Global Ecology and Conservation最新文献

{"title":"What helps in the short term may hinder later: High grass abundance caused by the sowing of a competitive grass species limits meadow steppic grassland regeneration","authors":"Zsófia Eszter Guller ,&nbsp;Csaba Molnár ,&nbsp;Judit Házi ,&nbsp;Dragica Purger ,&nbsp;Sándor Csete ,&nbsp;Gábor Szabó ,&nbsp;Zita Zimmermann ,&nbsp;Csaba Tölgyesi ,&nbsp;Sándor Bartha ,&nbsp;András István Csathó","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the global loss of grassland ecosystems, biodiversity and ecological stability are declining at an alarming rate. One way to counteract this trend is grassland restoration on abandoned fields. A widely used method is sowing competitive native grasses at high density to rapidly establish a vegetation matrix. Here, we studied the long-term effectiveness of sowing the regionally dominant native grass species, <em>Festuca valesiaca</em>, in an abandoned field in Hungary to restore the region’s natural vegetation, the endangered Pannonic loess meadow steppe. The grass was sown at high density, supplemented by additional seeding of 14 characteristic forbs. We compared vegetation development in this sown site with a neighbouring spontaneously recovering field and an adjacent ancient loess meadow steppe as reference. Vegetation was surveyed annually for 13 years in the restored sites and seven in the ancient grassland. <em>F. valesiaca</em> became dominant four years after sowing, and its cover quickly surpassed that of the ancient grassland. Regeneration was initially rapid but slowed markedly by year six after sowing, showing only small further progress thereafter. In contrast, although weed cover remained high for longer in the spontaneous site, species composition progressed steadily toward the target state, with better establishment of non-sown target forbs. Our findings indicate that a fast-emerging, dense grass cover shortens the weed-dominated phase but slows regeneration later. We highlight the importance of prioritizing long-term continuous monitoring in restoration decisions, as treatments may lead to contrasting outcomes over time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04110"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174215","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":"Survey bias in sampling François’s langur in the Karst mountains: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and accessibility perspective","authors":"Wei Gou ,&nbsp;Yin Yang ,&nbsp;Linzheng Hu ,&nbsp;Manfang He ,&nbsp;Wanhai Wang ,&nbsp;Zhonghai Wei ,&nbsp;Guangmei Yang ,&nbsp;Haijun Su ,&nbsp;Yixin Diao","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e04049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e04049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Roadless areas in forested and rugged mountains pose unavoidable challenges to field surveys, often leading to wildlife sampling bias in terms of population, behaviour, and response to human interference. Using the endangered François's langur (<em>Trachypithecus francoisi</em>) as a model species, we aimed to compare the impacts of different survey methods, with varying levels of road accessibility on the evaluation of population size, the response of species to human disturbance, and the habitat distribution prediction by an ensemble species distribution model in the Dashahe National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China. François's langurs live in some of the most inaccessible habitat among primates. To date, the best methods of survey have been interviews with locals and line transects along existing roadways. These methods may be biased by human presence and activities. Drones provide a means by which langur densities can be assessed across an inaccessible landscape, reducing researcher accessibility bias. We found that, compared to the interview survey, which have long been the only survey method in this region, the UAV survey significantly increased the species detection accessibility (SDA) of François's langur in roadless areas (population size estimation: interview survey recorded 37 individuals at mean SDA of 46.92 ± 21.06 km vs. UAV survey recorded 62 individuals at mean SDA of 57.96 ± 15.85 km). The unmanned aerial vehicle -methods vehicle (UAV) survey indicated that the occurrence of François's langurs decreased when the intensity of human modification exceeded 0.4, whereas the transect method showed a higher modification threshold that reached 0.6. This indicated that UAV survey exhibited a higher degree of sensitivity to human activities. Furthermore, while the suitable area identified by the UAV model (74.8 km²) was positively correlated with road accessibility (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), the results of the all-survey model (84 km²) showed a different pattern (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), with larger area identified as suitable habitat compared to those predicted using the other two survey methods. Our results suggest that, compared to other traditional surveys, UAVs increase the probability of detecting François's langurs in roadless areas (30.1 %), eliminate overestimation of their tolerance to human disturbance, and help refine species distribution modelling. We recommend that UAV surveys be incorporated into routine wildlife surveys and conservation management studies to enhance our understanding of threatened species and reduce underestimation of human disturbance on these species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04049"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981606","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 on animal behavioural adaptations in a fragmented landscape: The case of the Atlantic Forest","authors":"Ester Bergamini ,&nbsp;Alessandro Massolo","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Atlantic Forest is one of the most biodiverse and threatened biomes on Earth, with high levels of deforestation and fragmentation. This literature review aimed at gathering and summarizing evidence on how habitat loss impacts the behavioural responses of animals within this biome, focusing on adaptations related to space use, diet, intra- and inter-specific interactions.</div><div>Using a systematic approach, 68 studies from the past two decades were analysed, highlighting significant patterns of behavioural plasticity among vertebrates and invertebrates. Results revealed that species with greater flexibility in space use and diet are more likely to persist in fragmented landscapes, whereas specialists face severe challenges. Birds adapt their movement strategies by exploiting fragmented matrices, although their success depends on matrix permeability and species-specific traits. Mammals show notable dietary expansions, incorporating anthropogenic resources in degraded areas, whereas forest specialists often face resource scarcity. Seed dispersal networks, vital for plant regeneration, are disrupted in smaller forest patches, as generalist dispersers replace specialists.</div><div>These findings illustrate how behavioural adaptations enable some species to navigate habitat fragmentation while highlighting the vulnerability of less adaptable taxa. This review identified knowledge gaps, including the limited focus on acoustic communication and the roles of invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as the underexplored effects on species interactions and of restoration. It provided a comprehensive foundation on the behavioural effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the Atlantic Forest’s animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04093"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078912","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":"Impacts of land use and land cover change on habitat connectivity: A case study of the Igando Igawa Wildlife Corridor, Southern Tanzania","authors":"Joas J. Makwati ,&nbsp;Steven Temu ,&nbsp;Olipa Simon ,&nbsp;Philip K. Mwanukuzi ,&nbsp;Henry J. Ndangalasi","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habitat fragmentation and land cover change pose major threats to ecological connectivity and biodiversity conservation across sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) change on the structural connectivity and ecological function of the Igando-Igawa Wildlife Corridor (IIWC) in southern Tanzania, which links Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve to Ruaha National Park. Using remote sensing, GIS-based modelling, ground surveys and field observations, we analysed landscape transformations over a 30-year period (1994–2024). Results indicate a substantial expansion of agricultural land with scattered settlements, increasing from 174.5 km² (19.3 %) to 475.9 km² (52.7 %). Bushland also expanded by 168.1 km², while woodland and grassland declined by 305.8 km² and 182.8 km², respectively. Built-up and bare land areas showed moderate growth. Landscape fragmentation intensified, with patch density increasing and the Aggregation Index declining from 93.11 to 81.70, indicating reduced core habitat. Least-cost path analysis revealed a narrowing and southward shift of the corridor, with cost-weighted distance rising from 161,549 to 242,407 units and path length extending from 52.9 km to 57.3 km. These changes have significantly impeded wildlife movement, particularly for large mammals such as elephants and lions, due to intensified human activities including agriculture, settlement expansion, livestock grazing and vegetation clearance. The findings highlight the urgent need for proactive corridor protection, integrated land use planning, and community engagement. This study has laid a foundation for further research and informs conservation strategies in rapidly changing landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04057"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928957","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":"Navigating challenges and opportunities in predator rewilding: Perspectives from the recolonization of Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra) in Norway","authors":"Erlend M. Hanssen ,&nbsp;Robert J. Lennox ,&nbsp;Knut Wiik Vollset ,&nbsp;Gaute Velle ,&nbsp;Jiska van Dijk ,&nbsp;Lene K. Sortland ,&nbsp;Rose Keller ,&nbsp;Oddgeir Andersen ,&nbsp;Sigrid Engen ,&nbsp;Frank N. Rosell ,&nbsp;Steven Guidos ,&nbsp;David N. Carss ,&nbsp;Morgan L. Piczak ,&nbsp;Marius Kambestad","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rewilding predatory species has the potential to induce intricate trophic cascades and elicit multifaceted outcomes at biological and societal levels. The primary goal of rewilding is to restore ecological functionality and elevate species populations. However, the ecological interactions and socio-economic conflicts that emerge from rewilding are often underexplored in the literature. Natural recolonization of Eurasian otters (<em>Lutra lutra</em>) in Norway is presented as a paradigmatic example of historic and novel conflicts and interactions across ecological and socio-economic domains that ensue after predator recovery. Expanding otter populations in Norway have already led to increased incidences of human-wildlife conflicts because of predation on endangered Atlantic salmon (<em>Salmo salar</em>) and seabird species, sometimes leading to the persecution of otters. The resulting tensions have created polarized views among conservation advocates and other stakeholder groups, including anglers, local river management organizations, eiderdown harvesters, and the aquaculture industry. Emblematic of many challenges confronted by practitioners of rewilding and restoration, we use the Norwegian case study to propose adaptive management strategies to mitigate these conflicts and promote coexistence, such as humane removal or translocation of otters, use of repellents or exclusion structures, habitat restoration, and compensation payments for losses. We also highlight knowledge gaps and emerging challenges to direct future research for conflict mitigation. Our findings can guide predator rewilding schemes more broadly; although focused on otters in Norway, this perspective offers general learning points and strategies for evidence-based management of predator recovery and human-wildlife interactions globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04066"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024325","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":"The response of aboveground traits to prescribed burning: A global meta-analysis","authors":"Zihan Zhang ,&nbsp;Jia Xu ,&nbsp;Wuchao Gao ,&nbsp;Ying Liu ,&nbsp;Jixiang Chen ,&nbsp;Ting Song ,&nbsp;Jiao Li ,&nbsp;Chengming You ,&nbsp;Hongwei Xu ,&nbsp;Dongyu Cao ,&nbsp;Xinglei Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prescribed burning is recognized as an effective strategy for wildfire management, as it not only offers a means to diminish fuel load but also confers ecological benefits. Although the effects of prescribed burning on soil properties have been thoroughly investigated, the responses of aboveground traits to prescribed burning are still not well understood, particularly across a broad range of regions. Here, we assessed the impact of prescribed burning on aboveground traits through a meta-analysis of 53 studies (aboveground net primary production (ANPP), biomass, fuel load, plant carbon storage, plant nitrogen storage, stem density, species richness, and vegetation cover) and assessed the mechanisms underlying these effects. Our results showed that prescribed burning significantly reduced traits associated with biomass and nutrient pools, including ANPP (-9.0 %), biomass (-15.9 %), fuel load (-54.9 %), plant carbon storage (-21.8 %), and plant nitrogen storage (-9.8 %). In terms of vegetation structure and diversity, while stem density decreased (-9.3 %), prescribed burning did not significantly alter vegetation cover and species richness. Forests were found to be more vulnerable to the impacts of prescribed burning compared to shrublands and grasslands. Ecosystem type, environmental conditions, and the duration after prescribed burning influenced the effects of prescribed burning on aboveground traits, suggesting that each place must assess the ecological impacts of prescribed burning prior to its implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04119"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385133","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":"Unveiling tree species diversity and ecological similarity networks: Insights from National Forest Inventory South Korea","authors":"Thakur Dhakal ,&nbsp;Shraddha Tiwari ,&nbsp;Seong-Hyeon Kim ,&nbsp;Anteneh Bongasie ,&nbsp;Jun-Young Kim ,&nbsp;Tae-Su Kim ,&nbsp;Su-Jin Kim ,&nbsp;Gab-Sue Jang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mapping tree species diversity and networks enhances the understanding of ecological dynamics and supports effective biodiversity conservation and forest management. In this study, we investigated tree species distribution, richness, beta diversity and ecological centers were analyzed using NFI-7 data surveyed between 2016 and 2020 in South Korea. The coexistence species networks were analyzed using the Jaccard similarity index and ecological hub locations were examined corresponding to NFI grid centers and Korean administrative boundaries. We observed the heterogeneity in tree species distribution. Species Korean red pine (<em>Pinus densiflora</em>) dominated (22.49 %) the Korean forest and Korean mountain cherry (<em>Prunus maximowiczii Rupr</em>) observed as the highly spatially autocorrelated (Moran’s <em>I</em>= 0.327; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Based on the degree of centrality of Jaccard similarity networks, grid (128.005 34.823) had 21 species, Sannae-myeon (87 species), Jeju-si (133 species), and Gyeongsangnam-do (170 species) were observed as the most connected zones compared within NFI grids, sub municipal, municipal, and provincial boundaries, respectively. Our approaches and results provide ecological information about tree species richness, diversity, and network-based priority zones to support biodiversity monitoring, ecological assessments, and sustainable environment management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04089"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385243","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":"Habitat suitability analysis through cluster optimization based on wild boar location and DNA data","authors":"Kyung Youl Baek ,&nbsp;Ho Gul Kim ,&nbsp;Yoonjee Hong ,&nbsp;Seunggyu Jeong","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since 2019, African Swine Fever (ASF) has caused significant damage to pig farms in South Korea. This study aimed to enhance the reliability of habitat suitability models for preventing the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) by optimizing the parameters of the ST-DBSCAN clustering algorithm using wild boar (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) spatial data. Key ST-DBSCAN parameters were optimized using temporal and spatial information, and DNA-derived genetic relatedness was used as an independent criterion to validate and tune the clustering results, enabling clusters to better reflect biologically related individuals rather than purely proximity-driven groupings. The Maxent model was used to compare habitat suitability performance across three types of location data: raw (unclustered) occurrences (Type 0), occurrences clustered using literature-based ST-DBSCAN parameters (Type 1), and occurrences clustered using DNA-validated optimized ST-DBSCAN parameters (Type 2). The analysis revealed that the reliability of 'Type 2 (AUC = 0.883)' was significantly higher compared to 'Type 0 (AUC = 0.777)' and 'Type 1 (AUC = 0.814)'. Notably, 'Type 2′ demonstrated a strong ability to identify areas with a wild boar occurrence probability of 0.8 or greater. These habitat suitability outputs provide a basis for ASF prevention by prioritizing surveillance and guiding targeted placement of barriers (e.g., fencing) or buffer measures near high-risk wildlife–livestock interfaces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04092"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173767","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":"The ornamental trade in painted woolly bats (Kerivoula picta) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam","authors":"Minh DT Nguyen ,&nbsp;Hai Thanh Luong ,&nbsp;Joe Chun-Chia Huang ,&nbsp;Chris R. Shepherd ,&nbsp;Ha Thi Bui ,&nbsp;Vu Dinh Thong ,&nbsp;Joanna L. Coleman","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ornamental wildlife trade poses a potential conservation threat to bats, including the painted woolly bat, <em>Kerivoula picta</em>. While studies have documented the fact that <em>K. picta</em> is widely sold online, with specimens moving from Asia to markets all over the world, there is no literature on the <em>K. picta</em> trade in any of its 11 range countries. We surveyed shops in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam to record all bats in ornamental trade, interviewed vendors to gain insight into the supply chain and performed a comprehensive legislative review to assess this trade<span>’</span>s legality. Our surveys revealed that <em>Kerivoula picta</em> is the most popular bat species in an ornamental trade that largely caters to tourists in HCMC. Adults and dependent young seem to be mostly, if not, entirely sourced from the wild in Vietnam. Two independent lines of anecdotal evidence indicate that <em>K. picta</em> has recently become increasingly difficult to find in the wild near HCMC and elsewhere in the Mekong Delta, leading to concern that this bat may have been overharvested for ornamental trade. With a potentially large population decline and <em>K. picta</em> not explicitly protected by Vietnam<span>’</span>s wildlife-protection laws, we recommend including it on lists of endangered, precious and rare species in the updated regulation(s). We also suggest Vietnam act to add <em>K. picta</em> to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which would set restrictions on transboundary movements of painted woolly bats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04098"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173768","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":"Under pressure: assessing the influence of hunting on stress and diet quality of boreal bison (Bison bison)","authors":"Thomas S. Jung ,&nbsp;Michael J.L. Peers ,&nbsp;Phoebe D. Edwards ,&nbsp;Fiona K.A. Schmiegelow ,&nbsp;Rudy Boonstra","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human activity can impact wildlife with consequences on fitness. For instance, hunting may affect the behaviour and physiology of hunted species. Yet, such impacts are understudied. We examined whether hunting impacted the stress physiology and nutrition of bison (<em>Bison bison</em>). We tested the hypothesis that risk-averse bison had lower quality diets but less stress than those that were accessible to hunters, imposing a tradeoff. We collected fecal samples from areas that received high and low hunting pressure in late winter over two hunting seasons that varied in hunting pressure. We measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) as a measure of stress and fecal nitrogen and other minerals as measures of diet quality. FGM levels did not differ as a function of spatial hunting intensity, but levels were significantly higher in 2018 when hunting rates were over three times greater than in 2019. Concentrations of most major and trace minerals increased in high hunting areas in 2019, coinciding with a sharp decrease in hunter harvest. Taken together, changes in hunting pressure between years may increase stress in bison and limit their access to high quality forage, but the factors at play are difficult to disentangle. To avoid potential tradeoffs between safety and nutrition, wildlife managers could reduce stress and increase nutrition by reducing hunting activity or creating refugia from hunters in high-quality foraging areas, where warranted. More broadly, understanding the sublethal effects that hunting may have on wildlife can help guide management decisions regarding the allocation of hunting pressure on the landscape.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article e04080"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173770","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}