceeding the estimates of 0.46–5.5% in the airport's Environmental Impact Assessments which derived from count data. We then compared the pre‐development network with simulated networks that represented two levels of site avoidance by removing sites predicted to receive noise in excess of two thresholds, 55 or 65 dB(A). Avoidance by Godwits of the potentially‐impacted sites is predicted to have a larger effect on network structure than removing the same number of sites at random, suggesting that an airport in the proposed location would operate as a barrier to connectivity in this wetland. We also highlight the role that network analyses of locations of marked individuals can play in assessing environmental impacts on protected sites and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of marine protected areas is one of the important measures to protect the marine ecological environment and natural resources. It is an inevitable choice to build a community with a shared future for the ocean to further promote the construction of a natural reserve system with national parks as the main body, meet challenges in protecting nature, and achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean. This paper sorts out and defines the basic concepts and classifications of marine protected areas in China, the paper also analyzes the current situation and challenges of marine reserves construction in China in detail, and then puts forward some countermeasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World natural heritage sites are some of the most important and valuable protected areas in the world, and their designation aims to give recognition to the uniqueness and protect the integrity of the sites, which are ofglobal outstanding universal value. Understanding the global uniqueness and value of natural heritage will help to better manage and protect them, support the functioning of ecosystems, and promote sustainable development of humans and nature. A systematic review was conducted to determine the potential for the Hainan tropical rainforest to become a world natural heritage site. Based on a large number of literatures,we took the native plants, animals and vegetation communities of Hainan's potential natural world heritage site(Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park)as the research objects, and evaluated the global outstanding universal value of Hainan's potential natural world heritage site from the aspects of biological ecological processes such as vegetation types, species diversity, fauna composition and endemic species. The results are as follows:(1)Hainan potential world natural heritage site has 3 653 vascular plant species. There are 540 species of terrestrial vertebrates, which account for 10%-30% of the wild animal species in the country. This indicates that biodiversity in this area is extremely high.(2)The flora found in the Hainan tropical rainforest is unique. Vegetation on Hainan Island can be categorized in the Indo-Malay rainforest group, and within the Malay region, and vegetation is tropical in nature and has a common origin with the South China mainland. This is indicative of the transition between the South China flora into the Asian rainforest.(3)The plant species specificity of flora is lower, there are only seven endemic genera in the flora, and about one out of every 10 species is endemic to the island. Lower specificity shows some characteristics of continental origin and the flora on the island are an irreplaceable element of biodiversity, and make up a valuable ecosystem. This study clarifies the outstanding universal values of the Hainan tropical rainforest and makes the case using empirical scientific evidence for nominating this area as a world natural heritage site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is the material basis for human survival. At present, the conservation of biodiversity is mainly carried out through nature reserves. As an essential supplement to the existing nature reserve systems in China, the mini reserve is an essential means to connect fragmented habitats for animals and plants and maintain the integrity of ecosystems. This study systematically collates and analyzes the organizational structure, system construction, daily work, and preliminary results of the community-based Qu'nan mini reserve through a literature review and field investigations. The results are as follows: (1) The construction of the Qu'nan mini reserve is based on the mindset of “self-construction, self-financing, self-management, and self-benefit”. It is managed mainly by “equal discussion and democratic consultation” which has been recognized and supported by local community residents, the local government, and the outside world. (2) The establishment, construction, and development of the mini reserve have not only enhance the protection awareness of community residents and increase the number and diversity of surrounding animal and plant populations. It also improves the living environment of the Qu'nan community and enriches the spiritual culture of residents, significantly contributing to the protection of local biodiversity and traditional culture. In addition, this paper also discusses the hidden dangers in the construction of conservation communities. Some feasible suggestions are proposed to provide a reference for developing biodiversity conservation and other mini reserves in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the current situation of human-wildlife conflict in the communities surrounding Gansu Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve and to inform solutions for such conflicts within the nature reserve, a survey was conducted in the surrounding communities in 2021. Results showed that Sus scrofa and Ursus thibetanus were the main species involved in human-wildlife conflicts within the reserve, and Zea mays ranked first as the most damaged crop. There were also several cases of wildlife causing personal injuries. Protective measures primarily consisted of community residents' fencing and warning decoys, but the protective effect was ineffective. Due to insufficient financial support, the majority of the relevant compensation policies were not implemented, resulting in thus affecting the effectiveness of protection and spontaneous protection efforts. According to the reswlts, some specific suggestions were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the protected area (PA) covers >15% of the planet's terrestrial land area and continues to expand, factors determining its effectiveness in conserving endangered species are being debated. We investigated the links between direct anthropogenic pressures, socioeconomic settings, and the coverage of vertebrate taxa by China's PA network, and indicated that high socioeconomic status and low levels of human pressure correlate with high species coverage, with threatened mammals more effectively conserved than reptiles or amphibians. Positive links between conservation outcomes and socioeconomic progress appear linked to local livelihood improvements triggering positive perceptions of local PAs—aided further by ecological compensation and tourism schemes introduced in wealthy areas and reinforced by continued positive conservation outcomes. Socioeconomic development of China's less developed regions might assist regional PA efficiency and achievement of the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while also addressing potential shortcomings from an insufficient past focus on socioeconomic impacts for biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a data set resulting from the first round of a national monitoring program of forest reserves. It contains 9538 permanent plots, distributed across 111 study sites in mainland France (including Corsica). Notably focusing on dead wood measurement, this protocol has primarily been applied in strict forest reserves and special nature reserves (sensu Bollmann & Braunisch 2013), with 68% (6494) of the plots being currently located in strict forest reserves (unmanaged) and 24.7% (2363 plots) in forests unmanaged for at least 50 years. Sites cover a large variety of ecological conditions, from lowland to subalpine forests, but with an underrepresentation of Mediterranean forests (Table 1). The protocol assesses all the stages of a tree's life cycle, from seedling to decomposed lying dead wood. On each plot, a combination of three sampling techniques was used: (1) fixed‐area inventory for regeneration, standing dead trees, living trees, and coarse woody debris (CWD) with diameter over 30 cm; (2) transect lines for CWD with diameter <30 cm; and (3) fixed‐angle plot method for living trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) >30 cm (using a relascopic angle of 3%). Measurements include exact tree location (azimuth, distance), species, diameter(s), tree‐related microhabitats, decay stage and bark cover, and seedling cover. With ongoing climate change, the program network can also provide important information to monitor changes in forest ecosystems. It can also be used as forest management monitoring or conservation status assessment. These data are freely available for noncommercial scientific use (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 CC BY SA 4.0) with attribution, and this paper must be cited if this material is reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas provide essential habitats for wildlife by conserving natural and semi‐natural habitats and reducing human disturbance. However, whether breeding birds vulnerable to nest predation can benefit from strict land management in the protected area is unclear. Here, we compare the nesting performance of two groups of a ground‐nesting shorebird, the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), in the protected area (Liaohekou Natural Reserve, hereinafter PA), and the control non‐protected area (non‐PA) around the Liaohekou Natural Reserve, in the north of the Yellow Sea, China, and identify which environmental factors, such as nesting habitat and nest materials, influence the daily nest survival rate (DSR). We found similar nesting habitats in both study areas, dominated by bare land or Suaeda salsa grassland. However, DSR was lower in PA (0.91 ± 0.01) than in non‐PA (0.97 ± 0.01). Kentish plovers nesting in areas with vegetation cover experienced lower DSR than in bare lands in both areas, and nests built with materials of S. salsa sticks had the lowest DSR in the bare land. Data from infrared cameras confirmed relatively higher predator abundances and nest predation rates by nocturnal mammals, such as Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), in PA than in non‐PA, and this pattern was especially evident for plover nests located in S. salsa grassland. Our results suggest that Liaohekou Natural Reserve protected area may not necessarily provide safe nesting sites for Kentish plovers due to the abundance of generalist mammal nest predators. However, the PA includes about 80% of the nests from both locations. This means the contribution of the total number of successful nests continues to be much higher within PA, with the benefit for the species that this brings in terms of conservation. The variation and mechanisms underlying differences in the nest predator communities of PA and non‐PA deserve further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature reserves are among the most bio-diverse regions worldwide, and rapid and accurate identification is a requisite for their management. Based on the multi-temporal Sentinel-2 dataset, this study presents three multi-temporal modified vegetation indices (the multi-temporal modified normalized difference Quercus wutaishanica index (MTM-NDQI), the multi-temporal modified difference scrub grass index (MTM-DSI), and the multi-temporal modified ratio shaw index (MTM-RSI)) to improve the classification accuracy of the remote sensing of vegetation in the Lingkong Mountain Nature Reserve of China (LMNR). These three indices integrate the advantages of both the typical vegetation indices and the multi-temporal remote sensing data. By using the proposed indices with a uni-temporal modified vegetation index (the uni-temporal modified difference pine-oak mixed forest index (UTM-DMI)) and typical vegetation indices (e.g., the ratio vegetation index (RVI), the difference vegetation index (DVI), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)), an optimal feature set is obtained that includes the NDVI of December, the NDVI of April, and the UTM-DMI, MTM-NDQI, MTM-DSI, and MTM-RSI. The overall accuracy (OA) of the random forest classification (98.41%) and Kappa coefficient of the optimal feature set (0.98) were higher than those of the time series NDVI (OA = 96.03%, Kappa = 0.95), the time series RVI (OA = 95.56%, Kappa = 0.95), and the time series DVI (OA = 91.27%, Kappa = 0.90). The OAs of the rapid classification and the Kappa coefficient of the knowledge decision tree based on the optimal feature set were 95.56% and 0.95, respectively. Meanwhile, only three of the seven vegetation types were omitted or misclassified slightly. Overall, the proposed vegetation indices have advantages in identifying the vegetation types in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextualization: Moriche palms are strategic ecosystems because they store a large amount of organic carbon, contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases, and to the softening of climate change. Knowledge gap: The estimation of carbon reserves in moriche palms ecosystems have not been studied in the Colombian Orinoquia. Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the carbon stocks in biomass, necromass and soil in a conserved morichal from the Colombian savanna. Methodology: Three sectors with different predominant phenological stage were sampled: senescent, adult, and juvenile palms, and in each sector two transects were established, which were divided into two subplots [interior and ecotone]. For the measurement of aerial biomass, individuals of M. flexuosa with diameter at breast height (DBH) >10 cm and tree and shrub species with DBH>2.5 cm were measured; pastures were included in the ecotone. Necromass was evaluated considering the fall, the one that remains standing and the particulate. In both compartments allometric equations were applied and multiplied by the carbon factor. Soil organic carbon stocks were estimated at two depths [0.0 - 0.30 m and 0.30 - 0.60 m]. Results and conclusions: The results show that the carbon stock in a conserved moriche palm of the Colombian savanna reaches 590.8 Mg C/ha. The soil presented the highest contribution with 436.5 Mg C/ha [74% of the total], followed by the biomass and necromass 119.4 and 35.0 Mg C/ha], 20 and 6 % of the total. These results show the fundamental role of moriche palms ecosystems as carbon sinks and their importance for climate change mitigation, also providing other environmental benefits for communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores and documents the Eocene limestones from the Albeşti village (Argeş County, Romania) in terms of the relationship between geology, geoheritage and cultural heritage. Known as the Albeşti Limestone/Stone, this rock, extracted from small quarries, has been used for centuries in the construction of an impressive number of public buildings, monuments, houses, etc. Nowadays, many of them are on the List of the Historical Monuments of Romania; one is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (Horezu Monastery, Vâlcea County). The findings of this research are synthesized and presented in several maps resulted from integration of published and unpublished data with our field survey. The study emphasis the Albeşti Limestone both as an important geoheritage (the Albeşti Nummulitic Limestone Nature Reserve, established in 1954) and a significant heritage stone of national interest that could have a substantial role in heritage preservation, geoeducation, and geotourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem statement. The quality of the surface water and ecological condition plays a big role in ecosystems, especially in the hydrochemical regime. The chemical composition and mineralization of river water are in a dynamic link and are formed under the influence of many external factors. Therefore, under the influence of the latter, there was a need to study the hydrochemical composition of the water reserve, which was an urgent issue of the work. The purpose of the research: comprehensive ecological, hydro-chemical analysis of the state of the rivers of the «Drevlyanskyi» nature reserve for the optimization of environmental protection measures, monitoring, eco-safety and preservation of the biodiversity of hydrobionts. Research methodology. Conducting research on water quality was based on classical, generally accepted methods: field research, literature review, laboratory research, analysis of the obtained results. Results. According to research, it was established that within the nature reserve in the summer-autumn period, the water of the main Uzh River and its tributary is moderately fresh in terms of mineralization (0.1–0.6 g/dm³), neutral in pH, and has a hydrocarboncalcium chemical composition. Insignificant waterlogging of landscapes determines the low content of ammonium nitrogen and dissolved iron in river water. The Zvizdal and Osliv rivers are exception where eutrophication is observed which cauces high runoff of organic substances. It was also investigated that During the summer-autumn period of low water the water contained small amounts of microelements and heavy metals (with the exception of Fe, Mn) which don’t exceed the established sanitary-hygienic maximum allowable concentrations. According to the classification proposed by O.O. Alekin all-natural waters are divided into three classes. According to the content of the main ions and the mineralization of the water, it was analyzed that the water bodies of the nature reserve belong to the calcium hydrogen-carbonate, class of type III. In the water bodies of the nature reserve Drevlianskyi there are water subtypes IIIa-IIIb. The last differ from each other by the presence of magnesium hydrogen carbonate Mg(HCO3)2 in IIIa and calcium sulfate CaSO4 in IIIb. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of surface waters in radiation-contaminated territories was carried out under the conditions of complete bequest. Practical significance and research perspectives. The practical value of the research materials lies in the further monitoring of hydroecosystems, the substantiation of environmental protection measures, and the results will be used in the annual "Chronicle of the Nature" program of the reserve for the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural protected areas and payments for environmental services are conservation mechanisms that lead environmental policies worldwide. Therefore, policymakers are faced with the choice of the effectiveness of conservation mechanisms and their evaluation of how to achieve this without compromising the well-being of the populations that live within those territories. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing payment mechanisms for ecosystem services in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge. The methodology included the identification, evaluation, and economic valuation of the prioritized ecosystem services according to three criteria: contribution to the local economy, availability of information to carry out the economic valuation, and the plausibility of implementing activities regarding the objectives of the Master Plan. The results indicate that there is the possibility of implementing retribution for ecosystem services in the provision of tara pods (Caesalpinea spinosa) and recreational tourist services associated with the habitat of the white-winged guan (Penelope albipennis). Thus, it was estimated that the total economic value generated by these ecosystem services amounts to USD 12 389 per year and it is evident that it is possible to make remuneration mechanisms for ecosystem services viable in natural protected areas as long as there is a significant population of contributors and that the provision of goods is recognized by the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background Under the background of the construction and management system reform of nature reserves in China, it is of great practical significance to promote the sustainable development of nature reserves by deeply exploring the influence mechanism of tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors. (2) Methods Based on the theory of "cognition-affection-conation", the research hypotheses were proposed. The tourists who had been to Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve were selected as the objects to which the questionnaires were issued, and 347 valid questionnaires were finally obtained. Partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to test the reliability, direct effect, mediating effect and moderating effect of the data in order to explore the influence mechanism of authenticity on the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors in Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve. (3) Results First, the effect of objective authenticity on the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors is not obvious, but its effect on place identity and place attachment is significantly positive. Objective authenticity can indirectly influence the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors through the mediating effect of place identity or place attachment. Second, authenticity has a significant positive effect on the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors, place identity and place attachment, and can indirectly influence the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors through the mediating effect of place identity or place attachment. Third, place identity has a significant positive effect on the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors, while place attachment has a significant positive effect on place identity. In addition, the feeling of reverence can suppress the negative influence of the tourists due to the objective authenticity and significantly promote the positive effect of objective authenticity on the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors. Place identity plays an important mediating role between authenticity and the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors. (4) Conclusions and Discussions-Protecting the authenticity of nature reserves can enhance the tourists' place attachment and thus strengthen their environmental responsibility behaviors. Meanwhile, strengthening the tourists' place identity to nature reserves can have a spillover effect on the tourists' environmental protection behaviors in their production and life, and promote the construction of ecological civilization in China. In addition, the tourists' feeling of reverence towards nature reserves is different, and its positive effect of objective authenticity on the tourists' environmental responsibility behaviors is also different. Based on this, the following policy suggestions are proposed: First, increase capital investment to protect the objective authenticity of nature reserves. Second, develop diversified tourism products and continuously improve the quality of the products so that the tourists can have emotional identification. At the same time, enhance the tourists' emotional experience, strengthen the interaction between human and nature, guide the tourists to truly experience the sense of self-existence, so as to form place identity and place attachment to the nature reserves. Third, enhance the appeal and shock of natural landscapes to the tourists through VR technology and artificial intelligence technology, play the educational role of ecological products through realistic data, videos and pictures, or reshape the whole regional ecological environment in the tourist distribution center through virtual reality technology, so that the tourists can visit the scenic spots in an all-round way and from a full perspective, so as to evoke and enhance their feeling of reverence and continuously promote the tourists' environmental responsible behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protection of mangroves through nature reserves has been demonstrated to be effective. There were many studies evaluating the mangrove protection effect. However, the evaluation of mangrove growth quality with positive or negative growth trends, as well as restoration potential against disturbance in nature reserves, is still lacking. Thus, this study proposed a hierarchical evaluation framework for mangrove protection in nature reserves, which takes long-term metrics at three levels of loss and gain areas, patch pattern dynamics, and pixel growth trends into account. The continuous change detection and classification (CCDC) was utilized to identify the change condition of mangroves in six nature reserves of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The Entropy Weight Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was utilized for scores evaluation of protection effort comparison from 2000 to 2020. The study results had the following three main findings. Firstly, the mangrove forest area increased by about 294.66 ha in four reserves and slightly decreased by about 58.86 ha in two. Most reserves showed an improved patches intact pattern and more positive growth trends. Secondly, the establishment of nature reserves and afforestation were the main causes of mangrove area gain. Until 2010, aquaculture, agriculture, and urban development were the biggest threats to mangroves. Finally, the protection of the reserves was successful in the early decades, but the general evaluation scores showed a decline in recent years once we considered the growth trends for quality. The proposed hierarchical evaluation methods provide a new sight to research the impacts of abrupt change and protection resilience status of the gradual restoration of nature reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Previous studies have confirmed the effects of livestock grazing on the habitat use of ground-nesting birds, while little is known about the effects of livestock on their behaviour. In this study, we used camera traps to investigate the effects of livestock presence on the spatio-temporal patterns and behaviour of Reeves's Pheasant. We found that livestock presence altered the behavioural patterns of Reeves's Pheasant. The findings suggest the need to incorporate behavioural impacts into wildlife conservation. Protected areas are seeing an increase in anthropogenic disturbances in the world. Previous studies have demonstrated the impact of livestock grazing and human presence on the habitat use of birds, whereas little is known about the effect of free-ranging livestock on bird behaviour. Reeves's Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) is endemic to China and has been threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal logging, and human disturbance over the past 20 years. Based on camera trapping in the Liankangshan National Nature Reserve (LKS) and the Zhonghuashan Birds Provincial Nature Reserve (ZHS), we explore the effects of livestock grazing and human activities on the spatio-temporal distribution and behavioural patterns of Reeves's Pheasant. Livestock does not appear to affect habitat use by the pheasant but changes its behavioural patterns. In addition, pheasants in areas with livestock foraged mostly during the early morning, while in areas without livestock, they foraged at dusk. Therefore, the study concludes that livestock intensity in nature reserves may have reduced pheasant suitability through altered patterns of vigilance and foraging behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a species new to science called Phthiracarus paraferrugineus sp. nov., which was recorded in the nature reserve Cisy Staropolskie im. Leona Wyczółkowskiego in Wierzchlas. The authors also give information about new sites of occurrence and comments about the morphology of some species rarely found in Poland—Paratritia baloghi Moritz, 1966 (second record in Poland) and Euphthiracarus reticulatus (Berlese, 1913)—as well as several more common species (Phthiracarus bryobiusJacot, 1930, Phthiracarus clavatus Parry, 1979, Phthiracarus compressusJacot, 1930, Phthiracarus longulus C.L. Koch, 1841, Phthiracarus nitens Nicolet, 1855). The article also contains a description of a previously unknown developmental stage—the tritonymph of Acrotritia duplicata (Grandjejan, 1953). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies directly affect land-use change, which in turn, affects ecosystem services. In parallel with the implementation of a full-scale development program for the western region, the Chinese government has introduced a series of ecological protection and restoration strategies for development and construction. This study conducted a quantitative spatial evaluation of the ecosystem service value (ESV) of national nature reserves in the western region under this dual policy of development and protection. On the basis of land-use data and related evaluation parameters, fluctuations in the valuation of ecosystem services during 2000–2010 were analyzed in response to land-use changes under the comprehensive policy. Results showed that the increases in the areas of forestland and water bodies led to an increase of CNY 74.1 billion in the ESV from 2000 to 2010, equivalent to 2.02%. Grassland with increased production capacity and water bodies were the main factors driving the total ESV dynamics. Values of all ES increased significantly. Therefore, the ecological conservation and restoration policy, along with the development policy, had a positive influence on ecosystem services in the nature reserves in western China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the oomycete Phytophthora× cambivora in the decline affecting European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in the Nebrodi Regional Park (Sicily, southern Italy). In a survey of a beech forest stand in the heart of the park, Phytophthora× cambivora was the sole Phytophthora species recovered from the rhizosphere soil and fine roots of trees. Both A1 and A2 mating type isolates were found. Direct isolation from the stem bark of trees showing severe decline symptoms and bleeding stem cankers yielded exclusively P. gonapodyides, usually considered as an opportunistic pathogen. The mean inoculum density of P.× cambivora in the rhizosphere soil, as determined using the soil dilution plating method and expressed in terms of colony forming units (cfus) per gm of soil, the isolation frequency using leaf baiting, and the percentage of infected fibrous roots from 20 randomly selected beech trees with severe decline symptoms (50 to 100 foliage transparency classes) were 31.7 cfus, 80%, and 48.6%, respectively. These were significantly higher than the corresponding mean values of 20 asymptomatic or slightly declining trees, suggesting P.× cambivora is a major factor responsible for the decline in the surveyed stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed the vulnerability of habitats and species to climate change in Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve (NR), Vietnam. The vulnerability assessment tools for habitat and species were developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Community members, NR managers and experts in the fields of environment, economic and rural development were involved in this study. The results showed that saltwater intrusion and inundation could cause serious threats to habitats (i.e., open water, Lung, agricultural and Melaleuca habitats) and freshwater species. The combined impacts of drought and high temperature potentially increase forest fires for the Melaleuca habitat and decrease the quantity and quality of open water habitats. The Melaleuca and Lung habitats have a high baseline conservation status, in which Melaleuca habitats are more vulnerable than Lung habitats. Conversely, open water and agricultural habitats are at low baseline conservation status, but open water habitats are more vulnerable. In addition, the proliferation of invasive alien species, encroachment on agricultural cultivation, and the degradation of water quality are also great threats to the NR. Key species, including Melaleuca cajuputi, Elaeocarpus hygrophilus, Chitala ornate, Channa micropeltes, were at low threat of climate change. However, C. ornate and C. micropeltes are seriously endangered by seawater intrusion, drought and poor water quality. The findings of this study can provide essential information for NR managers to formulate water management plans for the protection and management of the habitats and species in Lung Ngoc Hoang NR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discovered a population of the Near Threatened Hume's Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) in the Ziyun County of Anshun City in 2016. Land and forestry administrators jointly proposed establishing a nature reserve for the conservation of this population. We conducted surveys and a habitat suitability assessment of this pheasant in support of the conservation strategy planning and proposed nature reserve. Our results suggest that this pheasant uses heavily disturbed, open canopy, broad-leaved forests at a certain distance to roads on northwest- to north-facing slopes. It also uses sparse canopy forests on moderate to steep slopes below elevations of 1,050 m near water. The use of heavily disturbed, open canopy forests of this pheasant population is not consistent with reports from the literature. This could be a response of this population to available disturbed habitat. This population may be part of an undiscovered population of the wildlife management units of Guangxi and Guizhou. Understanding habitat requirements of this species warrants further investigations, e.g., genetic tests such as sequencing of mitochondrial DNA to compare with other populations and assessment of its population status, patterns of habitat use, and interactions with heavily disturbed habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To grasp the current status of orchid diversity in main land nature reserves in Hainan and the key habitat factor restricting their development, conducted an investigation of orchid resource in the study area and analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of orchid diversity, the canonical correspondence analysis（CCA） was used to explore the influence of habitat factors on the composition of orchid, and finally the negative binomial regression under the framework of generalized linear model（GLM） was used to fit the response of the richness and abundance of orchid to habitat variation. The results are as follows:（1） A total of 193 species in 67 genera of orchids are found in the study area, which is the absolute center of the distribution of orchid in Hainan.（2） In the horizontal direction, Bawangling has high richness of orchid but relatively crowded population, while the largest elevation difference in Wuzhishan brings more diversified niche types and wide living spaces, giving birth to a rich and even distribution of orchid.（3） In the vertical direction, orchids are the most rich in mid-elevation area and the inter-species competition is fierce, while high-elevation area have obvious dominant groups.（4） The elevation factor has a very high explanatory rate for the variation of orchid composition, and the significant influence of karst and river valley landform can also not be ignored.（5） The comprehensive effect of multiple factors affects the diversity of orchid, among them, the significant positive effect of slope, valley landform, and karst landform and the significant negative effect of Liquidambar formosana forest are less affected by other covariate, which is the key habitat factor that drives change in the richness and abundance of orchid. In summary, middle and high elevation areas and special landforms（such as river valley and karst） should be considered as priority protection area for orchid diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the largest alpine peat swamp wetland distribution area in the world, the Zoige has important ecological functions, including water conservation and biodiversity maintenance. In the past 20 years, the regional ecological protection and restoration measures continuously strengthened under the leadership of the local government have led to gradual improvements in the ecological environment of the region. In this study, multisource satellite remote-sensing image data were used to carry out quantitative monitoring and assessment of the main ecological elements (vegetation and water), as well as the regional leading ecosystem service function in the Zoige. Combined with local ecological protection management policies and measures, we analyzed the characteristics and effectiveness of ecological protection. We compared the ecosystem change trends of the Zoige reserve and the county, from 2001 to 2020, and found that the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) of Zoige county has increased at a rate of 0.25%/year. The growth rate was highest between 2015 and 2020, and the growth rate of FVC in the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve is approximately 1.89-fold that of the whole county. The water area also shows similar variation characteristics. On the whole, the water conservation capacity of the Zoige showed a significant increase from 2001 to 2020. We used high-resolution satellite remote-sensing images to capture the details of land use changes brought about by local ecological protection policies and measures, and together with macroecological indicators, we reflected on the effectiveness of regional ecological protection measures. We observed that the ecological effects of nature reserves are more direct and rapid, and the amount of water conservation within the nature reserve is about 1 × 104 m3/km2 higher than that of the surrounding grasslands. Satellite remote-sensing images can not only capture the multiscale change information of ecological indicators, such as vegetation and water, in a timely manner, but can also help us to identify the effectiveness of conservation measures by distinguishing and analyzing the causes of these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Forest animals can be used as a sensitive indicator of the real state of biodiversity. The research objective was to study the potential of drone planes equipped with thermal infrared imaging cameras for large animal monitoring in the conditions of Siberian winter forests with snow background at temperatures of −5 °C to −30 °C. The surveyed territory included the Salair State Nature Reserve in the Kemerovo Region, Russia. Drone planes were effective in covering large areas, while thermal infrared cameras provided accurate information in the harsh winter conditions of Siberia. The research featured the population of the European elk (Alces alces), which is gradually deteriorating due to poaching and deforestation. The designed technical methods and analytic algorithms are cost-efficient and they can be applied for monitoring large areas of Siberian, Canadian and Alaskan winter forests. There are two main reasons for monitoring the population of forest animals. First, regular surveys reveal the real state of biodiversity. Second, they guarantee a prompt response to any negative environmental factor that affects the animal population and make it possible to eliminate the threat before any permanent damage is done. The research objective was to study the potential of drone planes equipped with thermal infrared imaging cameras for large animal monitoring in the conditions of Siberian winter forests with snow background at temperatures −5 °C to −30 °C. The surveyed territory included the Salair State Nature Reserve in the Kemerovo Region, Russia. Drone planes were effective in covering large areas, while thermal infrared cameras provided accurate statistics in the harsh winter conditions of Siberia. The research featured the population of the European elk (Alces alces), which is gradually deteriorating due to poaching and deforestation. The authors developed an effective methodology for processing the data obtained from drone-mounted thermal infrared cameras. The research provided reliable results concerning the changes in the elk population on the territory in question. The use of drone planes proved an effective means of ungulate animal surveying in snow-covered winter forests. The designed technical methods and analytic algorithms are cost-efficient and they can be applied for monitoring large areas of Siberian and Canadian winter forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funding for protected areas is limited and recurrent costs associated with managing these sites must be considered in planning their acquisition. However, most conservation planning studies either ignore management costs or use snapshot estimates, even though they vary through time. We surveyed expenditures on management made over 15 years for 37 protected areas in the Appalachians that were established by a large land trust (TNC). These management costs varied greatly through both time and space. We explored what ecological and socioeconomic characteristics explain this variation. Management costs increased with site area but exhibited economies of scale. They were also greater for sites presenting a more rugged terrain and surrounded by a denser combination of roads and urban areas. Prescribed burns were strong drivers of expenditures in the years they occur, while acquisition costs were negatively correlated to subsequent expenditures on management. Land managers felt that protected areas that received less management effort were in worse condition and tended to spend more on areas with greater estimated species richness. Better accounting of how management costs vary in space and time can help conservation organizations allocate their limited resources effectively and to evaluate the likely long‐term cost implications of expanding protected area networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands are crucial ecosystem biomes for breeding livestock and combatting climate change. By 2018, the national nature reserves (NNRs) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) had constituted 8.55% of the land area. However, there is still a knowledge gap about their effectiveness in grasslands. Based on a multiyear time series of the growing season composite from 2000 to 2020, we proposed an effectiveness score to assess the effectiveness of the NNRs, using the 250 m MOD13Q1 NDVI data with Theil–Sen and Mann–Kendall trend analysis methods. We found the following: 22 of 30 NNRs were deemed effective in protecting the Inner Mongolian grasslands. The NNRs increased pixels with a sustainable trend 19.26% and 20.55% higher than the unprotected areas and the IMAR, respectively. The pixels with a CVNDVI < 0.1 (i.e., NDVI coefficient of variation) in the NNRs increased >35.22% more than those in the unprotected areas and the IMAR. The NDVI changes within the NNRs showed that 63.64% of NNRs had a more significant trend of greening than before the change point, which suggests a general greening in NNRs. We also found that the NNRs achieved heterogeneous effectiveness scores across protection types. Forest ecology protection and wildlife animal protection types are the most efficient, whereas wildlife vegetation protection is the least effective type. This study enriches the understanding of grassland conservation and sheds light on the future direction of the sustainable management of NNRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolation techniques supplemented by sequencing of DNA from axenic cultures have provided a robust methodology for the study of Phytophthora communities in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Recently, metabarcoding approaches have emerged as new paradigms for the detection of Phytophthora species in environmental samples. In this study, Illumina DNA metabarcoding and a conventional leaf baiting isolation technique were compared to unravel the variability of Phytophthora communities in different environments. Overall, 39 rhizosphere soil samples from a natural, a semi-natural and a horticultural small-scale ecosystem, respectively, were processed by both baiting and metabarcoding. Using both detection techniques, 28 out of 39 samples tested positive for Phytophthora. Overall, 1,406,613 Phytophthora internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequences and 155 Phytophthora isolates were obtained, which grouped into 21 taxa, five retrieved exclusively by baiting (P. bilorbang; P. cryptogea; P. gonapodyides; P. parvispora and P. pseudocryptogea), 12 exclusively by metabarcoding (P. asparagi; P. occultans; P. psycrophila; P. syringae; P. aleatoria/P. cactorum; P. castanetorum/P. quercina; P. iranica-like; P. unknown sp. 1; P. unknown sp. 2; P. unknown sp. 3; P. unknown sp. 4; P. unknown sp. 5) and four with both techniques (P. citrophthora, P. multivora, P. nicotianae and P. plurivora). Both techniques complemented each other in describing the variability of Phytophthora communities from natural and managed ecosystems and revealing the presence of rare or undescribed Phytophthora taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature reserves regulate the genetic conservation of endangered wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Since honey bees are severely threatened, understanding the role of nature reserves in protecting their genetic variation is necessary. This study used two robust mitochondrial genetic markers (tRNAleu ~ COII and COI) to analyze the genetic structure of the eastern honey bee Apis cerana Fabricius in and around Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China. Private and new reported haplotypes were identified in 197 honey bee colonies in the study area. Based on the network, phylogenetic tree, structure analysis, low F-statistics (0.01251 in tRNAleu ~ COII, 0.00738 in COI), and great gene flow (35.17 in tRNAleu ~ COII, 129.82 in COI), all the honey bees inside and outside Fanjingshan Nature Reserve revealed private haplotypes without genetic differentiation between them. We speculated that the nature reserve played a limited positive role in protecting eastern bee genetic resources since no specific population was formed until now. However, new private haplotypes were discovered inside the reserve. This work demonstrates the impact of nature reserves on honey bee genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive sulfur and nitrogen deposition is a threat to natural ecosystems. This study investigated the spatio-temporal changes of wet sulfur and nitrogen deposition in Jiuzhaigou to understand the responses of wet deposition chemistry to local and national air pollutant emission changes and to assess relevant ecological risks. The results show that local emission sources (e.g., tourism, post-earthquake reconstruction, and vegetation damages) largely elevated the concentrations of SO 4 2−, NO 3 −, NH 4 +, and Ca2+ at the non-background sites during 2021–2022; However, the gaps of annual sulfur and nitrogen wet deposition fluxes among the background, semi-background, and non-background sites were reduced by annual precipitation. The pH was also higher at the non-background sites due to stronger acid neutralization capacities from crustal dust there, and acid precipitation (pH < 5.6) was not detected at all the sites. During the 2010 to 2022 period, the wet deposition of SO 4 2− and TIN (i.e. total inorganic nitrogen) and the equivalent ratio of SO 4 2−: NO 3 − generally presented a declining trend at the background and semi-background sites, as a result of regional and national emission reductions. The TIN reduction from 2015 to 2016 to 2021–2022 at the background site was more from wet NH 4 + deposition and the site's NO 3 − concentrations and fluxes were relatively stable. Compared to the critical loads (CLs) of sulfur and nitrogen for acidification and eutrophication, the annual wet and wet+dry deposition fluxes of sulfur and nitrogen were lower in almost the entire watershed, except for the CL min of nitrogen for acidification in considerable areas. However, all the wet deposition samples were calcite-unsaturated and had annual TIN concentrations higher than the national environmental standard of total nitrogen for surface water. More field investigations are needed to better assess the ecological risks. [Display omitted] • Acid precipitation (pH < 5.60) was not observed during 2021–2022. • National emission controls decreased acid deposition at the background site. • Local human emissions enhanced acid deposition at the non-background sites. • Alkaline dust well buffered the acidity of precipitation. • CLs were not violated in almost the entire watershed, except for the CL min of nitrogen for acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dolok Tinggi Raja Nature Reserve (CA) is a conservation area with an area of 202.4 m, which is located in Dolok Merawa Village, Silou Kahean District, Simalungun Regency. This Nature Reserve is an area with a tropical rain forest ecosystem that is lush green with a composition of diverse tree species. Study of species diversity is very necessary to obtain up-to-date data on the potential that exists in the conservation area. The purpose of this research is to determine the number of species, Important Value Index and species diversity as a conservation area. Collecting data using systematic sampling method. Take 50 plots with details, 20 x 20 meter plots for tree level, 10 x 10 meters for pole level, 5 x 5 meters for sapling level and 2 x 2 meters for seedling level. The results of the research of the Dolok Tinggi Raja Nature Reserve have 207 types of vegetation spread at the seedling level as many as 34 species, 68 sapling levels, 56 pole levels, and 49 species tree levels. trees, and saplings have moderate diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a scientific point of view, most paleontological sites in Dobrogea are well documented in terms of scientific value (fossil content and geological framework, educational, aesthetic and even commercial value, as described in previous works) and in terms of area (established by law: surface, location). This paper brings an update of some sites in the Dobrogea Highland in terms of their conservation state and degree of in situ signalling, and proposes three new fossil sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On the premise that the protection of natural ecology and biodiversity is prioritized, the development of forest health services using the inherent superior resource conditions of nature reserves is an important measure to implement the "two mountains" theory and realize the transformation and development of forestry.Therefore, under the premise of protecting the natural ecological environment, the study explores the development potential of forest health services in nature reserves, analyzes the feasibility of developing forest health services in nature reserves, and proposes feasible paths for the development of forest health services on this basis.Provide reference for ecological environment protection and full utilization of resources in nature reserves. Results: The study mainly explored the potential and feasibility of developing forest health services in nature reserves.On the one hand, in terms of the development potential of forest health services in nature reserves, nature reserves have the following four development potentials: first, the supply capacity of forest health resources is relatively strong; second, the prospect of the forest health market is broad; Thirdly, the industrial policy support for forest rehabilitation is strong; fourth, forest rehabilitation and rural revitalization are mutually linked.On the other hand, the feasible conditions for forest health and maintenance services in nature reserves are mainly discussed in terms of resources and economy and society.The forest coverage rate and greening rate of nature reserves are extremely high, and the superior ecological environment can reduce the adverse effects of radiation on the human body.Nature reserve has a strong value of carbon fixation and oxygen release.For example, the forest ecosystem of Junzifeng National Nature Reserve has an annual carbon fixation of 110, 107.59 t, a total oxygen release of 251, 156.80 t, and an annual carbon fixation per unit area of 6.28 t·hm-2, the annual oxygen release per unit area is 14.32 t·hm-2, with a high degree of negative oxygen, it can purify the air and has an auxiliary effect on the human skin, breathing, digestion and circulatory system.Nature reserve has a more suitable climatic environment, which is suitable for different groups of people for leisure and vacation, self-cultivation, physical and mental health, and health care.Abundant natural resources and suitable natural environment provide necessary conditions for the development of forest health industry in nature reserves.In terms of economy and society, the expansion of markets for health care, elderly care services, and leisure tourism has provided a good economic and social foundation for the development of health care services in nature reserves. Conclusions: With the continuous advancement of the comprehensive revitalization of China's rural areas, the new development model centered on forest health services has demonstrated its value in the rational development and utilization of resources in nature reserves.Therefore, it is necessary to further study and consider the possibility and potential of the development of forest health services in nature reserves, and find a way to achieve it.in the realization of the path, the study believes that the development of nature can be achieved through continuous creation of a high-quality forest health environment, development of characteristic forest health brands, training of professional forest health personnel, and promotion of the effective connection of forest health and rural revitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, along with other countries in the Global South, the number of national parks is rapidly increasing. The primary objectives of this increase are to protect global biodiversity and ecosystem services. These national parks are often established in areas rich in biodiversity and abundant in cultural diversity. Current conservation policies and practices take some considerations of cultural ecosystem services (CES). Despite these efforts, many policies and practices do not meaningfully incorporate local voices in conservation and development endeavors, but rather merely select conservation as an ambiguous goal, or focus on promoting the recreational or touristic value of a local region. Meaningfully incorporating CES into conservation measures thus presents a global challenge. Using empirically grounded case studies in Pudacuo National Park in the Tibetan region of Southwest China as an example, this research documents the processes by which CES were incorporated into both conservation efforts and the construction of this national park. We argue that examining CES should be contextualized via the exploration of cultural practices within specific locales. Incorporating CES can contribute to the success of conservation efforts, and this incorporation can also meet local spiritual and religious needs. The policy implication emerging from this research is that the current policies that guide the development of national parks in China and beyond must recognize local cultural practices and consider local cultural needs to highlight inclusivity when planning conservation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regardless of government action, resource ownership and control in the tourism industry are a contentious terrain in community participation in South Africa post-1994. The case study of Molemane Eye Nature Reserve was utilized to determine the impact of resource ownership and power on community engagement. For the communities, a quantitative research method was used, with convenience sample used to deliver 354 structured questionnaires. Indepth interviews with all eight reserve employees were done for the reserve. For quantitative data, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 was used, whereas for qualitative data, thematic analyses were used. Challenges include a lack of resources, a lack of awareness of existing resources, and the reserve's failure to incorporate these resources into its business plan. Partnership and collaboration, as well as acknowledgement of existing community resources and a shared understanding of resource ownership and control by both sides, can help to reduce the top-down approach while still encouraging sustainability and active engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a discipline distinct from ecology, conservation biology emerged in the 1980s as a rigorous science focused on protecting biodiversity. Two algorithmic breakthroughs in information processing made this possible: place-prioritization algorithms and geographical information systems. They provided defensible, data-driven methods for designing reserves to conserve biodiversity that obviated the need for largely intuitive and highly problematic appeals to ecological theory at the time. But the scientific basis of these achievements and whether they constitute genuine scientific progress has been criticized. We counter by pointing out important inaccuracies about the science and rejecting the apparent theory-first focus. More broadly, the case study reveals significant limitations of the predominant epistemic-semantic conceptions of scientific progress and the considerable merits of pragmatic, practically-oriented accounts. • Two algorithmic breakthroughs in information processing transformed conservation biology into a rigorous, data-driven science. • Place-prioritization algorithms and GIS replaced problematically intuitive and appeals to ecological theory. • Criticisms that such advances don't constitute progress involve errors about the science, and presume a theory-first focus. • This case study reveals significant limitations of predominant epistemic-semantic conceptions of scientific progress. • Instead, it reveals the considerable merits of pragmatic, practically-oriented accounts of progress in science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing protected areas (PAs) is an essential strategy to reduce biodiversity loss. However, many PAs do not provide adequate protection due to poor funding, inadequate staffing and equipment, and ineffective management. As part of China's recent economic growth, the Chinese government has significantly increased investment in nature reserves over the past 20 years, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate whether PAs can protect threatened species effectively. We compiled data from published literature on populations of gibbons (Hylobatidae), a threatened taxon with cultural significance, that occurred in Chinese reserves after 1980. We evaluated the ability of these PAs to maintain gibbon habitat and populations by comparing forest cover and human disturbance between reserves and their surrounding areas and modeling the impact of reserve characteristics on gibbon population trends. We also assessed the perspective of reserve staff concerning PA management effectiveness through an online survey. Reserves effectively protected gibbon habitat by reducing forest loss and human disturbance; however, half the reserves lost their gibbon populations since being established. Gibbons were more likely to survive in reserves established more recently, at higher elevation, with less forest loss and lower human impact, and that have been relatively well studied. A larger initial population size in the 1980s was positively associated with gibbon persistence. Although staff of all reserves reported increased investment and improved management over the past 20–30 years, no relationship was found between management effectiveness and gibbon population trends. We suggest early and emphatic intervention is critical to stop population decline and prevent extinction. Article impact statement: Protected areas in China effectively protect gibbon habitat but not gibbon populations, even with increased investment in recent decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for assessing the response of biota to climatic changes in the ecosystem has been tested. In the Central Forest Natural Biosphere Reserve, the average annual air temperature between 1990 and 2019 was 4.8 ± 0.13°C (increasing at a rate of 0.35°C per 10 years), and the amount of precipitation was 781 ± 22.9 mm/year (22.6 mm per 10 years). A significant change in the timing of the seasonal activity has been determined for 11 phenological phenomena in nine bird species (52%). The clustering of phenological events in birds depends on the pattern of their seasonal migrations, the effect of agro- and hydrometeorological and trophic factors, and on whether spring or autumn phenological dates are used. Along with multivariate statistical methods, the integral index based on the standardized deviation makes it possible to unify the meteorological series and phenological traits on a biologically and statistically sound basis for improving the sensitivity of indicative properties of the biota under conditions of climatogenic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmcnt.J problems such as water shortage, lake shrinkage, biodivers ity reduction mHl the degradation of ccologic

The Eastern Arc Mountains are one of the most important ecosystems that conserve biodiversity in the world. These ecosystems are threatened by the increasing occurrence of wildfires. Nevertheless, there is inadequate information useful for the development of effective strategies to prevent or respond to future fires. This paper analyses the current extent of dry season fires, underlying causes and the effectiveness of the fire management strategy being implemented in and around the Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve (UNFR) between 2016 and 2021. Differenced Normalised Burn Ratio derived from Landsat satellite images was applied to determine the extent of burned areas, and focus group discussions were held to determine the underlying causes of fires and the extent of implementation of fire management strategies. About 2% (472 ha) of reserved UNFR and 5% (2,854 ha) of unreserved forests were burned in 2017. Some of the fires impacted on 60% (370 ha) of the grassy Lukwangule plateau, which is home to a fire‐sensitive endemic species. The underlying causes of fires varied spatially across the mountains but generally, fire escaping from farm preparation and hunting activities were found to be the most prevalent. On average, survey participants perceived that fire management strategy objectives were achieved by only 29% mainly constrained by a shortage of financial and human resources. Our findings suggest that ignitions and fire spread in UNFR could be prevented or controlled through sustainable funding of fire management activities and the effective engagement of local communities in the management of the reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]