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Conservation, Volume 5, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 2 articles

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22 pages, 2587 KB  
Article
Prediction of Potential Habitat Distributions and Climate Change Impacts on Six Carex L. Species of Conservation Concern in Canada
by Vladimir Kricsfalusy and Kakon Chakma
Conservation 2025, 5(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5040055 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly altering ecosystems around the world and threatening biodiversity, especially species with narrow distribution ranges and a dependency on dedicated conservation practices. In Saskatchewan, Canada, the ecological significance of the genus sedge (Carex L.) from the Cyperaceae family is [...] Read more.
Climate change is increasingly altering ecosystems around the world and threatening biodiversity, especially species with narrow distribution ranges and a dependency on dedicated conservation practices. In Saskatchewan, Canada, the ecological significance of the genus sedge (Carex L.) from the Cyperaceae family is well recognized, yet spatially explicit forecasts of its habitats under future climate scenarios remain absent, creating a major obstacle to forward-looking conservation strategies. This study assesses the current and future habitat suitability of six sedges, including three nationally at-risk species (C. assiniboinensis, C. saximontana, C. tetanica) and three provincially rare species (C. glacialis, C. granularis, C. supina subsp. spaniocarpa). We applied the MaxEnt algorithm to model the distributions of those Carex species of conservation concern using 20 environmental predictors (19 bioclimatic variables and elevation) under baseline climate (1970–2000) and projected future scenarios for the 2030s and 2050s using SSP245 and SSP585 emission pathways. We optimized and validated models with the ENMeval package to enhance predictive reliability. Model accuracy was high (AUC = 0.88–0.99) and the results revealed a diversity of species responses: C. assiniboinensis and C. tetanica are projected to expand their suitable habitat, while C. saximontana is expected to lose high suitability areas. The distributions of C. glacialis and C. supina subsp. spaniocarpa remain restricted and relatively stable across scenarios. C. granularis is projected to have dynamic range shifts, particularly under the high-emission SSP585 scenario. Temperature-related variables were consistently the most influential predictors. These results provide critical insights into the potential impacts of climate change on Carex species of conservation concern in Canada and offer valuable guidance for prioritizing adaptive conservation planning and proactive habitat management. The diversity of species responses emphasizes the necessity of tailored conservation approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. Full article
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14 pages, 882 KB  
Article
Media Narratives of Human-Wildlife Conflict: Iberian Orcas and Boats in the Spanish Press
by José Domingo Villarroel, Joyse Vitorino and Alvaro Antón
Conservation 2025, 5(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5040054 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a crucial predator in marine ecosystems, affecting prey populations and overall ecosystem health. Since May 2020, Iberian killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar have interacted unusually with pleasure boats, posing significant maritime safety challenges. [...] Read more.
The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a crucial predator in marine ecosystems, affecting prey populations and overall ecosystem health. Since May 2020, Iberian killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar have interacted unusually with pleasure boats, posing significant maritime safety challenges. Recognized as critically endangered by the IUCN, a conservation plan for these whales has been approved in Spain. This study analyzes media coverage of these interactions, as media can shape public opinion and influence policies regarding human–wildlife conflicts. A total of 107 news articles published between June 2022 and September 2024 in Spanish media were examined, focusing on the interactions between Iberian killer whales and boats. The research included six variables from prior studies to enhance understanding of media representation and its effects on conservation management. Findings suggest that media coverage often limits comprehension of orca behavior and their vulnerable status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Sciences in Marine Ecology Conservation)
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