Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jayden E. Engert, Robert L. Pressey, Vanessa M. Adams
Summary: Australia is a global leader in land clearing and biodiversity loss driven by agricultural conversion. The concentration of habitat protection in unproductive landscapes leads to unequal impacts on threatened vertebrate fauna, with productive lands receiving less protection and experiencing greater habitat loss. The study emphasizes the importance of protecting land capable of supporting productive uses to conserve the most affected threatened species.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide, Bard Pedersen, Marianne Evju, Kristin Magnussen, Louise Mair, Friederike C. Bolam, Philip J. K. McGowan, Kjetil Mastad Vestergaard, Jorund Braa, Graciela Rusch
Summary: The text discusses how human activities are accelerating the loss of biodiversity, and the need to translate international goals into national actions. The authors propose a framework and index to operationalize national Red Lists, providing quantifiable objectives for conservation efforts. While achieving national goals may be difficult, it is still possible if main constraints are addressed.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephen G. Kearney, James E. M. Watson, April E. Reside, Diana O. Fisher, Martine Maron, Tim S. Doherty, Sarah M. Legge, John C. Z. Woinarski, Stephen T. Garnett, Brendan A. Wintle, Euan G. Ritchie, Don A. Driscoll, David Lindenmayer, Vanessa M. Adams, Michelle S. Ward, Josie Carwardine
Summary: Earth's extinction crisis is worsening and threat classification schemes are crucial for assessing the drivers and threats causing species declines. However, there is a lack of a complementary framework for evaluating the conservation responses needed to reduce these threats. In this study, an expert-driven threat-abatement framework was developed and applied to 1532 threatened species in Australia, highlighting the importance of retaining and restoring habitat, controlling invasive species and diseases, and improving fire management for species recovery. Integrated management responses are necessary for the survival and recovery of most species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Juan Antonio Calleja, Gemma Domenech, Llorenc Saez, Francisco Lara, Ricardo Garilleti, Belen Albertos
Summary: This study analyzed mosses in Spain and found differences in reproductive traits and habitat preferences between threatened and non-threatened species. Threatened mosses were more likely to exhibit lack of reproduction, asexual reproduction, monoicy, and preference for acidic and humid substrates.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrei Brodsky, Evgeny Abakumov, Iuliia Kirillova
Summary: The solution to transnational environmental problems in the field of species protection and conservation biology depends on international communication, which can be hindered by differences in Red Lists and Red Data Books. A comparative analysis of national Red Lists and Books from Baltic Sea region countries with the IUCN Red List revealed significant discrepancies in species categories, lists, and scales. These differences make it difficult to exchange data on threatened species and reduce biodiversity conservation effectiveness at regional and international levels.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Traci P. DuBose, Gina K. Himes Boor, Margaret Fields, Elizabeth L. Kalies, Ana Castillo, Matthew P. Moskwik, Jeffrey F. Marcus, Jeffrey R. Walters
Summary: Remote sensing data is a cost-effective and powerful method for determining ecosystem characteristics across large areas. In order to effectively conserve individual species, it is necessary to test whether remotely sensed habitat indices correspond to the suitability and value of those habitats for the species. This study built an open pine habitat quality index (HQI) using remote sensing data and found that it correlated with the presence of a bird species (red-cockaded woodpecker), but not with its demographic performance. The study suggests that linking generalized habitat indices to species suitability is possible and strengthens the justification for their use in large-scale conservation of imperiled ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jessica L. Roberts, W. Justin Cooper, David Luther
Summary: Conservation actions such as habitat protection, restoration, and translocations are essential in preventing further extinctions of threatened species. By analyzing the habitat quality of 152 threatened species recommended for conservation translocations, it was found that a significant number of species require habitat management, invasive species control, or protection measures. Additionally, key differences were identified between species recommended for reintroductions and benign introductions, highlighting the importance of protected areas for successful restoration efforts.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Christophe Sauser, Loic Commagnac, Cyril Eraud, Matthieu Guillemain, Sophie Morin, Thibaut Powolny, Alexandre Villers, Herve Lormee
Summary: Changes in agriculture have led to a decline in biodiversity, particularly for farmland birds like the European turtle dove. This study investigates the impact of foraging and nesting habitats on turtle dove abundance in France. The results indicate that fallow lands positively affect turtle dove abundance, whereas fodder crop area has a negative effect. Increasing hedgerows length has a positive effect on the population, while the relationship with forest edges length is bell-shaped. Targeted measures such as increasing fallow lands and hedgerows length could help stabilize or increase the turtle dove population.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. Gill, K. A. Chenier, A. Free, J. Goff, J. L. Pitchford, K. Cressman, M. Posten, E. Brunden, M. Shelton, K. Swanson, S. R. Cunningham, J. Garland, C. Snyder, M. Lamb, T. Schauwecker, E. L. Sparks
Summary: Along the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) coast, using livestock for habitat management in coastal uplands has the potential to be a less intrusive and financially viable alternative to traditional habitat management techniques. A survey was conducted to explore the research needs and concerns related to using livestock for habitat management. The survey results showed that there is strong interest in using livestock for habitat management among respondents, but there is a lack of information and awareness about grazing practices for coastal upland habitat management.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Beatriz Gobbi, Anton Van Rompaey, Nestor Ignacio Gasparri, Veerle Vanacker
Summary: This study evaluated the extent to which information on forest degradation can be derived using UAV-SfM techniques. The research focused on the Dry Chaco ecosystem in Argentina, where anthropogenic disturbances have had a long-term impact on subtropical broadleaf dry forests. The results showed that objective criteria derived from UAV-SfM 3D canopy models can effectively differentiate forests in good condition from those that have undergone various levels of degradation.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marek Marciniak, Daniel Gebler, Mateusz Grygoruk, Joanna Zalewska-Galosz, Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz
Summary: The study aimed to assess the influence of filtration stream and hydraulic gradient on water crowfoot distribution in European rivers. The study found that the hyporheic zones covered with Ranunculus vegetation were mainly influenced by groundwater drainage. The intensity of groundwater filtration varied significantly, and the non-vegetated riverbed had a higher filtration rate compared to the zones with Ranunculus. The study provides evidence for the importance of water exchange in the hyporheic zone for the growth and conservation of Ranunculus vegetation.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan Lorite, Carlos Salazar-Mendias, Roza Pawlak, Eva Maria Canadas
Summary: Overgrazing is a significant threat to biodiversity, especially in the Mediterranean region, and fencing is a common tool used for conservation. While fences can have advantages such as quick and intuitive effects, there can also be disadvantages for both habitat and species. The effectiveness of fencing in conservation varies among different species and populations, highlighting the importance of a case-by-case evaluation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xavier Rotllan-Puig, Eva Ivits, Michael Cherlet
Summary: The article introduces the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 indicator 15.3.1, which is based on three sub-indicators: Trends in Land Cover, Land Productivity, and Carbon Stocks. Using the R-based tool LPDynR to implement the Land Productivity Dynamics approach can provide a 5-class map showing declining to increasing land productivity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ana Cano-Ortiz, Carmelo M. Musarella, Jose C. Pinar Fuentes, Ricardo Quinto Canas, Carlos J. Pinto Gomes, Giovanni Spampinato, Jehad Mahmoud Hussein Ighbareyeh, Sara del Rio, Eusebio Cano
Summary: The habitat of several territories in Ciudad Real, Spain was studied through mapping and vegetation analysis. This study focused on diverse forest habitats characterized by Quercus species, with a specific emphasis on conservation of fauna, flora, and habitats of interest. Endangered or rare habitats and species were prioritized for study to ensure reliable results.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Viheno Iralu, Aabid Hussain Mir, Dibyendu Adhikari, Hiranjit Choudhury, Krishna Upadhaya
Summary: Predictive distribution models are widely used in species conservation planning. However, identifying specific sites for undertaking conservation action such as reintroduction pose a practical challenge for practitioners. We demonstrate that the potential habitat distribution models intersected with existing land use and land cover (LULC) map helped in identifying the specific conservation areas with greater confidence.
LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicola S. du Plessis, Alanna J. Rebelo, David M. Richardson, Karen J. Esler
Summary: Restoring riparian ecosystems in a human-dominated landscape requires a comprehensive approach considering historical data, remote sensing techniques, and stakeholder perceptions. Despite most human impact occurring before the 1950s, there have been significant increases in waterbodies, urban areas, alien weeds, and terrestrial alien trees. These changes are likely driven by land fragmentation, disturbance, and agricultural intensification.
Biographical-Item
Plant Sciences
Neil E. Pettit, Neal J. Enright, Karen J. Esler, Will Stock, Robert J. Naiman
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maja Schluter, Guido Caniglia, Kirill Orach, Orjan Bodin, Nicolas Magliocca, Patrick Meyfroidt, Belinda Reyers
Summary: The complex nature of sustainability problems demands a rethinking of how theories are constructed and utilized in order to support interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary processes. Four ideal modes of theorizing and the concept of 'ecologies of theories' are proposed to meet the challenges and needs of sustainability science.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
M. K. Reinecke, C. A. Brown, K. J. Esler, J. M. King
Summary: Riparian zones can be divided into wet banks and dry banks, with plant communities distributed based on the duration of river inundation. Understanding and locating these plant communities is crucial for rehabilitation projects and studies on environmental flow. Generic rules based on distance and height from the water's edge can be used to locate these communities.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Susan Botha, Richard M. Cowling, Jan C. De Vynck, Karen J. Esler, Alastair J. Potts
Summary: Underground storage organs (USOs) show resilience to human foraging, with evidence of substantial declines in yield only after two consecutive years of harvesting.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Paula Morais de Lima, Aline F. Rodrigues, Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec, Viviane Dib, Fernanda D. Gomes, Veronica Maioli, Ingrid Pena, Fernanda Tubenchlak, Alanna J. Rebelo, Karen J. Esler, Amy M. P. Oen, Nancy Andrea Ramirez-Agudelo, Elisabeth Roca Bosch, Nandita Singh, Lina Suleiman, Sarah E. Hale
Summary: This article presents an innovative framework for evaluating and planning nature-based solutions projects, which is of great significance in water management and other fields.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Reinette Biggs, Hayley S. Clements, Graeme S. Cumming, Georgina Cundill, Alta de Vos, Maike Hamann, Linda Luvuno, Dirk J. Roux, Odirilwe Selomane, Ryan Blanchard, Jessica Cockburn, Luthando Dziba, Karen J. Esler, Christo Fabricius, Rebecka Henriksson, Karen Kotschy, Regina Lindborg, Vanessa A. Masterson, Jeanne L. Nel, Patrick O'Farrell, Carolyn G. Palmer, Laura Pereira, Sharon Pollard, Rika Preiser, Robert J. Scholes, Charlie Shackleton, Sheona Shackleton, Nadia Sitas, Jasper A. Slingsby, Marja Spierenburg, Maria Tengo, Belinda Reyers
Summary: This paper synthesizes insights on social-ecological system dynamics in the southern African context and highlights key themes including transdisciplinary research, ecosystem services and wellbeing, governance institutions and management practices, spatial relationships and cross-scale connections, and regime shifts, traps and transformations. The findings contribute to a context-sensitive global agenda for sustainability transformations.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Thabisisani Ndhlovu, Zivanai Tsvuura, Karen J. Esler
Summary: Invasive alien species, particularly the European rabbit, have a significant impact on biodiversity and human livelihoods worldwide. However, there is limited research on offshore islands along Africa's southern coast. This study conducted on Robben Island in South Africa found that controlling European rabbits can increase grazing capacity, but the presence of alien trees inhibits understory vegetation dynamics.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF RANGE & FORAGE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Duduzile K. Ngwenya, Patricia M. Holmes, Sjirk Geerts, Karen J. Esler
Summary: The method of restoring native vegetation without conducting prescribed burns in heavily degraded ecosystems invaded by fire-adapted alien species is effective in minimizing the recruitment of alien species and reducing the seedbank, resulting in good native cover.
Article
Ecology
Alexander Neu, Huw Cooksley, Karen J. J. Esler, Anton Pauw, Francois Roets, Frank M. M. Schurr, Matthias Schleuning
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between Protea plant species and their interacting animal mutualists and antagonists in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, and found that both morphological and energetic trait matching significantly influenced these interactions.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs, Belinda Reyers, Ryan Blanchard, Hayley Clements, Jessica Cockburn, Graeme S. Cumming, Georgina Cundill, Alta de Vos, Luthando Dziba, Karen J. Esler, Christo Fabricius, Maike Hamann, Rebecka Henriksson, Karen Kotschy, Regina Lindborg, Linda Luvuno, Vanessa Masterson, Jeanne L. Nel, Patrick O'Farrell, Carolyn G. Palmer, Laura Pereira, Sharon Pollard, Rika Preiser, Dirk J. Roux, Robert J. Scholes, Odirilwe Selomane, Charlie Shackleton, Sheona Shackleton, Nadia Sitas, Jasper A. Slingsby, Marja Spierenburg, Maria Tengo
Summary: Sustainability-focused research networks and communities of practice are vital for capacity building and knowledge exchange in support of a more sustainable and equitable future. This paper reflects on the experiences of the Southern African Program on Ecosystem Change and Society (SAPECS) in building a community of practice on social-ecological systems research, with the aim of providing insights for the development of similar networks worldwide, particularly in the Global South.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alexander Neu, Huw Cooksley, Karen J. J. Esler, Anton Pauw, Francois Roets, Frank M. M. Schurr, Matthias Schleuning
Summary: In this study, we investigated the effects of fire disturbance and variation in sugar resources on pollinator communities and interactions between plants and their pollinating insects and birds. We found little variation in the overall interaction frequency, species richness, and functional diversity of pollinator communities. However, insect species richness increased with post-fire age. Pollinator specialization and potential pollination services varied differently between insects and birds along environmental gradients.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah E. Hale, Loretta von der Tann, Alanna J. Rebelo, Karen J. Esler, Ana Paula Morais de Lima, Aline F. Rodrigues, Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec, Nancy Andrea Ramirez-Agudelo, Elisabet Roca Bosch, Lina Suleiman, Nandita Singh, Amy M. P. Oen
Summary: The term nature-based solutions (NBS) has been widely used in various settings, but there is a lack of comprehensive assessment frameworks that can guide the planning and implementation of NBS and capture their short- and long-term impacts. In this study, a recently presented framework based on the theory of change was applied to seven diverse case studies on water quality and quantity issues in peri-urban areas. The results showed that the framework was applicable to the case studies, but the diversity of contexts highlighted the limitations of transferring NBS projects from one location to another easily.