Article
Ecology
Christoph Nolte, Ana Reboredo Segovia, Jose Manuel Ochoa-Quintero, Jaime Burbano-Giron
Summary: Accurate estimates of land protection costs are important for determining the most cost-effective locations for achieving biodiversity conservation goals. This study demonstrates a method for estimating land protection costs using original data, global predictor datasets, and machine-learning models. The research findings highlight the importance of urban proximity as a key driver of land protection costs in the Colombian Andes, and provide more accurate cost estimates compared to existing proxies.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Melissa Anne Petford, Graham John Alexander
Summary: This study used ecological niche models to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of 11 rupicolous reptile species in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa, identifying certain species vulnerable and in need of potential climate refugia for conservation under changing conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark G. Anderson, Melissa Clark, Arlene P. Olivero, Analie R. Barnett, Kimberly R. Hall, Meredith W. Cornett, Marissa Ahlering, Michael Schindel, Bob Unnasch, Carrie Schloss, D. Richard Cameron
Summary: Motivated by declines in biodiversity exacerbated by climate change, we identified a network of conservation sites designed to provide resilient habitat for species, while supporting dynamic shifts in ranges and changes in ecosystem composition. Our 12-y study involved 289 scientists in 14 study regions across the conterminous United States (CONUS), and our intent was to support local-, regional-, and national-scale conservation decisions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph William Bull, Isobel Taylor, Elizabeth Biggs, Henry M. J. Grub, Tom Yearley, Harriet Waters, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Every large organization should consider and plan how to achieve net gain in biodiversity.
Article
Biology
Abigail R. Wills, Deo D. Shirima, Olivier Villemaire-Cote, Philip J. Platts, Sarah J. Knight, Robin Loveridge, Hamidu Seki, Catherine E. Waite, Pantaleo K. T. Munishi, Herman Lyatuu, Blanca Bernal, Marion Pfeifer, Andrew R. Marshall
Summary: This study introduces a systematic approach to inform landscape restoration planning, estimating spatial variation in cost-effectiveness. The results show that there is potential for biomass recovery in 77.7% of a region in Tanzania, with most areas having the potential for restoring biomass through passive or assisted natural regeneration.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Leho Tedersoo, Vladimir Mikryukov, Alexander Zizka, Mohammad Bahram, Niloufar Hagh-Doust, Sten Anslan, Oleh Prylutskyi, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Fernando T. Maestre, Jaan Parn, Maarja Opik, Mari Moora, Martin Zobel, Mikk Espenberg, Ulo Mander, Abdul Nasir Khalid, Adriana Corrales, Ahto Agan, Aida-M Vasco-Palacios, Alessandro Saitta, Andrea C. Rinaldi, Annemieke Verbeken, Bobby P. Sulistyo, Boris Tamgnoue, Brendan Furneaux, Camila Duarte Ritter, Casper Nyamukondiwa, Cathy Sharp, Cesar Marin, Daniyal Gohar, Darta Klavina, Dipon Sharmah, Dong Qin Dai, Eduardo Nouhra, Elisabeth Machteld Biersma, Elisabeth Rahn, Erin K. Cameron, Eske De Crop, Eveli Otsing, Evgeny A. Davydov, Felipe E. Albornoz, Francis Q. Brearley, Franz Buegger, Geoffrey Zahn, Gregory Bonito, Inga Hiiesalu, Isabel C. Barrio, Jacob Heilmann-Clausen, Jelena Ankuda, John Y. Kupagme, Jose G. Macia-Vicente, Joseph Djeugap Fovo, Jozsef Geml, Juha M. Alatalo, Julieta Alvarez-Manjarrez, Kadri Poldmaa, Kadri Runnel, Kalev Adamson, Kari Anne Brathen, Karin Pritsch, Kassim Tchan, Kevin D. Hyde, Kevin K. Newsham, Kristel Panksep, Adebola A. Lateef, Liis Tiirmann, Linda Hansson, Louis J. Lamit, Malka Saba, Maria Tuomi, Marieka Gryzenhout, Marijn Bauters, Meike Piepenbring, Nalin Wijayawardene, Nourou S. Yorou, Olavi Kurina, Peter E. Mortimer, Peter Meidl, Petr Kohout, Rolf Henrik Nilsson, Rasmus Puusepp, Rein Drenkhan, Roberto Garibay-Orijel, Roberto Godoy, Saad Alkahtani, Saleh Rahimlou, Sergey Dudov, Sergei Polme, Soumya Ghosh, Sunil Mundra, Talaat Ahmed, Tarquin Netherway, Terry W. Henkel, Tomas Roslin, Vincent Nteziryayo, Vladimir E. Fedosov, Vladimir G. Onipchenko, W. A. Erandi Yasanthika, Young Woon Lim, Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia, Alexandre Antonelli, Urmas Koljalg, Kessy Abarenkov
Summary: Fungi are highly diverse organisms that play important roles in ecosystems. However, their distribution patterns and conservation needs are not well studied compared to charismatic animals and plants. This study examined endemicity patterns, vulnerability to global change, and conservation priority areas for functional groups of soil fungi. The study found that most fungi are endemic to tropical habitats and are vulnerable to drought, heat, and land-cover change. Conservation areas of highest priority for fungi include wetlands, tropical forests, and woodlands.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter J. Fashing, Nga Nguyen, Sebsebe Demissew, Abel Gizaw, Anagaw Atickem, Addisu Mekonnen, Niina O. Nurmi, Jeffrey T. Kerby, Nils Chr Stenseth
Summary: Ethiopia is home to rich and unique fauna and flora, but these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change and human population growth. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the biodiversity in Ethiopia.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Nicolette S. Roach, Daniela Acosta, Thomas E. Lacher
Summary: Understanding the perceptions and management practices of local coffee farmers in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is crucial for improving conservation programs and achieving sustainable outcomes. Economic support, improved technology distribution, and direct connection with buyers are recommended to enhance sustainability and equitable practices in the region.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
J. W. Pearce-Higgins, L. H. Antao, R. E. Bates, K. M. Bowgen, C. D. Bradshaw, S. J. Duffield, C. Ffoulkes, A. M. A. Franco, J. Geschke, R. D. Gregory, M. J. Harley, J. A. Hodgson, R. L. M. Jenkins, V Kapos, K. M. Maltby, O. Watts, S. G. Willis, M. D. Morecroft
Summary: As the magnitude of climate change increases, the impacts on natural and human systems will become more severe. Therefore, it is important to have appropriate ecological indicators to measure the progress of climate change adaptation for the natural environment. This paper outlines a framework and proposes three process-based and two results-based indicator types to track the progress of climate change adaptation.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Masoud Yousefi, Anooshe Kafash, Michael P. J. Nicolai
Summary: The aim of this study is to map the richness and genetic divergence of lizards in the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot and its surrounding areas, as well as identify the main determinants of these patterns.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark A. Titley, Stuart H. M. Butchart, Victoria R. Jones, Mark J. Whittingham, Stephen G. Willis
Summary: Sociopolitical factors have emerged as important determinants of wildlife population trends and conservation effectiveness. Climate change impacts may be disproportionately significant in countries with weaker governance and lower greenhouse gas emissions, raising questions of international justice. The importance of transboundary conservation and the potential impacts of species redistribution across political boundaries under climate change have been highlighted.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brittany T. Trew, Regan Early, James P. Duffy, Steven L. Chown, Ilya Maclean
Summary: Our study suggests that species distribution models constructed using ambient air temperatures may overestimate the thermal niche breadth of species and underestimate the climate change-driven risk to species where near-ground leaf and ambient air temperatures are decoupled from one another.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Sebahat K. Ozman-Sullivan, Gregory T. Sullivan
Summary: The study criticizes the utilization of a data set that represents only a small proportion of the global total of eriophyoid mite species. Most collections and taxonomic specialists have focused on temperate regions, while the largely unstudied tropical regions may harbor a significant amount of undescribed eriophyoid diversity. The study emphasizes the need for systematic taxonomic studies covering the entire global distribution of plant diversity to more reliably estimate the actual global distribution and total number of eriophyoid mite species.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amin Rastandeh, Meghann Jarchow
Summary: Although the importance of biodiversity conservation in urban landscapes has been recognized in many forest, desert, and coastal biomes, not much research has been done on urbanization in grasslands and its impacts on biodiversity. In this study, we conducted a pilot spatio-temporal study to assess the effects of land-use and vegetation change on grasslands in the Upper Missouri River Basin under different climate-change scenarios. We found that grassland conversion in urban landscapes was higher compared to the whole region, but this trend was not directly related to urban expansion. Additionally, habitat proximity was negatively correlated with urban expansion. This study emphasizes the need to measure changes in habitat composition and configuration to better understand opportunities and limitations for biodiversity conservation in urban landscapes.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hu Yue, Chen Ye, Wu Shu-Hong
Summary: The cooperation between the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has led to various challenges in China, including coordination among implementing organizations, strategic planning for synergistic implementation, monitoring system coordination, and information sharing among partner ministries. Strategies proposed include establishing a national synergistic implementation mechanism, developing a national strategic plan for synergistic implementation, comprehensive monitoring system and management, and an implementation information-sharing platform.
ADVANCES IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Megan A. Schwegel, Alessandro Filazzola, Colin A. Chapman, Valerie A. M. Schoof
Summary: Resource availability is important for female reproductive success, and the timing of reproduction can affect maternal and infant survival. In this study, the researchers examined data on births, conceptions, mating seasonality, and interbirth intervals in vervet monkeys living near Lake Nabugabo, Uganda. They found that births occurred year-round but were moderately seasonal, and there was no difference in survival for infants born within or outside of birth peaks. The researchers also found that fruit availability and feeding habits did not vary seasonally, and interbirth intervals were shorter in higher-ranking females. These findings suggest that habitat differences and latitudinally-variable factors may influence the breeding seasonality and interbirth intervals in the Nabugabo vervet population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anna Muchwampaka Kyokuhaire, Colin A. Chapman, Patrick A. Omeja, David Mwesigye Tumusiime, Banana Yabezi Abwoli, Michael J. Lawes
Summary: In Africa, protected forests in densely populated areas experience intense human-wildlife conflict. A study in Kibale National Park, Uganda, showed that baboons and elephants were responsible for most crop raiding incidents. While the financial loss caused by both species did not differ significantly, elephants were perceived as more damaging. Guarding and trenches were identified as the most effective deterrent strategies for baboons and elephants, respectively. Factors such as distance from the park and household income influenced the likelihood of crop raiding, and households headed by women or older adults were found to be more vulnerable.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kaichong Shi, Li Yang, Lu Zhang, Colin Chapman, Pengfei Fan
Summary: China, as one of the most biodiverse countries with the longest international land borders, needs transboundary conservation efforts. This study identifies China's transboundary conservation hotspots and analyzes the potential impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on them, providing recommendations for conservation actions.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Johnny A. A. Uelmen Jr, Bennett Lamcyzk, Patrick Irwin, Dan Bartlett, Chris Stone, Andrew Mackay, Arielle Arsenault-Benoit, Sadie J. Ryan, John-Paul Mutebi, Gabriel L. Hamer, Megan Fritz, Rebecca L. Smith
Summary: This study compares traditional trapping methods with the less commonly used human landing catch (HLC) method for sampling potential West Nile virus vectors. The results show that the HLC method provides important insight into the species of mosquitoes biting humans in the region, but alternative approaches must be explored to incorporate this method safely into control programs due to the risk to collectors.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anke Barahukwa, Colin A. Chapman, Mary Namaganda, Gerald Eilu, Patrick A. Omeja, Michael J. Lawes
Summary: Invasive Lantana camara L. significantly reduces tree, shrub, and herb cover and diversity, and suppresses tree regeneration. Short-term management of Lantana does not promote tree establishment, and even in cleared areas, tree species recruitment is poor. To ensure the long-term recovery of the forest tree community, sustained follow-up clearing of dense secondary shrubs and herbs, as well as resprouted L. camara, is crucial.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Emmanuel A. Opito, Timo Alanko, Urs Kalbitzer, Matti Nummelin, Patrick Omeja, Anu Valtonen, Colin A. Chapman
Summary: Declines in arthropod abundance and diversity have been observed in Kibale National Park, Uganda over the past four decades, particularly in the logged forest areas. Changes in arthropod communities were found to be influenced by multiple factors, including temperature increase, mammal species shifts, and changes in forest structure. Additionally, alterations in the landscape surrounding the park, such as population growth and agricultural intensification, may also contribute to the observed declines. Therefore, long-term multi-disciplinary efforts are necessary for effective conservation planning.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sadie J. Ryan, Catherine A. Lippi, Oswaldo C. Villena, Aspen Singh, Courtney C. Murdock, Leah R. Johnson
Summary: Global maps of thermal transmission suitability and people at risk for malaria transmission by Anopheles stephensi were created, revealing the rapid increase of transmission risk in Africa. This study provides important references for future prevention, control, and monitoring.
Article
Biology
Hanlan Fei, Miguel de Guinea, Li Yang, Paul A. Garber, Lu Zhang, Colin A. Chapman, Pengfei Fan
Summary: This study evaluated the movement patterns of skywalker gibbons from sleeping trees to breakfast trees and found that the type of food in the breakfast tree was the most important factor affecting gibbon movement patterns. The study suggests that gibbons have foraging goals in mind and plan their departure times accordingly, reflecting their ability for route-planning to exploit dispersed fruit resources in high-altitude forests.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shreejana Bhattarai, Jason K. Blackburn, Sadie J. Ryan
Summary: Despite intervention efforts, stable and new high and moderate malaria risk wards persist in Nepal, particularly in the northwest and southwest regions. These areas should be prioritized for malaria surveillance and vector control, and further research is needed to understand the reasons for persistent risk areas.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Catherine A. A. Lippi, Holly D. D. Gaff, Robyn M. M. Nadolny, Sadie J. J. Ryan
Summary: This study updates the distribution models of D. variabilis and R. montanensis-infected D. variabilis in the United States, using newer surveillance and testing data. The results show consistency in the predicted habitat suitability for D. variabilis, indicating its generalist habitat requirements. However, there is a slight shift in the updated niche distribution, including more southern areas, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and surveillance.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Catherine A. Lippi, Samuel Canfield, Christina Espada, Holly D. Gaff, Sadie J. Ryan
Summary: Geographic approaches are increasingly used to assess the risk of tick-borne diseases and inform public health decision-making. This study explored the potential geographic range of a marsh rice rat species and found considerable overlap with the distribution of a tick species in the southeastern United States, highlighting the need for extended surveillance efforts and attention to the role of hosts in transmission cycles.
Article
Zoology
Colin A. Chapman, Samuel Angedakin, Thomas M. Butynski, Jan F. Gogarten, John C. Mitani, Thomas T. Struhsaker
Summary: Anthropogenic-driven changes can have immediate negative impacts on wild primate populations, but changes like climate change may take generations to become evident. This study extends the monitoring of diurnal primates in Ngogo, Uganda, from 32.9 to 47 years and finds that the populations of black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and baboons have not significantly changed over time, while redtail monkeys and chimpanzees have marginally increased. Mangabeys and L'Hoesti monkeys have significantly increased, while red colobus encounters have dramatically decreased.
Article
Remote Sensing
Jane Southworth, Sadie J. Ryan, Hannah V. Herrero, Reza Khatami, Erin L. Bunting, Mehedy Hassan, Carly S. Muir, Peter Waylen
Summary: The dynamics of terrestrial vegetation are shifting globally due to environmental changes, with potential repercussions for the proper functioning of the Earth system. This study uses a vegetation persistence metric to explore global vegetation responses to climatic, latitudinal, and land-use changes over three decades. Results show that vegetation persistence is higher in the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere.
FRONTIERS IN REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Biology
Tessa Steiniche, Shaorui Wang, Emily Chester, Richard Mutegeki, Jessica M. Rothman, Richard W. Wrangham, Colin A. Chapman, Marta Venier, Michael D. Wasserman
Summary: Through non-invasive biomonitoring, we found that 97 chemical pollutants were present in the feces of four primate species in Kibale National Park, Uganda (chimpanzees, olive baboons, red colobus, and red-tailed monkeys), and they were positively associated with fecal hormone metabolites of cortisol and estradiol. The results indicated that organochlorine pesticides and organophosphate esters were positively correlated with cortisol in adult females, and organochlorine pesticides and brominated flame retardants were positively correlated with cortisol in juveniles. These findings suggest that cumulative pesticides and flame retardants can disrupt endocrine function in these primate populations, which may have implications for their development, metabolism, and reproduction. Additionally, our study demonstrates the importance of feces as a non-invasive matrix for examining pollutant-hormone associations in wild primates and other critical wildlife populations.
Article
Zoology
Colin A. Chapman, Jan F. Gogarten, Martin Golooba, Urs Kalbitzer, Patrick A. Omeja, Emmanuel A. Opito, Dipto Sarkar
Summary: Protected areas are crucial for safeguarding primate populations, but they still face threats from climate change. The population assessment of diurnal primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, revealed overall stability with some localized declines and increases. The regeneration of forest areas has helped sustain primate populations, highlighting the importance of restoration efforts. The conservation initiatives undertaken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and their partners have played a significant role in protecting the park and its animals.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2023)