Global Ecology and Conservation最新文献

{"title":"Genetic monitoring of an endangered species: Associations between population characteristics and environmental factors in a dioecious perennial plant","authors":"Weronika A. Vörös ,&nbsp;Christoph Rosche ,&nbsp;Walter Durka ,&nbsp;Stefan G. Michalski ,&nbsp;Isabell Hensen ,&nbsp;Marcus Lehnert ,&nbsp;Daya Södje ,&nbsp;Karin Schrieber ,&nbsp;Jochen Müller ,&nbsp;Sabrina Träger","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the genetic and ecological factors influencing population decline is essential for the conservation of threatened species. Our study species <em>Antennaria dioica</em> (L.) <span>Gaertn</span>. is a dioecious perennial with frequent clonal growth and has undergone significant population decline across much of Europe, making it a suitable model for studying genetic diversity and ecological interactions in declining species. This study combines over a decade of genetic monitoring with environmental data and herbarium specimens spanning up to 200 years. Field surveys in 2010 and 2022/2023 recorded population size, sex ratio, seedling percentage, vegetation height, bare soil cover, and soil depth. We analyzed genetic diversity and population structure using ddRAD sequencing on contemporary and historical samples and examined associations between population characteristics and environmental conditions. While overall genetic diversity in central Germany remained moderate, populations showed clear differentiation without strong large-scale spatial genetic structure. Populations sampled in 2010 and later classified as ‘potentially extinct’ or ‘still extant’ in 2022/2023 differed significantly in their genetic cluster composition, indicating long-term demographic and genetic shifts. Herbarium specimens revealed a male-biased sex ratio under drought conditions and a phenological shift likely driven by habitat loss rather than climate change. Our findings highlight the importance of population size and balanced sex ratios for the persistence of dioecious, partially clonal species and demonstrate the value of integrating genetic, historical, and ecological data for potential conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04090"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Imperilled paws: How conservation biologists can use pet cats’ health and welfare rather than their impacts on wildlife to argue for their containment","authors":"Michael C. Calver ,&nbsp;Heather M. Crawford ,&nbsp;Christopher A. Lepczyk ,&nbsp;Duncan E. Farrow ,&nbsp;Patricia A. Fleming","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Debating impacts of owned cats <em>Felis catus</em> on wildlife diverts attention from improving cat health and welfare, which may also protect wildlife. We present a narrative review of the health and welfare consequences of indoor or outdoor cat husbandry. Roaming cats, especially young males, face substantial risks of traumatic injury and infectious disease, plus lesser risks of poisoning and abuse. A cat may die 10 or more years prematurely, while the cohort of outdoor cats has approximately 70–80 % of the lifespan of the cohort of indoor cats. Owners also incur veterinary expenses for injuries to roaming pets, which sometimes cause lifelong, chronic conditions. There are also data-based claims for greater quality of life for contained cats, plus more satisfying bonds between cats and owners. Containment, however, may cause obesity, diabetes or behavioural problems, while solutions including environmental enrichment, exercise, and correct feeding, plus containment logistics, may strain owners’ time and finances. Contained cats are also unlikely to express all cat behaviour. We conclude that, based on health and welfare, the advantages of containment are considerable and the disadvantages often remediable. This conclusion supports existing arguments that including health and welfare in husbandry decisions benefits cats and wildlife conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04067"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alpine endemism under threat: Ecological patterns and conservation strategies in the changing Himalayas","authors":"Muhammad Manzoor ,&nbsp;Mushtaq Ahmad ,&nbsp;Syed Waseem Gillani ,&nbsp;Muhammad Waheed ,&nbsp;Hamayun Shaheen ,&nbsp;Shiekh Marifatul Haq ,&nbsp;Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja ,&nbsp;Rainer W. Bussmann ,&nbsp;Abeer Hashem ,&nbsp;Khalid F. Almutairi ,&nbsp;Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e04051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e04051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mountains are vital for biodiversity and endemism, particularly in alpine environments threatened by climate change. Most studies overlook endemic species, which are more vulnerable to climate variability and instability because of their narrow biological niches. This research examines the diversity and distribution of endemic species in the Western Himalayas, focusing on edaphic factors and altitude across three belts: the lower altitudinal belt (LAB), middle altitudinal belt (MAB), and upper altitudinal belt (UAB). Field sampling from 425 quadrats, spanning from 3000 to 4400 m, identified 102 endemic species from 68 genera and 31 families. Species richness peaked in the UAB (4000–4200 m), averaging 18.14 ± 6.18 species, demonstrating a positive correlation between elevation and endemic richness. Hemicryptophytes were prevalent, with microphylls being the most common leaf type. The study revealed that 58.8 % of the endemic species are distributed across the broader Himalayan region, while 41.2 % are restricted to the Western Himalayas. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated strong ties between endemic species and environmental factors, with soil organic carbon (SOC) identified as a primary determinant. Additionally, a statistically significant decline in soil pH with elevation (p = 0.0049) negatively affected species richness (p = 0.0127). Edaphic variations influence species distribution, and conservation assessments highlighted the UAB as the zone with the highest number of endangered species. The results of this study may aid in formulating effective conservation measures to safeguard the valuable endemic flora of the Himalayan alpine zone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04051"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Riparian bats temporally partition foraging at the cold edge of an upslope climate-driven range expansion","authors":"Chiara Belli ,&nbsp;Luca Cistrone ,&nbsp;Mirjam Knörnschild ,&nbsp;Belma Sestovic ,&nbsp;Ioannis Ekklisiarchos ,&nbsp;Miren Aldasoro ,&nbsp;Chiara Borgonovo ,&nbsp;Ilaria Migliaresi ,&nbsp;Mariella Di Domenico ,&nbsp;John Ratcliffe ,&nbsp;Danilo Russo","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change is driving many species to shift their distributions polewards and upslope, exposing populations to the challenging abiotic and biotic conditions of the range’s cold edges. At these limits, resources are often scarce and competition, including among conspecifics, can be intense. Long-term monitoring of the riparian bat <em>Myotis daubentonii</em>, a species that shows altitudinal sexual segregation, has revealed an upslope shift of reproductive females within a central Italian river system, from a historical limit of about 850 m a.s.l. to about 1050 m a.s.l. Here, we investigated whether females colonising these newly suitable high-elevation habitats adjust their foraging behaviour in ways that reduce competition. We radio-tracked 14 reproductive females sharing maternity roosts in the cold-edge zone and analysed the spatial and temporal distribution of their foraging activity. All females showed pronounced temporal segregation in their use of foraging areas and regardless of roost membership. Spatial overlap tended to be greater among tracked roost mates, but this trend was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that fine-scale temporal niche partitioning limits interference and promotes efficient use of limited resources at the cold edge. Strong fidelity to individual foraging sites further indicates that site familiarity may buffer competition and reduce foraging costs. Variation in commuting distances among individuals suggests diverse foraging strategies, plausibly reflecting differences in competitive ability or reproductive state. Our results show that at newly colonised cold edges, female <em>M. daubentonii</em> exhibit behavioural plasticity facilitating coexistence among conspecifics and enhancing persistence in suboptimal habitats under climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04129"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Going up in smoke: Hazardous ecological consequences of wildfire emissions","authors":"Antonio C. de Andrade ,&nbsp;Mark E. Harrison ,&nbsp;Kim R. McConkey","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wildfire smoke may trigger major adverse changes in global ecosystems, affecting the planet’s life support systems. However, while fire has been identified as an important global change driver, and the impacts of wildfire smoke on public health are increasingly documented, the ecological impacts of this haze have been hitherto largely neglected. Here, we help address this imbalance by outlining the multiple direct, indirect and cascading effects of wildfire smoke on organisms and ecosystems. These range from immediate adverse health impacts on air-breathing animals to long-term changes in carbon budgets of forests, and substantial changes in phytoplankton communities and coral mortality. As human health and natural systems are linked, such ecological changes are ultimately expected to have detrimental impacts on local public health, economy and wellbeing. We thus consider wildfire smoke to be a driver of global change, with the current limited literature likely capturing only a small fraction of the myriad impacts from wildfire smoke pollution. We therefore urge further research on this topic, plus actions to effectively steward fire regimes and enhance ecosystem resilience to help mitigate this threat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04123"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review of human-wildlife conflicts in the context of ecological change: Insights from geospatial applications","authors":"Ongeziwe Njomi ,&nbsp;Mohammed B. Altoom ,&nbsp;Abel Ramoelo ,&nbsp;Michael Gebreslasie","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) are escalating due to the expansion of anthropogenic activities, the growing proximity of human populations to wildlife habitats, and increased resource demands, particularly in developing nations. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed articles at the intersection of human-wildlife conflict, ecological change, and geospatial applications published between 2015 and 2024, using a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Bibliometric analysis software, such as VOSviewer, was used for spatial and network analysis, and 220 peer-reviewed articles were included in the final review. These studies, conducted across 47 countries, reflect a growing interest in this topic, with the number of publications increasing from just 1 in 2015–50 in 2024. Based on the country productivity analysis, 1015 authors contributed to this field, with the United States of America having the highest number of contributions, followed by the United Kingdom. The most frequently cited ecological drivers of conflict included habitat loss and fragmentation, land-use <em>changes, and declines in natural prey</em>. Frequently studied wildlife groups included mega-herbivores and large carnivores. The most common conservation statuses were <em>\"endangered,\" \"vulnerable,\" and \"keystone species.\"</em> The most frequent keywords identified were ″<em>human-wildlife conflict″</em>, ″conservation″, and ″<em>livestock depredation”.</em> This study highlights key research trends in HWC, including leading contributors, major conflict drivers, focal species, dominant themes, and widely applied mitigation strategies. These insights may support researchers in selecting appropriate publication outlets and collaboration partners, and in guiding the development of effective strategies and policies to address human-wildlife conflicts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04124"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measures to improve the accuracy of species distribution models for effective conservation of endangered species","authors":"Sangwook Lee ,&nbsp;Yoonji Kim ,&nbsp;Youngjae Yoo ,&nbsp;Hye In Chung ,&nbsp;Jiyeon Lee ,&nbsp;Jinhoo Hwang ,&nbsp;Hong-Shik Oh ,&nbsp;Hyeon Kwon Ahn ,&nbsp;Seongwoo Jeon","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate identification of ecologically sensitive areas, particularly those harboring endangered species, is essential for ensuring that development projects proceed without causing irreversible biodiversity loss. Species distribution models (SDMs) are pivotal tools in addressing this issue, yet they are constrained by challenges such as the overestimation or underestimation of potential habitats and inadequate representation of species-specific ecological traits, especially for endangered species. To address these limitations, this study refines the SDMs for the endangered species <em>Mankyua chejuense</em> by employing a novel approach that incorporates weighted occurrence data and optimized pseudo-absence point selection. These advancements not only mitigate the intrinsic biases of SDMs in habitat estimation but also provide a more nuanced reflection of the species’ ecological characteristics. This improved modeling framework holds substantial implications for developing more effective national and regional biodiversity conservation strategies, and supports the broader application of this refined approach to other species in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04061"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of fecal microbiota of little egret (Egretta garzetta) inhabiting coastal and inland environments","authors":"Minghui Zhang ,&nbsp;Wenjing Zhou ,&nbsp;Gang Yang ,&nbsp;Zhou Lu ,&nbsp;Yaoyin He ,&nbsp;Lijiang Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The digestive tract of birds contains diverse microbiota that help hosts adapt to different environments. The environment is considered one of the main factors affecting the gut microbiota of wild animals, however, there is limited understanding of the role and function of environmental matrices in it. In this study, we collected feces of little egret (<em>Egretta garzetta</em>) from coastal saline and inland freshwater areas; analyzed the composition, diversity, and function of the microbial community using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology; and compared them with the soil and water microbiota to explore their interactions. We found that although the dominant bacterial phyla were the same, the dominant bacterial genera and the level II and III of the KEGG hierarchy of the microbiota of egrets in the two environments differed. We also observed that the egrets shared fewer core microbial communities with their living environment, and had significant differences in beta diversity. Overall, our results indicate that the microbial communities in the egret gut change with the bird's living environment; however, these changes showed a weak correlation with the water quality and soil of their habitats, suggesting that external environmental factors are not the main contributors to the gut microbiota differences. Since opportunistic pathogens were detected in the fecal microorganisms of the egret, especially individuals from the coastal saline area had a higher abundance of zoonotic pathogens such as <em>Vibrio</em>, research should be conducted to mitigate the ecological risk of intestinal pathogen transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04097"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new pest threatens Africa’s iconic baobab trees","authors":"Sarah M. Venter ,&nbsp;Ali Salem Musallm Akaak ,&nbsp;Mohammed Mubarak Suhail Akaak","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Batocera rufomaculata</em> is a longhorn beetle commonly known as the Mango stem-borer which is a serious pest to numerous tree crops in Asia and the Middle East. Recently <em>B. rufomaculata</em> was found on baobab (<em>Adansonia digitata</em> L.) in an isolated population in the Sultanate of Oman. This is the first report of <em>B. rufomaculata</em> on baobab, and the first known case of an insect causing adult baobab tree mortality. A survey of this population revealed that 6 trees (4 %) had died due to <em>B. rufomaculata</em> infection, while out of the 91 trees examined, 12 (13 %) were found to be infested by the larvae. <em>B. rufomaculata</em> has not yet reached Africa, where baobab is an important native tree. Preventive actions and research into chemical and biological controls are recommended to avoid its spread.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04108"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of human-induced disturbances on population abundance of large herbivores in Mago National Park, Southern Ethiopia","authors":"Biruk Yeshaw Habte ,&nbsp;Zerihun Girma ,&nbsp;Eshetu Yirsaw","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Large herbivores in various environments, including protected areas, face severe threats from human activities. These activities include tree cutting, human settlement patterns, and use of fire. Such disturbances can alter habitat structures and increase mortality risks for large herbivores. Large herbivores are considered highly susceptible to use of fire based on their dependence on specific habitats for food resource and shelter. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. This study analyzed the effect of these disturbances on large herbivore abundance in Mago National Park using line transect and plot surveys. Two-Way ANOVA and linear regression analyses were employed to examine the relationships between disturbance levels and herbivore abundance. Our result showed that tree cutting was the predominant human activity in the park. The highest counts and abundance of herbivore species were observed in undisturbed areas, while the lowest were recorded in highly disturbed regions across all habitat types during both dry and wet seasons. We found significant negative associations between tree cutting, human settlement, and burned area with herbivore abundance. These findings highlight the complex relationship between human-induced disturbances and herbivore distribution patterns. The findings have made it clear that there is a great need to have effective zoning legislation put into practice and a comprehensive conservation strategy implemented with a focus on sustainable utilization. This will be an effective means of combating deforestation and protecting herbivorous biodiversity pockets outside the boundaries of Mago National Park. Moreover, it will improve living standards of local inhabitants by promoting sustainable resource utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04096"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}