Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Shi-Cheng Shao, Yan Luo, Hans Jacquemyn
Summary: Orchids have experienced significant declines in both China and other parts of the world, with several species on the verge of extinction. Recent advancements in orchid reintroduction programs offer a potential solution to establish new populations in their natural habitats and alleviate the current pressure on China's most endangered orchid species.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heidi Ma, Sarah K. Papworth, Junfei Qian, Samuel T. Turvey
Summary: Conservation outreach activities are important for changing local attitudes and awareness, but their effectiveness is often not evaluated. The study found that negative messages were more common than positive ones in past outreach activities, and male interviewees and those with higher education levels were more knowledgeable about these activities. The Hainan gibbon, compared to other threatened species, received more attention, and reporting past outreach activities was associated with an increased likelihood of knowing that gibbons were threatened.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sandrine Pavoine, Carlo Ricotta
Summary: Functional traits determine species' responses to environmental change and/or determine species' effects on ecosystem functions. To include functional distinctiveness as a criterion in conservation strategies, we need formal quantification of species' degree of distinctiveness while incorporating extinction risk. Our framework is particularly relevant at the local scale, where species extinctions impact ecosystem functioning and where conservation policies are developed.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Noushka Reiter, Mike Wicks, Gail Pollard, Graham Brown, Myles Menz, Bjorn Bohman
Summary: Critical for conserving endangered orchids is identifying their pollinators and their distribution. We identified the pollinator(s), mechanisms of attraction, and the presence of pollinators at different sites for Caladenia xanthochila. The pollinator for C. xanthochila was a species of thynnine wasp, Phymatothynnus aff. nitidus. Hand pollinations revealed that pollination was pollen limited and significantly related to rainfall. Potential translocation sites for C. xanthochila were limited, with some lacking the pollinator. Additionally, evidence for cryptic species of pollinators was found, highlighting the importance of accurate identification.
Article
Forestry
Yinbo Zhang, Guangyu Wang, Hongfei Zhuang, Lanhui Wang, John L. Innes, Keping Ma
Summary: Southwest China is home to three global biodiversity hotspots, but the congruence among them is low. By integrating endemic, threatened, and rare species hotspots as a proxy for plant diversity, the study identified priority conservation areas accounting for a small percentage of land cover in the region. This integration approach can greatly enhance biodiversity conservation efforts and improve local management efficiency.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oscar Morton, Brett R. Scheffers, Torbjorn Haugaasen, David P. Edwards
Summary: We assessed the trade volumes of threatened and non-threatened species regulated by CITES and found that non-threatened species dominate the trade. We also discovered a disconnect between trade volumes and changing extinction risk, highlighting potential drawbacks in the current regulation of species trade.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jennifer Bruder, Lauren M. Burakowski, Taeyong Park, Reem Al-Haddad, Sara Al-Hemaidi, Amal Al-Korbi, Almayasa Al-Naimi
Summary: This study explores attitudes towards animals across different cultural groups, finding that liking plays a key role in predicting endorsement for government protection, with variations in animal liking observed across cultures.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carolyn J. Hogg, Kym Ottewell, Peter Latch, Maurizio Rossetto, James Biggs, Andrew Gilbert, Sarah Richmond, Katherine Belov
Summary: Globally, less than 3% of threatened animal species have genomic resources for conservation management. To address this, a consortium in Australia launched the Threatened Species Initiative to develop genomic data and tools for conservation practitioners. The objective is to empower conservation practitioners to access and apply genomic data to their decision-making processes through a web-based portal.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Capo, J. Borras, S. Perello-Suau, J. Rita, J. Cursach
Summary: This study investigates the impact of human disturbance on the reproductive output of Anacamptis robusta plant species, as well as the effects of competition, fungal infections, and hybridization processes on its fitness. Findings suggest that the disturbed subpopulation of A. robusta has lower fruit set success compared to well-conserved areas and that the presence of A. coriophora negatively affects its reproductive output.
Article
Ecology
Friederike C. Bolam, Jorge Ahumada, H. Resit Akcakaya, Thomas M. Brooks, Wendy Elliott, Sean Hoban, Louise Mair, David Mallon, Philip J. K. McGowan, Domitilla Raimondo, Jon Paul Rodriguez, Dilys Roe, Mary B. Seddon, Xiaoli Shen, Simon N. Stuart, James E. M. Watson, Stuart H. M. Butchart
Summary: Preventing human-induced extinctions requires policy commitments to implement targeted recovery actions for threatened species, in addition to comprehensive efforts to mitigate threats to species.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward Entalai Besi, Wai Keong Hooi, Runi Sylvester Pungga, Christina Seok Yien Yong, Muskhazli Mustafa, Rusea Go
Summary: This paper reports three new orchid records and three rare orchid recollections in Malaysia, providing brief descriptions, photographic illustrations, morphological comparisons, and artificial taxonomic keys.
Article
Horticulture
Alberto Mayo-Mosqueda, Eleazar Garcia-Hernandez, Eliana Noguera-Savelli, William Cetzal-Ix, Fulgencio Alatorre-Cobos
Summary: This study discusses the use of the Laelia genus in orchid breeding and metabolite bioprospecting, as well as the application of plant tissue culture as a strategy for the recovery of endangered Laelia species.
Article
Ecology
Noemie Coulon, Martin Lindegren, Eric Goberville, Aurele Toussaint, Aurore Receveur, Arnaud Auber
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate whether threatened species are also functionally rare and to identify which traits determine extinction risk. The results of the study show that in European continental shelf seas, 38% of the species threatened with extinction (9 out of 24 species) were identified as the most functionally distinct. The study emphasizes that species traits, especially functional rarity, should become an indispensable step in the development of conservation management plans.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Leonardo Llorens, Lucas Cortes, Herminio Boira
Summary: This study reveals the ecological characteristics of Euphorbia margalidiana, an endemic plant thriving in a micro-island environment in the Western Mediterranean region. It examines the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the distribution of this endangered species through detailed habitat characterization. The study also analyzes its pollination biology, evaluates vegetative propagation success, and discusses its potential use in conservation strategies, highlighting the importance of adaptive traits enabling its survival in harsh micro-island environments.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Claire Ellwanger, Laura Steger, Cathy Pollack, Rachel Wells, Jeremie Benjamin Fant
Summary: This study focuses on how anthropogenic changes impact genetic processes associated with extinction risk in the orchid Platanthera leucophaea. It found that genetic parameters were strongly linked to population size, with habitat loss and patch isolation playing a role in genetic diversity and structure. Small populations showed lower genetic diversity, indicating the need for continued monitoring by resource managers to prevent genetic declines. Contrary to expectations, critically small populations exhibited negative inbreeding values, suggesting non-random mating and selection for less inbred individuals.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danilo Urzedo, Simone Pedrini, Daniel L. M. Vieira, Alexandre B. Sampaio, Bruna D. F. Souza, Eduardo Malta Campos-Filho, Fatima C. M. Pina-Rodrigues, Isabel B. Schmidt, Rodrigo G. P. Junqueira, Kingsley Dixon
Summary: The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration aims to trigger the recovery of ecosystem services and transform structural injustices across the world by including diverse Indigenous and local communities in co-creating robust native seed supply systems. Community-based organizations have developed native seed supply strategies for landscape restoration, drawing on two decades of seed networks in Brazil and emerging Indigenous participation in Australia. Local engagement and equitable participation in social, economic, and environmental benefits are emphasized for achieving large-scale restoration goals.
Article
Plant Sciences
Dorset W. Trapnell, Patrick A. Smallwood, Kingsley W. Dixon, Ryan D. Phillips
Summary: Orchid populations are small and patchily distributed, yet exhibit high genetic diversity and moderate levels of gene flow. Some populations are founded by few colonists, with growth mainly from in situ recruitment. Pollinators play a greater role than seeds in introducing genetic diversity to populations via gene flow.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Cameron M. Mounsey, Jason C. Stevens, Michael Renton, Kingsley W. Dixon, Ben P. Miller
Summary: Mining activities can have significant impacts on the environment, altering topography, soil properties, hydrology, and biological communities. This study in southwest Australia examined a 19-year-old postmining woodland restoration to assess the development of plant communities in restored sites, finding that vegetation cover increased over time while plant density and species richness decreased. Environmental drivers, such as rainfall patterns, and management techniques, like substrate ripping, played key roles in restoration outcomes, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring and evaluation in postmining restoration efforts.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kit S. Prendergast, Sean Tomlinson, Kingsley W. Dixon, Philip W. Bateman, Myles H. M. Menz
Summary: Urbanization has a negative impact on native bee abundance and diversity, while bushland remnants play a crucial role in conserving native bee populations.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Shane R. Turner, Adam T. Cross, Michael Just, Vern Newton, Simone Pedrini, Sean Tomlinson, Kingsley Dixon
Summary: Restoration seedbanks are crucial for restoring damaged environments globally, but lack of knowledge about seed biology and ecology hampers their effectiveness. Factors such as premature seed collection, low seed quality, and insufficient understanding of seed dormancy and germination requirements can affect the success of seed-based restoration. By adopting best practice principles and improving understanding of seed biology and ecology, restoration seedbanks can deliver immediate and cost-efficient benefits.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle Ward, Ayesha Tulloch, Romola Stewart, Hugh P. Possingham, Sarah Legge, Rachael Gallagher, Erin M. Graham, Darren Southwell, David Keith, Kingsley Dixon, Chuanji Yong, Josie Carwardine, Tim Cronin, April E. Reside, James E. M. Watson
Summary: In the summer of 2019-2020, southern Australia experienced the largest fires on record, damaging the habitat of native species. A large-scale restoration effort is needed to improve degraded species habitat and provide fire-affected species with the opportunity to recover. Decision-makers require information on priority species needs, potential restoration interventions, and priority locations for these interventions. The study shows that restoring a significant portion of the study region would account for a large percentage of current and future habitat for priority species, but would come at a high cost.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Xue Meng Zhou, Kosala Ranathunge, Marion L. Cambridge, Kingsley W. Dixon, Patrick E. Hayes, Miroslav Nikolic, Qi Shen, Hongtao Zhong, Hans Lambers
Summary: The low diversity of tall Eucalyptus forests in southwest Australia can be explained by dominant mycorrhizal species exhibiting a carboxylate-releasing strategy. The tall eucalypts are strong competitors that do not require facilitation, but also do not access organic N.
Article
Ecology
Danilo Urzedo, Simone Pedrini, Clancy Hearps, Kingsley Dixon, Stephen van Leeuwen
Summary: Mining activities cause displacement and disruption to Indigenous socio-cultural relations. Restoration and closure of mines must involve Indigenous Australians and provide enduring benefits. Recognition and dismantling of institutionalized socio-environmental inequalities are necessary for Indigenous engagements with mining restoration supply chains.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Kingsley Dixon, Vanessa MacDonald, Haylee D'Agui
Summary: This special issue compiles research studies conducted by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Mine Site Restoration over the span of 5 years. The studies focused on often overlooked or under-resourced disciplines in the mining industry, including restoration genetics, seed technology, rare species management, and restoration ecophysiology. The research findings also contributed to the development of mining closure policies.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
B. R. Chandima P. Samarasinghe, K. M. G. Gehan Jayasuriya, A. M. Thilanka A. Gunaratne, Mahesh C. Senanayaka, Kingsley W. Dixon
Summary: Plant community-level studies on seed dormancy traits are important to understand and determine the significance of seed dormancy in different ecosystems. The majority of tree species in the lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka exhibit non-dormancy as the dominant germination behavior, with dormancy class related to forest strata and dispersal time.
SEED SCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
R. A. Viscarra Rossel, Yuanyuan Yang, Andrew Bissett, Thorsten Behrens, Kingsley Dixon, Paul Nevil, Shuo Li
Summary: The relative abundance and diversity of soil fungi in Australian soils are influenced by climate, water balance, ecosystem type, vegetation, and edaphic factors such as organic matter, clay, mineralogy, pH, and nutrients. The Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominate Australian soils, and fungal diversity decreases with increasing aridity. Soil organic matter and mineralogy significantly contribute to the understanding of abiotic controls on soil fungi. These findings enhance our understanding of fungal ecology at a macroecological scale and have implications for ecosystem stability and the development of strategies for global change preservation, adaptation, and mitigation.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tristan Campbell, S. Don Bradshaw, Kingsley W. Dixon, Philip Zylstra
Summary: Efficient wildfire risk management should take into account various factors including changing climate and conflicting stakeholder priorities. However, extrapolating existing findings and strategies to different vegetation and climate regions has limitations. Indigenous-led practices show potential in wildfire risk management and biodiversity conservation.
GEOMATICS NATURAL HAZARDS & RISK
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Kit S. Prendergast, Kinglsey W. Dixon, Philip W. Bateman
Summary: This study reviews the literature on competition between honeybees and Australian native bees and finds that native bees in Australia may be vulnerable to competition with honeybees. However, the data on whether honeybees have negative effects on native bees are inconclusive, suggesting the need for further research. The study proposes various investigations to address the current gaps in knowledge and highlights the importance of understanding the conditions under which honeybees have different effects on native bees.
PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Zefang Shen, Haylee D'Agui, Lewis Walden, Mingxi Zhang, Tsoek Man Yiu, Kingsley Dixon, Paul Nevill, Adam Cross, Mohana Matangulu, Yang Hu, Raphael A. Viscarra Rossel
Summary: Mining can cause disturbances to the soil, but miniaturised spectrometers can accurately estimate soil properties for rehabilitation at a lower cost.
Article
Plant Sciences
B. R. Chandima P. Samarasinghe, K. M. G. Gehan Jayasuriya, A. M. Thilanka A. Gunaratne, Kingsley W. Dixon, Mahesh Senanayaka
Summary: This study compared the seed biology and seedling development traits of two native species and one invasive species in a tropical rainforest habitat in Sri Lanka. The results showed that the invasive species had higher germination and survival rates, which may be the key factor for its successful invasion.
