Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jean-Pierre Desforges, Goncalo M. Marques, Larissa T. Beumer, Marianna Chimienti, Lars H. Hansen, Stine Hojlund Pedersen, Niels M. Schmidt, Floris M. Beest
Summary: Understanding how individuals and populations respond to environmental changes over time is crucial for species conservation in a rapidly changing world. The Arctic, facing increased warming, is particularly vulnerable to rapid environmental changes, with winter forage accessibility playing a key role in muskox population dynamics through impacts on calf recruitment and maternal investment carryover effects.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Valerio Donini, Luca Pedrotti, Francesco Ferretti, Luca Corlatti
Summary: Investigating the impact of ecological factors on Alpine chamois population dynamics, the study found that birth rate and survival rates were negatively related to climatic variables, density dependence, and interspecific competition with red deer.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cristian Pizzigalli, Teresa Luisa Silva, Teresa Abaigar, Giorgio Bertorelle, Jorge Cassinello, Jose Carlos Brito
Summary: This study investigates the taxonomy and genetic diversity of the aoudad subspecies. The results show the existence of four genetically distinct wild populations, with three distinct mitochondrial lineages. Additionally, genetic evidence is provided on the affiliation of certain introduced European populations with respect to the native ones. These findings have important implications for the conservation and management of aoudad populations.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justin Merondun, Elizabeth M. Kierepka, Aaron B. A. Shafer, Dennis L. Murray
Summary: The study found that the eastern wolf in south-central Canada faces competition threats from gray wolves and coyote-like canids, with limited advantageous niche space, requiring conservation measures to maintain the survival of the population. The research also suggests that competitive disadvantage can limit species' recovery efforts, hence necessitating management measures to promote ecological differentiation between groups.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
J. Terrill Paterson, Kelly M. Proffitt, Jay J. Rotella
Summary: The study examines the age-specific pregnancy and survival rates of elk populations and their effects on population dynamics. The results show that pregnancy rates increase with age until reaching a plateau among prime ages, while survival rates plateau among prime-aged animals and decline for the oldest ages. Additional mortality from harvest results in a shift in the age structure towards younger animals with lower pregnancy probabilities. Calf survival rates and pregnancy rates are important factors influencing population growth. The findings provide valuable insights for elk population management.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Andy J. Boyce, Hila Shamon, William J. McShea
Summary: Restoration of bison in grassland ecosystems is associated with increased bird diversity and cervid occupancy in riparian habitats. Changes in vegetation structure in bison pastures contribute to these positive outcomes for birds and mammals.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camille J. Fritsch, Catharine Hanekom, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Understanding population trends of hippos in Ndumo Game Reserve is crucial, with data showing a decline in numbers over the past 40 years. Collaboration between conservation authorities, South African government departments, and local communities is recommended to protect hippos and other wildlife by reestablishing reserve boundaries.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Melodie Kunegel-Lion, Eric W. Neilson, Nicolas Mansuy, Devin W. Goodsman
Summary: Increases in frequent disturbances caused by climate change disrupt animal movement patterns and affect species distribution and abundance. Using static habitat models to predict animal locations in areas with frequent disturbances will likely produce inaccurate predictions.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Catherine L. Kelly, Lin Schwarzkopf, Iain J. Gordon, Ben Hirsch
Summary: When introduced to new ecosystems, some species may show immediate population growth, while others may maintain a low population size for years before experiencing sudden, rapid growth. Differentiating species with slow exponential growth from those with delayed growth can be challenging. Studies on introduced ungulates found that 47% of populations experienced prolonged population growth lags, but the specific factors contributing to the length of these lags remain unclear. Managers should closely monitor introduced species with delayed growth to minimize potential environmental impacts.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Willian T. A. F. Silva, Elio Bottagisio, Tero Harkonen, Anders Galatius, Morten Tange Olsen, Karin C. Harding
Summary: Conservation efforts have focused on depleted marine mammal populations, but many have recovered to historical levels; new management strategies and models are needed for ecological risk assessment; a study on harbor seal metapopulation in Swedish and Danish waters shows that the population is close to carrying capacity and faces various future stressors.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yu Zhu, G. F. (Ciska) Veen, Robin Heinen, Deli Wang, Ming Jiang, Hui Jin, Elisabeth S. S. Bakker
Summary: Large mammalian herbivores play a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems by influencing plants and serving as ecosystem engineers. However, their impacts on arthropod communities and the mechanisms involved are not fully understood.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Benoit Mougenot, Jean-Pierre Doussoulin
Summary: The bioeconomy proposes a model that harnesses renewable biological resources to create value-added products, impacting academic research and public policy discussions positively, and providing a potential solution to environmental challenges.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lana Muller, Willem Daniel Briers-Louw, Barbara Catharine Seele, Christiaan Stefanus Lochner, Rajan Amin
Summary: This study estimated the low leopard density and population size in the Western Cape, South Africa, with higher uncertainty in the locations of activity centers for male leopards. Livestock depredation events were significantly higher in winter, suggesting the need for intense monitoring of human-carnivore conflict mitigation measures during this season. Future conservation efforts should focus on privately-owned land, which contains the majority of suitable leopard habitat.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kristy M. Ferraro, Oswald J. Schmitz, Matthew A. McCary
Summary: The study indicates that the movement of large ungulates like caribou can increase the heterogeneity of available nutrients within a landscape and provide an important feedback for population stability. Results show that the density and sociality of caribou can affect nutrient distribution on the landscape, and the cumulative effects of consumption and deposition are crucial for landscape stability.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Renata S. Mendonca, Pandora Pinto, Sota Inoue, Monamie Ringhofer, Raquel Godinho, Satoshi Hirata
Summary: Investigating affiliative behaviors in feral horse populations revealed that social bonds and group cohesion are mainly sustained by familiar individuals, especially in newly formed groups. Same-sex dyads prefer close proximity, while grooming reinforces bonds between individuals of both sexes.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hollie Booth, Michael Clark, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Kofi Amponsah-Mensah, Andre Pinassi Antunes, Stephanie Brittain, Luciana C. Castilho, Joao Vitor Campos-Silva, Pedro de Araujo Lima Constantino, Yuhan Li, Lessah Mandoloma, Lotanna Micah Nneji, Donald Midoko Iponga, Boyson Moyo, James McNamara, O. Sarobidy Rakotonarivo, Jianbin Shi, Cedric Thibaut Kamogne Tagne, Julia van Velden, David R. Williams
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the strained relationship between humanity and nature, with calls for cessation of wild meat trade and consumption. However, the complete removal of wild meat could shock global food systems, especially in food-insecure developing nations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alegria Olmedo, Diogo Verissimo, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Amy Hinsley, Huong Thi Thu Dao, Daniel W. S. Challender
Summary: Pangolins have experienced population declines in parts of Asia since the 1960s due to overexploitation. Despite a national ban on purchasing pangolin products in Vietnam, there is still active consumption. A study in Ho Chi Minh City found estimated prevalence rates of 7% for pangolin meat, 10% for scales, and 6% for wine, suggesting a need to broaden efforts to reduce demand for pangolin consumption.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rodrigo Oyanedel, Stefan Gelcich, Emile Mathieu, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Regulations and incentives play a crucial role in sustainable wildlife trade, but restrictions may lead to illegal trade. Understanding the incentives of market participants is key to controlling illegal trade.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Emiel de Lange, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Aidan Keane
Summary: Social networks play a crucial role in the success of conservation behavior interventions, as they facilitate behavior change beyond the targeted group through processes such as information dissemination and social influence. A study in Cambodia showed that the number of household members aware of a promotional campaign significantly increased people's knowledge about the campaign. However, in the long term, the influence of social peers appeared to be more effective in changing people's behavioral intentions than knowledge.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rodrigo Oyanedel, Amy Hinsley, Bryn T. M. Dentinger, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Giuliana Furci
Summary: A series of negotiations for international sustainability policies are currently taking place, but there is a significant oversight concerning the inclusion of fungi. Wild fungi play a crucial role in natural ecosystems, maintain soil fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration. They also have economic and cultural value through their harvest, use, and trade. However, the sustainability of wild fungi use is not adequately assessed due to the lack of research, legislation, and societal attention. This article proposes four key steps to address this issue and integrate wild fungi into international sustainability policy.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Nature Positive is a term that is gaining popularity among various organizations, but its meaning is at risk of being diluted from measuring overall net gain in biodiversity to encompass any action beneficial to nature. This shift may result in a vague definition.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hannah N. K. Sackey, James McNamara, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu
Summary: Monitoring of bushmeat trade in three markets in the Upper East Region of Ghana revealed significant variations in species composition and volumes traded. Frog meat dominated the trade, with highest sales during the dry season and transportation of bulk trade to southern markets. This study highlights the significance of frog meat as an affordable protein source and income generator in an economically deprived region.
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Helen Newing, Martin Fisher, Stephanie Brittain, Justin Kenrick, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Editorial Material
Ecology
Martine Maron, Fabien Quetier, Mariana Sarmiento, Kerry ten Kate, Megan C. Evans, Joseph W. Bull, Julia P. G. Jones, Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Susie Brownlie, Jo Treweek, Amrei von Hase
Summary: In order for the concept of nature positive to be an effective guide for international action on biodiversity conservation, it needs to learn from the lessons of the mitigation hierarchy, or else it runs the risk of being just empty greenwashing.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Timothy Kuiper, Nobesuthu Ngwenya, Blessing Kavhu, Roseline Mandisodza-Chikerema, Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland
Summary: Adaptive management, although well-developed in theory, is poorly implemented due to the low adoption rate by on-the-ground managers. A study conducted in the Mana-Sapi-Chewore World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe found that managers used basic, short-term, and reactive data in their anti-poaching strategies, lacking systematic analysis and learning from trends. The barriers to adoption of data-based adaptive management include lack of buy-in and ownership, as well as resistance to change from experience-based management.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Trisha Gupta, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Andrew Dias, Divya Karnad
Summary: This study utilized local ecological knowledge (LEK) to understand the socio-ecological status of rhino rays in Goa, India. The research investigated their habitat use, interaction with fisheries, socio-economic uses, and relational values. The study also explored fishers' attitudes towards rhino rays and their conservation. LEK revealed important insights, such as the identification of nursery grounds and the severe decline of certain rhino ray species in the region.
Article
Food Science & Technology
I. Taylor, J. W. Bull, B. Ashton, E. Biggs, M. Clark, N. Gray, H. M. J. Grub, C. Stewart, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: This study proposes an approach to achieve nature-positive targets for organizations' food consumption by quantifying the embodied biodiversity impacts and mapping strategies to meet these targets. Targeted approaches that balance top-down and bottom-up actions are identified based on the organization's internal community. However, delivering ambitious nature-positive targets within current constraints is challenging and requires systems change.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mirjam Hazenbosch, Shen Sui, Brus Isua, Emilie Beauchamp, Alfred Kik, Grace Luke, Petr Matous, Rebecca J. Morris, Jason Paliau, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Researchers and advocates in agroecology often assume the social impact and dissemination of their work, but this study challenges those assumptions and finds that farmers can create their own meaning from research projects and that agricultural innovations are more likely to be accepted within a community.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephanie Brittain, Cedric Thibaut Kamogne Tagne, Francesca Booker, Neil Maddison, Salihou Mfone Nteroupe, Mama Mouamfon, Soreya Djibrila Ngomna Tsabong, Dilys Roe, Olivia Wilson-Holt, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: This study examined the potential effects of wild meat alternatives projects on hunting and consumption rates in rural Cameroon. It found that projects offering both food and income-generating opportunities resulted in the greatest reductions in hunting and consumption. However, community-level projects had minimal impact on these rates compared to household-level projects. Effective dialogue with communities before project implementation is crucial to ensure project success.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yuhan Li, Melissa Arias, Amy Hinsley, Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland
Summary: The trade in jaguar body parts is seen as a significant threat to the species, with disparities in reporting across different languages. Media coverage lacks information, emphasizing the need to collaborate with underrepresented stakeholders.
Article
Ecology
Florian Lecorvaisier, Dominique Pontier, Benoit Soubeyrand, David Fouchet
Summary: Research has found that the use of vaccines that do not entirely block pathogen transmission may lead to the evolution of more virulent strains. High vaccine coverage favors the emergence and prevalence of avirulent strains, and competition between strains is crucial for the eradication of toxigenic strains when these vaccines are used.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Monica E. Barros, Ana Arriagada, Hugo Arancibia, Sergio Neira
Summary: The stock biomass of carrot prawn in the south-central area of Chile has decreased in the past 12 years, mainly due to fishing mortality. Predation mortality has been less studied and quantified, so it is important to estimate and compare predation and fishing mortality to understand their effects on fishing stocks. A food web model was built to analyze the biomass changes and evaluate the relative contribution of different mortality factors. The results showed that predation mortality was the main component of total mortality for carrot prawns and yellow prawns.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shubham Krishna, Victoria Peterson, Luisa Listmann, Jana Hinners
Summary: This study incorporated viral dynamics into an ecosystem model to investigate the effects of viruses on ecosystem dynamics under current and future climatic conditions. The results showed that the presence of viruses increased nutrient retention in the upper water column, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton biomass and transfer of biomass to higher trophic levels.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zahra Dehghan Manshadi, Parastoo Parivar, Ahad Sotoudeh, Ali Morovati Sharifabadi
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of strategies such as limiting built-up areas, preserving green spaces, and protecting water resources on the urban carrying capacity in arid and semi-arid regions. Implementing a combination of policies aimed at enhancing urban green spaces and regulating water demand is found to be the most effective in terms of health and urban carrying capacity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shay S. Keretz, Daelyn A. Woolnough, Todd J. Morris, Edward F. Roseman, David T. Zanatta
Summary: This study surveyed native freshwater mussels in the St. Clair-Detroit River system and found 14 live unionids representing 9 species. However, the model used to predict their presence in the main channels was not successful. The study also revealed characteristic differences between the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zhengrong Zhang, Xuemei Li, Xinyu Liu, Kaixin Zhao
Summary: This study examines land use change in the Chinese Tianshan mountainous region using system dynamics and patch-generating land use simulation models. The results show an expansion in forest and construction land, a decline in grassland area, and an increase in cultivated land area from 2005 to 2020. By 2040, unused land, grassland, and water are expected to decrease while other land types increase, with construction land showing the most significant increase. The study provides insights for future ecological and environmental management in the region.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Amira Khelifa, Nadjia El Saadi
Summary: This paper develops an agent-based model to study malaria disease transmission, taking into account the interactions between hosts, vectors, and aquatic habitats, as well as their geographical locations. The simulation results highlight the significant role of aquatic habitats in infection transmission and disease persistence, and demonstrate the effectiveness of eliminating these habitats in limiting disease transmission.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Guillaume Peron
Summary: The theory for movement-based coexistence between species often overlooks small-scale, station-keeping movements. However, at this scale, there are many instances where positive correlations exist between species traits that are expected to be negatively correlated based on current theory. Through simulations, the researcher presents a counter-example to demonstrate that functional tradeoffs are not a necessary condition for movement-based coexistence. This study highlights the significance of species-specific space use patterns under the time allocation tradeoff hypothesis.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sandra Y. Mendiola, Nicole M. Gerardo, David J. Civitello
Summary: Research on the use of insect microbial symbionts as a means of controlling the spread of insect vectors and the pathogens they carry has made significant progress in the last decade. This study focused on the relative importance of simultaneous effects caused by a symbiont called Caballeronia spp. on the ability of squash bugs to transmit phytopathogenic Serratia marcescens. The researchers found that infection with Caballeronia significantly reduced pathogen titers and cleared S. marcescens in bugs, thus reducing the vectoring potential of these pests. The study also showed that maximizing symbiont prevalence in the vector population is crucial for effectively mitigating plant infections.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shirui Hao, Dongryeol Ryu, Andrew W. Western, Eileen Perry, Heye Bogena, Harrie Jan Hendricks Franssen
Summary: This study investigates the sensitivity of model yield prediction to uncertainties in model parameters and inputs using the Sobol' method. The results show that yield is more sensitive to changes in water availability and nitrogen availability, depending on soil, management, and weather conditions.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Nitika Mundetia, Devesh Sharma, Aditya Sharma
Summary: This study focused on assessing groundwater sustainability using different modeling approaches in a river basin in Rajasthan, India. The results showed a decrease in future groundwater recharge and emphasized the need for better management and conservation practices to achieve sustainable development goals.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sukdev Biswas, Sk Golam Mortoja, Ritesh Kumar Bera, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya
Summary: Bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the nutrient cycle of ecosystems, and maintaining a thriving bacterial population is essential for the sustainability of these environments. This study introduces the concept of cooperation as a group defense mechanism employed by bacteria and incorporates it into the functional response, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the complex tritrophic food chain dynamics. The results highlight the importance of a balance between strong group defense and moderate cooperation for bacteria sustainability and overall system stability.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
D. Z. M. Le Gouvello, S. Heye, L. R. Harris, J. Temple-Boyer, P. Gaspar, M. G. Hart-Davis, C. Louro, R. Nel
Summary: This study modeled the dispersal pathways and compared potential dispersal corridors of different sea turtle species in the Western Indian Ocean. The results showed that ocean currents play a major role in driving dispersal, with species and years exhibiting differences in dispersal patterns. Active swimming had little influence on dispersal during the first year.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Review
Ecology
Yingying Duan, Haina Rong, Gexiang Zhang, Sergey Gorbachev, Dunwu Qi, Luis Valencia-Cabrera, Mario J. Perez-Jimenez
Summary: Computing models are an effective way to study population dynamics of endangered species like giant pandas. This paper proposes a unified framework and conducts a comprehensive survey of computing models for giant panda ecosystems. Multi-factor computing models are more suitable for studying giant panda ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Samantha Lai, Theophilus Zhi En Teo, Arief Rullyanto, Jeffery Low, Karenne Tun, Peter A. Todd, Siti Maryam Yaakub
Summary: Understanding the exchange of genetic material among populations in the marine environment is crucial for conservation efforts. Agent-based models are increasingly used to predict dispersal pathways, including for seagrasses. This study highlights the importance of considering both sexual propagules and asexual vegetative fragments when evaluating seagrass connectivity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
