Search Results (796)

Early detection of earthquakes is essential for minimizing potential damage and ensuring public safety. Recent advancements in deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), provide a promising alternative for analyzing seismic waves. In contrast, traditional methods such as the short-term average/long-term average (STA/LTA) algorithm and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) have limitations in detecting primary (P) waves in high-noise conditions, caused by industrial and anthropogenic disturbances. This study presents a CNN-based automatic P-wave detection model tailored for the Almaty city region. The seismic dataset used in this research was obtained from the IRIS database and includes data collected from seven stations within a 333 km radius of Almaty, Kazakhstan. The proposed model achieves a recall rate of 89.1% and an accuracy of 94.1% compared to other deep learning-based models. Experimental results demonstrate that this method enhances the reliability of automatic early earthquake warning systems and improves the accuracy of P-wave detection. The research outputs presented for the local region are unique. Applying CNNs in seismic monitoring facilitates the development of efficient automated systems that minimize risks and improve response measures for natural disasters. Full article

Elephants exhibit remarkable cognitive and social abilities, which are integral to their navigation, resource acquisition, and responses to environmental challenges such as climate change and human–wildlife conflict. Their capacity to acquire, recall, and utilise spatial information enables them to traverse large, fragmented landscapes, locate essential resources, and mitigate risks. While older elephants, particularly matriarchs, are often regarded as repositories of ecological knowledge, the mechanisms by which younger individuals acquire this information remain uncertain. Existing research suggests that elephants follow established movement patterns, yet direct evidence of intergenerational knowledge transfer is limited. This review synthesises current literature on elephant navigation and decision-making, exploring how their behavioural strategies contribute to resilience amid increasing anthropogenic pressures. Empirical studies indicate that elephants integrate environmental and social cues when selecting routes, accessing water, and avoiding human-dominated areas. However, the extent to which these behaviours arise from individual memory, social learning, or passive exposure to experienced individuals requires further investigation. Additionally, elephants function as ecosystem engineers, shaping landscapes, maintaining biodiversity, and contributing to climate resilience. Recent research highlights that elephants’ ecological functions can indeed contribute to climate resilience, though the mechanisms are complex and context-dependent. In tropical forests, forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) disproportionately disperse large-seeded, high-carbon-density tree species, which contribute significantly to above-ground carbon storage. Forest elephants can improve tropical forest carbon storage by 7%, as these elephants enhance the relative abundance of slow-growing, high-biomass trees through selective browsing and seed dispersal. In savannah ecosystems, elephants facilitate the turnover of woody vegetation and maintain grassland structure, which can increase albedo and promote carbon sequestration in soil through enhanced grass productivity and fire dynamics. However, the ecological benefits of such behaviours depend on population density and landscape context. While bulldozing vegetation may appear destructive, these behaviours often mimic natural disturbance regimes, promoting biodiversity and landscape heterogeneity, key components of climate-resilient ecosystems. Unlike anthropogenic clearing, elephant-led habitat modification is part of a long-evolved ecological process that supports nutrient cycling and seedling recruitment. Therefore, promoting connectivity through wildlife corridors supports not only elephant movement but also ecosystem functions that enhance resilience to climate variability. Future research should prioritise quantifying the net carbon impact of elephant movement and browsing in different biomes to further clarify their role in mitigating climate change. Conservation strategies informed by their movement patterns, such as wildlife corridors, conflict-reducing infrastructure, and habitat restoration, may enhance human–elephant coexistence while preserving their ecological roles. Protecting older individuals, who may retain critical environmental knowledge, is essential for sustaining elephant populations and the ecosystems they influence. Advancing research on elephant navigation and decision-making can provide valuable insights for biodiversity conservation and conflict mitigation efforts. Full article

Analyses of the hematological statuses of animals inhabiting areas of anthropogenic pollution may provide valuable insights into the extent of disturbance of their living conditions and the mechanisms of adaptation to various environmental stressors. The current work compares the erythrogram and erythrocyte-metric parameters of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) inhabiting the polluted sedimentation lake of Brikel TPP in southern Bulgaria to those in frogs inhabiting a relatively clean habitat (reference population). The study includes a total of 120 individuals (30 females and 30 males from each site). For all of them, total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were evaluated via standard laboratory techniques. All erythrocyte metrics were determined microscopically in two blood smears from each animal. Our study reveals alterations in the erythrogram parameters and the erythrocyte sizes in marsh frogs living in conditions of chronic pollution with industrial wastewater compared to the animals from the reference site. The mean values for all erythrocyte morphology parameters are significantly lower in both female and male individuals inhabiting the polluted area compared to those originating from the reference one. Conversely, three erythrogram parameters—erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit—appeared significantly higher in females and males from the polluted site. The observed changes in the erythrogram parameters and erythrocyte sizes result from the deteriorated water quality of the sedimentation lake. Full article

This study focuses on identifying and assessing the extent of anthropogenic disturbance factors directly affecting the forests of northwestern Virunga. It posits that the army camps within the forest are a hotspot for expanding human activities in the context of armed conflict. A multiscalar approach was used to examine disturbances across multiple levels to capture their complex interaction and to avoid oversimplified interpretations. This approach included an analysis of the dynamics and spatial structure of the forest cover from 2016 to 2023, along with an inventory of the local disturbance factors. The study focused on seven study sites hosting army camps, namely Mikuha, Lahe, Pk26, and Ngite within Virunga National Park, as well as Mamundioma, PK2, and Kinziki in its periphery. The findings show that the installation of army camps did not lead to significant forest fragmentation. Except for Mamundioma, all the other sites showed an increase in forest areas, due to the aggregation of remaining forest patches during periods of insecurity. However, this trend toward passive forest restoration does not offset disturbances. It merely reflects a slowdown in the conversion of forest areas to other land uses. Nine anthropogenic factors contribute to forest disturbances, with cash crops (74.17%), food crops (72.50%), and trees cut down for energy (61.61%) being the most prominent. Other contributing factors include carbonization (31.67%), fire use (30.00%), sawn timber (26.67%), path creation (17.50%), exotic tree species introduction (10.00%), and the establishment of invasive species (11.67%). Spatial analysis provides a partial explanation for such forest disturbances. Its exhaustive description would require a mix of spatial data and field observations. Full article

Soil represents a fundamental yet delicate ecosystem susceptible to threats and alterations that can significantly impact its biota, especially in urban areas. Soil microarthropods may serve as bioindicators of soil quality. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive investigation of the response of soil microarthropod communities to anthropogenic pressures and to assess the biological quality of the soil in urban Rome (Italy). Microarthropods were extracted from soil samples collected at 16 sites, representing four distinct land-use types (disturbed unmanaged green spaces, disturbed managed green spaces, urban forests, and natural forests as reference) along a disturbance gradient. The basic soil properties and landscape characteristics were measured at each sampling site. Values of community diversity (calculated as Hill’s numbers based on biological forms reflecting specialization to the edaphic life), total microarthropod density, and soil biological quality indices based on microarthropod biological forms (QBS-ar and its variation QBS-ab, which also considers group abundances), were calculated for each sampling site and compared among land-use types. Land-use types varied in soil chemo-physical characteristics, with soils of managed and unmanaged green spaces being more alkaline, sodic, and compacted, and with lower organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen levels compared to urban and natural forests. Microarthropod diversity decreased from semi-natural or natural forests to highly disturbed urban sites. QBS-ar and QBS-ab values significantly differed among almost all land-use types, with managed urban green spaces exhibiting lower values than the unmanaged ones. No significant differences were observed between urban and natural forests. Soil pH, soil compaction, cation exchange capacity, C/N ratio, and vegetation cover appeared to be the most significant factors influencing the diversity and composition of microarthropod biological forms, as well as the QBS-ar and QBS-ab indices. Although with the limit of using biological forms instead of species, our investigation reaffirmed the valuable role of large, forested patches within cities for soil conservation and the preservation of their microarthropod communities. The potential of green spaces as suitable habitats for soil microarthropods should be carefully considered in urban management plans. Full article

Cattle grazing and selective logging alter the functioning of an ecosystem, but their impacts on forest regeneration, particularly in relation to forest successional stages, are yet poorly understood. This study examined how these activities affect the regeneration of Nothofagus antarctica (ñire or ñirre) and N. pumilio (lenga) pure forests in Patagonia and whether these effects vary between old-growth and secondary forests. We assessed seedlings by origin (sexual, asexual) and height classes (<0.3 m, 0.3–0.6 m, >0.6 m) across 88 plots (25 × 20 m). Selective logging intensity was measured via the basal area of tree stumps, and cattle grazing pressure via dung counts. Forest regeneration, as predicted by human disturbances, forest successional stage, and tree density (parent trees), was modeled using generalized linear models. For N. antarctica, regeneration was exclusively asexual and showed a positive influence for selective logging and cattle, but negative with both interacting. In contrast, the most recent regeneration (R1) was predominantly influenced by the density of parent trees and successional stage. Conversely, N. pumilio regeneration, entirely sexual, was unaffected by cattle grazing, relying instead on parent tree density, logging intensity, and successional stage. These findings highlight the species-specific dynamics of regeneration under anthropogenic pressures. Understanding the interactions between natural and human disturbances is critical for conserving Nothofagus forests. Our results provide a basis for targeted restoration efforts and policies to mitigate degradation and promote ecosystem resilience. Full article

Owing to climate change and increasing resource competition, elucidating the control mechanism of cultivated land productivity stability is essential. Previous research has focused on anthropogenic or climatic factors individually, overlooking their combined effects; therefore, the “climate–anthropogenic” framework was constructed. Net primary productivity (NPP) was employed to measure the cultivated land productivity and investigate the impact of climate change and anthropogenic factors on cultivated land productivity stability in Poyang Lake from 2001 to 2022. Results revealed that NPP increased but fluctuated significantly and was higher in southern Poyang Lake than in the north. The low spatial stability distribution fluctuation area was concentrated in the periphery of Poyang Lake, the periphery and riverbank comprised the middle and high fluctuation areas, and the Ganjiang River Delta exhibited high fluctuation. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the stability of cultivated land productivity was positively impacted by farmland and river proximity and average patch area and that fractal dimension was positively affected and negatively impacted by low farmland proximity and average annual precipitation. Stable cultivated land production and improved utilization efficiency requires irrigation and drainage system optimization and improved adaptability to climate change. Moreover, cultivated land fragmentation should be reduced, and the resilience of cultivated land to external disturbances should be enhanced. Full article

Birds and other wildlife are negatively affected by many anthropogenic activities, including human recreational activities, which are often not considered in area planning. Here, I present factors affecting the flight initiation distance (FID)—the distance to an approaching human at which birds flee—for 1075 different flocks of waterbirds. The FID varied greatly between groups of birds and species. For some bird groups and species, the FID was longer in rural areas than in urban areas and increased with flock size and with disturbance from canoeing. In addition to the differences in FID between species and groups of species, there are two important conclusions from this study: (1) a graphical relationship between the proportion of birds that flee at different distances from an approaching person gives more information than mean or median FID values and should be used by nature managers, and (2) the FID should be investigated in each area before mitigating actions or new constructions are decided, considering all the factors affecting it. A global database with a mixture of FID values from a huge number of areas is valuable for some purposes but can be misleading for individuals in a specific area. Full article

Intensive anthropogenic disturbances have driven significant spatial disparities and progressive fragmentation of forest-based green infrastructure (GI) that delivers vital ecosystem services across river basins. To address these challenges, delineating ecological management zones and developing spatially targeted GI optimization measures are imperative for safeguarding regional ecological security and advancing nature-based solutions in coupled human–water–forest systems. Focused on the mainstream area of the Jialing River Basin, we establish an ecological optimization zoning system that reconciles forest ecosystem resilience with regional development equity. By using morphological spatial pattern analysis, landscape pattern analysis and the In-VEST model, the GI supply capacity was assessed from three dimensions: element composition, structural configuration, and ecosystem services. The demand intensity was evaluated based on environmental governance pressure, urban expansion demand and social development needs across counties. Supply–demand matching was analyzed using quadrant-based mismatch typology and coupling coordination degree model. The results reveal that the following: (1) supply-deficit counties are predominantly located in the middle and lower reaches of the basin, characterized by high urbanization and economic development; (2) supply-surplus and high-level balanced counties cluster in the ecologically conserved upper reaches; (3) low-level balanced counties are concentrated in agricultural zones; (4) the overall coordination degree of supply and demand show a preliminary state of coordination. Based on these findings, the basin was classified into five zones at the county level: GI restoration, management, rehabilitation, enhancement, and conservation. Tailored ecological management measures and policies were formulated for each zone to advance sustainable basin development. Full article

Retention forestry is the dominant practice in Northern Europe, with large-scale clear-cuts following natural disturbances becoming more frequent as the climate changes. Despite its widespread use, clear-cutting is criticized for its potential adverse effects on species diversity and ecosystem recovery, particularly in understory vegetation. This study examines early vegetation changes after large-scale clear-cutting in Latvia’s hemiboreal forests. The sampling was conducted in 2017 and 2020, three and six years post-harvest, using 210 systematically placed plots (1 × 1 m) to assess species abundance and vegetation cover across moss/lichen, herbaceous, and shrub/tree layers. The findings indicate that species diversity was initially higher following clear-cutting but declined after six years, with the herbaceous layer most affected. While clear-cutting temporarily increases species diversity, negative effects become evident over time. Recovery is prolonged, with succession progressing faster in wet areas. To fully understand the long-term impacts of clear-cutting, continued monitoring is necessary. Full article

Soil fauna perform a plethora of vital ecological functions and are often used as indicators of ecosystem disturbances. Investigating their taxa, functional diversity, and abundance is essential to assess ecosystem resilience, detect environmental stress, and guide conservation efforts. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic richness, diversity, and total and functional group abundance of soil macrofauna, as well as the environmental parameters of five model forests with different types of forest management (referred to as the “forest type”) within a temperate region of European Russia. These model forest types were subject to various types of forest management and were located in and around the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Tver Oblast, Russia): zonal forest (hereinafter referred to as the “zonal forest” treatment), forest disturbed by recreation (“recreational forest”), spruce forest monoculture (“monoculture”), secondary birch forest (“secondary forest”), and clear-cut site (“clear-cut”). We found that there was a significant difference in the total and average taxonomic richness of the macrofauna between the studied model forests, but no difference in mean abundance. The greatest difference was observed between the recreational (26 taxa, 11.2 ± 1.3 per site), monocultural (12 taxa, 4.8 ± 1.9 per site), and zonal (13 taxa, 4.5 ± 1.3 per site) forest types, while the macrofauna taxonomic composition was similar between the monocultural and control forests and significantly differed from that in the recreational and secondary forests and clear-cuts. Mobile taxa, mainly predators, were prevalent in the clear-cuts, while saprophages and phytophages dominated in the zonal forests and monocultures. The most important environmental factors influencing the macrofauna communities were the depth, mass, and composition of the litter, which depended on the presence of spruce (Picea abies), but not on soil parameters, the projective vegetation cover, or the abundance of microorganisms. Our study showed that anthropogenic disturbance in natural forests may not significantly alter the total abundance of the macrofauna, but it can impact the taxonomic composition and diversity of soil invertebrates. Therefore, greater attention should be given to analyzing functional and taxonomic diversity rather than relying solely on abundance data. Our findings highlight the importance of studying both the roles and diversity of soil species, not just their abundance, to better understand and protect natural ecosystems in the face of human impact. Full article

Human activities impact ecosystems globally, and understanding human–wildlife coexistence is crucial for species conservation. This study analyzed trends in local wildlife populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their response to human disturbance. From 2017 to 2022, 60 camera sites were monitored, and seven species with the largest population size—excluding rodents—were selected for analysis. The results revealed that the presence of humans (p = 0.025) and domesticated animals (cats and dogs, p = 0.002) significantly decreased during the pandemic. Conversely, five species (except the Tibetan macaque and mainland serow) showed habitat expansion and population growth (p < 0.05), which may be related to their avoidance of human presence or artificial structures such as roads and tourism facilities. In addition, the analysis showed that most species, except the Tibetan macaque and wild boar, adjusted their activity patterns, showing increased diurnal activity when human disturbances were reduced (RR > 0). These findings suggest that species may adapt their behaviors to avoid human presence. This study highlights the negative impacts of human activities on local wildlife and emphasizes the need for stronger conservation and management efforts to mitigate human disturbances in scenic areas. Full article

Acid rain and understory vegetation removal are critical drivers altering soil ecosystem alterations. However, the mechanisms by which these factors influence soil moisture dynamics, nutrient availability, and microbially mediated enzyme activities remain insufficiently elucidated. This study investigated the impacts of simulated acid rain and understory vegetation removal on soil properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community in a subtropical Cinnamomum camphor (Linn) Presl plantation. The results indicated that acid rain and understory vegetation removal significantly decreased the soil organic carbon (SOC) while concurrently elevating the C-acquiring enzyme activities and microbial C limitation. Understory vegetation removal markedly reduced the soil moisture, nutrient availability, and N- and P-acquiring enzyme activities. Additionally, acid rain increased the bacterial diversity, but the understory vegetation removal increased the fungal diversity. Moreover, both acid rain and understory vegetation removal enhanced the bacterial community deterministic processes and destabilized the community by shifting generalists toward specialists, but had no significant effect on the fungal community structure. Partial least squares path modeling revealed that the bacterial stability loss intensified the C limitation, while the fungal stability regulated the P limitation. Collectively, the findings highlighted the critical role of understory vegetation in buffering the soil microclimate and nutrient cycling, and demonstrated that bacterial communities are more responsive to acid rain and understory vegetation removal than fungal communities. This study provides insights into the mechanisms by which anthropogenic disturbances alter soil ecological functions in subtropical plantations, emphasizing the need for integrated forest management strategies to conserve and manage soil ecosystems in subtropical plantations. Full article

The Cerrado is Brazil’s second largest biome, covering continuous areas in several states. Covering approximately 23% of Brazil’s territory, the Cerrado biome connects with all the main biomes in South America, thus forming a major biological corridor. This biome is one of those that has suffered the most from the incidence of wildfires, leading to a progressive depletion of the region’s natural resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) embedded with an RGB sensor to obtain high-resolution digital products that can be used to identify areas of the Brazilian Cerrado affected by wildfires. The study was carried out in a savannah biome area selecting a vegetation corridor with native vegetation free from anthropogenic influence. The following UAV surveys were carried out before and after a burning event. Once the orthomosaics of the area were available, the GLI, VARI, ExG and NGRDI vegetation indices were used to analyze the vegetation. The data indicate that the B band and the GLI and ExG indices are more suitable for environmental impact analysis in Cerrado areas affected by fires, providing a solid basis for environmental monitoring and management in scenarios of fire disturbance. Full article

Anthropogenic activities significantly threaten aquatic ecosystems, accelerating water quality deterioration through pollution, overexploitation, and habitat disturbance. Roodeplaat Dam in South Africa exemplifies these challenges, experiencing nutrient overload driven by malfunctioning wastewater treatment works (WWTWs), urban runoff, and agricultural activities. This study investigates the spatio–temporal dynamics of flow patterns and nutrient loads in Roodeplaat Dam, focusing on the interplay between nutrient pollution, land use, and land cover change (LULCC). A multi-site sampling approach was employed to assess total phosphorus (TP) and nitrate–nitrite (NO₃ + NO₂) loading, complemented by geospatial analysis of LULCC impacts over two decades. The study revealed that TP and NO₃ + NO₂ concentrations surpassed permissible limits at certain monitoring sites, particularly downstream of WWTWs during low-flow periods, demonstrating their substantial role in elevating nutrient levels. The study further revealed that extensive human-driven changes in the catchment area were key contributors to nutrient dynamics. These changes included a reduction in vegetation cover from 65% to 45.17%, an increase in soil exposure from 10.25% to 22.01%, and urban expansion from 26.56% to 32.32%. These alterations disrupt natural nutrient cycles, leading to increased runoff and potential eutrophication of water bodies. Thus, to address these challenges, this study underscores the need for an integrated strategy that combines nature-based solutions, enhanced wastewater treatment, stricter regulatory compliance, and adaptive management to mitigate pollution and improve water resource sustainability. The insights gained from this case study provide valuable guidance for managing similar systems in developing regions under increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. Full article