Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Binbin Li, Clinton N. Jenkins, Weihua Xu
Summary: Natural disasters, such as landslides, pose significant threats to human lives and economic activities. Anthropogenic disturbances, climate change, and biodiversity conservation are interconnected factors that contribute to the vulnerability of mountain regions. The overlap between landslide susceptibility and areas of endemism highlights the urgent need for protected area expansion, forest conservation, and restoration to reduce landslide risks. The global analysis emphasizes the importance of considering co-benefits, where conservation efforts not only benefit biodiversity but also mitigate natural hazards.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charles B. van Rees, Laura Naslund, Darixa D. Hernandez-Abrams, S. Kyle McKay, C. Brock Woodson, Amy Rosemond, Brian McFall, Safra Altman, Seth J. Wenger
Summary: This article introduces a monitoring framework and practical guidelines for natural infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of research and development monitoring to provide scientifically rigorous evidence. It also calls for greater adoption of research and development monitoring at larger scales to increase the evidence base for natural infrastructure implementation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Viktoriia Starokozhko, Anne Hess, Wiebke Loebker, Wolfgang Ballensiefen, Eleonora Agricola, Bettina Ziegele, Marko J. Kallio, Laurence O'Dwyer, Yoana Nuevo, Peter G. M. Mol, Anna M. G. Pasmooij
Summary: Improved understanding of regulatory requirements by academic researchers can accelerate the translation of new medical interventions to the clinic. Here, we highlight the recommendations of the 'Strengthening Training of Academia in Regulatory Science' (STARS) project to improve the interaction and knowledge exchange between academics and regulators, and thereby advance academic drug development.
NATURE REVIEWS DRUG DISCOVERY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ting Wang, Anming Bao, Wenqiang Xu, Ruide Yu, Qingling Zhang, Liangliang Jiang, Vincent Nzabarinda
Summary: This study reconstructed the historical drought conditions in the Tianshan Mountains using tree-ring data, identifying the main factors influencing tree growth. By reconstructing the PDSI and conducting spatial analysis, the study revealed the changing trends of drought events in different areas of the Tianshan Mountains over the past centuries.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrey S. Erst, Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh, Zagarjav Tsegmed, Khurelpurev Oyundelger, Mathew T. Sharples, Batlai Oyuntsetseg, Denis A. Krivenko, Irina I. Gureyeva, Roman R. Romanets, Alexander A. Kuznetsov, Alexey A. Kechaykin, Alexander I. Shmakov, Svetlana Yu. Maltseva, Tatiana Erst, Wei Wang, Hee-Young Gil, Hyeok Jae Choi
Summary: The Altai Mountains in Central and North Asia are home to a diverse range of endemic vascular plants. This study assessed the conservation status of these plants, analyzed their distribution patterns, and identified areas in need of protection. The results showed that a significant number of endemic species are potentially threatened, with hotspots of endemism found in high elevations of the Russian Altai and Kazakh Altai.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Limnology
Joseph W. Vanderwall, Clint C. Muhlfeld, Tyler H. Tappenbeck, Joseph Giersch, Ze Ren, James J. Elser
Summary: Mountain glaciers are rapidly retreating due to climate change, resulting in the formation of downstream lakes. This study compares the physical and biogeochemical conditions in alpine lakes fed by glacial and snowpack meltwaters. The results show significant differences in nutrient concentrations, water clarity, chlorophyll, and zooplankton communities between glacial and non-glacial lakes.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Economics
Umaima Arif, Muhammad Javid, Farzana Naheed Khan
Summary: This study explores the impact of infrastructure capital on total factor productivity in selected Asian countries. The findings suggest that lagged infrastructure and endowment significantly contribute to infrastructural improvement. Furthermore, the results indicate that the provision of telecommunications and power infrastructure is important for explaining patterns of comparative advantage, while road infrastructure plays a crucial role in explaining patterns of absolute advantage.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marcin Nobis, Ewelina Klichowska, Lizaveta Vintsek, Anna Wrobel, Agnieszka Nobis, Joanna Zalewska-Galosz, Arkadiusz Nowak
Summary: The aim of this research is to explore the effect of climatic fluctuations on the evolutionary history, demography, and distribution of high-mountain bellflowers. The results show that glacial-interglacial cycles and contemporary island-like habitats distribution shape the genomic variation of high-mountain species. The study also highlights the urgent need for conservation action in alpine regions to preserve their biodiversity.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johan Svensson, Jakub W. Bubnicki, Per Angelstam, Grzegorz Mikusinski, Bengt Gunnar Jonsson
Summary: Intact forest landscapes are essential for conservation, land use, and rural development. Through spatial planning, we identified protected and unprotected forests in the boreal to sub-alpine forest region of the Scandinavian Mountain range. Sustainable land-use requires increased protection, forest restoration, and continuous cover forestry.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Fadji Z. Maina, Sujay V. Kumar, Ishrat Jahan Dollan, Viviana Maggioni
Summary: Precipitation estimates in complex regions like High Mountain Asia are highly uncertain. This study presents the development of a consensus ensemble precipitation product using three gridded precipitation datasets and a localized probability matched mean approach to improve accuracy and consistency.
JOURNAL OF HYDROMETEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Benedikt Hora, Fabian Almonacid, Alvaro Gonzalez-Reyes
Summary: This research aims to investigate the impact of latitude and slope on land cover in the Valdivian temperate rainforest, highlighting high mountain areas as the core location for remaining primary forests and endemism, while low mountain areas are dominated by exotic forest plantations.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rafael M. Almeida, Rafael J. P. Schmitt, Andrea Castelletti, Alexander S. Flecker, Julien J. Harou, Sebastian A. Heilpern, Noah Kittner, G. Mathias Kondolf, Jeff J. Opperman, Qinru Shi, Carla P. Gomes, Peter B. McIntyre
Summary: This article discusses how strategic planning of hydropower expansion can help decision makers balance its impacts on the environment and society. Advances in data availability and computational analysis enable consideration of more metrics at larger scales, providing more options for improving economic and socioenvironmental outcomes. It is important to incorporate climate change into the planning to minimize disruption to river systems.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhongping Tian, Houjuan Song, Yuzhuo Wang, Jin Li, Mierkamili Maimaiti, Zhongquan Liu, Hongxiang Zhang, Jian Zhang
Summary: This study provides a detailed evaluation of the impacts of climate and land-use changes on the current and future distributions of wild apple in Central Asia. It reveals that the distribution of wild apple is currently fragmented and is projected to shift towards high latitudes and elevations in the future. The increased temperature and expansion of cropland contribute to these shifts. The effectiveness of existing protected areas in protecting suitable habitats is limited, indicating the need for developing effective in situ conservation strategies for wild fruit forests in Central Asia.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Susana Paardekooper, Henrik Lund, Jakob Zinck Thellufsen, Nis Bertelsen, Brian Vad Mathiesen
Summary: In order to support the transition of heating systems in Europe, this article proposes a typology of four heat sector types based on the analysis of 14 national heating strategies. The article highlights the importance of energy efficiency and local circumstances in the transition process.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paul J. J. Bates, Pipat Soisook, Sai Sein Lin Oo, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Awatsaya Pimsai, Ariya Dejtaradol, Swen C. Renner
Summary: The Hkakabo Razi Landscape in Myanmar is home to a rich diversity of bats, with significant importance for conservation efforts. Despite its small size, it plays a crucial role in supporting a large percentage of Myanmar's known bat species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ada Chornelia, Alice C. Hughes
Summary: Bats serve as a prime case study for examining evolution, particularly their flight and echolocation abilities. In this study, the authors investigated the phenotypic evolution of key traits in horseshoe bats using phylogenetic comparative methods. They found that most traits showed a strong phylogenetic signal, but each trait evolved under different models. Sella traits were shown to undergo stabilizing selection, indicating their importance in echolocation. Additionally, the minimum detectable prey size was associated with multiple traits. Understanding trait evolution requires consideration of the selective pressures acting on different characteristics.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Ecology
William J. Sutherland, Craig Bennett, Peter N. M. Brotherton, Holly M. Butterworth, Mick N. Clout, Isabelle M. Cote, Jason Dinsdale, Nafeesa Esmail, Erica Fleishman, Kevin J. Gaston, James E. Herbert-Read, Alice Hughes, Hermanni Kaartokallio, Xavier Le Roux, Fiona A. Lickorish, Wendy Matcham, Noor Noor, James E. Palardy, James W. Pearce-Higgins, Lloyd S. Peck, Nathalie Pettorelli, Jules Pretty, Richard Scobey, Mark D. Spalding, Femke H. Tonneijck, Nicolas Tubbs, James E. M. Watson, Jonathan E. Wentworth, Jeremy D. Wilson, Ann Thornton
Summary: We present the results of our 14th horizon scan, identifying 15 urgent issues for global societies to address in biological conservation. These issues involve novel challenges or significant positive/negative changes at global or regional scales. Submerged artificial light fisheries and accelerating ocean currents have the potential to negatively impact marine ecosystems, while technological advances in energy production and biodegradable materials could benefit biological diversity if effectively managed.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nasir Uddin, Sam Enoch, Abishek Harihar, Rob S. A. Pickles, Alice C. Hughes
Summary: Wildlife trade poses a major threat to global biodiversity, and understanding trade patterns is crucial for targeted interventions. This study examines the trade of twelve live felid species in Bangladesh, highlighting the involvement of South Africa and India as main source countries. The study also raises concerns about the potential import of live felids for exotic pets and the need for improved monitoring and regulation of wildlife trade.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Alice C. Hughes, Kevin Tougeron, Dominic A. Martin, Filippo Menga, Bruno H. P. Rosado, Sebastian Villasante, Shweta Madgulkar, Fernando Gonsalves, Luisa Maria Diele-Viegas, Sheila R. Colla, Vitor de Andrade Kamimura, Holly Caggiano, Felipe Melo, Marcelo Guilherme de Oliveira Dias, Elke Kellner, Edivando Vitor do Couto
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo, Tuanjit Sritongchuay, Angelo Rellama Agduma, Kier Celestial Dela Cruz, Alice C. Hughes
Summary: Bats are often overlooked in conservation efforts, despite providing economic and ecosystem services. Hunting poses a significant threat to many bat species, particularly those with limited distributions in tropical regions. Multiple threats, including habitat loss and modification, exacerbate the pressures faced by hunted bats. To reduce hunting activities, interventions should focus on sustainable livelihood development and raising public awareness of bat ecosystem services and their role in zoonotic disease transmission.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Michael C. Orr, Huijie Qiao, Mark J. Costello, Alice C. Hughes
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael C. Orr, Alice C. Hughes, Douglas Chesters, John Pickering, Chao-Dong Zhu, John S. Ascher
Summary: By analyzing the global distribution of bee species and their occurrence records, this study reveals biodiversity hotspots and identifies key drivers of bee diversity, including xeric areas, solar radiation, and non-forest plant productivity. These findings provide a new foundation and guidelines for research on bees and other understudied invertebrates.
Letter
Ecology
Michael C. Orr, Alice C. Hughes, Omar Torres Carvajal, Rafael R. Ferrari, Arong Luo, Hossein Rajaei, Santiago R. Ron, Natapot Warrit, Alireza Zamani, Yuanmeng Miles Zhang, Chao-Dong Zhu
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alice C. Hughes
Summary: With the recent launch of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework (GBF) and the associated monitoring framework, understanding the framework and data needed to support it is crucial. However, the monitoring framework lacks clear indicators for monitoring progress, and existing datasets have spatial inaccuracies and lack temporal resolution. Utilizing existing data and developing novel mechanisms for data mobilization will be necessary to develop effective targets for conservation and monitor biodiversity trends.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samantha C. Karunarathna, Danny Haelewaters, Michail S. Lionakis, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Xu Jianchu, Alice C. Hughes, Peter E. Mortimer
Summary: Fungal pathogens have gained attention in temperate woodlands and crops, but the threat from fungal pathogens of animals and their potential spread has received less attention. Bats, with their well vascularized wings and wide-ranging distributions, present potential vectors for fungi. Understanding bats as fungal vectors and their susceptibility to fungal pathogens is of particular importance for future prediction and research.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alice C. Hughes, Kay Zin Than, Krizler C. Tanalgo, Ade Prasetyo Agung, Tendu Alexander, Yakhouba Kane, Sreetama Bhadra, Ada Chornelia, Tuanjit Sritongchuay, Pattraporn Simla, Yanhua Chen, Xing Chen, Nasir Uddin, Pratibha Khatri, Catharina Karlsson
Summary: Most global biodiversity is in developing economies. Despite decades of capacity building for research, there is still a lack of in-country expertise and support for female ecologists to publish and lead the field. Top researchers in ecology and evolution are predominantly from higher-income countries, with underrepresentation of women and non-Caucasians.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nasir Uddin, Sam Enoch, Abishek Harihar, Rob S. A. Pickles, Alice C. Hughes
Summary: Unsustainable wildlife trade poses a significant threat to species, but accurately measuring trade is challenging. This study combined seizure data with interviews to better understand the problem in Bangladesh. The findings revealed key trade routes, consumer groups, and sources of tigers, highlighting the country's crucial role in tiger conservation efforts. The study emphasizes the need for robust national strategies to reduce trade opportunities, disrupt networks, and weaken demand.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Melissa B. Meierhofer, Joseph S. Johnson, Janette Perez-Jimenez, Fernanda Ito, Paul W. Webela, Sigit Wiantoro, Enrico Bernard, Krizler C. Tanalgo, Alice Hughes, Pedro Cardoso, Thomas Lilley, Stefano Mammola
Summary: Protecting subterranean-roosting bats is crucial, and effective measures need to be identified given the escalating threats to subterranean ecosystems. Habitat restoration and disturbance reduction have positive impacts on bat populations and behavior. The effectiveness of gating roost entrances for bat conservation remains unclear.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alice C. Hughes, Eben Kirksey, Blake Palmer, Areeya Tivasauradej, Anne Atchara Changwong, Ada Chornelia
Summary: Despite the prioritization of ecosystem restoration and recovery, understanding the baseline biodiversity and drivers of changes in wildlife populations prior to disturbance remains unknown in many systems. Inaccessible ecosystems, such as subterranean ecosystems, present significant challenges to understanding how biodiversity patterns may have changed. Caves, with their unique conditions and bat populations, can provide insights into past populations and facilitate their conservation. This article discusses various types of data that can be used to reconstruct the history of cave sites and their varying uses over time, offering guidance for cave management.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Thant Sin Aung, Alice C. Hughes, Phyo Kay Khine, Bo Liu, Xiao-Li Shen, Ke-Ping Ma
Summary: Myanmar is rich in biodiversity due to its diverse climate and environment, but the knowledge of its plant diversity is lacking, leading to a lack of comprehensive conservation plans. Researchers have developed a database of higher plants in Myanmar and analyzed diversity inventories and collection inconsistencies, providing a baseline floristic data and guiding future research efforts. More botanical surveys and cooperation among countries are needed to better understand Myanmar's floristic diversity.
