Conservation MDPI

🐒Valorisation of Madagascar’s Wildlife Trade and Wildlife Tourism: What Are the Conservation Benefits? 👉https://lnkd.in/gJZutvc4 Keywords: community-based conservation; Madagascar; resource management; wildlife economics; #WildlifeTrade; wildlife tourism #Conservation_OA 🧐Abstract: Wildlife tourism and wildlife trade may appear juxtaposed, but are two, potentially aligning, income generators that could benefit conservation in developing countries. Utilising data sets collated from Madagascar’s Ministère du Tourisme and CITES, respectively, for the period 2007 to 2018, this study estimated levels of income from wildlife tourism and wildlife trade for Madagascar. Between 2007 and 2018, tourism reported yearly incomes ranging from a low of USD 1.4 million up to a high of USD 15.7 million. However, it was unclear what percentage of this figure flowed to benefit local communities. Alternatively, using reported networks for the live wildlife trade, the estimated economic value reaching collectors and/or intermediaries in Madagascar was USD 72,299.80 for the period 2007 to 2018. Both revenue generators operated within different geographical areas, with tourism opportunities presenting themselves to communities adjacent to national parks, while wildlife trade networks were not restricted to protected areas and operated sporadically across Madagascar. Hence, the economic benefits reached different Malagasy participants across the country. The management of both activities needs great care to ensure that environmental impacts and sustainability are core measures on any such activities. Whilst this study shines a light on economic values and novel perspectives regarding these two trade types, it also highlights knowledge gaps, thus indicating where much greater research attentions are required to allow a better understanding of the specific benefits and risks from engaging with both trade types for local Malagasy people and their environments.

🌿In Vitro Regeneration Protocol for Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen., a Threatened Medicinal Plant within the Region of Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) 👉https://lnkd.in/ggPMzkNt Keywords: miombo woodland; medicinal plant; plant growth regulator; agroforestry 🧐Abstract: Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. is an overexploited forest species in the Lubumbashi region (south-eastern DR Congo), as its roots are highly valued in traditional medicine. Conventional propagation of this species is affected by seed dormancy and a high mortality rate during early seedling development. To improve on existing methods, we developed an in vitro seed germination protocol. After observing the germination rates, the effects of different doses (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) of cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin, and meta-topolin) on S. longepedunculata seedling development were compared. Our results showed that soaking for 10 min in NaOCl (10%) followed by 5 min in ethanol (70%) effectively reduced the death rate of seeds while increasing the germination rate to almost 77%. The addition of cytokinins improved plantlet growth: a 12.2× increase in the number of plantlets was obtained with 1.5 mg/L meta-topolin, while only a single stem was obtained from the control. The effects of different auxin types on rhizogenesis did not differ significantly. The best recovery and rooting were noted with microcuttings from the basal parts of S. longepedunculata plantlets. Finally, the seedlings produced survived during the acclimatisation phase regardless of the type of substrate used. The established protocol provides a means for large-scale production of S. longepedunculata plantlets for the restoration of degraded landscapes and agroforestry.

🦁Native Carnivore Diversity and Relative Abundance in Landscapes of the Coast Range in Central Chile: Insights for Conservation Decision-Making 👉https://lnkd.in/gGBqbmr9 Keywords: landscape use; community ecology; habitat generalist; habitat specialist; land use change; natural habitat conservation 🧐Abstract: Natural habitats in South America have been intensively used and modified, including their conversion to exotic tree plantations, impacting the terrestrial fauna communities. Carnivores play an important role in the functioning of ecosystems as apex predators. Landscape characteristics and resource availability determine the composition and abundance of co-occurring carnivores. We hypothesized that the diversity and relative abundance of native carnivores varied in relation to the different vegetation macrohabitats. We predicted that native forests support a higher diversity and abundance of native carnivores compared to exotic plantations. Between 1 March 2021 and 31 March 2022, we estimated the species’ richness, composition, and relative abundance of terrestrial native carnivores in three different landscapes of the Coast Range in central Chile: (a) monoculture plantation of the exotic Pinus radiata (MP); (b) Mediterranean coastal thorn forest (TF); and (c) Mediterranean coastal sclerophyllous forest (SF). We monitored an area of 1000 ha in each landscape, installing 10 camera traps (total of 30 camera traps). We used a monitoring transect with unbaited camera traps separated by 1 km, with a total photo-trapping effort of 10,046 camera days. The classification, organization, and analysis of camera trap data were conducted using CameraSweet software. The total number of independent native carnivore species events (photos separated > 60 min) recorded in each landscape were 1564 in SF, 1412 in TF, and 775 in MP. Carnivore richness and composition were not significantly different in all three landscapes. We detected five native carnivore species. Relative abundance by species was significantly higher in SF compared to MP for Leopardus guigna, Conepatus chinga, and Galictis cuja and also significantly higher in TF compared to MP for L. guigna. Our results suggest that the native vegetation cover must be preserved to maintain viable and abundant native carnivore populations, crucially relevant in the highly impacted and human-dominated global biodiversity hotspot of Central Chile. This study contributes to informing evidence-based decision-making and conservation strategies at the landscape level to mitigate biodiversity loss.

🌳Land Use Change and the Structural Diversity of Affem Boussou Community Forest in the Tchamba 1 Commune (Tchamba Prefecture, Togo) 👉https://lnkd.in/g5TqThRi Keywords: #LandUseChanges; zoning; community #forest; #resilience; #Togo 🧐Abstract: Affem Boussou community forest (AFC) abounds in important biological resources. This study, which contributes to its better management, examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of the vegetation and its ecological and structural characteristics to propose a zoning plan for said forest. The analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use in the AFC from Google Earth images of 2015, 2018, and 2021 revealed a regressive trend of formations: crops and fallows (−33.98%), dense dry forests (−7.92%), gallery forests (−3.46%), plantations (−100%), grassy savannahs, and meadows (−18.84%), except for tree/shrub savannahs (484.23%). The floristic inventory identified 163 species divided into 129 genera and 55 families. Fabaceae (14.02%), and Combretaceae (10.55%) are the most represented families. Anogeissus leiocarpa (5.19%) and Vitellaria paradoxa (4.72%) are the most frequent species. We note the dominance of individuals of small diameters. The regeneration potential of the AFC is 64 feet/ha due to 21 feet/ha of suckers, 29 feet/ha of seedlings, and 14 feet/ha of shoots. As a zoning plan, the AFC was subdivided into four zones: the agroforestry zone (18.80%), the sustainable production forest zone (42.22%), the buffer zone (11%), and the biological conservation zone (28%). These results constitute a scientific basis for testing ecological indicators of the sustainable management of community forests in Togo.

#IssueCover All the papers in Volume 4, Issue 4 (December 2024) 🔗https://lnkd.in/gWBt-_Ax Cover Paper: The #Conservation of Biodiverse and Threatened Dry #Rainforest Plant Communities Is Vital in a Changing #Climate 📷https://lnkd.in/gpgwS2JN #PhylogeneticDiversity #DNAbarcode 🧐Cover Story: Compared to mesic rainforests, dry rainforests are less studied and conserved despite global threats from human activity and climate change. To counter biodiversity loss and prioritize conservation, critical habitats at risk must be located. We assessed dry rainforest plant diversity, uniqueness, and conservation along the Australian Central Queensland Coast, evaluating species composition and phylogenetic diversity using species lists and DNA barcoding. The results showed geology and moisture significantly impact distribution and diversity, with conservation levels varying. Some distinctive communities are well conserved, but restricted, while endangered dry rainforests that show regional plant migration are poorly protected, highlighting the need to revise conservation objectives within the region.

📰A Retrospective and Interview with Dr. Kevin Cianfaglione—Editorial Board Member of Conservation 👉https://lnkd.in/gN3NUZKa We requested a virtual interview with Dr. Kevin Cianfaglione to gain an insight into his experience working in the field of conservation. 📝What Advice Would You Give to Young Researchers/Scientists Looking to Begin Their Career in Conservation? Conservation cannot be reduced to “a desire to be the owner of the garden” or to “want to play the role of God” in deciding, for example, what is good, what is not good, and how biodiversity should be expressed in the “right way”. We should not consider ecosystems, community assemblages, and species distribution areas as something static and immovable, being afraid of possible changes; we should think of these things as dynamic and time-changing subjects. Concerns and related possible solutions should not create dangers greater than the problem. Try to let things occur by themselves and try to observe and study the dynamics. Always abide by the principle of caution, and do not always feel compelled to necessarily manipulate the environment. The new challenge for conservation, in my opinion, is to overcome the current static vision of landscapes, ecosystem management, and species distribution. We should better consider the potential vegetation and past vegetation history, trying to understand what the primary ecologic conditions are and how to restore primary habitats for endangered species, providing more chances for autoregulated processes to occur. At the same time, this does not deny the opportunity to accompany oriented conservation actions for secondary (or anthropogenic) formations.

👨🌾Efficacy of Bomas (Kraals) in Mitigating Livestock Depredation in Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya 👉https://lnkd.in/g-q4d5mz Keywords: #LivestockDepredation; #bomas/#kraals; #conservancies; human–carnivore conflict; human–wildlife conflict 🧐Abstract: Livestock depredation is a major conservation challenge globally, causing significant economic losses to pastoralists and threatening large carnivore species outside protected areas. Our study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of livestock depredation incidences, carnivore species associated with livestock depredation, and assessed mitigation measures in Maasai Mara Conservancies in Southern Kenya. Using daily monitoring of livestock depredation cases, we made comparisons between livestock attacks occurring in predator-proof bomas and those with traditional kraals. A total of 305 livestock depredation incidents were recorded between January and December 2021, translating to a total tally of 1411 livestock maimed or killed. Most livestock depredation incidents occurred during the day (59%) as opposed to night (41%), but this difference was not significant. Livestock depredation incidents in the nighttime occurred mostly inside traditional kraals (34%) and occurred the least in predator-proof kraals (2%). Lions were responsible for more livestock attacks in the grazing fields compared with leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. Hyenas were more daring and attacked livestock inside traditional bomas relative to lions and leopards. Our study concludes that predator-proof bomas are more effective in minimizing livestock depredation and can be embraced as a sound intervention for human–carnivore co-existence in communities’ wildlife conservation areas.

🐦A Review of the Trade in Toucans (Ramphastidae): Levels of Trade in Species, Source and Sink Countries, Effects from Governance Actions and Conservation Concerns 👉https://lnkd.in/gy7fpT4H Keywords: #Toucan; #WildlifeTrade; #CITES; #conservation; wildlife trade structures; wildlife trade economics 🧐Abstract: Utilising wildlife as natural resources has a long history and wide appeal for many nations, while seeking international wildlife that is sustainably managed is the primary responsibility of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, data-driven trade reviews are required, utilising CITES data to increase our understanding of the trade and facilitate evidence-based conservation planning. This study presents the first trade review for Toucans utilising CITES import reported data. The total number of Toucans exported was over 22,000, which subsequently generated a retail ‘real price’ value of nearly US $72 million. The countries accounting for the majority of Toucan exports were Guyana (39%), Suriname (33%) and Nicaragua (14%), while the main importing country was The Netherlands (nearly 25%). Toucan species traded were Ramphastos vitellinus (accounting for 21.5%), Ramphastos toco (19%) and Ramphastos tucanus (17%), making the top three while trade was recorded in 10 species. However, successfully identifying economic values for 15 species highlights that trade exists within non-CITES listed Toucan species too. Therefore, the levels of trade in non-CITES-listed Toucan species need urgent attention, as do the non-detrimental findings that underpin the CITES quotas set for each species, given the species’ importance ecologically.

🦛Factors Influencing Acceptance of Hippopotamus at a Large Reservoir in Nigeria 👉https://lnkd.in/gMK5UQ7n Keywords: #attitudes; #conservation; fatality; #Hippopotamus amphibius; human–wildlife coexistence; human–wildlife conflict; human–wildlife interactions; tolerance 🧐Abstract: In a world increasingly affected by human presence and activities, achieving human–wildlife coexistence has become the goal of many wildlife conservation programs. Coexistence requires an understanding of factors that contribute to human tolerance and acceptance of problematic wildlife. In four communities in Nigeria, we used structured and semi-structured interviews to explore local people’s acceptance of the river hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) at a large reservoir with high human impact and where other conspicuous, damage-causing species are absent. We collected data two years apart to evaluate whether acceptance changed over time. Acceptance was low among respondents (21%). Logistic-regression results showed that attitudes, beliefs related to benefits and risks, behaviors toward hippos, study period, and income source significantly influenced acceptance of hippos. Results from Woolf tests showed that hippo-caused human fatalities most notably modified the observed decline in acceptance between study years. The potential significant impact of rare, yet severe events (in this case, human fatalities) on acceptance of wildlife and thus human–wildlife coexistence was supported in this study, one of few focused on hippo-human relations. For conservation and development interventions to be effective at this site, they should, at a minimum, improve human safety around hippos, emphasize current and potential benefits of hippos, create avenues for off-farm income, and reduce crop losses owing to hippos.

🐟Haor-Based Floodplain-Rich Freshwater Ichthyofauna in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh: Species Availability, Diversity, and Conservation Perspectives 👉https://lnkd.in/gdU_btYi Keywords: haor; #biodiversity; #freshwater #fish conservation evaluation; threatened species Abstract: Biodiversity assessment is important for evaluating community conservation status. The haor basin in Sylhet Division represents a transitional zone with high species availability, rare occurrences and endemism. As a result, this study aims to describe the haor-based freshwater fish composition, including habitat, trophic ecology, availability and conservation status. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on fish samples through focus group discussions, field surveys, and interviews with fisheries stakeholders on a monthly basis. We identified 188 morpho-species, of which 176 were finfish and 12 shellfish, distributed into 15 orders and 42 families where 29%, 42%, 15%, and 14% species were commonly available, moderately available, abundantly available, and rarely available, respectively. Cypriniformes was the dominant order in both total species and small indigenous species identified. Approximately 45.34% of species were riverine, 31.58% floodplain residents, 12.55% estuarine, 2.83% migratory, and 7.69% were exclusively hill stream residents. Carnivores and omnivores were the most dominant trophic groups. A total of 87.76% species were used as food, 12.23% as ornamental and 6.91% as sport fish. Approximately 50 species were threatened (7 critically endangered, 23 endangered and 20 vulnerable) at the national level, most of them belonging to Cypriniformes and Siluriformes. Based on endemism, 16 species were endemic of which Sygnathidae, Cobitidae, Olyridae, Cyprinidae and Balitoridae fell under the threatened category. Minimizing intense fishing efforts, banning indiscriminate fishing and destructive fishing gear, initiating fish sanctuaries and beel nurseries, and implementing eco-friendly modern fishing technology are suggested to conserve the threatened species. This study represents a guideline for assessing the availability and conservation of freshwater fish in the Sylhet belt and serves as a reference for decision-makers in order to allow for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources within an ecosystem-based framework.