Threatened species and ecosystems

The land flatworm Bipalium kewense Moseley, 1878 is the most widely distributed invasive species of land flatworm, being found in over 78 countries. A specimen was recently collected in an urbanized part of the capital city of Antananarivo in Madagascar, identified on the basis of external morphology and later confirmed by molecular methods. This represents the first strictly confirmed occurrence of the species in Madagascar. Previous African records of Bipalium kewense are summarized, and two records from continental Africa (Egypt and South Africa) are confirmed by molecular barcoding.

In this study, we present an analysis of the conservation status of amphibian and reptile species by associating the natural protected areas and municipalities with the distribution of richness in Valle del Cauca. We establish the percentage of species of amphibians and reptiles in each of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) threat categories and assign local conservation categories to all species, construct distribution maps for the records of species in relation to their threat status, and analyze the endemic and total number of species in each of the protected areas. We found that nearly 50% of the species in the Valle del Cauca are under some degree of risk or threat, that the largest percentage are in the Vulnerable (VU) category, whereas 37% of the fauna is not threatened (Least Concern [LC] and Near Threatened [NT]), and 13% is categorized as Data Deficient (DD). Although the distribution of species is scattered throughout the territory, patterns are mai...

Over the past twenty years, government advisory bodies have placed increasing emphasis on the need for adaptive measures in response to the effects of human-induced climate change. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which incorporate macroeconomic and climate variables, feature prominently in advisory content, though they rarely draw on data from outside strictly constrained hypothetical systems. This has led to assertions that they are not well-suited to approximate complex systemic human-environment processes. Modular, interdisciplinary approaches have offered a way to address this shortcoming; however, beyond climate records, prehistoric data continue to be under-utilised in developing such models. In this paper we highlight the contribution that archaeology and palaeoecology can make to the development of the next generation IAMs that are expected to enhance provision for more local and pro-active adaptations to future climate change. We present data from one of Southeast Asia...

To ensure the protection of rare and endangered species, it is essential to assess their habitats carefully to develop effective conservation plans. The globally vulnerable and nationally endangered Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), with an estimated population of only 80-150 individuals in Nepal, is a critical conservation priority. We employed an ensemble species distribution modeling approach, analyzing 12 environmental variables, to map the Great Hornbill's current and future suitable habitats across Nepal. The ensemble model performed with high accuracy (Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.994; True Skill Statistic (TSS) = 0.964), identifying the minimum temperature of the coldest month, percentage tree cover, and mean diurnal temperature range as the most important predictors of Great Hornbill distribution. The Great Hornbill was predicted to have the highest habitat suitability on west-to-northwest-facing slopes, in areas with high tree cover (>20 %), along forest-grassland ecotones, and at moderate distances from water and human settlements. We estimated a current suitable habitat extent of 5433.82 km² (about 3.7 % of Nepal's land area), of which 85.02 % lies within existing protected areas (PAs). Under future climate scenarios, the suitable area is projected to increase to a range of 20,772-27,913 km² by 2050, expanding further to 28,822-43,095 km² by 2070. However, only 14-20 % of this expanded future habitat would fall within the current PA network, indicating a significant expansion of habitat outside of the PA network. This study provides the first rangewide habitat assessment for the Great Hornbill in Nepal, identifying key areas for habitat protection and restoration to safeguard this species.

The steady loss of pollinating insect biodiversity is due to multiple
factors acting in synergy, among the main, habitat fragmentation and
degradation. The EU has developed environmental legislation that often calls for the need to reverse the decline of pollinators through directives covering agricultural and urban environments and the implementation of research and monitoring of these organism community. In such a context, the Consorzio di Bonifica Medio Valdarno and the Department of Biology of the
University of Florence have implemented an environmental improvement project for the conservation of pollinators in peri-uran and marginal located in detention basins. This three-year project involved the sowing of entomophilous plant mixtures followed by monitoring of vegetation development and of the wild bee community. This project has
allowed the development of guidelines for the management of this type of areas in favour of this functional group of insects.

AimAfter environmental disasters, species with large population losses may need urgent protection to prevent extinction and support recovery. Following the 2019–2020 Australian megafires, we estimated population losses and recovery in fire‐affected fauna, to inform conservation status assessments and management.LocationTemperate and subtropical Australia.Time period2019–2030 and beyond.Major taxaAustralian terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates; one invertebrate group.MethodsFrom > 1,050 fire‐affected taxa, we selected 173 whose distributions substantially overlapped the fire extent. We estimated the proportion of each taxon’s distribution affected by fires, using fire severity and aquatic impact mapping, and new distribution mapping. Using expert elicitation informed by evidence of responses to previous wildfires, we estimated local population responses to fires of varying severity. We combined the spatial and elicitation data to estimate overall population loss and recovery tra...

Studies show that domestic cats are considered as one of the biggest threats to wildlife. They have been implicated in species decline on islands and on continents, and affect mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. A preliminary assessment of the threats to the Calayan rail (Gallirallus calayanensis) showed that introduced domestic cats have effects on its conservation status from being vulnerable to being extinct. This study aims to determine domestic cat diet and ranges on Calayan Island; confirm if there is an overlap between cat and G. calayanensis habitat range; identify human perceptions on the possible impact of domestic cats on G. calayanensis; and provide basis for future management options. Results showed that cats traveled an average distance of 112.38 m and overlapped with the habitat of the G. calayanensis. Although cats were not perceived to be threats to local wildlife by the respondents, the cats sampled in the study were able to cross buffer areas into the wildlife sanctuary, implying a possible impact on species vulnerable to predation. Calayan Island, because of its size and importance to biodiversity, can be a possible model for island conservation through the control of introduced predators and management of pet ownership.

Land use changes induced by agricultural intensification and wetland reclamation are negatively impacting farmland biodiversity. In this context, information on habitat selection of wildlife can be fundamental to developing effective conservation actions targeting biodiversity conservation, shedding light on fine-scale species-habitat relationships. We studied nesting and foraging habitat selection in a declining shorebird, the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), in the intensive agroecosystem of the Po Plain, Italy. Out of 67 nests we found, 94% were in wetlands and summer crops, wetlands being the only habitat actively selected. The likelihood that a pair of lapwings nested in a cropland patch was inversely proportional to plant height and ground cover, which likely explains why summer crops were more favourable than winter and hay crops to the species nest settlement. Tracking data showed that GPS tagged lapwings (n = 14) stayed close (207 ± 153 m) to their nests throughout the entire breeding period, and they selected the same habitat types for foraging as for nesting. Home ranges averged 56 ha (range = 3-161 ha), and were on average larger than previously reported from elsewhere, probably because the overall low quality of the habitat in the Po Plain. Home ranges of lapwings breeding in croplands were larger and significantly more cohesive than those of birds breeding in wetlands, suggesting a need to explore larger areas to find suitable foraging patches. The dual nesting and feeding strategy highlighted the crucial importance of both wetlands and, unexpectedly, summer crops for this species of conservation concern. To provide suitable habitat for breeding lapwings, restored wetlands must be well managed and attention should be given to intrafield heterogeneity, possibly increasing bare ground patches.

We assessed medicinal plant taxa in norther Eastern India belong using IUCN red listing criteria. These 50 taxa belong to 45 genera from 33 flowering plant families, while 1 taxon is a non flowering plant (a tree fern). Orchidaceae is the most represented family (6 species), followed by Piperaceae (4 species), Valerianaceae and Ranunculaceae (3 species each). Among the assessed taxa the highest number is of herbs (25 species) followed by trees (15 species), climbers (6 species) and shrubs (4 species). Of the 50 taxa assessed, 46 have been assigned threat categories for one or more states and 7 of these are threatened globally being endemic or nearly so. These are Amentotaxus assamica, Citrus macroptera var. annamensis, Coptis teeta, Gymnocladus assamicus, Nepenthes khasiana, Piper pedicellatum and P. peepuloides. Of these, Arunachal Pradesh hosts 5 taxa, Assam 2, Meghalaya 4 and Sikkim 1. One of these 7 taxa, Piper peepuloides, occurs in all four states.

The present study describes the first complete and comprehensive description on life-history traits of Sardinella melanura including length-frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs), condition factors (allometric condition, K A ; Fulton's condition, K F ; relative condition, K R ), and relative weight (W R ) in the Gwadar, Balochistan Coast, Pakistan. Additionally, form factor (a 3.0 ) using available a and b regression parameters of LWRs and size at first sexual maturity (L m ) using available maximum length for 07 Sardinella spp. in 23 water-bodies were calculated. Seasonal samples of S. melanura were collected from the Gwadar, Balochistan Coast, Pakistan using gill nets during July 2013 to J u n e 2014. Total length (TL) was measured to nearest 0.1 cm using digital slide calipers and total body weight (BW) was measured using an electronic balance with 0.1 g accuracy for each individual. A total of 600 individuals of S. melanura were analyzed, where minimum and maximum TL was 12.5 cm and 23.00 cm, respectively and BW was 16.5g and 114.8 g, correspondingly. Highest number (25.83%) of its population stands at 17.00 cm to 18.00 cm size group. The b value of LWR indicated negative allometric growth in the population. All the condition factors (K A, K F, K R, and W R ) were significantly correlated with TL and BW (P < 0.001). W R showed significant difference from 100 (P < 0.001) representing imbalanced population in presence of prey and predator. In addition, the a 3.0 for S. melanura was 0.0078. The size at first sexual maturity (L m ) was 14.43 cm in TL of S. melanura in the Gwadar, Balochistan coast, Pakistan.

Les ressources naturelles floristiques des milieux arides sont nombreuses et diversifiees meritent une grande attention, en particulier les plantes spontanees. Celles-ci, se trouvent dans les differentes formations geographiques de la region de Biskra, telles que l’Oued de Biskra. Plusieurs facteurs interviennent sur la repartition des plantes spontanees parmi lesquelles les facteurs edaphiques. Face a ce constat, l’inventaire floristique a permis de recenser 16 especes vegetales spontanees durant la periode d’echantillonnage, sur l’ensemble de la zone d’etude, ou la famille des chenopodiacees renferme le grand nombre d’especes halophytes. L’application des indices ecologiques et statistiques indique une faible diversite, frequence, densites. Ces derniers sont varies pour les memes especes d’une station a l’autre. Ce ci explique l’influence des facteurs edaphiques sur la repartition spatiale des plantes spontanees dans l’Oued de Biskra.

Resumo A obra “Iconografia Selecta da Flora Portuguesa”, de Gonçalo Sampaio (botânico) e Sara Cabral Ferreira (ilustradora), foi editada pela primeira vez em 1949. Contendo cento e cinquenta estampas de espécies da flora portuguesa, este livro destacou-se na literatura botânica nacional, embora fosse uma edição póstuma e incompleta. Os seus desenhos originais, realizados em técnica monotonal (tinta-da-china), integram atualmente a coleção de ilustração científica do Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP). Uma vez que nenhum texto, além do prefácio e dos nomes científicos das plantas, acompanha as imagens no livro, as razões que sustentaram a seleção das espécies a ilustrar, assim como a sua relevância botânica, permaneceram desconhecidas. Neste artigo, tentamos reconstruir a história desta iconografia, com base na análise de documentos epistolares e manuscritos. Focamo-nos também na importância da ilustração científic...

Abundance and microhabitat association of Barbourula busuangensis (Anura: Bombinatoridae) in Busuanga Island, Philippines. Barbourula busuangensis, commonly known as the Philippine Flat-Headed Frog, is a near-threatened species endemic to Palawan, Philippines. Despite its distinct ecological niche and unique characteristics, including a flat head and body to support its fully aquatic lifestyle, limited studies have been conducted to understand its habitat requirements and population status. We conducted visual encounter surveys and hand captures along 30-100 m belt transects in two Barangays, Cheey and New Busuanga. A total of 270 individuals were recorded and microhabitat variables were compared between the two sites. However, the abundance of B. busuangensis was significantly higher in Cheey compared to New Busuanga. We found significant differences in six key microhabitat variables (relative humidity, temperature, stream/river depth and width, rocks percentage, water flow and turbidity) between the two locations, suggesting diverse environmental conditions impacting frog populations. Additionally, 14% of the captured frogs (23 individuals) exhibited morphological deformities, though the cause remains undetermined. Our findings underscore the urgent need for further research and targeted conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this species. This study provides essential data on the distribution and habitat preferences of B. busuangensis, informing conservation strategies to mitigate population declines and address environmental challenges affecting this unique amphibian.

1Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan, 2Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi -75300, Pakistan, 3Karachi University Herbarium (KUH), Center for Plant Conservation ( ...

Asimismo se revisó la documentación interna asociada con los decomisos y se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas (n=87) en 15 municipios del departamento para complementar los datos de incautaciones. Por la naturaleza de los datos obtenidos se realizaron análisis descriptivos. Resultados: En total en los últimos 6 años se registraron 236 especímenes objetos del tráfico ilegal, correspondientes a 44 especies, siendo las aves (66%) y los reptiles (22%) los grupos más traficados. De las 44 especies registradas objeto de tráfico, 13 se encuentran en algún grado de amenaza, de las cuales seis están en el Apéndice I y una en el Apéndice II del CITES. Conclusiones: Se evidencia la falta de controles sistemáticos y adecuada recopilación de la información, lo cual podría estar agravando la situación, más aun en áreas fronterizas por donde las personas pueden movilizar más fácilmente estas especies. Se requiere fortalecer las actividades de control y mitigación, y generar estrategias de educación que ayuden a disminuir esta amenaza para la conservación de la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas en la región.

The purpose of this study is to propose a new method of analysis focusing on interconnections between species rather than traditional biodiversity analysis, which represents ecosystems in terms of species and individual counts such as species diversity and species richness. This new approach aims to enhance our understanding of ecosystem networks. Utilizing data from the 4th National Natural Environment Survey (2014-2018), the following eight taxonomic groups were targeted for our study: herbaceous plants, woody plants, butterflies, Passeriformes birds, mammals, reptiles & amphibians, freshwater fishes, and benthonic macroinvertebrates. A co-occurrence frequency analysis was conducted using nationwide data collected over five years. As a result, in all eight taxonomic groups, the degree value represented by a linear regression trend line showed a slope of 0.8 and the weighted degree value showed an exponential nonlinear curve trend line with a coefficient of determination (R²) exceeding 0.95. The average value of the clustering coefficient was also around 0.8, reminiscent of well-known social phenomena. Creating a combination set from the species list grouped by temporal information such as survey date and spatial information such as coordinates or grids is an easy approach to discern species distributed regionally and locally. Particularly, grouping by species or taxonomic groups to produce data such as co-occurrence frequency between survey points could allow us to discover spatial similarities based on species present. This analysis could overcome limitations of species data. Since there are no restrictions on time or space, data collected over a short period in a small area and long-term national-scale data can be analyzed through appropriate grouping. The co-occurrence frequency analysis enables us to measure how many species are associated with a single species and the frequency of associations among each species, which will greatly help us understand ecosystems that seem too complex to comprehend. Such connectivity data and graphs generated by the co-occurrence frequency analysis of species are expected to provide a wealth of information and insights not only to researchers, but also to those who observe, manage, and live within ecosystems.

Ecological corridors, as components of green space at the urban and rural level, significantly reduce the e ects of high urban compactness. The built space exerts pressure on the territory and the green space is a means of decompression. The purpose of this research is to delimit the connectivity of ecological corridors between protected areas of Guayaquil, through the connection of ecosystems, linking the rural periphery with the urban core, for the sustainability of the urban green structure. To standardize the components the landscape matrix criterion was used, where the corridors link elements of protected areas with flexible land use connections. Thus, to determine the similarity of ecosystems, the similarity index was used as a statistical sampling technique. The results allowed us to identify ecological corridors that can be part of territorial strategic planning.

Length-frequency distributions, length-weight relationships, length-length relationships and condition factors (Fulton's K F , allometric K A , and relative K R ) of Arius gigas in the Obuama Creek in Rivers State, Nigeria were investigated. 217 samples were collected from artisanal fishermen fishing on the Obuama Creek from March to September 2019. The parameter b of the length-weight relationship was 2.52 indicating negative allometric growth. The KF ranged from 0.51 to 2.03 with a mean value of 0.85 ± 0 while the overall low values of K R and K A in this study are generally a characteristic of fish in poor health. This study provides basic information on some of the biological features of A. gigas which should be useful for facilitating management strategies and regulations of the stocks. Quelques aspects des caractéristiques de croissance et du facteur de condition d՚Arius gigas (Boulenger, 1911) d՚Obuama Creek (État de la Rivière, Nigéria). Les distributions de fréquence de longueur, les relations longueur-poids, les relations longueur-longueur et les facteurs de condition (KF de Fulton, KA allométrique et relatif, KR) d'Arius gigas dans le ruisseau Obuama dans l'État de la Rivère, au Nigeria, ont été étudiés. De mars à septembre 2019, 217 échantillons ont été prélevés avec l'aide des pêcheurs artisanaux qui pêchent dans le ruisseau Obuama. Le paramètre b de la relation longueurpoids était de 2,52 indiquant une croissance allométrique négative. Le KF variait de 0,51 à 2,03 avec une valeur moyenne de 0,85 ± 0, tandis que les valeurs globales et faibles de KR et de KA dans cette étude sont généralement caractéristiques des poissons en mauvaise santé. Cette étude fournit des renseignements de base sur certaines des caractéristiques biologiques de l'A. gigas qui devraient être utiles pour faciliter les stratégies de gestion et la réglementation des stocks. REZUMAT: Unele aspecte ale caracteristicilor de dezvoltare și indicele ponderal la Arius gigas (Boulenger, 1911) din Pârâul Obuama (Statul Râurilor, Nigeria). Distribuțiile lungime-frecvență, relațiile lungime-greutate, relațiile lungime-lungime și factorii de condiție (K F al lui Fulton, K A alometric și relativ K R ) ai lui Arius gigas în Pârâul Obuama din Statul Râurilor, Nigeria au fost investigați. 217 probe au fost colectate de la pescari artizanali care își desfășoară activitatea în Pârâul Obuama în martie-septembrie 2019. Parametrul b al relației lungime-greutate a fost de 2.52 indicând o creștere alometrică negativă. K F a variat de la 0.51 la 2.03, cu o valoare medie de 0.85 ± 0, iar valorile globale scăzute ale K R și K A din acest studiu sunt, în general, caracteristice peștilor cu o sănătate precară. Acest studiu oferă informații de bază cu privire la unele dintre caracteristicile biologice ale A. gigas, care trebuie să fie utile pentru facilitarea strategiilor de gestionare și reglementare a stocurilor.

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés.

Tourism helps a country grow. But it is not as easy a task as we think. It is a major responsibility for the country. If not managed well, tourism can cause damage to the topography. A huge stream of travellers throughout the year can drain the beauty of the place, harm the environment and consume the limited resources of our country. If we cannot sustain tourism, it can cause permanent damage to the environment. It can impact wildlife, our vegetation and disturb the natural phenomena. Today, our interests and enjoyment are destroying rainforests that are irreplaceable, devastating the water bodies by fishing and polluting water, land, and air with toxins and technologies. Since tourism is an unavoidable strategy for economic development, sustainable tourism is a healthy option for us. It is an alternate to commercial tourism and is one way to reduce pollution and damages to environment. Careful planning,
implementation of right policies and sensitive practicum can benefit the travellers as well as the country.

Wetlands, often described as the "kidneys of the Earth," provide essential ecological services, including water purification, flood control, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support. However, poor solid waste management poses severe threat to these ecosystems, leading to pollution, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. This study examines how improper waste disposal-such as direct dumping, leachate contamination, plastic pollution, and eutrophication-affects wetland health and ecosystem services. With global waste generation projected to reach 3.40 billion metric tons by 2050, wetlands increasingly face contamination from municipal, industrial, and plastic waste. The environmental consequences include loss of biodiversity, altered hydrology, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and soil and water contamination. Additionally, wetland degradation disrupts the livelihoods of millions who rely on these ecosystems for fisheries, agriculture, and ecotourism. Key drivers of wetland pollution include unchecked urbanization, inadequate waste management policies, and industrial discharges. To mitigate these impacts, sustainable solutions such as improved waste collection, enforcement of regulations, community-led initiatives, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, wetland restoration programs, and public awareness campaigns must be prioritized. This paper highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to protect wetlands through integrated waste management strategies, ensuring the sustainability of these critical ecosystems for future generations

The Tor Ghar (Black Mountain) a newly established district lies on the extreme western edge of the Himalayas where the Indus River separates it from the Hindu Kush. This area of Pakistani Himalayas has remained botanically unexplored in the history. In spite of number of social, administrative, communication problems and rough terrain, it was felt necessary to document flora, ecology and syn-taxonomy of this region. In view of the utmost importance of first ever exploration, study was planned with the objectives to explore, identify and document vascular plant species to provide a scientific basis for future research, evaluate species distributions and plant communities using modern phytosociological techniques and to identify environmental gradients responsible for species distribution. Extensive field work was carried out during the summers of 2012 and 2013. Quadrats were randomly used along the elevation gradient to measure various phytosociological attributes of higher plants. A total of 331 vascular plant species belonging to 246 genera and 101 families were recorded in 320 quadrats each for herbs, shrubs and trees at 64 stations of 12 different localities at a distance of about 5 km. Primary results showed that vascular plants of To Ghar include 12 species of Pteridophytes, 6 Gymnosperms, and 313 Angiosperms. The dicotyledons dominate the flora of the study area that is represented by 80 families, 199 genera and 270 species followed by monocotyledons represented by 13 families, 36 genera and 43 species. Based on Raunkiaer System of life form classification, all the recorded plant species were divided into eight classes. The hemicryptophytes was dominant life form class represented by 108 species (32.6 %) followed by Therophytes with 73 plant species (22 %) of the total flora. xxiii Nanophanerophytes consist of 42 plant species (12.7%), Microphanerophytes 41 species (12.4 %), Chamaephytes 28 species (8.4%), Mesophanerophytes 12 plant species (3.6%) and Mega phanerophytes 09 species. Similarly, class Geophytes (Cryptophytes) was represented by 18 plant species. For extensive results and vegetation modeling, presence, absence (1,0) data on 331 species and 64 stations were analyzed in PCORD version 5 to classify habitat types and plant communities via Cluster and Two Way Cluster Analyses. Two major habitat types and 6 plant communities were established. Species area curves were drawn to prove the adequacy of sampling size. Indicator Species Analyses (ISA) were used to identify indicator of each microenvironment and habitat type. Plant abundance data were treated in CANOCO version 4.5 to measure the ecological gradient of plant species and communities of the region. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) a type of indirect gradient analyses reconfirms the results of Cluster and Two way Cluster Analyses. Moreover, direct gradient analysis procedures were adapted using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to measure the effect of environmental variables on vegetation structure, composition and diversity. Variables like elevation, soil depth, soil erosion, grazing pressure and slope aspect were significant in determining vegetation dynamics.The study furnishes baseline data and useful information for taxonomic, bio-geographic, floristic and conservation studies. This study will help botanists, conservationists, ecologists, managers and policy makers to improve, protect and manage the present vegetation status and sustainably for future generations.

Background: Background: Studies on length-weight relationships and associated aspects like length frequency distribution, sex ratio and condition factors are of paramount importance for sustainable management and conservation of concerned fish species. This study was undertaken keeping in view the lack of such relevant fisheries information on Nandus nandus, a commercially important fish species from this region whose natural population has been declining considerably over the years. Aim Aim: This study was carried out to ascertain and describe the sex ratio, length-frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs) as well as condition factors of Nandus nandus and their seasonal variation from the floodplain wetlands of upper Brahmaputra basin, Assam. Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: A total of 517 specimens of Nandus nandus were collected randomly between January, 2023 and May, 2024. The sex ratio was expressed as number of females divided by the number of males while length-frequency distributions were done following standard method. The LWR is determined by using the formula W= aL b and the equation Log W= Log a + b Log L (LeCren, 1951). Relative condition factor (Kn) and Fulton's condition factor (K) was calculated using the formula Kn= W/aL b and K=100W/L 3 , respectively. All the recorded data were presented seasonally and statistically analyzed using standard methods. Results: Results: Observations on LFDs suggest no significant size differences between the sexes; 10-12 cm being the most dominant length group of the species. The species has a female dominant population; the females significantly outnumbered the males in all the seasons except pre-monsoon. The relationships between total length and total weight are found to be highly significant (P<0.01) and showed positive allometric growth for the species with exception in winter. The calculated b values ranged from 2.961 (post-monsoon) to 4.124 (winter) for males and from 3.101 (winter) to 3.538 (postmonsoon) for females. Calculated mean Kn value ranges between 1.00 and 1.07 with minimum seasonal variation for both the sexes while mean K value is found to be slightly higher in females than males for most part of the study. Conclusion: Conclusion: The findings of the present study pertaining to sex ratio, LFDs, LWRs as well as condition factors would serve as basic information towards better understanding of the biology of Nandus nandus to other workers from this region entailing further research in associated aspects of fisheries for this species.

Background: Background: Studies on length-weight relationships and associated aspects like length frequency distribution, sex ratio and condition factors are of paramount importance for sustainable management and conservation of concerned fish species. This study was undertaken keeping in view the lack of such relevant fisheries information on Nandus nandus, a commercially important fish species from this region whose natural population has been declining considerably over the years. Aim Aim: This study was carried out to ascertain and describe the sex ratio, length-frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs) as well as condition factors of Nandus nandus and their seasonal variation from the floodplain wetlands of upper Brahmaputra basin, Assam. Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: A total of 517 specimens of Nandus nandus were collected randomly between January, 2023 and May, 2024. The sex ratio was expressed as number of females divided by the number of males while length-frequency distributions were done following standard method. The LWR is determined by using the formula W= aL b and the equation Log W= Log a + b Log L (LeCren, 1951). Relative condition factor (Kn) and Fulton's condition factor (K) was calculated using the formula Kn= W/aL b and K=100W/L 3 , respectively. All the recorded data were presented seasonally and statistically analyzed using standard methods. Results: Results: Observations on LFDs suggest no significant size differences between the sexes; 10-12 cm being the most dominant length group of the species. The species has a female dominant population; the females significantly outnumbered the males in all the seasons except pre-monsoon. The relationships between total length and total weight are found to be highly significant (P<0.01) and showed positive allometric growth for the species with exception in winter. The calculated b values ranged from 2.961 (post-monsoon) to 4.124 (winter) for males and from 3.101 (winter) to 3.538 (postmonsoon) for females. Calculated mean Kn value ranges between 1.00 and 1.07 with minimum seasonal variation for both the sexes while mean K value is found to be slightly higher in females than males for most part of the study. Conclusion: Conclusion: The findings of the present study pertaining to sex ratio, LFDs, LWRs as well as condition factors would serve as basic information towards better understanding of the biology of Nandus nandus to other workers from this region entailing further research in associated aspects of fisheries for this species.

Resumo O objetivo geral desse trabalho é apresentar uma investigação sobre a importância e o significado da utilização das ilustrações científicas no processo de classificação do mundo natural no século XVIII, apontando as contribuições do entendimento desse processo histórico e dos seus sentidos para o ensino de ciências da natureza. Para tanto, realizamos um estudo historiográfico acerca das ilustrações científicas, explorando o seu contexto histórico e sociocultural de produção, com foco na História Natural iluminista, trazendo uma descrição dos elementos característicos desse tipo de imagem da época sinalizada. Enxergamos uma lacuna, principalmente no Brasil, acerca desse tipo investigação, que considera as ilustrações científicas como fontes históricas de pesquisa e que propõe uma articulação com o ensino de ciências, na interface com a história, a filosofia e a sociologia da ciência. Defendemos que uma ilustração científica se configura em um tipo específico de representação visual da natureza, que foi essencial para o conhecimento taxonômico de plantas e animais no século XVIII, como também reconhecemos que a partir do estudo dessas ilustrações e do seu contexto de produção é possível refletir sobre aspectos relevantes da natureza da ciência. Em suma, pretendemos trazer as ilustrações científicas históricas para o ensino de ciências e mostrar que essas imagens têm suas potencialidades e não merecem ser tratadas apenas como recursos figurativos, quando levadas à sala de aula.

The freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton 1822), is one of the commercially important, nutritionally valuable food fish in Asian countries, but the natural populations are seriously decreasing due to high fishing pressure and other factors. This study describes the life history traits, including sex ratio (SR), length-frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationships (LLRs), condition factors (Allometric, KA; Fulton’s, KF; relative condition, KR; relative weight, WR) and form factor (a3.0) of X. cancila in the Ganges (Padma) River, northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 175 specimens ranging from 10.50-21.00 cm TL (total length) and 1.44-20.67 g BW (body weight) were investigated in this study. Sampling was done using traditional fishing gears from April 2011 to March 2012. The overall sex ratio showed no significant differences from the expected value of 1:1 (df = 1, χ2 = 0.28, p&lt;0.05), whereas significant difference was foun...

The effectiveness of designing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can support the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process and vice versa. However, selecting suitable sites for MPAs is challenging due to anthropogenic activities increasing the cumulative risk of ecosystems in coastal regions. This study demonstrates cumulative risk application in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia, as an MPA site selection process example with meaningful ecological and socio-economic information. We coupled InVEST and Marxan modeling software to analyze multiple conservation scenarios. Results indicated fishing, coastal development and oil gas exploration were the greatest risk activities to the habitat and species. These results were used as a cost layer in Marxan to select protection areas. We identified 189.09 km 2 areas as a high priority, with the upstream bay being the highest, decreasing downstream. The findings provide valuable input and support allocating space to a potential MPA in the MSP process to improve the management of alternative development.

La pérdida de hábitat por la transformación de ecosistemas abiertos (sabanas, pastizales) hacia ecosistemas impenetrables por la cobertura de especies leñosas puede estar teniendo un rol importante en las retracciones y extinciones de especies. El aumento sustancial de la densidad de especies leñosas está cambiando la fisonomía de las pampas chaqueñas y esto resulta efectivamente en la pérdida o degradación del hábitat para el guanaco. El guanaco es una especie que necesita acciones urgentes de cara a la pérdida del hábitat y estudios específicos sobre los patrones espaciales de transformación de estos ambientes, dado que su dieta, sus áreas de movimiento, sus áreas de reproducción, y su comportamiento social están ligados a estos ecosistemas. En este trabajo resumimos la información que se tiene sobre la situación del guanaco en el Gran Chaco y esperamos sea la base para desarrollar acciones de prioridad a nivel nacional.

Population demographics for amphibian larvae are rarely estimated due to marking technique limitations on small body size, morphological change (metamorphosis), and the associated habitat changes (aquatic to terrestrial environments). A technique that may meet some of these limitations is visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging. In this study, we report on the efficacy of VIE tagging a tree frog (Hylidae) at the tadpole stage for cohort identification across metamorphosis to the adult stage, in a field environment. During our preliminary captive trial, post-metamorphosis tag retention was 100% over three months, with no adverse effects observed on survival, growth or time to metamorphosis. During our field study tag retention in recaptured Litoria aurea was 95% for tadpoles and 88% across metamorphosis. By 200 days post-tagging, retention declined to 75% in the adult stage and stabilised around 50% by 300 days. Post metamorphosis the retention rate was less reliable and dependent upon sex and life-stage. Females showed the highest retention rate (max. 62%, 760 days post tagging), followed by juveniles (max. 45%, 400 days post tagging) and males (max. 20%, 760 days post tagging). We conclude that VIE tagging is a viable method for studying cohort larval movements and population demographics of amphibians up to a 50 day postmetamorphosis stage.

Context Knowledge on the drivers of breeding behaviour is vital to understand amphibian ecology and conservation. Proposed drivers of amphibian reproductive behaviour include selection of optimum water quality, and avoidance of tadpole predators and competition. These hypotheses are underpinned by the logic that amphibians will choose breeding habitat that will result in enhanced metamorph output. Aims We aimed to infer key drivers that influence metamorph output in the threatened green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea). We hypothesised that (1) metamorph output would be higher in recently refilled wetlands than in wetlands with a longer hydroperiod, (2) metamorph output would be negatively correlated with tadpole predator abundance, and (3) waterbodies with long hydroperiods would have higher abundances of aquatic predators and lower abundances of L. aurea tadpoles. Methods We tested these hypotheses by monitoring breeding, tadpole and predator abundances in a wild population of...

We provide a checklist of the saproxylic beetles and syrphids species inhabiting the “dehesa” ecosystem from western Iberian. We have studied the Biological Reserve of “Campanarios de Azaba”, Salamanca province, designated in 2013 as the first Entomological Reserve by the “Asociación española de Entomología”. During the 19 months of sampling period a total of 9, 603 specimens of saproxylic beetles belong to 157 species (40 families) and 477 specimens of saproxylic syrphids belonging to 18 species. In order to collect the specimens we used both emergence and window traps. Among the captured insects are ten threatened species either at European and Spanish levels, which maintain abundant populations inhabiting this “dehesa” ecosystem. --------------- Se aporta la relación de especies de coleópteros y sírfidos saproxílicos que habitan en ecosistemas de dehesa del oeste ibérico. Se ha estudiado la Reserva Biológica de Campanarios de Azaba, provincia de Salamanca, designada en 2013 como ...

In this study, we present an analysis of the conservation status of amphibian and reptile species by associating the natural protected areas and municipalities with the distribution of richness in Valle del Cauca. We establish the percentage of species of amphibians and reptiles in each of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) threat categories and assign local conservation categories to all species, construct distribution maps for the records of species in relation to their threat status, and analyze the endemic and total number of species in each of the protected areas. We found that nearly 50% of the species in the Valle del Cauca are under some degree of risk or threat, that the largest percentage are in the Vulnerable (VU) category, whereas 37% of the fauna is not threatened (Least Concern [LC] and Near Threatened [NT]), and 13% is categorized as Data Deficient (DD). Although the distribution of species is scattered throughout the territory, patterns are mai...

Torquigener brevipinnis (Regan) is redescribed. The species differs from the very similar T. flavimaculosus Hardy and Randall primarily in color, having clearl y defined whitish bands on the side of the head, a solid lateral stripe along the body, and fewer vertical bands on the caudal fin. Torquigener gloerfelti n. sp. is described from four specimens from Indonesian waters. It differs from T. altipinnis (Ogilby) in co lor pattern and in the higher number of spine s that overlap the anterior margin of the gill opening, and from T. vicinus Whitley in having a larger eye diameter and shorter caudal peduncle length . HOLOTYPE: BM(NH) 1872.4.6.87, 47 mm SL, N. of Celebes, Coil. Meyer. i\QDITIONAL: BPBM 19A06, 32 mm SL, Ambon; KFSLF.441 1-06, 58 mm SL, S of Yule Is., Gulf of Papua ; NTM S.10992-001 , 51.7 mm SL, SE of Lombok, 6080 m (ex. TGT 3087); NTM S.10747-003, 58.1mm SL, Sumba 127 IN A RECENT REVIEW OF THE sta tus of specimens thought to include syntypes of the pufferfish Torquigen...

Bird-window collisions are one of the main causes of avian mortality worldwide, with estimations reaching up to almost one billion of dead individuals annually due to this cause in canada and the USA alone. Although this is a growing conservation problem, most of the studies come from north America, evidencing the lack of knowledge and concern in countries with high biodiversity and growing population development. Our objectives were: (1) to estimate the current situation of bird-window collisions in Argentina, a country with around 10% of the world's avian biodiversity, and, (2) to identify drivers of bird-window collisions at a national and local scale, focusing on a city surrounded by a protected area. We used a citizen science project called "Bird-Window collisions in Argentina" that consisted of an online survey that collected data on collision metrics and risk factors. We found that more than half of participants reported at least one collision during the last year, suggesting this issue is common and widespread. in addition, our data show that the number of windows and the presence of vegetation reflected in windows are factors that strongly influence the risk of collision at national scale. On the other hand, the environment surrounding buildings affects the rate of bird-window collisions at local scale, being greater in buildings surrounded by tall vegetation than in buildings surrounded by a greater proportion of urbanization (human-made structures). We call for attention on a topic that has been poorly evaluated in South America. We also encourage future scientific studies to evaluate additional risk factors and mitigation strategies accordingly, to provide a better understanding of birdwindow collisions particularly in a highly biodiverse region as South America.

A new record of angel shark Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) in Turkish waters is reported in this note. A review of previous catch records of S. squatina from Turkish waters show that the species is relatively rare in the area. However, the observed specimen was a pregnant female suggesting that Gökova Bay could be a spawning area for S. squatina in the Turkish coast.

Names used for geographical entities do not imply recognition, by the organisers of the Waterbirds around the world conference or other supporting organisations or governments, of the political status or boundaries of any particular territory. Names of territories used (and any alternatives) are included solely to help users of this publication apply information contained within this volume for waterbird conservation purposes. The views expressed in papers included within this volume do not necessarily represent views of the editors or the organisations and governments that supported the conference and this publication.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations published in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) have extended an unprecedented degree of environmental oversight into the domain of agricultural decision-making. However, threatened Cape flora occurring in remnants of less than three hectares in extent will be denied such protection pending their incorporation in a national list of threatened ecosystems. Until such listing, unresolved legal questions that inhibited the effective consideration of biodiversity in agricultural decision-making prior to the promulgation of the NEMA EIA regulations are likely to persist—to the detriment of a globally imperilled biodiversity.    This contribution sets out to identify some of the key issues that inhibited mainstreaming of biodiversity in agri-environmental decision-making in the Western Cape.  It also attempts to show that the NEMA EIA dispensation has inherited some problems in respect of cultivation t...

Anthropogenic threats impacting ecological targets should be mitigated and solved using fast and schematic tools useful in conservation strategies. Herein, we suggest a mixed and quick
approach implementing coarse-grained (and expert-based) threat analysis with the fine-grained (and analytical) DPSIR (driving forces, pressure, status, impact, and response) framework of indicators,
all included in a single causal chain. Both approaches are largely used in conservation but never combined. A simulated example of the application of the set of indicators (status, pressure, impact,
and response) on dune ecosystems (and nested targets represented by halo-psammophilous plants) has been included. Due to its schematic format, values as targets, pressures as threats, and responses
as conservation strategies have been unified in a single conceptual framework. This synthetic framework can also be used to communicate to academic students the complexities of socio-ecological systems on the conservation front lines using a simplified cause–effect chain.

In rapidly urbanizing areas, natural vegetation becomes fragmented, making conservation planning challenging, particularly as climate change accelerates fire risk. We studied urban forest fragments in two threatened eucalypt-dominated (scribbly gum woodland, SGW, and ironbark forest, IF) communities across ~2000 ha near Sydney, Australia, to evaluate effects of fire frequency (0–4 in last 25 years) and time since fire (0.5 to &gt;25 years) on canopy structure, habitat quality and biodiversity (e.g., species richness). Airborne lidar was used to assess canopy height and density, and ground-based surveys of 148 (400 m2) plots measured leaf area index (LAI), plant species composition and habitat metrics such as litter cover and hollow-bearing trees. LAI, canopy density, litter, and microbiotic soil crust increased with time since fire in both communities, while tree and mistletoe cover increased in IF. Unexpectedly, plant species richness increased with fire frequency, owing to increas...

Local floras of Balili River were inventoried to determine plants with phytoremediation potential using line intercept method. Common weeds namely Alternanthera sessilis, Pennisetum purpureum, Eleusine indica, Cyperus distans, Amaranthus spinosus dominated the littoral zones of Balili River. Only nine species were documented in the area and thus, expectantly, registered low values in diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener’s, Margalef’s and Simpson’s index. The upstream, midstream and downstream sampling stations in the littoral zone have high index of similarity but differ significantly with the nearby upper riparian zone in terms of diversity and species composition. This could be attributed to the prevailing environmental conditions in the two zones – the littoral zone has waterlogged sandy soil while clayey loam and mesophytic condition prevail in the upper riparian zone. Literature reviews showed that these local flora have phytoremediation potential, albeit mostly in soil con...

The results of ichthyological investigations on the species diversity of Sparidae family in the Black Sea coastal zone of Georgia and Crimean Peninsula in the last 15 years are presented. The first record of sand steenbras Lithognathus mormyrus (Linneus, 1758), new for Georgian waters and rare for the Black Sea, is described in details. The increase in species diversity of the Sparidae family representatives is discussed, as well as the increase in the number of records and abundance of salema Sarpa salpa and seabream Sparus aurata near Caucasus (Georgia) and Crimea. It is concluded that this process is connected with natural penetration of new and rare species to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean Sea (“mediterranization”), and in the last years it can be connected with intensive cultivation of the Mediterranean seabreams in marine farms in Turkey.

Omegophora Whitley, 1934 is considered a valid generic name for two species from temperate Australian waters, and is redefined. The genus differs significantly in dorsal craniology from Arothron, particularly in the shape of frontals and prefrontals. Omegophora armilla (Waite and McCulloch) is redescribed, and O. cyanopunctata sp. novo is described, being distinct from it on the basis of both morphology and osteology. Full synonymy is provided for O. armilla.

To address the ongoing deterioration of marine ecosystems and its consequences on livelihood, the European Union (EU) now aims to achieve 30% coverage of marine protected areas (MPAs), with 10% under strict protection per region. Here, we provide the first assessment of protection levels of EU MPAs, describing the level of legal restrictions of activities using the MPA Guide framework. While MPAs covered 11.4% of EU national waters in 2022, 0.2% were fully or highly protected. As much as 86% of MPA coverage showed low levels of protection or would not be considered compatible with conservation objectives, as they allow industrial activities. Most MPA coverage showed minimal protection across member states, sea regions, and legal types of MPAs. The EU MPA network likely provides limited ecological outcomes. Reaching the EU’s 10% strict protection target will require radical changes to the regulation of activities in EU MPAs.

The Black-headed Bushmaster, Lachesis melanocephala (Viperidae: Crotalinae), is an endemic pit viper from southeastern Costa Rica. Despite its importance with regard to medicine and conservation, the ecology and distribution of this species are still poorly known, mainly because it was only recently recognized as a full species and records are scarce across its range. Known only from the Pacific slopes of the Talamanca mountain range, L. melanocephala is considered uncommon, restricted to undisturbed habitats, and likely threatened with extinction. Here we summarize its distribution, in terms of the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Species Distribution Model (SDM), and present a new locality record for the Las Tablas Protected Zone, at an elevation of 1,873 m, in a mixed premontane and montane oak forest habitat with steep slopes. The new record is located 14 km from the Panama border, so it is very likely that the species is also found in that country. Our results indicate that L. melanocephala has a very small geographic range, between 3,432 and 10,507 km 2 , depending on the method of assessment. It is found mostly in undisturbed habitats, including tropical, premontane and montane humid, very humid, and pluvial forests. Due to its restricted geographic range and habitat specificity, the severe and continued loss of lowland and mid-elevation forests throughout its range pose serious threats to the persistence of the Black-headed Bushmaster.

Monitorear especies amenazadas no es fácil, pues los protocolos deben de ser ajustados considerando la baja detectabilidad de la especie. En este estudio, proponemos modelos de ocupación con cámaras trampa para monitorear al Paujil del Sira, un Cracido endemico de un bosque montano en Peru.