Article
Entomology
Elsa Blareau, Pauline Sy, Karim Daoud, Fabrice Requier
Summary: This study in an urban area near Paris found that wild pollinators are able to support strawberry production in an urban agricultural context. Honey bees were not observed visiting the flowers, but fruits were larger when pollinators were able to visit. These results highlight the importance of wild urban pollinators in providing high-quality, local, and sustainable crops in urban areas.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ana Carolina Pereira Machado, Gudryan Jackson Baronio, Favizia Freitas de Oliveira, Caroline Tito Garcia, Andre Rodrigo Rech
Summary: The study highlights the importance of maintaining native vegetation in agricultural landscapes for bee distribution and reproduction. While richness and abundance of bee species vary among different seasons and vegetation types, the composition of bee communities is more dependent on seasonality and vegetation types.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Vivienne P. Groner, Jessica J. Williams, Richard G. Pearson
Summary: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services, but the contribution of rare and endangered species (RES) to these services is unclear. A systematic review found a lack of quantitative research on the role of RES in agricultural production, which is a major driver of biodiversity change. Further research is urgently needed to inform conservation and agricultural policies.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pedro J. Bergamo, Marina Wolowski, Leandro R. Tambosi, Edenise Garcia, Kayna Agostini, Lucas A. Garibaldi, Tiffany M. Knight, Eimear Nic Lughadha, Paulo E. A. M. Oliveira, Marcia C. M. Marques, Pietro K. Maruyama, Marcia M. Maues, Alberto K. Oppata, Andre R. Rech, Antonio M. Saraiva, Felipe D. S. Silva, Gizele Sousa, Rodrigo Y. Tsukahara, Isabela G. Varassin, Blandina F. Viana, Leandro Freitas
Summary: Crop pollination is a crucial factor in agricultural production, with varying benefits depending on the level of pollinator-dependent crops and biodiversity. Municipalities with greater crop pollination demand may face vegetation deficit issues, especially in large properties with monocultures. Ecological restoration and vegetation conservation can play a key role in promoting crop productivity and ensuring food security in small properties. Land-use management policies based on legal requirements may successfully enhance agricultural sustainability and crop production.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olivier Clement Gatwaza, Xiangrong Wang
Summary: The study highlights issues with National Parks and nature reserves in Rwanda, including inadequate protection of threatened species and ecosystem services. Recommendations for improvement include guiding economic development towards green growth and ensuring the well-being of both people and nature.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louise M. J. O'Connor, Laura J. Pollock, Julien Renaud, Willem Verhagen, Peter H. Verburg, Sandra Lavorel, Luigi Maiorano, Wilfried Thuiller
Summary: The study highlights the importance of considering different values of nature together in conservation planning. While priorities for biodiversity better represent nature's contributions to people, different priorities rarely coincide, except in certain irreplaceable ecosystems. Theoretically, protecting an extra 5% of land has the potential to double conservation gains for biodiversity while also maintaining some essential nature's contributions to people, leading to co-benefits for both nature and people.
Review
Ecology
Ph Jeanneret, S. Aviron, A. Alignier, C. Lavigne, J. Helfenstein, F. Herzog, S. Kay, S. Petit
Summary: The integration of landscape ecology in agroecology development is crucial for understanding and promoting biodiversity, pest regulation, and crop pollination. By considering the spatial and temporal organization of semi-natural elements and crop mosaic, agroecology can be effectively implemented at landscape scale to enhance ecosystem services and biodiversity. This bottom-up approach, involving farmers in the design and management of agricultural systems, is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural landscapes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ernest F. Asamoah, Linda J. Beaumont, Joseph M. Maina
Summary: The study indicates that more than a quarter of the world's protected areas will experience high rates of climate change and land-use change by 2050. Changes are expected to occur more often in tropical moist and grassland biomes, which are currently home to diverse species of animals and plants. The findings can inform spatially adaptive natural resource management to achieve sustainable development and biodiversity goals.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
P. A. Hamback, L. Dawson, P. Geranmayeh, J. Jarsjo, I. Kacergyte, M. Peacock, D. Collentine, G. Destouni, M. Futter, G. Hugelius, S. Hedman, S. Jonsson, B. K. Klatt, A. Lindstrom, J. E. Nilsson, T. Part, L. D. Schneider, J. A. Strand, P. Urrutia-Cordero, D. Ahlen, I. ahlen, M. Blicharska
Summary: The wetland area in agricultural landscapes has been significantly reduced for crop production, but there is now a growing recognition of the negative consequences of wetland loss. As a result, there is a trend towards re-establishing wetlands to achieve multiple ecosystem services. This review highlights the need to focus on wetlandscapes rather than individual wetlands to achieve societal and environmental goals, and discusses key factors for planning wetland re-establishment at the landscape scale.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Arthur Sanguet, Nicolas Wyler, Benjamin Guinaudeau, Noe Waller, Loreto Urbina, Laurent Huber, Claude Fischer, Anthony Lehmann
Summary: This article presents a method for identifying green infrastructure in a cross-border, urbanized territory between Switzerland and France in the area of influence of the city of Geneva. The method uses multiple inputs to calculate and identify areas of highest ecological interest, with the resulting maps being immediately transferred to local authorities and incorporated into planning to achieve ecological transition goals by 2050.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
James S. Albert, Georgia Destouni, Scott M. Duke-Sylvester, Anne E. Magurran, Thierry Oberdorff, Roberto E. Reis, Kirk O. Winemiller, William J. Ripple
Summary: Freshwater ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, and human health and welfare. However, human impacts are leading to rapid declines in freshwater biodiversity and the loss of critical natural resources and services, with the degradation occurring more quickly than in terrestrial ecosystems. To address these challenges, urgent policy actions are needed to promote clean water, conserve watershed services, and restore freshwater ecosystems.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ricardo Reale, Luiz Cesar Ribas, Teresa Cristina Magro Lindenkamp
Summary: The study reveals that most sustainable companies do not implement effective biodiversity conservation actions to mitigate negative environmental impacts, with conservation actions often concentrated in few areas and mostly mandated by law. Companies prioritize cost-saving in environmental management over ecosystem rebuilding.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniel Montoya, Bart Haegeman, Sabrina Gaba, Claire De Mazancourt, Michel Loreau
Summary: Ensuring stable food supplies is a major challenge for the 21st century. Increased and stabilized crop production is crucial for food security, and biodiversity-based approaches are being increasingly supported. However, understanding of the effects of agricultural fragmentation on food production remains incomplete, limiting the ability to manage agricultural landscapes effectively.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Cao, Fangyi Wang, Tz-Hsuan Tseng, Steve Carver, Xin Chen, Jianqiao Zhao, Le Yu, Feng Li, Zhicong Zhao, Rui Yang
Summary: This study developed a methodological framework to evaluate the ecosystem service values, potential loss, and conservation priorities of wilderness areas in China, providing guidance for wilderness conservation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joey R. Bernhardt, Mary I. O'Connor
Summary: This study examines the impact of biodiversity on the nutritional value of seafood diets and human health. It reveals that species with different ecological traits in seafood have distinct micronutrient profiles, but increasing species richness does not necessarily increase protein content and may lead to higher concentrations of toxic metal contaminants. By drawing on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning theory, the study demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in enhancing nutritional benefits derived from seafood and consolidating sustainability goals for biodiversity and human well-being.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sjirk Geerts, Opeyemi Adedoja
Summary: The study on the alien plant Lythrum salicaria in South Africa shows that aside from pollination, it also has a degree of self-compatibility. Despite being visited by pollinators, this plant can also engage in self-pollination. With all three morphs present in South Africa and a high seed production, this species has the potential to become a major invader of rivers and wetlands in the country.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
O. Adedoja, L. Erckie, J. S. Boatwright, E. van Wyk, S. Geerts
Summary: This study investigates the impact of an invasive alien plant on the visitation rate of nectar-feeding bird pollinators to a native plant, finding that Banksia speciosa can attract sugarbirds away from native Protea compacta. This may have implications for the reproductive success of the native plant in the long term.
Article
Plant Sciences
Laimi Erckie, Opeyemi Adedoja, Sjirk Geerts, Ernita van Wyk, J. Stephen Boatwright
Summary: The study compared plant community and soil properties between invaded, uninvaded, and cleared sites by Hakea drupacea, finding higher plant species richness in uninvaded sites and greater litter depth in invaded sites. Hakea drupacea did not significantly affect soil properties, but may reduce native plant diversity through litter production and canopy cover. Active restoration of sites invaded by Hakea drupacea is encouraged to prevent suppression of native species growth.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Mlungele M. Nsikani, Pippin Anderson, Zakher Bouragaoui, Sjirk Geerts, Elise S. Gornish, James G. Kairo, Nasreen Khan, Bonani Madikizela, Kevin Z. Mganga, Phumza Ntshotsho, Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Kayla M. E. Webster, Nasreen Peer
Summary: The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to support global restoration efforts. It is crucial for the success of this decade that Africa, with its significant need and potential for restoration, achieves restoration goals. We argue that African countries should focus on six key areas at a strategic level during this Decade, including effective oversight and governance relevant to Africa, adapting the goals to the African context, making a case for restoration amidst multiple development demands, growing an African restoration community, collaborating to improve outcomes, and establishing an Africa-relevant evidence base for restoration.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luca Afonso, Karen Esler, Mirijam Gaertner, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: The shrub Hypericum canariense is an emerging invader in South Africa, with both ornamental and naturalized populations. It forms persistent seed banks and can resprout after cutting. Clearing efforts should continue for 10 years to eradicate the species, with an estimated cost of ZAR25000.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sina Juliana Hauber, Simone Lucia Maier, Opeyemi Adedoja, Mirijam Gaertner, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: The study found that habitat fragmentation may impact the pollination rate of plants, but when the size of habitat patches exceeds a certain threshold, the number of pollinators significantly decreases. The degree of isolation also has a negative effect on the visitation rates of pollinators among habitat patches.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sjirk Geerts, Joy R. Mangachena, Mlungele M. Nsikani
Summary: After clearing invasive alien plants, secondary invasion by non-target alien species can suppress native plant species' recovery. The impact of secondary invaders in riparian areas compared to terrestrial areas is not well known globally and in South Africa. A study on secondary invasion in riparian areas of the Fynbos biome found 13 species of secondary invaders after clearing alien invasive Eucalyptus trees. The richness of secondary invaders did not significantly change over time, persisting for up to 10 years. The richness of secondary invaders in the riparian area was much lower than non-riparian Fynbos areas. This study highlights the need for further research on how secondary invaders affect restoration efforts and native species recovery in riparian systems.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chelsey Matthys, Nolwethu Jubase, Vernon Visser, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: This study provides the first detailed assessment of the distribution and invasive potential of Melaleuca rugulosa in South Africa. The research reveals the presence of a naturalized population and predicts its future spread. The risk analysis suggests a medium risk classification, recommending the species for eradication.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Axola Qongqo, Felix Nchu, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: This study investigates the impact of an alien and major invasive phytopathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, on the invasiveness of Banksia species in South Africa. The results show that four introduced species and two invasive species exhibit relatively high antimicrobial activity against P. cinnamomi (strain 696/12).
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sage N. L. Wansell, Sjirk Geerts, Julie A. Coetzee
Summary: This study investigates the factors limiting seed production and the pollination system of the invasive plant Pontederia cordata in South Africa. The absence of specialist native pollinators in the invasive range prevents sexual reproduction, leading to vegetative spread through rhizome production. Controlling the spread of P. cordata should focus on preventing rhizome spread, and it is crucial to prevent the introduction of medium- and long-morphed plants to prevent seed production and enhance invasion.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(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
Plant Sciences
R. C. Swart, S. Geerts, C. J. Geldenhuys, J. Pauw, A. Coetzee
Summary: This study investigated species diversity patterns of Afromontane forest trees in relation to reproductive traits. The results showed a decrease in tree richness with decreasing latitude, but no relationship between reproductive traits and latitude. Phylogenetic conservatism or convergence may explain these patterns.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kirsten Shaw-Bonner, Genevieve Theron, Opeyemi Adedoja, Cecilia Bester, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: Pollination is a crucial ecosystem service that significantly enhances crop production. While honey bees are widely recognized as important crop pollinators, there is growing interest in the role of wild pollinators for crop production. This study focuses on the pollination of indigenous Cyclopia species, specifically investigating the contribution of carpenter bees and honey bees. The results show that carpenter bees are the sole pollinators of commercially important Cyclopia species, while honey bees are ineffective due to their inability to access the floral reproductive parts. This study highlights the importance of native non-Apis insects for crop pollination in Cyclopia, a valuable indigenous legume in the global tea market.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Craig Glatthaar, Ruth Kansky, Katherine Whitehouse-Tedd, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the use of livestock guardian dogs by farmers. The findings showed that practical factors and psychosocial constructs greatly influenced the use of guardian dogs. The Theory of Planned Behavior and Wildlife Tolerance Model provided a framework to guide and improve guardian dog programs or intervention strategies within conservation contexts.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Sjirk Geerts
Summary: The appropriate fire return interval is critical in fire-driven systems, and testing guidelines for this purpose is essential for effective biodiversity conservation. Research in Cape fynbos, South Africa, indicates that the '50% rule' is more conservative and preferred over the '90% rule' for determining fire return intervals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WILDLAND FIRE
(2021)