Journal for Nature Conservation最新文献

{"title":"Quantification of ecological compensation for the ecological conservation redline strategy based on target demand: a case study of Jiangsu Province, China","authors":"Yan Wang ,&nbsp;Feng Tian ,&nbsp;Minxia Zhang ,&nbsp;Xin Ye ,&nbsp;Naifeng Lin ,&nbsp;Dayi Lin ,&nbsp;Yingying Zhu ,&nbsp;Xiaojuan Xu ,&nbsp;Jixi Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ecological conservation redline (ECR) strategy is a new model for China’s ecological environmental protection that has attracted increasing attention. Ecological compensation is an effective means to promote ECR management. Although China’s ECR policy has been fully implemented, the ecological compensation mechanism remains underdeveloped, and there is an urgent need to establish a compensation standard accounting framework that meets the requirements of ECR management. This study proposed an ecological compensation accounting framework based on the protection requirements of “no reduction in function, no transformation in nature, and no reduction in area” and took Jiangsu Province, China, as a case study to estimate the ECR compensation standard. The results indicate that ECR policy effectively promotes the protection and restoration of important key ecosystems in this important ecological region. Influenced by factors such as ecosystem service value (ESV) variation, ECR distribution, and socioeconomic considerations, ecological compensation standards differed among cities during the same period. In the long term, ecological compensation standards increased with the ESV net gain and displayed a gradually increasing trend under ECR policy. Currently, the ecological compensation model is mainly organized by the government, and the sources of ecological compensation funds are limited. Government fiscal funds are limit to meet the great need of compensation, and there are serious deficiencies in inter-regional compensation especially for market oriented compensation approach between regions. It is difficult to meet the needs of ecological compensation using existing compensation methods, and diversified compensation methods such as tax exemption compensation, resident resettlement compensation, project construction compensation, resource sharing compensation, and market-oriented compensation should be adopted to improve the ecological compensation mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267276","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":"Use patterns and distribution of indigenous knowledge on three Momordica species in Benin, West Africa","authors":"Cossi Sosthène Assogbadjo ,&nbsp;Carolle Avocèvou-Ayisso ,&nbsp;Rodrigue Idohou ,&nbsp;Hyacinthe Gbètoyénonmon Wouyou ,&nbsp;Eminor Loïck Toundé Agontinglo ,&nbsp;Mafouz Wallys Balley ,&nbsp;Charbel Canisius Aiya ,&nbsp;Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus Momordica plays a crucial role in African livelihoods, thanks to its medicinal applications, nutritional value, and importance in traditional practices and knowledge transmission. This study focuses on <em>Momordica charantia</em> L., <em>Momordica balsamina</em> L., and <em>Momordica cissoides</em> Planch. ex Benth., to explore their traditional uses and examine the socio-linguistic factors that may influence their utilization in the Beninese context. Through ethnobotanical surveys (712 respondents, 18 socio-linguistic groups, nine phytodistricts), we identified 16 uses, predominantly medicinal, with<!--> <em>M. charantia</em> <!-->exhibiting the highest diversity, notably in treating measles (Relative Frequency of Citation = 81.05 %) and chickenpox (RFC = 74.29 %), while<!--> <em>M. balsamina</em> <!-->and<!--> <em>M. cissoides</em> <!-->were linked to malaria. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)<!--> <!-->indicated significant gender differences in knowledge for<!--> <em>M. charantia</em> (<em>F</em> = 14.62, p &lt; 0.001) and <em>M. cissoides</em> (<em>F</em> = 9.87, p &lt; 0.001).<!--> <!-->Correspondence Analysis (CA)<!--> <!-->further highlighted distinct cultural preferences in the usage of plant part usage across the three<!--> <em>Momordica</em> <!-->species. For<!--> <em>M. charantia</em>, Dim1 (explaining 73.7 % of variance) showed strong associations with fruit (r = 0.91) and root usage (r = 0.87). Socio-linguistic groups such as the Mahi, Holi, and Otammari predominantly used stems and leaves, while the Lokpa, Fon, and Adja favored fruits, and the Yom and Peulh prioritized roots. In <em>M. cissoides</em>, Dim1 (77.4 %) was similarly linked to stems/leaves and roots (r = 0.88 each). For <em>M. balsamina</em>, Dim1 (69.8 %) showed strong associations with stems/leaves (r = 0.84) and fruit (r = 0.91), underscoring the role of socio-linguistic identity in shaping use patterns. Sankey diagrams and ethnobotanical indices (RFC, UV, CMU) confirmed medicinal dominance, with<!--> <em>M. charantia</em> <!-->most cited. The Botanical Ethnoknowledge Index (BEI) showed significant knowledge disparities among Benin’s cultural groups, with the Adja (BEI = 0.95) demonstrating the highest traditional expertise, highlighting sociocultural influences on Momordica use and conservation needs. Findings underscore the nexus between cultural identity and plant use, advocating interdisciplinary strategies (ethnobotany, conservation biology, participatory approaches) to safeguard traditional knowledge and ensure<!--> <em>Momordica</em> <!-->species’ resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127114"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267278","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":"Diversity, floral visitation pattern, and conservation of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in the Brazilian Legal Amazon","authors":"Iracy Maiany Nunes Soares ,&nbsp;Admir Cesar De Oliveira Junior ,&nbsp;Anderson Igomar Antonio ,&nbsp;David Silva Nogueira ,&nbsp;Santiago José Elías Velazco","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions worldwide and faces significant challenges in conserving its fauna and flora. Stingless bees (Meliponini) play a crucial role as pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. We aimed to estimate the distribution and diversity of meliponines in the Legal Amazon, assess the number of meliponines species recorded as floral visitors and the number of plants they visited, evaluate the representativeness of meliponines within protected areas, and investigate the influence of the remaining habitat on species richness. We used species distribution modeling to estimate species distribution and derive species richness map. We performed a literature review to compile information of floral visitors. Of the 132 species studied, 77 were floral visitors to 756 plant species, many of which are economically important. <em>Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona spinipes, Tetragona clavipes,</em> and <em>Scaptotrigona bipunctata</em> had the highest number of interactions with plants. <em>Euterpe oleracea, Syzygium malaccense</em>, and <em>Bertholletia excelsa</em> were the most frequently visited plants. Representativeness within protected areas for all meliponines and floral visitors were 37 % and 39 %, respectively. The areas with the highest species richness were along the major rivers of the Amazon basin, mostly outside the protected areas. Regions with the least remaining habitat were found in areas of lower species richness located in the “Arc of Deforestation”. Although the richest areas are outside protected areas, they are far from regions with high habitat loss. Therefore, it is crucial to expand protected areas, especially in the most vulnerable regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267279","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":"Nesting dynamics of hawksbill and leatherback turtles: a four-year photo-identification study in Martinique","authors":"Jessie-Lee Langel ,&nbsp;Vittoria Calabretta ,&nbsp;Céline Valin ,&nbsp;Erwann Fraboulet ,&nbsp;Réjean Tremblay ,&nbsp;El Mahdi Bendif ,&nbsp;Benjamin de Montgolfier","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One major limitation in conservation studies is accurately estimating population size to adapt management efforts. Thus, avoiding individual duplicate counts is essential to prevent any overestimation of population size. Photo-identification (photo-ID) offers a low cost and non-invasive alternative for monitoring migratory animals, and yet, it remains generally under-implemented in marine species. In this study, we applied photo-ID with sea-turtle populations in the French Antilles for the first time, thereby contributing to global population survey efforts in the Caribbean while minimising stress or harm to turtles. We focussed on two species of concern, <em>Dermochelys coriacea</em> (leatherback) and <em>Eretmochelys imbricata</em> (hawksbill), identified through a semi-automated recognition method to analyse their nesting behaviour. Our multi-annual survey involved 5292 h of night monitoring across three Martinique beaches over four years, yielding valuable data on nesting behaviours, population dynamics and conservation needs. We recorded 57 occurrences of leatherback turtles with a recapture rate of 61 %, and 314 hawkbill observations with a recapture rate of 36 %. The microhabitat of each nest was recorded, providing insights on nesting site preferences. Additionally, leatherbacks exhibited a longer time interval between their arrival on the beach and the start of nesting activity compared to hawksbills. These results reveal significant behavioural differences and specific nesting habits underscoring the potential of expanding photo-ID combined with ecological analysis, as a valuable resource for the conservation management of threatened sea-turtle species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127124"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267216","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-driven habitat decline and fragmentation of a South Asian grassland specialist: ensemble projections for Jerdon’s Babbler under future scenarios","authors":"Harif Parengal ,&nbsp;P.R. Arun ,&nbsp;P.V. Karunakaran ,&nbsp;Sarbasis Dutta","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, particularly for habitat-specialist species like Jerdon’s Babbler (<em>Chrysomma altirostre</em>), a grassland-dependent passerine of South and South-east Asia. This study employed an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) approach using 12 algorithms and climatic-elevation predictors to assess the current and future habitat suitability for Jerdon’s Babbler under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, across four future timeframes (2021––2100). Occurrence data (n = 79) were compiled from field surveys and secondary sources, filtered to reduce spatial autocorrelation. Environmental predictors were selected through Pearson correlation and permutation importance methods, with elevation, grassland proximity, and thermal variables emerging as key determinants of distribution. Among individual models, Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machine outperformed others (TSS &gt; 0.88), and ensemble models achieved perfect calibration (TSS and ROC = 1.00).</div><div>Projected distributions indicate severe range contraction under all future scenarios, with habitat loss exceeding 80 % by 2081–2100 period under SSP1-2.6 and near-total collapse under SSP5-8.5. Subspecies-specific centroid analyses showed varying climate sensitivity, with Indian and Burmese populations shifting over 900 km, while Indo-Bangladesh populations remained largely static. Despite the potential persistence of refugia in northeastern India and Nepal under low-emission pathways, model projections underscore the urgency of targeted conservation strategies, including grassland restoration, climate-resilient corridors, and ex-situ conservation in high-risk areas. This study highlights the critical vulnerability of grassland birds to climate change and the value of ensemble SDMs for anticipatory conservation planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267277","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":"Genetic contamination by farming indigenous crops in the native range: Pollen flow between cultivated and wild Cyclopia (honeybush)","authors":"Kirsten Shaw-Bonner ,&nbsp;Genevieve Theron ,&nbsp;Opeyemi Adedoja ,&nbsp;Cecilia Bester ,&nbsp;Sjirk Geerts","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic contamination through the cultivation of indigenous crops in their native range has become a concern for nature conservation and agriculture alike. The formation of hybrids has negative evolutionary consequences for wild populations and selective breeding consequences for agriculture. To address some of these questions, we investigate gene flow between wild populations and cultivated honeybush – genus <em>Cyclopia</em> Vent. (Fabaceae) – which has commercial value in the tea industry globally. Through genetic data, pollen movement can indirectly be estimated, but complementary data on pollinator flight distances is necessary to validate this. Movement between flowers of cultivated and wild <em>Cyclopia</em> by the only pollinators, <em>Xylocopa</em> bees, was investigated using mark-release-recapture and radio-tagging. Hand-pollination experiments established whether crosses within and between species from cultivated and wild populations can produce viable offspring. <em>Xylocopa</em> bees forage indiscriminately between cultivated and wild <em>Cyclopia</em> during single foraging bouts with a foraging distance over one kilometre and a range covering up to ∼24 000 m². Crossing experiments done by hand showed that viable hybrid seeds can be produced between <em>C. subternata</em> and <em>C. genistoides</em> as well as between <em>C. subternata</em> and <em>C. maculata</em>. Considering the distances moved by the pollinators, longevity of <em>Cyclopia</em> pollen, and the ability of hybrid plants to form, some gene flow through pollen transfer between cultivated and wild <em>Cyclopia</em> plants is likely. To minimize genetic homogenization and the subsequent loss of unique species and alleles, a protocol guiding safe <em>Cyclopia</em> planting distances, effect of <em>Cyclopia</em> species movement outside of their native range for agriculture, and detailed ploidy studies are urgently needed to guide cultivation of indigenous crops in the native range.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127119"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267281","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":"Evaluation on the uninhabited island ecological sensitivity based on unique features, various disturbances, and ecological conditions","authors":"Yuan Chi ,&nbsp;Jingkuan Sun ,&nbsp;Tian Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127118","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ecological sensitivity in uninhabited islands denotes the susceptibility to degradation and low resilience in ecosystems arising from their unique features and exposure to various disturbances. Evaluating this sensitivity is particularly significant for implementing effective island integrated management strategies. We developed a robust evaluation model incorporating three critical dimensions: unique island features including form, isolation, terrain, and land cover; various disturbances consisting of natural factors such as meteorological, oceanic, geological, and biological influences along with diverse anthropogenic factors; and ecological conditions primarily represented by vegetation and soil characteristics. Through the integration of comprehensive fieldwork and advanced remote sensing data, this model was systematically applied to assess the uninhabited islands within northern China’s Miaodao Archipelago. The results demonstrated clear spatial heterogeneities in ecological sensitivity across two spatial scales. At the broader archipelago scale, quantitative assessments revealed that a majority of islands exhibited medium sensitivity levels, with both island area and distance to inhabited islands showing positive correlations with improved ecological conditions and enhanced disturbance resistance. When examining individual islands at finer scales, zones with medium, high, low, very low, and very high levels of uninhabited island ecosystem status followed a descending order of areas. Comparative analysis indicated that natural stresses exerted substantially greater influence on ecological sensitivity than human activities, with terrain characteristics and plant diversity emerging as the predominant factors driving spatial variance. While human impacts occurred at relatively low intensities overall, they nevertheless produced notable localized effects on sensitivity distribution patterns. These multi-scale spatial variations strongly emphasize the necessity for implementing precisely targeted conservation measures including establishing extensive and continuous ecological monitoring, carefully controlling and optimizing exploitation activities, and conducting scientifically informed ecological restoration projects to maintain uninhabited island ecosystems. The successful application of this evaluation model has conclusively verified its comprehensive nature, unique methodological approach, and ability to capture spatial heterogeneity, while simultaneously demonstrating its strong potential for assessing ecological sensitivity across diverse bedrock uninhabited island ecosystems worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127118"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267215","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":"Crime governance and nature conservation: spatial-temporal patterns and influencing factors of environmental crime in China","authors":"Mingwei Su ,&nbsp;Yunbo Zheng ,&nbsp;Yamei Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The prevention and mitigation of environmental crime can significantly enhance nature conservation efforts. This study employs spatial statistical analyses and Geographic Detector methods to examine the evolving patterns of environmental crime and its underlying drivers in China from 2014 to 2021. Our findings indicate that environmental crime initially increased, followed by a subsequent decline, accompanied by significant shifts in the distribution of various offence types and a trend toward greater uniformity in their proportions. The spatial distribution of environmental crime has become more concentrated, with the geographic center of incidents shifting from the southern to the northern regions. Additionally, a distinct spatial clustering is observed, with high-high and low-low patterns that remain relatively stable over the study period. The occurrence of environmental crime is influenced by a broad array of natural, economic, and social factors, with their combined impact far exceeding that of any individual factor. In future environmental governance efforts, it is necessary to improve all relevant systems and mechanisms for environmental and ecological protection, adjust the focus of supervision and law enforcement in a timely manner, and strengthen regional collaboration and coordination among different areas to establish a unified network for the prevention, control, and governance of environmental crimes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220339","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":"Protecting sharks by protecting places: a call to regulate aggregation zones","authors":"Shiri Zemah-Shamir","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human-shark interactions are becoming more frequent in nearshore hot-spot aggregation zones, raising both conservation and public safety concerns. While most shark encounters are non-lethal, shifts in human behavior, such as crowding, touching, and feeding, are shifting sharks’ natural responses, especially in areas influenced by anthropogenic factors like power plant discharges. In light of a recent shark–human conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean, this commentary reflects on the importance of managing aggregation zones as shared spaces where conservation and public safety intersect.</div><div>Based on empirical observations, documented public behavior, and current regulatory gaps, the paper suggests that protecting shark species alone may not be sufficient in areas where predictable interactions with humans occur. Seasonal hot-spot aggregations near power plant’s thermal plumes and other anthropogenic features demand spatial management approaches that recognize both ecological value and human activity. By integrating insights from shark ecology, coastal planning, and Safety-focused public education, the commentary calls for place-based protections that proactively balance species conservation with conflict mitigation. This perspective contributes to broader discussions on coexistence at the human-wildlife interface and calls for interdisciplinary strategies for sustainable coexistence in the marine environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220242","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":"Long-term dynamics and intensity of LULC changes and conservational implications in the Zagros mountain ecoregion, Iran","authors":"Ali Abdollahzadeh ,&nbsp;Raoof Mostafazadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Given its significance for environmental security, water supply, and community livelihoods, this study focuses on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in the Zagros ecoregion of northwest Iran. The study aimed to assess historical LULC changes from 1972 to 2022, predict future trends for 2030 using the Cellelar-Automata-Markov (CA)-Markov model, and analyze the driving forces behind landscape changes. LULC maps were generated for 1972, 1986, 1993, 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2022 using Google Earth Engine and classified into six categories: agriculture, forest, rangeland, settlements, barren land, and water bodies. The rate and intensity of LULC changes were quantified using single and integrated dynamic degrees to capture spatio-temporal transformations across land use classes. The analysis revealed substantial LULC shifts over the past five decades. Agricultural land increased from 6.04% in 1986 to 27.37% in 2022, while forest cover declined sharply, and rangeland decreased from 76.65% in 2000 to 44.89% in 2022. Settlements also expanded significantly from 2.35% to 8.11% during the same period. The most intense changes occurred during 2000–2008, with bare land showing a sharp increase (3.295) and rangeland a slight decrease (−0.006). From 2016 to 2022, settlements exhibited significant growth (0.263), while rangelands continued to decline (−0.037). Future projections for 2030 indicate continued expansion of agriculture and settlements, rangelands converting mainly to bare land (55.76%) and agriculture (19.32%), and forests largely transforming to bare land (58.95%) with only 1.74% remaining stable. The integrated dynamic degree dmonstrates periods of intensified LULC transformations, particularly during 1986–1993 and 2022–2030 (0.0220). The projected trends necessitate comprehensive policies such as community-based forest management, promotion of agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, incentives for sustainable farming, and participatory land restoration programs to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and strengthen ecological resilience in the Little Zab River Watershed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54898,"journal":{"name":"Journal for Nature Conservation","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127113"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220337","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}