Journal for Nature Conservation最新文献

{"title":"Potential effects of future high tides on sea turtle nesting","authors":"Antonio J. Carpio ,&nbsp;Yamel Álvarez ,&nbsp;Gema Gutiérrez ,&nbsp;Jipsson Veléz ,&nbsp;Francisco S. Tortosa ,&nbsp;José Oteros ,&nbsp;Marga L. Rivas","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126926","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sandy beaches are the preferred nesting habitat for sea turtles. Multiple climate change events may, however, impact this habitat, since the projected increase in the intensity and frequency of high tides because of rises in sea level and storm events may cause a higher rate of flooding of nests. Knowledge regarding future scenarios of tidal inundation and nest-site selection is required to design action plans with which to protect suitable habitats. The objectives of this study were to quantify the impact of high tides and their trends on the nesting of two endangered sea turtle species, <em>Eretmochelys imbricata</em> and <em>Chelonia mydas</em>, in Ecuador, and to assess their potential influence on hatching success. We measured microhabitat characteristics along seven beaches on which sea turtles nest on the mainland coast of Ecuador. The tidal data and the hatching success of 199 nests were monitored from 2013 to 2020. We observed a positive trend in future high tide occurrences, which are a key factor in explaining nest hatching success. This increase in high tide might cause a reduction in the hatching success of these endangered species of sea turtles; with the <em>E. imbricata</em> being the species most affected by this threat. Considering that these species are threatened, estimations of the potential risk of climate events on their reproductive success might contribute to management strategies, and in turn, to the conservation of their populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126926"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Climate projections indicate a loss and redistribution of the biodiversity of valuable plants in the Brazilian semiarid","authors":"Everton A. Maciel ,&nbsp;Fabrina Bolzan Martins ,&nbsp;José Maria Cardoso da Silva ,&nbsp;David Montenegro Lapola ,&nbsp;Roger Rodrigues Torres","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126930","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126930","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The investigation of the potential impact of human-induced changes on the diversity of valuable plants is crucial to human well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to project the potential distribution of valuable plant species for human use under different climate change scenarios in the Brazilian semiarid region over the next 70 years. We used distribution data for 1,123 plant species and 18 environmental predictors (climate, soil and altitude) to project species response to two radiative forcing scenarios: SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 using MaxEnt. The species responses were analysed by the species range and richness in climate change scenarios compared to the current climate. In both forcing scenarios, the number of species expected to decrease their geographic ranges was twice the number expected to increase. The species range decrease varied by growth form, with averages from 4.19 % to 10.31 % in SSP2-4.5 and 11.9 % to 21.79 % in SSP5-8.5. We observed an 8 % and 41 % decrease in species richness under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. Trees and herbs had the highest average species loss per area in both scenarios. The species loss was primarily observed in the southern and southeastern regions, where an increase in average annual temperature and the greatest decrease in average annual precipitation is expected. The regions projected to experience large species loss were spatially congruent with the areas strongly modified by human activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126930"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Foraging ecology of an apex predator in forested patches within a human-dominated landscape at Southeast Brazil","authors":"Fernanda Cavalcanti Azevedo ,&nbsp;Frederico Gemesio Lemos ,&nbsp;Mozart Caetano Freitas-Junior ,&nbsp;Ezequiel Chimbioputo Fabiano ,&nbsp;Fernando Cesar Cascelli Azevedo","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126929","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126929","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carnivore energy requirements are particularly critical in human-dominated landscapes, where populations are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. This study investigates the feeding ecology of pumas (<em>Puma concolor</em>) in a fragmented Brazilian agroecosystem, using GPS collar data and camera trap surveys. We analyzed diet composition, niche breadth, and predation patterns to assess the impact of prey availability on puma foraging behavior. Our findings reveal that pumas in this landscape did not consume prey in proportion to their abundance. Wild species, particularly capybaras (<em>Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris</em>) and giant anteaters (<em>Myrmecophaga tridactyla</em>), were the primary prey items. This suggests a specialized diet, potentially influenced by prey availability and accessibility. The estimated mean kill rate was 0.94 ± 0.5 prey/week, and pumas hunted every 2.8 ± 1.15 day. The mean weight of prey was 2.3 kg (range: 1–100 kg), which is lower than reported in temperate regions. Our models suggest that total time spent at a kill site was the primary predictor of predation events. Understanding the foraging ecology of pumas is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies, especially in regions where the species is threatened. By providing insights into puma-prey interactions and potential conflict species, this study can inform the development of coexistence strategies between humans and wildlife.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126929"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Public risk perception and treatment preferences for marine microplastic pollution: Choice experiments and the latent class model","authors":"Ya-Nan Zhao,&nbsp;Jing-Mei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Marine microplastics are a new pollutant that threatens human health and the global marine ecosystem. The public is a direct victim of marine microplastic pollution (MMP), and the public’s behaviour and choices can also play a key role in the management of MMP. Assessing public risk perceptions and treatment preferences for microplastic pollutants can provide a basis for governments to improve the efficiency of pollutant treatment. On the basis of socioeconomic research data from the Jiaozhou Bay region of the Yellow Sea, China, a choice experiment model was used to test the public’s risk perception level and preferences for pollution management. The results of the study revealed that 69.23% of the public could perceive the health risks of marine microplastics. The public had the strongest governance preference for implementing marine microplastic-specific monitoring, followed by support for recycling measures, and the weakest preference for restricting the use of plastic products. Public health risk perception, age, and education influenced governance preferences. The heterogeneity analysis revealed that the public’s governance preferences can be characterized into two groups: “comprehensive governance” and “preventive regulation”. Recycling preferences were not significant in the “preventive regulation group”, with age and risk perception being the main reasons for the differences</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126924"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Population size, density, and ranging behaviour of a key leopard population in Nepal","authors":"Bishwo Babu Shrestha ,&nbsp;Babu Ram Lamichhane ,&nbsp;Rajan Amin","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126920","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126920","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, leopards are the most widespread large felid. However, mounting anthropogenic threats are rapidly reducing viable leopard populations and their range. Despite the clear pressures facing this species, there is a dearth of reliable population estimates for leopards across their range, which is particularly important in landscapes consisting of protected and non-protected areas. We used leopard data obtained from camera trap surveys in 2013, 2018 and 2022 to estimate population abundance and density using robust spatial capture-recapture models in a major carnivore site in Nepal. Leopard population in Chitwan National Park, its buffer zone and adjoining forests was estimated 107 (95 % CI: 81–144) with density 3.95 (95 % CI: 2.76–5.2) leopards per 100 km² in 2022. We documented stable leopard population with a slight decline from 58 (37–77) in 2013 to 48 (34–66) in 2022 in the park. Competition with increasing tiger numbers is a likely consequence for leopards and other carnivores in the protected area. Lower prey density, human-carnivore conflict through livestock depredation, and canine distemper virus with a large domestic dog population are major threats to leopards outside the park. To reduce these threats, we suggest that conflict mitigation measures be intensified, and the impact of disease on large carnivores quantified in this important carnivore landscape.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126920"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Measuring the premium effect of marine ecological restoration on housing prices: A quasi-experimental design based on real estate transaction data","authors":"Yufei Zhou ,&nbsp;Jingmei Li ,&nbsp;Shuqin Li ,&nbsp;Qi Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Marine ecological restoration, as a pivotal component of constructing marine ecological civilization, provides a quantifiable insight into the premium effect it exerts on the surrounding real estate market. This holds substantial reference significance for optimizing the spatial allocation of marine ecological resources and enhancing the well-being of coastal residents. Leveraging marine ecological restoration projects conducted in Shandong Province from 2011 to 2015 and aligning them with second-hand housing transaction data from Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai in Shandong Province spanning from January 2008 to October 2021, this study employs machine learning techniques and Difference-in-Differences methodology to delve into the impact of marine ecological restoration on surrounding housing prices. The empirical findings unveil a significant real estate premium effect triggered by marine ecological restoration initiatives. Post-project completion, there is a notable upsurge in housing prices within a 3-kilometer radius of the restoration sites. The efficacy of ecological restoration in influencing housing prices is attributed to its ability to enhance water quality in the vicinity of the project sites, with this effect exhibiting spatial decay characteristics. Moreover, noteworthy disparities are observed in the real estate premium effects of marine ecological restoration projects based on varying funding scales and restoration types. To capitalize on these findings, it is recommended to integrate marine ecological restoration into long-term urban development planning initiatives, actively advocate for nature-based restoration solutions, fully harness the scale effects of restoration projects, and steer towards achieving socio-economic green development objectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126916"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Predicted population declines driven by climate change can be mitigated with a new protected area in endemic tetrapods from Madagascar","authors":"Nicolas Dubos ,&nbsp;Pauline Jitten ,&nbsp;Frederique Montfort ,&nbsp;Clovis Grinand ,&nbsp;Eddie Fanantenana Rakotondrasoa ,&nbsp;Marie Nourtier","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126925","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protected areas represent a major tool for biodiversity conservation in the face of environmental change. However, species will need to shift their distribution to track their suitable climate, which calls the need to create new protected areas and take into account those changes. We modelled the suitable environment of 11 tetrapods (three reptiles, three amphibians, and five mammals) that dwell in the eastern forest corridor of Madagascar with an Ecological niche modelling approach adapted to small sample size and sample bias. We took into account the habitat (forest cover), two climate data sources (Worldclim and CHELSA), two scenarios of projected future climate change and three global circulation models, and quantified the change in suitable environments at the presence points and at the location of a candidate protected area in SE Madagascar (Beampingaratsy forest). We predict a decline in climate suitability for all species at their current locations. We propose to elevate the IUCN conservation status of five species to a threatened category, relying on criterion A3 (projected population decline). We also found that suitability will increase at the location of the candidate protected area for eight species. Granting a strong protection status in this region will ensure an ecological continuity between two National Parks, and contribute to help species track their suitable environments in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126925"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"A new population of the threatened torrent-frog Hylodes sazimai and other possible suitable sites based on ecological niche modeling","authors":"João Pedro Bovolon ,&nbsp;Natália Aranha ,&nbsp;Pedro P.G. Taucci ,&nbsp;Carlos Henrique L. Nunes-de-Almeida ,&nbsp;Luís Felipe Toledo","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126927","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126927","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Atlantic Forest is one of the most degraded biomes in Brazil and that makes it a global biodiversity hotspot. The torrent-frog genus <em>Hylodes</em> is endemic to this region and eight of its species are threatened with extinction to some degree. <em>Hylodes sazimai</em>, one of the threatened species, is facing conservation challenges that range from destruction of its restricted habitat to global climate changes. In this study, we used phylogenetic analyses and ecological niche modeling approaches to assess a newly discovered population, the spatial distribution of this species, and reassess its conservation status. The phylogenetic analyses recovered the new population within <em>H. sazimai</em> with strong support and the ecological niche modeling had a satisfactory performance, highlighting suitable areas for the species. However, even with this newly found location the threat category in the national and state level assessment did not change, due to the still small extension of occurrence and plethora of threats to its conservation in nearly all known populations. We recommend an update to the international level assessment to better reflect the current conservation state of the species. Finally, we advocate for the preservation of water bodies and riparian forests throughout the species range of distribution. Furthermore, we encourage the search for new areas of occurrence in forested areas that have water bodies focusing on the areas brought by the modeling as suitable for the species and advocate for the use of phylogenetic analysis to accurately distinguish between the similar species within the genus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126927"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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 decade of implementing the Biodiversity management plan for African penguins – successes, failures and lessons learnt","authors":"Lorien Pichegru ,&nbsp;Millicent Makoala ,&nbsp;Barbara J. Barham ,&nbsp;Peter J. Barham ,&nbsp;Desiré Dalton ,&nbsp;Katta Ludynia ,&nbsp;Mandy Freeman ,&nbsp;Deon Geldenhuys ,&nbsp;Christina Hagen ,&nbsp;Gabby Harris ,&nbsp;Alison Kock ,&nbsp;Cloverley Lawrence ,&nbsp;Cuan McGeorge ,&nbsp;Alistair M. McInnes ,&nbsp;Azwianewi B. Makhado ,&nbsp;Trudi Malan ,&nbsp;Makhudu J. Masotla ,&nbsp;Rob Milne ,&nbsp;Heinrich Muller ,&nbsp;Arne Purves ,&nbsp;Lauren J. Waller","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126919","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126919","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid decline of the African penguin <em>Spheniscus demersus</em> in the early 2000 s triggered the drafting of the first African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) published in 2013, to “halt the decline of the African penguin population”. Working Groups<!--> <!-->(WGs) were created with stakeholders involved in penguin conservation to facilitate the implementation of the BMP. This study reviews the execution of the plan (1) from aide memoires and reports circulated within these WGs between 2013 and 2022; (2) by interviewing (in 2023) some of the stakeholders involved to assess their perceptions of the BMP 10 years post-implementation; and (3) by assessing the effectiveness of some actions using available scientific data. Interviewees unanimously agreed that the plan improved the species’s management and facilitated collaboration across institutions involved. Conservation actions identified as the most effective were 1) the rehabilitation of adults and chicks; 2) predator management and 3) habitat improvement with the provision of artificial nests. Scientific reviews of these actions validated their success. For example, rehabilitation effort may have increased the 2023 penguin breeding population by ca 7 %. Nevertheless, African penguin numbers continued decreasing and the species is now “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Measures are still lacking in effectively increasing prey availability despite intensive engagement. Dedicated funding, trained capacity and accountability by relevant institutions undertaking their actions and deliverables were identified as essential for a more successful implementation of the BMP. Lessons learnt may pave the way for stronger conservation actions for African penguins and other threatened seabirds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126919"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Optimum water level for the ex situ and in situ conservation of endangered Korean aquatic plant Cicuta virosa L.","authors":"Yun-Han Kim ,&nbsp;Jung Sung Kim ,&nbsp;Jeong-Ill Jeon","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most endangered species are in a critical state of survival, and natural recovery in their native habitats is unlikely. Determining the optimum water level that affects the growth and survival of aquatic plants is crucial for their restoration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different water levels on the growth of Korean endangered aquatic plant <em>Cicuta virosa</em> L. in two experimental environments: a greenhouse and a reservoir. The water level was adjusted to three conditions (−15 cm, 0 cm, and 15 cm) and 1- and 2-year-old plants were used. The plant height, root collar diameter, rhizome volume, and growth and survival rates were measured. In the greenhouse experiment, for 1-year-old plants, the best growth rate was observed at water levels of −15 ∼ 0 cm, but for 2-year-old plants, good growth rate was observed at water levels of 0 cm. The growth of rhizome volume was not affected by water level. In the on-site experiment at the reservoir, the different growth rates was not showed according to the water level, but the survival rate was good at −15 cm water level. However, the low survival rate (50 %) of <em>C. virosa</em> L. within the natural habitat remains a limitation of this study, and a strategy to increase survival rates when they are exposed to various natural threats is necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 126921"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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}