Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Leonie Burke, Isabel Diaz-Reviriego, David P. M. Lam, Jan Hanspach
Summary: Biocultural approaches are gaining attention for their relevance to current sustainability challenges. This review explores how indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) is conceptualized and applied in the scientific literature on biocultural approaches in Spanish language publications. The study identifies multiple conceptualizations of ILK, highlights the themes of bridging diverse knowledge systems, conflicting views on the role of ILK in sustainability, and threats to ILK. The findings suggest the need for further research on power relations and context-specific dynamics in bridging different knowledge systems in order to promote the co-production of knowledge and enhance the self-determination of indigenous peoples and local communities.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alejandro Huertas Herrera, Monica D. R. Toro-Manriquez, Rosina Soler Esteban, Cristian Lorenzo, Maria Vanessa Lencinas, Guillermo Martinez Pastur
Summary: By analysing YouTube videos of a forest region in southern Patagonia posted by visitors from different parts of the world, we examined the relationship between people and native as well as exotic flora and fauna species. The study found that visitor interests varied among species, with some exotic ones being more preferred than natives. These differences were related to the age and gender of the visitors. The sociogram created based on visitor connectedness to flora and fauna species revealed three groups of species.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sheona Shackleton, Anna Taylor, Louise Gammage, Lindsey Gillson, Nadia Sitas, Nadine Methner, Shayan Barmand, Jessica Thorn, Alice McClure, Leigh Cobban, Astrid Jarre, Oghenekaro Nelson Odume
Summary: The transformations required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa demand new ways of mobilizing, weaving together, and applying knowledge. The co-production of knowledge across disciplines and with non-academic actors offers a promising approach to foster such transformations. However, disciplinary and sectoral silos persist and TD is not well embedded in African academic institutions, hindering effective research. There is an urgent need to work collectively across disciplines and society to strengthen collaborative, impactful research and support relationship building for transformation towards sustainability.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Clodoaldo Lopes Assis, Camila Moura Novaes, Marcelo Augusto Pereira Coelho Dias, Jhonny Jose Magalhaes Guedes, Renato Neves Feio, Guilherme Siniciato Terra Garbino
Summary: By documenting and reviewing literature, we have expanded our understanding of the domestic cats' predation on native species in Brazil. The results show that the number of wild species preyed upon by domestic cats may be even higher in other countries with comparable land size and species diversity. Therefore, cat population control measures are recommended, especially in protected areas.
NEOTROPICAL BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chanda Jones Littles, Nathaniel S. Lewis, Theodore H. DeWitt, Matthew C. Harwell
Summary: This study seeks to understand the value and preferences of recreational users in estuarine areas. The research identifies the dominant beneficiary group and the ecological end-products they value the most. The findings emphasize the importance of habitat mosaics and access points in attracting recreational users and highlight the need for safe and equitable access options.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Robert Kockelkoren, Martin Bermudez-Urdaneta, Sebastian Restrepo Calle
Summary: Intensification of land use in the Andean region has led to changes in the provision of nature's contributions to people (NCP), and this study aims to understand the value of these contributions as perceived by local stakeholders. The study used a participatory approach to assess the prioritization of NCP in a highly intensified production landscape in the Colombian Andes. The results highlight the importance of involving different actors in decision-making processes related to land use and recognizing their different perspectives.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. J. T. Weaver, J. Cockburn, N. Mtati, C. G. Palmer
Summary: This study investigates transformation mechanisms in the Tsitsa River catchment, exploring the potential and limitations for promoting social-ecological sustainability. Using two vignettes, the researchers identify the impacts of scale, learning, agency, power, and structure on transformation. The findings suggest that combining different analytical exercises enriches and nuanced the understanding of transformative processes.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bitupan Boruah, Surya Narayanan, Jason D. Gerard, Abhijit Das, V. Deepak
Summary: A new species of the genus Alcalus is described from the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, based on molecular, morphological, and osteological characters. The new species differs from its congeners in morphological characters and mitochondrial gene sequence. This discovery highlights the need for systematic studies to uncover the hidden diversity of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhen Zhao, Chunxiang Li, Xianqin Yan, Qun Yang, Junye Ma
Summary: We describe the morphology of Ephydatia fluviatilis collected in Nanjing, China for the first time. The study includes scanning electron micrographs of various parts of the sponge, as well as genetic analysis using ITS sequences. We identify three clades within the genus Ephydatia, which are distinguished by their gemmulosclere morphotypes, and suggest that recent environmental changes have led to morphological specialization and the loss of gemmules in some species.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Monica E. Riojas-Lopez, Hugo Eduardo Fierros-Lopez, Eric Mellink
Summary: Keystone components, such as silk-floss trees, play a crucial role in supporting animal communities in urban green spaces. A comprehensive study in suburban Guadalajara, Mexico, recorded 79 insect species, 8 bird species, and 1 mammal species visiting the flowers of a silk-floss tree. The tree not only provided floral resources but also served as habitat and feeding substrate for birds. Four of the recorded species are listed for conservation. The study highlights the importance of small patches in enhancing the quality of urban green spaces and emphasizes the role of flower output in attracting visitors.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Laura Costadone, Mario Balzan
Summary: Nature-based recreation is an important ecosystem service that contributes to physical and mental well-being. Analyzing social media and crowdsourced data can help understand people's preferences for visiting natural settings. The study finds that coastal areas, protected areas, natural habitats, and accessibility via the road network are significant predictors of nature-based recreational visits.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nestor Nicolas-Ruiz, Cristina Quintas-Soriano, Maria Luisa Suarez, Maria Rosario Vidal-Abarca
Summary: Recent studies have found that dry rivers and their associated social systems co-produce multiple Nature's Contributions to People (NCP), providing benefits for human communities. This co-production is facilitated by traditional knowledge acquired by social systems. Raising awareness of the value of dry rivers and integrating benefit co-production and traditional knowledge into governance is crucial.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jessika Alves, Elizabeth G. Neves, Rodrigo Johnsson
Summary: In this study, a new species of Ampithoe from Brazil is described, which is associated with the sponge Clathria. The new species has unique characteristics in terms of mandibular palp, male gnathopod 1 propodus palm, and male gnathopod 2 propodus palm. Additionally, a taxonomic key to Ampithoe species worldwide is provided.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Judith Rosellon-Druker, Laura McAdam-Otto, Justin J. Suca, Rachel Seary, Adriana Gaytan-Caballero, Elva Escobar-Briones, Elliott L. Hazen, Frank Muller-Karger
Summary: Coastal communities in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have been experiencing unusual influxes of pelagic macroalgae since 2011. A study was conducted to understand the knowledge and perceptions of this phenomenon among communities in Quintana Roo, Mexico and Florida, United States. Participants associated the influxes with both global phenomena and local-scale processes, and perceived impacts on the economy and environment. While the effects were mostly negative according to Quintana Roo participants, Florida participants considered several positive effects on well-being and ecology. The study highlights the importance of documenting local ecological knowledge for research priorities and decision making.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniel Richards, Alexander Herzig, Mick Abbott, Anne-Gaelle Ausseil, Jing Guo, Abha Sood, Sandra Lavorel
Summary: This article discusses the various services and functions provided by nature that can aid in societal climate change adaptation. It presents an approach to explore different land use and climate scenarios to outline possible futures for a landscape, and quantifies the contributions of adaptation services. The study found that successful adaptation scenarios relied on a combination of sustained, latent, and novel services co-produced through financial input.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachelle K. Gould, Doreen E. Martinez, Kristin R. Hoelting
Summary: There is increasing attention to the relational turn in sustainability science, but little discussion has been given to Indigenous knowledge traditions as a valuable source of insight. This article aims to elaborate on the relevance of Indigenous understandings to sustainability science's relational turn and highlights three key aspects: centering natural law and ethics, focusing on a collective beyond humans, and embracing a relationality that goes beyond ontology. It also explores how Indigenous thinking can inform researchers' internal processes, conceptual foundations, and research practice in sustainability science.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Akshata Mehta, Rachel Wynberg, Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze, Albertus J. J. Smit
Summary: This study aimed to assess local perceptions of varied value dimensions associated with kelp using a pluralistic valuation approach in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Results indicate that the perceived value of kelp extends beyond its economic value, with individuals highly valuing its ecological and social contributions and recognizing its role in enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rosabelle Boswell
Summary: The Ecosystems Services approach plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable ocean management by integrating the services provided by nature with human activities. Culture is identified as an important ecosystem service in ocean management, but its complexity makes it difficult to define and incorporate into the ecological discourse.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade, Diana Astudillo Bravo, Eliana Ordonez-Checa
Summary: This paper presents the first inventory of native names and ethnozoological information for snakes in the Shiwiar-Chicham and Kichwa languages in the Amazon region of Ecuador. A total of 50 snake species were documented, with 80% and 100% of them having names in the SC and KW languages respectively. The KW language exhibited greater diversity in snake names compared to the SC language. The study highlights the need to document and protect the ethnological knowledge of snakes in the Amazon.
NEOTROPICAL BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Irina A. Ekimova, Ekaterina Nikitenko, Maria V. Stanovova, Dimitry M. Schepetov, Tatiana I. Antokhina, Manuel Antonio E. Malaquias, Angel Valdes
Summary: In this study, the taxonomic status and population structure of Onchidoris muricata were investigated using an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular data. The results showed a high degree of morphological diversity in O. muricata, possibly indicating the presence of cryptic diversity. Phylogeographic analyses revealed genetic separation between North Pacific and North Atlantic-Arctic populations of O. muricata, suggesting restricted gene flow likely caused by glacial cycles during the late Pleistocene.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
