Wild

Global environmental and climatic changes have become an ever-increasing trepidation worldwide due to the unprecedented changes in temperatures, precipitation, weather, and ecosystems at the international, regional, and local levels. This study attempts to find out the impacts and vulnerabilities of climate-induced hazards and environmental degradation on the lives of Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), along with finding out the factors of environmental degradation in Indigenous communities. This study also explores the adaptation strategies of Indigenous people in adverse situations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. For conducting this study, a critical ethnographic approach is adopted, together with participant observation, in-depth interviews (N = 55), and focus group discussions (FGDs) (N = 5, 48 participants), following purposive sampling over one year (October 2019 to October 2020). The findings of this study indicate that climate-induced hazards and environmental crisis brings unprecedented suffering to the lives and livelihoods of Indigenous people. Climate change and variability together with human causes contribute to creating an environmental crisis that threatens food security, creates water scarcity, and disrupts agricultural activities and household properties in Indigenous communities. The findings also indicate that Indigenous people are bound to change their traditional jhum cultivation and adjust their traditional housing structure apart from searching for alternative livelihoods due to climatic events and environmental crises. However, Indigenous people try to adapt to this adverse situation following their life-long experiences and local knowledge. This study helps policymakers as well as governments to understand the major drivers of environmental crisis and climatic events in Indigenous communities, together with finding out the solutions and recuperating the living conditions of the marginalized groups in Bangladesh and beyond. Full article

Sea turtles use specific nesting strategies to maximize the survival of their offspring. Few studies have investigated the nesting behavior of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. The aim of this study was to characterize the nesting behavior of these two species, taking into account anthropogenic and natural impacts, and to compare behavior between species. Nocturnal monitoring was conducted from 2020 to 2024 on three beaches in Martinique: Madiana, Diamant, and Salines. The average duration of the nesting sequence for leatherback turtles was 101.50 min, with camouflage being the dominant behavior for 27.06% of the total time. For hawksbill turtles, nesting duration was 109.49 min, with digging as the predominant activity (31.68% of total time). No effect of anthropogenic disturbances and obstacles on the behavior of leatherback turtles was observed, while that of hawksbill turtles was significantly influenced by light and the presence of roots. The results revealed behavioral differences between these two species, as well as between two other species: loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles. These differences could be explained by morphological differences, nesting habitat peculiarities, beach characteristics, and different evolutionary strategies. Further research is needed to better understand these behaviors and improve conservation efforts. Full article

A vital component of small population management in captivity is forecasting future population trends. Until recently, little was known about the demographic structure of the recently retired captive former biomedical research chimpanzee population (Pan troglodytes). We used age- and sex-specific survivorship probabilities from current life tables to model the likely population extinction date and estimate total lifetime maintenance costs until extinction. Leslie matrix projections indicated that population extinction will occur in 2062 or 38 years from now. That date was 26 years longer than a recent government study of 2036, 8 years longer than the original research chimpanzee projection of 2054, and 5 years longer than our pilot projection of 2057. Median, lower, and upper quartiles of colony per diems plus median biomedical inflation were used to estimate lifetime maintenance costs. Without inflation, median lifetime expenses were USD 148.0 M, with a lower bound of USD 72.7 M and an upper bound of USD 209.9 M. With inflation, median lifetime expenses were USD 229.3 M (lower bound USD 112.7 M, upper bound USD 326.1 M). Extinction projections and associated cost estimates are essential components of any science-based small captive population management plan. These projections can be used for the long-term planning and rational management of the now-retired captive former research chimpanzee population. Full article

Honeybees provide a variety of services and products that are beneficial to humans, including pollination, honey, propolis, and other harvested products. In South Africa, it is believed that honey harvesting from wild (unmanaged) honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies is widely practiced. However, there is limited knowledge regarding this practice. Using structured questionnaire surveys and site visits for validation, we aimed to (1) confirm the practice of honey harvesting and ascertain the extent to which it is practiced; and (2) quantify the economic benefits of this practice to communities’ livelihoods. We found that honey and other products (i.e., brood and pollen) harvesting from wild honeybee colonies is still a common practice among the rural communities of selected areas within the Vhembe District, which was confirmed by 44% of the respondents. These products are either consumed by the harvesters or sold, helping to generate total household incomes ranging from R500.00 ($26USD) to R2000.00 ($112USD) South African Rands (ZAR), which contribute towards offsetting various household costs. Although the overall population and health status of the wild honeybees in the area is unknown, the survey respondents (29%) indicated that they are generally healthy. From these findings, we were able to establish a good level of dependence on wild honeybee colonies by rural communities for income generation, albeit at a small scale. Given the wide array of pressures on insect pollinators, particularly honeybees, from factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pests, pathogens, and pesticides, our findings serve as a strong basis for considering protection and preservation mechanisms for these populations. These could be accommodated under various local and provincial conservation efforts, especially those preventing habitat loss. Full article

Virtual field trips in zoogeomorphology can allow students to explore the dynamic influence of beaver activity within the landscape. Education theory-informed virtual learning experiences (VLEs) of zoogeomorphologic topics, such as ecosystem engineers, are still underdeveloped for natural science learning communities. Through dam-building activities, beavers significantly alter stream hydrology, sediment transport, and vegetation organization and structure, promoting landscape heterogeneity. To effectively communicate this complexity of landscape modification, we developed an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment using historical photographs and detailed field notes to visualize the temporal and spatial transformations caused by beaver activity. A design and development process (TECCUPD), a philosophical framework for physical geography (TREE-PG), and a planning tool (VRUI conceptual model) are used to guide VLE architecture. Collectively, this information serves as a virtual proxy of an abandoned beaver pond field site to support student evaluation of the influence of sediment trapping and flooding on vegetation patterns on the landscape. This virtual place-based, experiential narrative environment is a proxy to capture the complexity of beaver-modified landscapes through ecological and geomorphological interactions. The integration of immersive VR technologies and generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education with learning theories that guide VR application design and development is applied in virtual field trips to support pedagogical goals and improve learning outcomes. Finally, we use an evaluation scale (TIPS) to assess the fidelity of learning theory implementation in a virtual field trip. Virtual field experiences in zoogeomorphology, informed by theory and utilizing immersive landscapes and scientific educational tools, can help students discern the effects of beavers on stream hydrology and geomorphic processes, as well as their potential role in mitigating water insecurity in climate adaptation efforts. Full article

(1) Background: Mangroves are critical ecosystems that provide essential services, including coastal protection, biodiversity support, and carbon storage. However, urbanization and infrastructure development increasingly threaten their sustainability. This study investigates the spatio-temporal trends of mangrove canopy cover in Benoa Bay, Bali, Indonesia, which is an urban area and a center of tourism activities with various supporting facilities. The analysis was conducted from 2013 to 2023, using Landsat 8 satellite imagery and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis. In addition, the analysis was also linked to mangrove area management policies. (2) Methods: The annual NDVI time series based on Landsat 8 imagery, obtained through the Google Earth Engine (GEE), was used to characterize the vegetation canopy cover in the study area. Statistical analysis of the annual linear trend of the NDVI was conducted to examine the spatio-temporal variation in canopy cover. Additionally, policies related to regional spatial planning and area protection were analyzed to assess their role in preserving mangrove forests in urban areas. (3) Results: There was a net decrease in mangrove area in Benoa Bay of 3.97 hectares, mainly due to infrastructure development and tourism facilities. The NDVI trend shows an overall increase in canopy cover due to reforestation and natural regeneration efforts, although there was a local decrease in some areas. Conservation policies, such as the establishment of the Ngurah Rai Forest Park, have supported mangrove protection. (4) Conclusions: The analysis demonstrated that mangroves surrounded by urban areas and tourism activity centers can still be maintained quite well with the right policies. Full article

Multi-source remote sensing fusion and machine learning are effective tools for forest monitoring. This study aimed to analyze various fusion techniques, their application with machine learning algorithms, and their assessment in estimating forest type and aboveground biomass (AGB). A keyword search across Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar yielded 920 articles. After rigorous screening, 72 relevant articles were analyzed. Results showed a growing trend in optical and radar fusion, with notable use of hyperspectral images, LiDAR, and field measurements in fusion-based forest monitoring. Machine learning algorithms, particularly Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), leverage features from fused sources, with proper variable selection enhancing accuracy. Standard evaluation metrics include Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Overall Accuracy (OA), User’s Accuracy (UA), Producer’s Accuracy (PA), confusion matrix, and Kappa coefficient. This review provides a comprehensive overview of prevalent techniques, data sources, and evaluation metrics by synthesizing current research and highlighting data fusion’s potential to improve forest monitoring accuracy. The study underscores the importance of spectral, topographic, textural, and environmental variables, sensor frequency, and key research gaps for standardized evaluation protocols and exploration of multi-temporal fusion for dynamic forest change monitoring. Full article

In sub-Saharan Africa, protected areas are located in close proximity to communities, leading to frequent negative encounters between humans and wildlife. This is coupled with increased pressure from communities seeking park resources to support their livelihoods. To address this, land use plans have been designed around protected areas. For example, in Kenya, wildlife conservancies have been created out of private and community lands. The aim of these conservancies is to contribute to improved livelihoods, reduce human–wildlife conflicts, and increase support for conservation. However, limited research exists on how the conservancies have achieved their aims among local communities. This study focuses on the Maasai Mara region in Kenya and examines how livelihoods and human–wildlife conflicts influence support for conservation among conservancy members. Data were gathered from 411 households adjacent to the reserve through a survey conducted in June and July 2024. The findings indicate a high incidence of human–wildlife conflict and improved security in health and education only. Despite this, there is high satisfaction with the conservancy model and strong support for conservation. Although these findings highlight the significance of conservancies in mitigating human–wildlife conflict, enhancing livelihoods, and garnering conservation support, more attention is needed for food and financial security. Full article

This study examined the grazing pressure and interactions between four species of wild kangaroos (Red Kangaroo Osphranter rufus, Common Wallaroo O. robustus, Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus, Western Grey Kangaroo M. fuliginosus), free-ranging feral goats (Capra hircus) and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and stocked Merino sheep (Ovis aries). The study site comprised two contiguous pairs of stocked and unstocked paddocks, one a sloping run-off zone, the other a flat run-on zone, covering a total area of 2158 ha. These paddocks on Fowlers Gap Station in far north-western New South Wales, Australia, are representative of the arid chenopod (Family: Chenopodiaceae) shrublands stocked with sheep. Sheep and red kangaroos dominate the mammalian herbivores by biomass. The study examined the relative grazing pressure exerted by the seven species of mammalian herbivores in stocked and unstocked conditions, where only sheep were confined, across a three-year period that included rain-deficient (drought) months. The effects of climate (especially rainfall and temperature) and herbivore density on the standing biomass of pasture were teased out at a macro-scale. Herbivory at a micro-scale was examined using open and exclosed plots with detection of herbivore species by fecal deposition and time-lapse videography. Sheep exerted the highest grazing pressure and there was no compensatory increase in grazing pressure by other herbivores in unstocked paddocks. Rainfall was a key driver of pasture biomass and condition and loss by senescence typically outweighed grazing pressure. Grazing effects at a micro-scale were plot-specific and complex. The results are discussed in relation to the sustainable management of rangelands for production and wildlife. Full article

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a measurement of landscape “greenness” and is used as a proxy for productivity to assess species distributions and habitats. Seasonal levels of productivity have been strongly related to avian population dynamics, suggesting dependence upon biomass production for completing annual life cycle events. The breeding season is a critical component of the avian life cycle that involves higher nutritional requirements to feed young, avoiding predators, and attracting mates. Our objective was to determine how the NDVI affects avian abundance and richness across breeding seasons with varied rainfall in South Texas, USA. Breeding bird point-count surveys were conducted, and MODIS Terra NDVI data were collected. We observed both positive and negative effects between May and June avian abundance, richness, and the NDVI depending upon the year (i.e., wet or average rainfall) and NDVI values in the months prior to (i.e., April) and during the peak of breeding season (May), with no significant effect of the NDVI in June, suggesting the months prior to peak breeding season may be most influential. This information can aid land management recommendations and better predict how environmental changes like rainfall may affect avian dynamics on a landscape for both wildlife and domestic animals. Full article

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR) is in the south of the Yucatán Peninsula and is known for its great biological diversity. However, despite the great diversity of species, they are under intense pressure from hunting activities, especially the larger ones that can be used for human food. Therefore, the objective of this study was to obtain knowledge about the hunting importance of populations of three species of birds (Crax rubra, Meleagris ocellata, and Penelope purpurascens) in the southern zone of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche. Sampling was conducted with transects where a total of 46 camera traps were installed from November 2021 to November 2022, distributed in two types of vegetation. Likewise, data on species presence were collected and analyzed with Principal Component Analysis and ANOSIM (ANOSIM; R = 0.10, p = 0.22) to relate abundances with vegetation types and seasons of the year. No significant differences were found between the two vegetation types. This study provides relevant information on the populations of game birds in the southern region of Calakmul, which is currently little explored, and constant monitoring of these species throughout the CBR is necessary. Full article

Colonization of the “remnants of the natural world” or “last wild spaces” is a process that continues at the present time. This colonization is mainly happening in unprotected spaces outside the global protected area network but is sometimes also attracted by natural resources near or within these “Anthropocene refugia”. Critical perspectives consider that protection measures keeping people far away do not guarantee the saving of wild nature but are another way to colonize it under the neoliberal imperative. This article essays an image composition based on available explicit spatial data from public sources as a representation of human settlement distribution within and around (buffer zone) the Wild Protected Areas System in Southern Chile. From an interpretative perspective beyond the dichotomic framework of pristine wilderness versus anthropogenic pressures, this article explores patterns configurating complex assemblages with diffuse limits which challenge the mainstream conservation model adopted by the State, in which people remain invisible, to think about human activity within protected areas and the unprotected space around them in a different way. In conclusion, the current system of protected areas, by itself, is not sufficient to maintain diversity, while the change processes driven by neoliberal exploitation remain within a framework dominated by political economy. New directions in interdisciplinary research and policy interactions must be explored to develop innovative measures, such as the idea of refugia against the demands of the Anthropocene. Full article

In line with the Italian “Farmers-Nature Project” aimed at reducing conflicts between wild predators and livestock farmers, the spatiotemporal activity of the red fox was monitored in a protected area of central Italy over a one-year period. In parallel, farmers living in the study area were asked to participate in an interview about their perception of the red fox and its predatory activity towards livestock. Analysis of data obtained by camera trapping revealed that a higher number of red fox sightings was recorded in February and March in relation to the search for food, while a lower number was recorded in July when food is more abundant. Red fox primarily moves at night, with a peak of activity between 9 and 10 p.m., staying around an area close to the den. Interviews with farmers revealed a generally positive view of the red fox, as its predation on livestock was rare, suggesting that the fox can find sufficient food resources in the environment. Full article

In the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, an investigation was launched into the impact of large-scale open-pit mining on wildlife ecology and populations, more specifically on the animal species richness and detection rates across different vegetation types. Using camera traps, we monitored a 43,000-hectare area, which included active mining areas and adjacent lands, over a period of five years (2020–2024). Data on 44 animal species ranging from small mammals to large megaherbivores were collected, with a large variation in species richness across the study site being observed. The detection of species that are of conservation concern, such as the vulnerable Temminck’s ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) and endangered mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula), highlighted additional potential risks that mining activities pose to biodiversity in the area, emphasizing the importance of monitoring biodiversity in areas that are impacted by large-scale anthropogenic and mining activities. Furthermore, the results suggest that some areas may require a more targeted approach to conservation in order to mitigate the disruptive effect of mining. Benchmarking the species present and proving the presence of endangered and vulnerable species prove the successful first steps into understanding habitat disruption caused by mining activities and will guide future conservation and management efforts. Full article

Ramps or wild leeks (Allium tricoccum) are a popular foraged non-timber forest product in North America consumed for their edible bulbs and leaves. The agroforestry practice of forest farming is a possible solution to conservation challenges surrounding the wild exploitation of this species, but it requires proper site selection to be successful. In this study, maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling using 163 occurrence points and field data collected at 30 wild populations were combined to determine the characteristics of the ramp habitat in Pennsylvania. Both Maxent modeling and field measurements highlighted moist, lower slope positions with base-rich bedrock types as suitable for ramps. Sites shared 50% of their floristic associates on average, with 252 species documented in total. Forest communities associated with ramps included many species indicative of base-rich mesic soil conditions, but the relative abundance of some indicator species differed by region. The confirmation of model variables by field measurements and forest community types points to the usefulness of these characteristics in identifying suitable forest farming sites. When used in tandem, these results can help to guide site selection for forest farming and other conservation strategies. Full article

(1) Background: The numbers of wild animals in Japan are increasing due to changes in the industrial structure and a decline in the population. Various extermination approaches have been used against animals that are classified as harmful, such as boars. Making effective use of exterminated wild animals will revitalize extermination activities by developing markets as the number of hunters declines. We measured serum testosterone levels to examine the potential value of male wild boars as a meat source and compared them with the testosterone levels in domestic male pigs. Testosterone has an analeptic effect even in small amounts. (2) Methods: Blood testosterone levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence in wild boars and domestic pigs, collected using box traps in Sasebo City. (3) Results: Almost no testosterone was detected in the sera of castrated domestic male pigs, and more testosterone was detected in wild male boars than in pigs. (4) Conclusions: The analysis demonstrated that male wild boars have unique nutritional value compared with domestic pigs. Full article

Background: The relationship between human populations and wild animals dates back across centuries of interactions, enabling the construction of belief systems in communities. The socioecological perspective allows us to understand the interactions between the social and ecological dimensions of a population and nature. Methods: In this context, 133 residents of a rural community were interviewed to assess their knowledge and use of animals. We sought to evaluate the following: (i) animal species used by community residents, (ii) types of use and (iii) the effects of socioeconomic variables on different uses of vertebrate animal taxa. Results: The fauna cited were represented by 82 ethnospecies distributed in 48 families; it was not possible to identify nine ethnospecies and two were identified only at the genus level (Columbina sp. and Turdus sp.). Among the identified species, birds presented the greatest taxonomic richness (n = 34/41.0%), followed by mammals (n = 22/27.0%) and reptiles (n = 15/18.0%). Through generalized linear models, we identified which socioeconomic variables influenced the knowledge and use of wildlife resources. Furthermore, the influence of socioeconomic variables varied between taxa and use categories. Conclusions: The influence of socioeconomic variables may vary according to the taxonomic group, as well as the type of cultural domain, favoring the increase or decrease in the use of a resource. Full article

We conducted a floristic survey of Non-Conventional Food Plants (Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais (PANC)) on the trail of Travessia Petrópolis–Teresópolis in Serra dos Órgãos National Park, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Wild food plants with food potential were collected along a sinuous transect of 27 km in length and 3 m in width. The collected material was identified in virtual herbariums by specialists, and later, a literature review on the food use of the identified plants was carried out. Thus, 90 food and potential food species were identified, belonging to 54 genera and distributed in 34 families present along the trail, including the Asteraceae (10), Begoniaceae (9), Passifloraceae (8), Piperaceae (7), and Cactaceae (6) families, which showed the greatest species richness. We conclude that the diversity of the PANC found in a protected area demonstrates enormous potential for future domestication to produce food from the native flora of Brazil. Another potential use is in educational activities and pedagogical tourism, highlighting the gastronomic dimension of plant diversity present in protected areas. Full article