Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryan J. K. Dunn, Nicholas J. C. Doriean, William W. Bennett, David T. Welsh, Jemma Purandare, Rodger B. Tomlinson
Summary: This study establishes baseline water quality characteristics for the Gold Coast Broadwater in Australia, based on routinely monitored parameters between 2016 and 2021. The results show that nutrient concentrations in the water increase significantly during rainfall periods, and suspended solids and turbidity also increase.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Shreya Sethi
Summary: Illegal wildlife hunting poses a serious threat to global ecosystems, and despite the blanket ban on hunting in India since 1991, clandestine hunting activities continue. This study surveyed forest guards and provided insights into the drivers, trends, and local community dependence on protected areas related to illegal hunting. The findings highlight new threats and the importance of local livelihoods in conservation efforts.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dwi N. N. Adhiasto, Indra Exploitasia, Giyanto, Patih Fahlapie, Pekki Johnsen, M. Irfan Andriansyah, Nur Hafizoh, Yunita D. D. Setyorini, Sofi Mardiah, Ulfah Mardhiah, Matthew Linkie
Summary: The global illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion dollar annual trade that poses a threat to multiple species. The success of conservation measures to address this trade is often hindered by a lack of long-term and reliable datasets.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cecilia Fischer, Romeo B. Trono, Rizza Araceli F. Salinas
Summary: The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) straddles the Philippines and Malaysia, facing vulnerabilities such as increasing population trends and illegal marine turtle egg poaching. Livelihood interventions have been attempted but were not sustainable, leading to a need for new strategies. Current livelihood strategies include fishing and small-scale trade, with potential for ecotourism as an alternative income source.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kumar Paudel, Amy Hinsley, Diogo Verissimo, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) threatens many species worldwide. Understanding the scale and characteristics of IWT is crucial for conservation efforts. However, IWT is often conducted covertly, resulting in limited data availability. Conservationists often rely on law enforcement reports or media coverage of seizures as indicators of IWT's magnitude and characteristics. This study assesses IWT in Nepal using data from three sources: Nepali newspapers, official seizure records, and additional enforcement efforts. The findings reveal underreporting by media, indicating that media reports alone are insufficient for informing conservation decision-making.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juliana Castrillon, Raphael Mayaud, Craig Wilson, Greta Dalle Luche, Jenny Allen, Susan Bengtson Nash
Summary: Every year, humpback whales migrate to Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland, Australia. However, little is known about the significance of the bay for these whales. This study provides the first detailed information about humpback whale distribution, behavior, and habitat use within Moreton Bay, revealing that it serves as an important resting stopover for migrating whales.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yunbo Jiao, Tien Ming Lee
Summary: China is one of the largest consumer markets in the international legal and illegal wildlife trade, posing a threat to global biodiversity. Analysis of data from 1997 to 2016 shows a significant extraction of wildlife for the Chinese market, urging regulators and enforcers to take urgent action to disrupt the supply chain.
Article
Zoology
B. K. Diggles, D. Bass, K. S. Bateman, R. Chong, C. Daumich, K. A. Hawkins, R. Hazelgrove, R. Kerr, N. J. G. Moody, S. Ross, G. D. Stentiford
Summary: This study identified a novel haplosporidian parasite causing disease in the hepatopancreas of wild Australian decapod crustaceans and sergestid shrimp. The infected epithelial cells become hypertrophied and can cause displacement of normal tissue. This is the first report of haplosporidiosis in Australian decapod crustaceans and sergestid shrimp. The findings suggest that this parasite may influence the population dynamics of sergestid shrimp.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carlos A. Mases-Garcia, Miguel Briones-Salas, Javier Enrique Sosa-Escalante
Summary: Wildlife crime, including illegal trading, is a significant issue in Oaxaca, with trafficking, possession, exploitation, and violation of hunting laws being common activities. The study revealed that a large number of seized specimens belong to endangered species in Mexico or globally.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Jerry Owusu Afriyie, Michael Opare Asare, Pavla Hejcmanova
Summary: Local communities in rural areas heavily rely on hunting for their livelihoods and possess valuable knowledge about wildlife ecology. Their perceptions regarding bushmeat prevalence and illegal hunting trends are influenced by factors such as location, gender, and residence time. Understanding local people's knowledge and perceptions can contribute to developing effective conservation strategies and improving local socio-ecological systems.
Article
Fisheries
Jack Coates-Marnane, Sarah Pausina, Joanne Burton, Deborah Haynes, Fred Oudyn, Jon Olley
Summary: This study evaluated diatom abundances in a composite sediment from central Moreton Bay and found that bloom-forming marine diatoms have increased since the mid-20th century, while the dominant benthic diatom has declined. This transition is likely a response to increased delivery of nitrogen, fine sediments, and pollutants to Moreton Bay due to changes in land use.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Helen Pheasey, Richard A. Griffiths, Eleni Matechou, David L. Roberts
Summary: Illegal wildlife trade can pose threats to biodiversity and economic development. This study focused on the illegal harvesting of sea turtles and their eggs on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Findings revealed that the majority of illegal take was conducted by drug-dependent individuals, driven by the motivation to exchange turtle eggs for drugs. The lack of law enforcement resources and low prosecution rates contribute to the prevalence of this illegal activity. Addressing poverty, unemployment, and providing drug rehabilitation programs may help reduce this issue.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Siqin Wang, Yan Liu, Yongjiu Feng, Zhenkun Lei
Summary: This study addresses the lack of research on slow-paced urban and rural land development in low-density peri-urban contexts by simulating urban and rural land development in the Moreton Bay Region in South East Queensland, Australia. The modelling results illustrate moderate growth in both urban and rural areas, with urban development appearing in a more compact form.
ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING B-URBAN ANALYTICS AND CITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Stephen M. Taylor, Jason How, Michael J. Travers, Stephen J. Newman, Silas Mountford, Daniela Waltrick, Christopher E. Dowling, Ainslie Denham, Daniel J. Gaughan
Summary: The implementation of effective shark hazard mitigation measures, such as the SMART drumline, can benefit the management of human-shark interactions by minimizing target catches and ensuring animal welfare. The trial conducted in Western Australia proved the effectiveness of SMART drumlines in relocating white sharks and keeping them predominantly in offshore waters.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
D. Cardenosa, Y. L. Robles, D. A. Ussa, C. M. del Valle, S. Caballero, D. D. Chapman
Summary: Illegal trade in shark fins is a global law enforcement issue, as some commonly traded species are listed on CITES Appendix II. Processing of fins in the supply chain hampers visual species identification, making genetic tools necessary. A case study in Colombia found that a majority of seized shark fins were from threatened and CITES-listed species, raising concerns over identification challenges for law enforcement if early-supply chain processing becomes the norm.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Sabrina Lorandi, Karen Mustin, Rosana Halinski, Cristiano Agra Iserhard
Summary: This study compared the diversity and structuring of bee assemblages between organic and conventional agroecosystems and evaluated the influence of landscape composition on bee abundance. The results showed higher species richness in the organic system with different species composition. The species composition of bees in forest edges of conventional farms was similar to organic habitats, indicating the importance of forested environments as a refuge for bees in conventional systems. The increase in the proportion of crop field areas negatively influenced the abundance of bees.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Shawan Chowdhury, Michael D. Jennions, Myron P. Zalucki, Martine Maron, James E. M. Watson, Richard A. Fuller
Summary: Anthropogenic pressures are causing a decline in insect populations worldwide. Protected areas, which are important for safeguarding vertebrates, have not focused much on insect conservation. There is a lack of knowledge on the effectiveness of protected areas for insect conservation, especially regarding threats and management strategies. The authors propose a research agenda to prioritize insects in expanding the global protected area network.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sam Nicol, Marie-Josee Cros, Nathalie Peyrard, Regis Sabbadin, Ronan Trepos, Richard A. Fuller, Bradley K. Woodworth
Summary: This article introduces the concept of FlywayNet, a discrete network model based on observed count data, to determine the structure of migratory networks in birds. By modeling noisy observations and flexible stopover durations using interacting hidden semi-Markov models, this approach advances previous studies and provides a flexible framework for studying migratory networks in birds and other organisms.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Xu Shi, Cheng Hu, Joshua Soderholm, Jason Chapman, Huafeng Mao, Kai Cui, Zhijun Ma, Dongli Wu, Richard A. Fuller
Summary: Interpretation of weather radar signals has been used to monitor bird migration patterns in Europe and America, but not yet in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). This study discusses the feasibility and challenges of using weather radar to complement on-ground bird migration surveys in the EAAF. The authors conclude that the weather radar network could be a powerful resource for monitoring bird movements in the EAAF, especially in remote regions.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeremy S. Simmonds, Andres Felipe Suarez-Castro, April E. Reside, James E. M. Watson, James R. Allan, Scott C. Atkinson, Pasquale Borrelli, Nigel Dudley, Stephen Edwards, Richard A. Fuller, Edward T. Game, Simon Linke, Sean L. Maxwell, Panos Panagos, Philippe Puydarrieux, Fabien Quetier, Rebecca K. Runting, Talitha Santini, Laura J. Sonter, Martine Maron
Summary: Global efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals such as reducing carbon emissions and halting biodiversity loss lack integration. To unify these goals, we have derived specific area-based targets for retaining natural and seminatural terrestrial vegetation worldwide. At least 50% of Earth's terrestrial surface needs to be preserved in order to contribute to biodiversity, climate, soil, and freshwater conservation objectives under 4 United Nations' resolutions.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicole Shumway, Megan Saunders, Sam Nicol, Richard A. Fuller, Noam Ben-Moshe, Takuya Iwamura, Sun W. Kim, Nicholas J. Murray, James E. M. Watson, Martine Maron
Summary: Biodiversity offsets aim to counterbalance the impacts of development on species and ecosystems. The effectiveness of spatially flexible offsets, located further from the impact area, in achieving no net loss or better ecological outcomes compared to local offsets is uncertain. In the case study of migratory shorebirds, there were insufficient data to draw robust conclusions about the effectiveness and equivalence of distant habitat-based offsets. The potential benefits of spatially flexible offsets need to be evaluated against the increased risks to ensure effective offset placement.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Benjamin S. Halpern, Carl Boettiger, Michael C. Dietze, Jessica A. Gephart, Patrick Gonzalez, Nancy B. Grimm, Peter M. Groffman, Jessica Gurevitch, Sarah E. Hobbie, Kimberly J. Komatsu, Kristy J. Kroeker, Heather J. Lahr, David M. Lodge, Christopher J. Lortie, Julie S. S. Lowndes, Fiorenza Micheli, Hugh P. Possingham, Mary H. Ruckelshaus, Courtney Scarborough, Chelsea L. Wood, Grace C. Wu, Lina Aoyama, Eva E. Arroyo, Christie A. Bahlai, Erin E. Beller, Rachael E. Blake, Karrigan S. Bork, Trevor A. Branch, Norah E. M. Brown, Julien Brun, Emilio M. Bruna, Lauren B. Buckley, Jessica L. Burnett, Max C. N. Castorani, Samantha H. Cheng, Sarah C. Cohen, Jessica L. Couture, Larry B. Crowder, Laura E. Dee, Arildo S. Dias, Ignacio J. Diaz-Maroto, Martha R. Downs, Joan C. Dudney, Erle C. Ellis, Kyle A. Emery, Jacob G. Eurich, Bridget E. Ferriss, Alexa Fredston, Hikaru Furukawa, Sara A. Gagne, Sarah R. Garlick, Colin J. Garroway, Kaitlyn M. Gaynor, Angelica L. Gonzalez, Eliza M. Grames, Tamar Guy-Haim, Ed Hackett, Lauren M. Hallett, Tamara K. Harms, Danielle E. Haulsee, Kyle J. Haynes, Elliott L. Hazen, Rebecca M. Jarvis, Kristal Jones, Gaurav S. Kandlikar, Dustin W. Kincaid, Matthew L. Knope, Anil Koirala, Jurek Kolasa, John S. Kominoski, Julia Koricheva, Lesley T. Lancaster, Jake A. Lawlor, Heili E. Lowman, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Kari E. A. Norman, Nan Nourn, Casey C. O'Hara, Suzanne X. Ou, Jacqueline L. Padilla-Gamino, Paula Pappalardo, Ryan A. Peek, Dominique Pelletier, Stephen Plont, Lauren C. Ponisio, Cristina Portales-Reyes, Diogo B. Provete, Eric J. Raes, Carlos Ramirez-Reyes, Irene Ramos, Sydne Record, Anthony J. Richardson, Roberto Salguero-Gomez, Erin Satterthwaite, Chloe Schmidt, Aaron J. Schwartz, Craig R. See, Brendan D. Shea, Rachel S. Smith, Eric R. Sokol, Christopher T. Solomon, Trisha Spanbauer, Paris Stefanoudis, Beckett W. Sterner, Vitor Sudbrack, Jonathan D. Tonkin, Ashley R. Townes, Mireia Valle, Jonathan A. Walter, Kathryn Wheeler, William R. Wieder, David R. Williams, Marten Winter, Barbora Winterova, Lucy C. Woodall, Adam S. Wymore, Casey Youngflesh
Summary: Synthesis research in ecology and environmental science is important for improving understanding, advancing theory, identifying research priorities, and supporting management strategies. A virtual workshop with participants from different countries and disciplines was held to discuss how synthesis can address key questions and themes in the field in the next decade. Seven priority research topics and two issues regarding synthesis practices were identified, providing a strategic vision for future synthesis in ecology and environmental science.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robyn James, Jonathan R. B. Fisher, Chelsea Carlos-Grotjahn, Marissa S. Boylan, Baigalmaa Dembereldash, Meaza Z. Demissie, Crystal Diaz De Villegas, Bridget Gibbs, Ruth Konia, Kristen Lyons, Hugh Possingham, Cathy J. Robinson, Tiantian Tang, Nathalie Butt
Summary: Globally, women are underrepresented in addressing the climate and biodiversity loss crises. A survey among conservation and science staff at The Nature Conservancy revealed that men have more influence in conservation and science decision making, women face gender bias and multiple barriers in their conservation careers, and experience harassment and discrimination. Men perceive the sector as more equitable for women than women themselves. Gender equality does not eliminate systemic inequity, which can be exacerbated by intersectional issues. Recommendations include workplace and cultural change, recruitment improvements, pay transparency, and career development policies.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biology
Shawan Chowdhury, Upama Aich, Md Rokonuzzaman, Shofiul Alam, Priyanka Das, Asma Siddika, Sultan Ahmed, Mahzabin Muzahid Labi, Moreno Di Marco, Richard A. Fuller, Corey T. Callaghan
Summary: Citizen science programs are popular among naturalists, but they have biases in terms of taxonomy and geography. However, with the rise of social media and smartphones, wildlife photographs posted on social media can be used to enhance biodiversity understanding. This study compares biodiversity records from Facebook with those from GBIF and shows the potential of using social media biodiversity data.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaotong Ren, Shen Zhang, Ke Huang, He-Bo Peng, Changlin Li, Ding Zhao, Dehong Pang, Yong Wu, Peng Liu, Peng Chen, Rong Hou, Richard A. Fuller, Fangyuan Hua, Pinjia Que
Summary: This study provides the first assessment of the breeding season habitat use of the Wood Snipe. The results indicate that Wood Snipes prefer alpine meadow habitats with lower elevation and moderate soil moisture. The actual distribution range of the Wood Snipe during the breeding season may be smaller than expected. Further research is needed to better understand the ecology of this rare species.
BIRD CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Slade Allen-Ankins, Donald T. McKnight, Eric J. Nordberg, Sebastian Hoefer, Paul Roe, David M. Watson, Paul G. McDonald, Richard A. Fuller, Lin Schwarzkopf
Summary: Effective monitoring tools are crucial for tracking biodiversity loss and informing management strategies. Passive acoustic monitoring has the potential to be a cheap and effective method for monitoring biodiversity, but extracting useful information from long audio recordings is still difficult.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua P. P. Wilson, Tatsuya Amano, Richard A. A. Fuller
Summary: The increase in drone use has led to a need for regulations on flights near vulnerable wildlife, but a lack of data on drone-induced wildlife disturbance has hindered these efforts. This study characterizes the disturbance caused by drones among mixed-species shorebird flocks to provide guidance for drone management near shorebirds. The researchers conducted drone approaches on roosting non-breeding shorebirds in Moreton Bay, Australia and found that the flight initiation distance varies depending on the species and certain factors such as drone noise, approach velocity, and distance. The researchers recommend careful regulation of drone use, evaluation of disturbance risk in drone surveys, and seeking alternatives in the absence of disturbance data.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Guilherme Wince de Moura, Karen Mustin, Fernando Antonio Silva Pinto, Sylvia Coelho Alves Sineiro, Bruna da Silva Xavier, Luciana Moraes Costa, Carlos Eduardo Lustosa Esberard, Alexeia Barufatti, William Douglas Carvalho
Summary: Mist nets are widely used in bird and bat studies, but there are risks of opportunistic predation. We reviewed global literature and existing guidelines to recommend new guidelines that minimize the risk of opportunistic predation.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hubert Cheung, Yutong Phoenix Feng, Amy Hinsley, Tien Ming Lee, Hugh P. Possingham, Stephen N. Smith, Laura Thomas-Walters, Yifu Wang, Duan Biggs
Summary: Political will is crucial for the success of environmental policies, and aligning environmental solutions with the core interests of policymakers makes them more politically feasible. Understanding decision-makers' political agendas helps identify areas where political will already exists, enabling environmental objectives to be achieved.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Natalya M. Maitz, Martin F. J. Taylor, Michelle S. Ward, Hugh P. Possingham
Summary: Australia's national environmental legislation, the EPBC Act, is criticized for its failure to mitigate the national extinction crisis, as it does not adequately protect threatened species and habitats.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)