Global Ecology and Conservation最新文献

{"title":"The effect of season, topography, habitat quality, and gender on sexual and stress hormones in red deer (Cervus elaphus maral)","authors":"Ahmad Yousefpour Bisheh ,&nbsp;Seyed Mehdi Amininasab ,&nbsp;Zarbakht Ansari Pirsaraei ,&nbsp;Zeinab Jafarian","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stress and sexual hormones play a crucial role in the survival of wildlife. Understanding how these hormone levels are influenced by environmental and biological factors is essential for effective wildlife management. This study aims to investigate the impact of season, topography, habitat quality, and gender on the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and the sexual hormones testosterone and progesterone in the red deer (<em>Cervus elaphus maral</em>), a key wildlife species in northern Iran. In summer 2022 and winter 2023, 80 fecal samples were collected from the summer and winter ranges of red deer habitats. The levels of cortisol, testosterone, and progesterone were measured in the laboratory using enzyme immunoassay with specific kits and an ELISA device. Among habitat parameters, total percentage of vegetation was selected, and among topographic parameters, elevation was chosen. The influence of these factors, along with gender and season (winter and summer), on stress and sexual hormones was determined. The results showed that season significantly affected cortisol, testosterone, and progesterone levels, with red deer experiencing greater stress and higher testosterone and progesterone levels in summer compared to winter. Total percentage of vegetation and elevation did not have significant effects on these hormones. There was no significant correlation between cortisol and testosterone or progesterone in red deer. These findings can inform conservation and management plans by considering seasonal variations in stress and sexual hormones for red deer and other deer species worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03526"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143593252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic evidence for inter-population male – Biased dispersal of lesser rice field rat (Rattus losea) in Zhoushan Archipelago, China","authors":"Ke Wang ,&nbsp;Bowen Xie ,&nbsp;Ruohan Xiong ,&nbsp;Jing Li ,&nbsp;Zhengyu Dai ,&nbsp;Hongying Kong ,&nbsp;Shanjian Zheng ,&nbsp;Yanni Wang ,&nbsp;Rongquan Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dispersal is a fundamental life history trait that has profound effect on both the genetics and evolution of species, and sex-biased dispersal is pervasive in vertebrates. Lesser rice field rat (<em>Rattus losea</em>) belongs to the family Muridae and is one of the dominant rodents in Zhoushan archipelago, China. In this study, we genotyped 168 samples including 74 males and 94 females <em>R. losea</em>, live-captured from five neighboring islands during breeding seasons. Based on eight highly polymorphic autosomal microsatellite markers analyzed, we found that the island populations of <em>R. losea</em> maintained a large amount of genetic diversity, along with low to moderate levels of genetic variation, extensive gene flow and declining inbreeding. The Bayesian clustering divided the populations into three distinct genetic clusters. Analyses of sex-biased dispersal conducted over the total <em>R. losea</em> individuals presented that <em>Fst</em>, <em>Fis</em>, <em>mAIc</em> and <em>r</em> in females were higher than those in males, and conversely <em>vAIc</em> in females was lower than males, which all suggested a male-biased dispersal pattern in <em>R. losea</em> populations. This pattern of dispersal may be influenced by factors such as reducing mate competition and preventing inbreeding. In general, the study provides strong genetic evidence for male-biased dispersal of <em>R. losea</em> in Zhoushan archipelago, which has practical implications for understanding behavioral strategies for the adaptive evolution of island species in fine-scale populations and developing control methods for rodents in island ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03516"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population dynamics of the globally threatened fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in a coastal anthropogenic landscape of southern Thailand","authors":"Kitipat Phosri ,&nbsp;Naruemon Tantipisanuh ,&nbsp;Matthew J. Grainger ,&nbsp;Meredith L. Gore ,&nbsp;George A. Gale ,&nbsp;Anthony J. Giordano ,&nbsp;Dusit Ngoprasert","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fishing cat populations are dwindling globally due to habitat loss and conflicts with humans. To address these pressing issues, our study focused on understanding fishing cat dynamics in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a key site in Southeast Asia. Utilizing data from three sampling periods (2019, 2021 and 2023) and over 34,000 camera trap-days, we identified 127 individual adult fishing cats. Our analysis revealed a population density increase from 18 to 24 cats /100 km², from 2019 to 2023, and indicated a positive population growth rate (λ = 1.16). However, spatial survival probabilities were moderate 0.50 (95 % CI 0.33 – 0.67), likely due to isolation and human-caused mortality as suggested by interviews of local people. Despite conservation challenges, the population may be sustaining itself through high rates of recruitment (76 %) and turnover (80 %). Fishing cats exhibited a preference for natural areas with less disturbance within this anthropogenic landscape. This suggests that some relatively urbanized lands could potentially serve as refuge habitats for these felids. The preservation of existing habitats, especially within and near the national park is crucial for their survival, whereas increased law enforcement is unlikely to be an effective approach to achieve sustainable conflict mitigation. Incorporating education about coexistence into local school classrooms and/or community forums, and/or recruiting volunteers to participate in fishing cat monitoring could help reduce conflict over time. We show that understanding the temporal aspects of fishing cat population ecology is essential for their conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03524"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Historic record, current distribution and habitat selection of Chinese pangolin in Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan","authors":"Hsiang Ling Chen ,&nbsp;Yu-Chuan Liao ,&nbsp;Wen-Jun Lin ,&nbsp;Hou-Feng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Chinese pangolin (<em>Manis pentadactyla</em>), a critically endangered species experiencing global population decline, requires a clear understanding of its habitat preferences and distribution for effective conservation. This study examined the current population status, habitat use and selection of Chinese pangolins in Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan. By comparing the distribution of pangolin burrows with historical records, we evaluated changes in their range within the park. We analyzed relationship between environmental factors and presence of pangolin’s burrow to identify the habitat preference. From June 2018 to November 2019, we recorded 707 pangolin burrows across more than 90 % of the 94 surveyed grid cells. The consistent presence of pangolins in historically active areas suggests that their distribution within the park has remained largely stable. Habitat selection modeling indicated a preference of pangolin for Formosa acacia forests, areas with higher solar radiation, and lower elevations. While proximity to roads and human settlements did not significantly influence habitat selection, pangolins tended to avoid areas near hot springs which was associated with human disturbance such as recreational activity. Although we found that termite abundance was not significant different between sites with and without pangolin burrows, the sample size was limited. This research provides updated information of distribution of Chinese pangolins in the national park that can serve as baseline data for future population monitoring. The results offer critical insights into the ecological requirements to support broader conservation efforts aimed at ensuring the species' long-term survival in Taiwan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03521"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of land use and climate change on diameter of Dipteryx alata (Leguminosae) in the Brazilian Cerrado","authors":"Gustavo Henrique Baptista Pinheiro ,&nbsp;Micael Rosa Parreira ,&nbsp;Rafael Batista Ferreira ,&nbsp;Thannya Nascimento Soares ,&nbsp;João Carlos Nabout","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diameter at breast height (DBH) is related to various other plant attributes (e.g., height, fruit number, age), and as such, it can indicate important characteristics for species management and conservation. In this study, we aimed to investigate how the DBH of <em>Dipteryx alata</em> Vogel (Leguminosae) varies spatially across the Cerrado biome. Additionally, we examined how environmental factors and land use can influence the variation in DBH of the <em>D. alata</em>. Furthermore, we estimated the current and future potential distribution of <em>D. alata</em> to assess the impact of global climate change on the species' distribution. We utilized a database with 253 records of DBH for <em>D. alata</em> distributed across the Cerrado. For each sample unit, we determined the environmental suitability of <em>D. alata</em> using niche modeling, and land use was characterized and classified into different types (from pasture to remnant vegetation). Our results revealed that the DBH of <em>D. alata</em> ranged from 5 to 75 centimeters, and there was no discernible spatial pattern. Environmental suitability could not predict the spatial variation in DBH. Nonetheless, plants with larger DBH were found in regions classified as pasture in terms of land use. Factors such as reduced competition soil management and age of plants (old plants) may help explain why DBH was greater in pasture areas. It is worth noting that although pasture areas can serve as a refuge for some trees, proper management is essential to promote individuals’ recruitment, ensuring population regeneration and the maintenance of diversity in long time. Climate projections anticipate significant loss of climatically suitable areas for <em>D. alata</em> in future scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03509"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143561911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatio-temporal dynamics of Isoberlinia-dominated woodlands in disturbance-prone landscapes over 15 years","authors":"Shègoun Eudes Idjigbèrou ,&nbsp;Eméline Sêssi Pélagie Assédé ,&nbsp;Séverin Biaou ,&nbsp;Gérard Nounagnon Gouwakinnou ,&nbsp;Armand Kuyema Natta ,&nbsp;Samadori Sorotori Honoré Biaou","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the impact of productivity and disturbance on vegetation succession is a crucial debate in community ecology, with significant implications for biodiversity conservation. Productivity and disturbance influence species richness and structure, enhancing our understanding of vegetation dynamics and species coexistence over time. Numerous theories, such as the Intermediate Stress Hypothesis, Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, and Dynamic Equilibrium Model, have been proposed to explain these mechanisms. However, our understanding of how productivity and disturbance affect the spatio-temporal dynamics of Isoberlinia-dominated woodlands remains limited. We analyzed floristic data from sixteen sites with 64 permanent plots (400 m² each) along a south-north precipitation gradient (1112–991 mm per year) over 15 years (2006–2020). We calculated species richness and density for sapling and adult trees, and estimated two main variables: potential productivity using water deficit as a proxy, and disturbance intensity using logging rate. A linear mixed effects model, with plots nested within sites as random variables, was developed to test the effect of potential productivity and level of disturbance on species richness and density, for sapling and adult trees. Our results showed that species richness (SR) and density, for saplings and adult trees decreased over time, regardless of the disturbance and potential productivity gradients. Compared to higher levels of disturbance, low and medium levels of disturbance significantly increase the species richness of saplings and adult trees. In addition, the density of adult trees and saplings decreased over time, but increased with the level of disturbance from high to low. These results suggest that increased disturbance reduces the density of woodland species in favor of invasive species, typically savanna species. Overall, our results are consistent with the Dynamic Equilibrium Model, highlighting the complex interactions between disturbance regimes, productivity gradients, and their effects on species richness within ecosystems. Efficient forest management in Isoberlinia-dominated would avoid the high levels of logging that promote the establishment of invasive species and would maintain the biodiversity of this ecosystem in the long term.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03512"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental screening through nanopore native sequencing leads to the detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in La Mandria Regional Park, Italy","authors":"Amir reza Varzandi ,&nbsp;Tim Reska ,&nbsp;Lara Urban ,&nbsp;Stefania Zanet ,&nbsp;Ezio Ferroglio","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Health surveillance of wildlife is crucial for the early detection of emerging pathogens. The One Health Integrated Wildlife Monitoring approach combines information from the biotic components of the ecosystem such as the abundance and diversity of wildlife with disease surveillance of animals (domestic and wild). Genomics-based detection of pathogens through environmental samples is a promising component of such programs. In this study, we analysed water samples from eight different irrigation channels in the La Mandria Regional Park, Italy, through PCR-free nanopore native sequencing to identify potential pathogens of importance for wildlife populations. Besides the pathogen <em>Fascioloides magna</em> that was previously detected in the park, we found evidence of other candidate pathogens including – for the first time in this area – the detection of the fungal pathogen <em>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</em>, and their possible host species. We confirmed the presence of <em>B. dendrobatidis</em> through ddPCR, and could demonstrate the detection of significant wildlife pathogens months before its first case was reported in wild animals of the park. Together with inferences on potential host species, these findings demonstrate the potential of genomics-based environmental monitoring through native nanopore sequencing in the context of One Health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03517"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid field-based detection of a threatened and elusive species with environmental DNA and CRISPR-Dx","authors":"Flurin Leugger ,&nbsp;Martina Lüthi ,&nbsp;Michel Schmidlin ,&nbsp;Zacharias Kontarakis ,&nbsp;Loïc Pellissier","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03518","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03518","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With accelerating biodiversity erosion, it is critical for species conservation to use rapid and scalable monitoring methods. One powerful biodiversity monitoring method that has emerged recently is environmental DNA (eDNA). eDNA analyses currently require lengthy protocols in well-equipped laboratories, slowing down the analyses and limiting applications across broad scales. Here, we developed a protocol for eDNA analyses, leveraging CRISPR-based diagnostic systems (Dx) with lateral flow tests to rapidly process and analyze eDNA samples on site. To test the versatility of the field-based protocol, we designed a CRISPR-Dx assay specific to the threatened and elusive African manatee (<em>Trichechus senegalensis</em>). We sampled water across ten locations in a national park in the Republic of Congo and detected manatee DNA directly on site in almost half of the sites. We later confirmed these detections with a high-sensitivity protocol in a well-equipped laboratory. The CRISPR-Dx detections were mainly confirmed with a previously reported quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Despite the lower sensitivity of the field-based protocol, our analysis shows that its speed and ease of application provide advantages over slower and more expensive methods to detect threatened and elusive species, in particular if the protocol is improved in the future. Our methodology will increase the accessibility to and speed of eDNA analyses, enhancing biodiversity monitoring efforts and species conservation initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03518"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterizing fine-scale spatiotemporal variations in canopy litterfall and fine root dynamics in cool temperate forest ecosystems","authors":"Mark Bryan Carayugan ,&nbsp;Ji Young An ,&nbsp;Byung Bae Park","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aboveground canopy and fine roots, two key allocations of autotrophic productivity in forest ecosystems, create a dynamic pathway for carbon and nutrient entry into the soil during senescence and decomposition. Despite their relevance, little is known about the local factors influencing canopy litter and fine root variability, both within stands and across years, which hampers our understanding of plant mineral nutrient status in cool temperate environments. This study combined up to four years of field measurements (2–4 years for litterfall, 1 year for fine root stocks, and 2 years for fine root production and mortality) from twelve 0.02–0.09-ha stands in Gwangneung Experimental Forest to investigate the relationships between litter and fine root variability and stand topographic, structural, and edaphic features. Topography emerged as a key driver of variation within stands, significantly influencing total litterfall (<span><math><msub><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>std</mi><mo>.</mo></mrow></msub></math></span>= −0.568 for elevation; <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>std</mi><mo>.</mo></mrow></msub></math></span>= −0.597 for slope), leaf litterfall (<span><math><msub><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>std</mi><mo>.</mo></mrow></msub></math></span>= −0.722 for elevation), total fine root biomass (<span><math><msub><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>std</mi><mo>.</mo></mrow></msub></math></span> = −0.863 for slope), and &lt; 1mm-sized root biomass (<span><math><msub><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>std</mi><mo>.</mo></mrow></msub></math></span>= −0.618 for slope). Miscellaneous litter exhibited less variability within stands as the basal area increased. Soil magnesium content positively correlated with within-stand fine root biomass variation at depths of 15–30 cm but exhibited an inverse relationship with fine root necromass variation at 5–10 cm. Within-stand variability of fine root mortality increased with soil organic matter, highlighting its critical role in nutrient bioavailability. Our findings underscore the importance of local environmental factors in shaping the spatiotemporal variability of litter and fine roots, offering insights into the carbon and nutrient cycling in cool temperate forests amid environmental change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03519"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anthropogenic mortality risk of lions depends on a combination of environmental, climatic, and cultural factors within a Sub-Saharan African ecosystem","authors":"Dipanjan Naha ,&nbsp;J. Werner Kilian ,&nbsp;Claire Goelst ,&nbsp;Claudine Cloete ,&nbsp;James C. Beasley","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03514","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03514","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human-caused mortality is a major cause of decline for large carnivore populations worldwide. Here we use a long-term data compiled from 1980 to 2018 to highlight the possible linkages between conflict-related mortality of lions (<em>Panthera leo</em>) and diverse socioecological factors in the Greater Etosha Landscape (GEL) surrounding Etosha National Park (ENP) in northwestern Namibia. We also use conflict-related mortality records (2001–2018) to model the spatial risk of fatality for lions from anthropogenic mortality, identify the major predictors of mortality, and map potential hotspots of anthropogenic mortality across the GEL. There were 698 conflict related lion mortalities reported between 1980 and 2018 with an average annual mortality of 22 lions (SE 16), although these are likely underestimates as not all anthropogenic mortality may have been reported. Conflict-related anthropogenic mortality of lions peaked during the cold dry season when availability of water was limited and game movements were concentrated around perennial waterpoints, and was greater in areas with localized livestock populations and low woody cover. Our landscape risk analysis revealed that areas bordering ENP function as ecological traps with certain pockets within the GEL acting as hotspots of conflict-related mortality. The majority of the conflict-related lion mortality was reported from commercial freehold farms reflecting Namibia’s colonial history and land ownership. Our findings suggest that mitigation measures to reduce human-lion conflict at the interface of ENP and other protected areas in Sub-Saharan Africa need to consider both ecological and cultural factors to have maximal impact. Given the high conflict-related mortality of lions in the landscape surrounding ENP, a conservation management strategy is critically needed to ensure human-lion coexistence within the GEL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03514"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}