Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
W. Wyatt Oswald, David R. Foster, Bryan N. Shuman, Elizabeth S. Chilton, Dianna L. Doucette, Deena L. Duranleau
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Endaylallu Gulte, Hadis Tadele, Amare Haileslassie, Wolde Mekuria
Summary: A study in the Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia aimed to understand the opinions of local communities on the benefits and drawbacks of protected areas and existing benefit-sharing mechanisms. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The results indicated the need for improved communication with local communities and short-term economic benefits, addressing the reasons for unhealthy relationships, and creating multi-stakeholder platforms for dialogue and co-production of knowledge. The study also emphasized the importance of involving local communities in park management initiatives to ensure sustainability.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Felipe Benra, Laura Nahuelhual, Maria R. Felipe-Lucia, Rachel R. Y. Oh, Jana Kachler, Aletta Bonn
Summary: Using structural equation modeling, we examined the complex bidirectional linkages between ecosystem services (ES) supply and material wellbeing (income) in Chilean Patagonia. The results showed that there was no significant connection between ES supply and material wellbeing in any of the models. The models for cultural and regulating ES had a better fit compared to the provisioning ES model. This study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of ES supply and wellbeing across different spatial and temporal scales for sustainable socio-ecological systems.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aleksandra Kosanic, Jan Petzold, Berta Martin-Lopez
Summary: Disabled populations are disproportionately affected by climate and environmental crises, but they are often overlooked and their knowledge neglected. To achieve sustainable development, active engagement with disabled populations and their values, experiences, and knowledge is necessary. This paper suggests addressing 'deep' leverage points by reconnecting to nature, restructuring institutions, and rethinking knowledge production in order to facilitate the development of inclusive transformation pathways and foster sustainable human-nature relationships.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camilla Sandstrom, Irene Ring, Roland Olschewski, Riccardo Simoncini, Christian Albert, Sevil Acar, Malkhaz Adeishvili, Christina Allard, Yakov Anker, Raphael Arlettaz, Gyorgyi Bela, Luca Coscieme, Anke Fischer, Christine Fuerst, Bella Galil, Stephen Hynes, Ulan Kasymov, Cristina Marta-Pedroso, Ana Mendes, Ulf Molau, Jan Pergl
Summary: Recent assessments by IPBES indicate that Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) are at risk due to ongoing biodiversity loss, emphasizing the need for increased conservation efforts and sustainable use of biodiversity. Mainstreaming biodiversity into sectoral policies is seen as a strategy to achieve change. The review conducted for Europe and Central Asia highlights the potential of mainstreaming to improve biodiversity conservation and NCP provision, but also indicates the need for stronger implementation.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eduardo A. Diaz, Carolina Saenz, Yadira Vega, Estefany Rubio, Gerardo Gonzalez, Rebecca Zug, Galo Zapata-Rios
Summary: The control and surveillance of dogs and cats (D&C) are crucial for biodiversity conservation in protected areas. However, little is known about the impact of free-roaming D&C on wildlife, despite their increasing population in urban areas, particularly in developing countries. A retrospective analysis of patients treated at a Veterinary Hospital in Quito revealed a significant incidence of D&C attacks on wildlife, with increasing trends over time and high mortality rates. To address this global issue, a multidisciplinary approach is proposed, considering predation by D&C, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, human health, and public policies. Additionally, replication of this research in other wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers is recommended to understand the national scope of the issue.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michael Leone, Ieva Misiune, Luis Valenca Pinto, Julia Palliwoda, Raisa Carmen, Sander Jacobs, Joerg A. Priess
Summary: With the aim of improving the quality of life in urban areas, green infrastructure (GI) has emerged as a strategy, delivering ecological, socio-cultural and economic benefits. However, the concept and its content need to be used consistently and coherently from national to local scale to achieve the European Union's political ambitions. The analysis of policies and interviews conducted in four European cities revealed variations in the uptake and interpretation of the GI concept, influenced by competition among concepts and existing structures.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sergey G. Sokolov, Alexander V. Khrustalev, Spencer J. Greenwood, Caitlyn N. Gray, William T. Robbins, Megan E. B. Jones, Ekaterina L. Voropaeva, Alexander P. Kalmykov, Gadzhibek S. Dzhamirzoev, Dmitry M. Atopkin
Summary: Based on morphological, biological, and molecular data, we redescribed A. donicus s. str. and renamed A. donicus auct. non Skrjabin & Lindrop, 1919 to A. lari (Leonov, 1957). Molecular evidence suggests polyphyly of the Apophallinae, with two sibling species within one of the nominal species A. donicus. We also resurrected the genus Pricetrema for A. zalophi, as it clustered closer to Liliatrema than to other Apophallus spp. Additionally, we abolished the Liliatrematinae and moved Liliatrema into the Apophallinae. The updated concept of the Apophallinae now includes three genera, Apophallus, Liliatrema, and Pricetrema.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew G. Kirby, Alister J. Scott, Claire L. Walsh
Summary: Green Belts are planning designations that aim to prevent urban sprawl and provide important open spaces for recreational and cultural activities. This study conducted a participatory mapping survey in the North-East England Green Belt and found that Green Belts are widely used for everyday nature experiences and provide cultural ecosystem services such as recreation, connection with nature, sense of place, and aesthetic value. Factors such as proximity to urban areas, woodland land cover, and access designations influence the supply of these services. Barriers inhibiting the full potential of Green Belts include management issues, safety concerns, and lack of access. The study suggests that integrated approaches to land-use policy can enhance the cultural ecosystem services provided by Green Belts and peri-urban landscapes.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Maria Riffat, Blal Adem Esmail, Jingxia Wang, Christian Albert
Summary: Digital dashboards effectively communicate complex BES information to decision makers in landscape and urban planning, providing valuable insights for more informed decisions. However, further research is needed to enhance the real-world impact of BES dashboards and their integration with planning systems.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alicia Lopez Mendez, Agostina B. Sassone, Marisa G. Bonasora, Eve Emshwiller
Summary: This study conducted a population level analysis of five species within the Oxalis section Palmatifoliae. The results revealed significant genetic differentiation among the species and admixture within species. The analyses of ISSR and plastid region trnH-psbA showed that a specific haplotype was most frequent and widespread across the species. The species distribution models suggested different climatic variables for each species in present distributions, while past distribution scenarios indicated broader distributions for all species.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Niels W. L. Van Steenkiste, Alana Closs, Tyrel Froese, Brian S. Leander
Summary: Catenulids are the earliest diverging major lineage of flatworms, with most species inhabiting freshwater environments. However, a few species have been found in marine interstitial habitats, particularly in the genera Retronectes and Paracatenula. We describe a new species of Retronectes, R. hyacinthe, from subtidal seagrass meadows in British Columbia, Canada, and provide an updated phylogeny based on molecular sequencing. Our findings suggest that the current taxonomic classification of Catenulida and the importance of certain morphological characters need to be revised.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andriy Utevsky, Serge Utevsky, Joanna M. Cichocka, Aleksander Bielecki, Mario Santoro, Peter Trontelj
Summary: This article reports a case of bipolar distribution in fish leeches, supported by morphological and molecular data. The study suggests that the Boreal ancestor of the new leech species crossed warm tropical waters and colonized the Antarctic, representing a return migration of a Boreal descendant. This evolutionary scenario is reflected in the species epithet of the new leech.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Juliane Saldanha, Thiago Borges Fernandes Semedo, Ravena Fernanda Braga de Mendonca, Luan Gabriel Lima-Silva, Mariluce Rezende Messias, Iracilda Sampaio, Marcus Vinicius Brandao, Rogerio Vieira Rossi
Summary: This study describes a new species of the Oecomys genus using an integrative approach, and reveals new lineages from known species. The new species is primarily found in the Rondonia region of Brazil and contributes to the diversity and endemism of Sigmodontinae species in the Amazon biome.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
C. Y. Bataille, S. K. Malinen, P. O'B. Lyver
Summary: Social-ecological scale mismatches have significant impacts on the recovery of ecosystems and the utilization of natural resources, particularly affecting the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous peoples. Equitable partnerships and nested governance can support self-determination and improve social-ecological outcomes by embracing value plurality and diverse knowledge systems.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jesse T. Rieb, Brian E. Robinson, Elena M. Bennett
Summary: Most ecosystem services are co-produced by interactions between people and ecosystems. Understanding the capacity and limitations of human-derived capitals is crucial for environmental decision-making. The dynamics and interactions between natural and human-derived capitals can affect long-term outcomes and determine effective management strategies for ecosystem services.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephanie Meyer, Thiago Q. Araujo, Elizabeth J. Walsh, Robert L. Wallace, Rick Hochberg
Summary: The diapausing embryos of invertebrates invest in future populations, thus their eggshells must be able to withstand various environmental assaults. This study examined the eggshells of rotifers and compared them to brine shrimp cysts and mosquito overwintering eggs. The results showed that while rotifer eggshells had lower Young's moduli and hardness values compared to the other species, all eggshells were relatively elastic and not particularly resistant to deformation. The pliancy of eggshells may be an adaptation to resist cracking under sediment burial. The composition of eggshells may play a role in determining elasticity and hardness.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zohreh Pourghorban, Yasaman Salmaki, Maximilian Weigend
Summary: Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed significant variation in fruit traits within and among different lineages of the subtribe Cynoglossinae. The scanning electron microscopy examination of 28 representative taxa led to the identification of four main types of nutlets and their variations. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree and ancestral state reconstruction analysis shed light on the evolution and dispersal modes of these fruit traits.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Lilly Baumann, Maraja Riechers, Louis Celliers, Sebastian C. A. Ferse
Summary: Anticipation of the future using transdisciplinary approaches is important for coping with environmental and societal challenges, especially in coastal regions of the Global South. However, current research often focuses on past and current state analysis, neglecting the link between anticipation and sustainability transformation. Combining transdisciplinary and anticipation research can foster inclusive and alternative visions for possible futures.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camilo Franco, Manuela Osorio, Gwendolyn Peyre
Summary: This study tested different neural network techniques to automatically detect native plant species from seed samples based on optic RGB images. The deep convolutional neural network (CNN) approach achieved 100% accuracy when used on testing and validation datasets, showing promise for species prediction from seeds based on optical RGB images.
NEOTROPICAL BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
