Search Results (5,550)

Coral reef ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots that provide essential ecological and environmental services but are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressure and climate change. Effective conservation of reef systems within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be enhanced using spatially explicit approaches that integrate habitat mapping and ecological metrics at seascape scales. In this study, we characterized the benthic seascape of Cayo Arenas and identified optimal priority conservation zones in one of the core zones of the recently established Southern Gulf of Mexico Reefs National Park (SGMRNP). In July 2023, ground-truthing was performed to quantify the cover of sand, calcareous matrix, macroalgae, hard corals and octocorals. Cluster analysis of quantitative data and ecological similarity between classes was used to identify the main benthic habitat classes. Object-based and supervised classification algorithms on a PlanetScope image were used to construct a thematic map of the benthic reef system. Based on the thematic map, habitat connectivity, β-diversity, patch compactness, and availability for commercial species were estimated. In addition, a benthic change analysis (2017–2013), based on the spectral characteristics of PlanetScope images, was performed. The layers obtained were then used to perform an iterative weighted overlay analysis (WOA) using 126 combinations. Six main habitat classes, with different coverages of hard corals, calcareous matrix, macroalgae, and sand, were identified. Habitats with calcareous matrix and sandy substrates dominated the seascape. High habitat compactness, connectivity, and β-diversity values were observed, suggesting habitat stability and ecologically dynamic areas. Based on the WOA, eight optimal priority areas for conservation were recognized. These areas are characterized by heterogeneous habitats, moderate coral cover, and high connectivity. We provide a spatially explicit approach that can strengthen conservation planning within the SGMRNP and other MPAs, particularly by assisting zonation and sub-zonation processes. Full article

The Yellow River Delta is one of China’s most ecologically fragile regions, experiencing prolonged pressures from rapid urbanization and ecological degradation. Existing research, however, has predominantly focused on constructing ecological security patterns under single scenarios, with limited systematic multi-scenario comparisons and insufficient statistical support. To address this gap, this study proposes an integrated framework of “land use simulation—multi-scenario ecological security pattern construction—statistical comparative analysis.” Using the PLUS model, three scenarios were constructed—Business-as-Usual (BAU), Priority Urban Development (PUD), and Priority Ecological Protection (PEP)—to simulate land use changes by 2040. Habitat quality assessment, Multi-Scale Pattern Analysis (MSPA), landscape connectivity, and circuit theory were integrated to identify ecological source areas, corridors, and nodes, incorporating a novel hexagonal grid partitioning method. Statistical significance was evaluated using parametric tests (ANOVA, t-test) and non-parametric tests (permutation test, PERMANOVA). Analysis indicated significant differences in ecological security patterns across scenarios. Under the PEP scenario, ecological source areas reached 3580.42 km² (12.39% of the total Yellow River Delta), corresponding to a 14.85% increase relative to the BAU scenario and a 32.79% increase relative to the PUD scenario. These gains are primarily attributable to stringent wetland and forestland protection policies, which successfully limited the encroachment of construction land into ecological space. Habitat quality and connectivity markedly improved, resulting in the highest ecosystem stability. By contrast, the PUD scenario experienced an 851.46 km² expansion of construction land, resulting in the shrinkage of ecological source areas and intensified fragmentation, consequently increasing ecological security risks. The BAU scenario demonstrated moderate outcomes, with a moderately balanced spatial configuration. In conclusion, this study introduces an ecological restoration strategy of “five zones, one belt, one center, and multiple corridors” based on multi-scenario ecological security patterns. This provides a scientific foundation for ecological restoration and territorial spatial planning in the Yellow River Delta, while the proposed multi-scenario statistical comparison method provides a replicable methodological framework for ecological security pattern research in other delta regions. Full article

The Red Kite (Milvus milvus), a Western Palearctic raptor, experienced a severe population decline across its range during the 19th and 20th centuries, nearly disappearing as a breeding species in Spain. Although conservation and reintroduction efforts have facilitated recovery, information on its wintering ecology remains limited. We evaluated the population size and habitat selection of wintering Red Kites in and around the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve (MHBR), Central Spain, and assessed whether survey route type affected detectability. Surveys comprised 325 vehicle-based line transects along paved roads and dirt tracks during the winters of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, and the 2022 breeding season. Detection rates and density did not differ between route types. Across 212 winter transects, we recorded 124 individuals, with none detected during 113 breeding season transects. Density estimates were consistent across winters (1.3–1.4 individuals/km²), yielding a population estimate of approximately 1430 individuals. Habitat analysis indicated clear selection for open agricultural mosaics dominated by fallow land and vineyards, while rugged terrain was avoided. These results identify MHBR as an important wintering area. Yet, super-intensive agriculture is a poor habitat due to its uniformity. Enhancing heterogeneous open landscapes, including farmland, is essential for Red Kite colonization and expansion. Full article

Despite the oligotrophic conditions of the southeastern Levantine Sea and northern Red Sea, six lobster species—five slipper lobsters (Scyllaridae) and one spiny lobster (Palinuridae)—maintain permanent, reproducing populations in the study area. Additionally, there are isolated records of four other sporadic lobster species. In the southeastern Mediterranean, permanent species include the Mediterranean slipper lobster,Scyllarides latus, small European locust lobster, Scyllarus arctus, and pygmy locust lobster, Scyllarus pygmaeus. In the northern Red Sea, they include the clamkiller slipper lobster, Scyllarides tridacnophaga, Lewinsohn locust slipper lobster, Eduarctus lewinsohni, and pronghorn spiny lobster, Panulirus penicillatus. This review synthesizes current knowledge of their biology and ecology, including distribution, habitat, reproduction and development, feeding, predators and anti-predatory adaptations, behavior, sensory modalities, environmental impacts, threats, and conservation. Recent advances focus mainly on larger, commercially valuable species (S. latus, S. tridacnophaga, P. penicillatus), while major gaps remain for oceanic post-embryonic stages and the nektonic nisto postlarva, as well as for smaller, often cryptic species (S. arctus, S. pygmaeus, E. lewinsohni). Addressing these gaps will require targeted research, using modern methodologies, in coastal, deep, and open waters, coupled with citizen-science surveys. While many Indo-Pacific decapods have been established in the Mediterranean, no immigrant lobster species have successfully colonized Levant waters, despite rare records of three non-indigenous species (NIS). However potential NIS predators and shifts in mollusk compositions, the main prey of some native lobsters, may affect the latter. Large lobsters remain targeted by fisheries despite protective regulations, which are not always effective or obeyed. No-take marine protected areas (MPAs) or nature reserves can be effective if sufficiently large and well-managed. Habitat loss from marine construction can be partly compensated by stable, environmentally safe artificial reefs tailored to lobster behavioral ecology. The categories of the studied lobsters’ species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, last updated over fifteen years ago, should be re-evaluated. Full article

Habitat alteration due to agricultural expansion and heavy livestock grazing is a major threat for open natural ecosystems (ONEs). Within the Indian Thar Desert, such land-use transformations are altering native grassland habitats, with consequential effects on insect communities that perform vital ecological functions and support higher trophic levels. Between 2020 and 2022, we surveyed a 641 km² area, using belt transect and visual detection methods, to quantify insect densities at the order level across different seasons. Linear mixed-effect (LME) models revealed that the orthopteran insect densities, primarily grasshoppers, were significantly higher in grasslands compared to agriculture and barren lands and were lower in the presence of livestock grazing. Orthopteran densities were higher and showed strong seasonal dependencies, likely driven by rainfall-mediated vegetation growth during monsoons. Intense grazing and agricultural expansion reduced vegetation biomass and resource availability, which affected the insect populations negatively. These research findings underscore the urgent need to implement ecologically sensitive land management practices, including sustainable grazing regimes and grassland conservation, to maintain insect biodiversity and the broader ecological network. Given the role of insects in ecosystem functioning and their importance to conservation dependent species of, such as the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), these findings underscore the ecological significance of preserving native grassland habitats in the Thar Desert landscape. Full article

The Larimichthys crocea represents a critically important economic marine species in China’s East Yellow Sea. However, its populations have experienced significant decline due to overexploitation. Despite implemented conservation measures—including stock enhancement, spawning ground protection, and seasonal fishing moratoria—the recovery of yellow croaker resources remains markedly slow. To address this, our study employed the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to evaluate and characterize the habitat selection patterns of Larimichthys crocea, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for scientifically informed stock enhancement and resource recovery strategies. Species occurrence data were compiled from field surveys conducted during April and November (2019–2023), supplemented with records from the GBIF database and peer-reviewed literature. Concurrent environmental variables, including primary productivity, current velocity, depth, temperature, salinity, silicate, nitrate, phosphate, and pH, were obtained from the Copernicus and NOAA databases. After rigorous screening, 136 distribution points (April) and 369 points (November) were retained for analysis. The model performance was robust, with an AUC (Area Under the Curve) value of 0.935 for April (2019–2023) and 0.905 for November (2019–2023), indicating excellent predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.9). April (2019–2023): Nitrate, salinity, phosphate, and silicate were identified as the primary environmental factors influencing habitat suitability. November (2019–2023): Silicate, salinity, nitrate, and primary productivity emerged as the dominant drivers. Spatially, Larimichthys crocea exhibited high-density distributions in offshore regions of Zhejiang and Jiangsu, particularly near the Yangtze River estuary. Populations were also associated with island-reef systems, forming continuous distributions along Zhejiang’s offshore waters. In Jiangsu, aggregations were concentrated between Nantong and Yancheng. This study delineates habitat suitability zones for Larimichthys crocea, offering a scientific basis for optimizing stock enhancement programs, designing targeted conservation measures, and establishing marine protected areas. Our findings enable policymakers to develop sustainable fisheries management strategies, ensuring the long-term viability of this ecologically and economically vital species. Full article

Understory vegetation, particularly dwarf bamboo, plays a crucial role in regulating forest nutrient cycles by intercepting litter and altering decomposition processes, yet its overall impacts remain understudied and insufficiently quantified. This study employs a combination of field surveys and decomposition bag experiments to investigate how understory dwarf bamboo (Fargesia decurvata) alters the spatial–temporal patterns of leaf litter production and decomposition. We found that the dwarf bamboo intercepted more than 25% of canopy litterfall, altering its spatial distribution and reducing decomposition efficiency in the bamboo crown (BC). Leaf trait-decomposition relationships differed strongly across habitats, being positive for saturated fresh weight (SFW), leaf thickness (LFT), and leaf area (LA) and dry weight (DW) in bamboo habitats but weaker in the bamboo-free habitat (NB). Potassium release was significantly higher in the BC treatment, whereas carbon release showed the opposite trend. In contrast, nitrogen and phosphorus exhibited net enrichment across all treatments, with phosphorus enrichment being slower in BC than in bamboo-covered ground surface (BG) and NB. Our results demonstrate that the understory dwarf bamboo reshapes the spatial distribution of litter and nutrient release dynamics during decomposition, resulting in element-specific nutrient release patterns. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how understory dwarf bamboo mediates nutrient cycling dynamics in forest communities. Full article

Ecological restoration of the Loess Plateau plays a pivotal role in mitigating land degradation and promoting regional sustainability. In this study, landscape pattern metrics were integrated into the MaxEnt model to evaluate the influence of landscape configuration on restoration planning. Nine representative species from three vegetation strata—herbs, shrubs, and trees—were selected based on ecological suitability. A comprehensive set of variables, including environmental, anthropogenic, and landscape metrics, was constructed for modeling. Results demonstrate that incorporating landscape metrics significantly enhanced the spatial explanatory power, providing a robust supplement to traditional ecological restoration assessments. Distinct responses to landscape structure were observed among vegetation types: herb species were more sensitive to patch aggregation and connectivity, shrubs preferred regular edges and larger patch size, while tree species favored extensive, low-fragmentation core habitats. Vertical structure optimization revealed that while large areas were suitable for single vegetation layers, composite vegetation configurations were more appropriate in certain central and southern subregions. These findings underscore the importance of landscape structure in guiding restoration strategies and serve as a basis for designing ecologically coherent and spatially targeted vegetation restoration plans on the Loess Plateau. Full article

The coastal waters of the northern Shandong Peninsula have abundant fishery resources, which serve as a critical transitional fishing ground for economic fish migrating into the Bohai Sea for spawning and departing for overwintering habitats. However, anthropogenic pressures such as garbage dumping have led to severe degradation of local fishery resources and concomitant adverse effects on zooplankton communities. To assess these impacts, we analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution, community structure, dominant species, and diversity indices of zooplankton based on sampling data collected in spring from 2015 to 2018 in this region. A total of 24 zooplankton species and 11 larval classes were identified, with the highest species richness observed in 2016. Calanus sinicus and Centropages abdominalis were the primary dominant species, with C. sinicus consistently predominant across all four years. Notably, the dominant species exhibited marked annual variability. The abundance and biomass of zooplankton in the surveyed area exhibited significant annual variations, both showing a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. Peak abundance occurred in 2015 (594.36 ind/m³), while the lowest was recorded in 2017 (118.73 ind/m³). Spatially, abundance and biomass were heterogeneous, with coastal waters exhibiting higher concentrations than offshore areas. The overall low level of community diversity and its significant annual variations indicated that the zooplankton community structure in the surveyed sea area was unstable and showed a trend of degenerative succession. The community structure of zooplankton and larger-bodied dominant species showed stronger correlations with phytoplankton dynamics, whereas smaller-bodied species were more influenced by water temperature. Full article

Austrian loess cliffs represent unique habitats supporting a rich bryophyte flora, including numerous rare and endangered species. We conducted a comprehensive survey of 86 loess cliff sites in the Pannonian area of Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Vienna, recording 79 bryophyte species. The results highlight that Austrian loess cliffs, despite their small spatial extent, are key refugia for light-demanding, desiccation-tolerant bryophytes. Hilpertia velenovskyi, a critically endangered species, was recorded at six new sites, expanding its known Austrian distribution. Our study also documents the first Austrian occurrences of several Pterygoneurum species. Seven bryophyte communities were distinguished: Aloinetum rigidae, Hilpertio velenovskyi–Pterygoneuretum compacti, and the newly described subassociations Didymodontetum glauci didymodontetosum cordati and Eurhynchietum schleicheri didymodontetosum cordati, as well as Pterygoneuro–Acaulonetum triquetri ass. nov. Multivariate analyses suggest carbonate content as the most consistent environmental driver. Despite their ecological significance, loess cliffs are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, overgrowth by vascular plants, and shading from invasive trees. Our study provides a detailed syntaxonomic and ecological framework for bryophyte communities on loess cliffs, underlining their role as refugia for rare species and the urgent need to protect remaining sites in the Pannonian region. Full article

This study develops a geomorphological identification methodology for wall reefs in the microcontinental environment of Wangiwangi Island, Indonesia, using medium-resolution Landsat 8 satellite imagery and morphological analysis based on Maxwell’s geomorphological framework. The uniqueness of the wall reef landform lies in the fact that the lagoon elongates on limestone, resulting in a habitat and ecosystem that develops differently from those of other shelf reefs, namely, platform reefs and plug reefs. Using Optimum Index Factor (OIF) optimization and RGB image composites, four reef types were successfully identified: cuspate reefs, open ring reefs, closed ring reefs, and resorbed reefs. A field check was conducted at fifteen observation sites, which included measurements of depth, turbidity, and water quality parameters, as well as an in situ benthic habitat inventory. The analysis results showed a strong correlation between image composites, geomorphological reef classes, and ecological conditions, confirming the successful adaptation of Maxwell’s classification to the Indonesian reef system. This hybrid integrated approach successfully maps the distribution of reefs on a complex continental shelf, providing an essential database for shallow-water spatial planning, ecosystem-based conservation, and sustainable management in the Coral Triangle region. Policy recommendations include zoning schemes for protected areas based on reef landform morphology, strengthening integrative monitoring systems, and utilizing high-resolution imagery and machine learning algorithms in further research. Full article

This work addresses the problem of synurbization, with its causes and effects specified using the example of wild boar (Sus scrofa). It presents basic biological parameters of the species, including those that promote its synurbization—small habitat demands, omnivorism, as well as ecological, behavioral, and demographic flexibility. It also discusses intra-species transformations stemming from wild boar adaptation to the urban space and pinpoints habitat fragmentation, ecological restoration, and phenotypic flexibility as the underlying causes of people–wild boar interactions. These interactions are primarily negative because wild boars attack humans and domestic animals and cause many traffic accidents. An analysis of the literature included in this study shows that, unfortunately, there are currently no fully effective methods that could protect urban areas and their inhabitants from the threats posed by wild boars. In order for sustainable urban development policies to be effectively implemented, there is a need for intensive, holistic research and cooperation between experts in many fields: wildlife, economics, public health, sociology, ethics, psychology, and urban planning. The synurbanization of wild boars is a large and growing social problem, but from an ecological perspective, there is a need to take action and develop methods to mitigate human/wild animal conflicts, not only from a human perspective. A one-sided view and action can be a threat to many animal species. Full article

Due to its ecological functions, huge economic benefits, and excellent nutritional and physiological activities, Lentinula edodes is a very popular edible fungus in Asia, especially in China. Changes in the distribution and population of wild L. edodes play an important role in conservation, variety improvements, and breeding. This investigation detected wild L. edodes in 28 provinces and municipalities in China, encompassing approximately 300 regions and natural reserves. MaxEnt analysis of 53 effective distribution locations indicated that host plants, Bio19 (precipitation in the coldest quarter), Bio10 (mean temperature of the warmest quarter), and Bio17 (precipitation in the driest quarter) made the most critical contributions to this model. The areas of suitable and highly suitable habitats were 55.386 × 10⁴ km² and 88.493 × 10⁴ km², respectively. Under four climate change scenarios, the L. edodes distribution was predicted to decrease and the suitable habitat area shifted to the north and west of China. The decrease in highly suitable habitat area ranged from 21.155% in the 2070s under the ssp1-2.6 scenario to 90.522% in the 2050s under the ssp3-7.5 scenario. This sharp reduction in habitat areas suggests that we should take measures to prevent the deterioration of the environment and climate and thus to ensure the survival of L. edodes. Full article

For lotic salmonids, pool habitats are critical to persistence and resilience. In the central Appalachians, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis Mitchill 1814) is an imperiled species that relies on pool habitats for refuge during drought and for spawning. We sought to study trends in pool habitats by studying habitat distribution and trends in 25 headwater systems over 18 years. Our analysis documented a significant decreasing trend in critical pool habitat (p = 0.006) and a significant increase in distance between these pools (p = 0.001) since 2003. Natural recruitment of large wood from second-growth riparian areas appears to be slower than losses. However, large wood recruitment from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, at least temporarily stabilized pool numbers. While salmonid populations can be highly resilient, disturbances can create unstable habitat conditions. These conditions could become more probable with projected alteration of flow regime due to climate change. These results highlight the need to further understand the potential impacts acute disturbances like drought, floods, debris flows, and other formidable events could have on temporal habitat availability. Full article

This systematic review examines the role of rural tourism in promoting sustainable development, focusing on its interaction with forest ecosystems and the essential ecosystem services they provide. A comprehensive literature search across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar identified 142 peer-reviewed articles, analyzed through qualitative synthesis and bibliometric mapping. The review highlights four thematic clusters in rural tourism research: impacts on rural areas, destination management, resident perspectives and cultural sustainability, and emerging themes like place attachment. It emphasizes the reliance of rural tourism on ecosystem services, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting, especially those linked to forest ecosystems. Examples from Monteverde, Costa Rica, and Tuscany, Italy, illustrate the role of rural tourism in supporting biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable agriculture. However, uncontrolled tourism in forested regions can lead to deforestation and ecosystem degradation, as seen in the Lake District, Masai Mara, and Rajasthan. The review stresses the need for sustainable practices to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism, advocating for an integrated sustainability framework that balances economic, environmental, and governance aspects. Best practices include eco-friendly infrastructure, community participation, and environmental education. The potential of emerging technologies, such as eco-certification systems and smart tourism, is explored to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism. The review calls for stronger policy integration, equitable benefit-sharing, capacity building, and longitudinal research to ensure resilient rural tourism that harmonizes ecosystem conservation with socio-economic development. In conclusion, the integration of sustainable practices and community involvement is crucial for aligning rural tourism with forest ecosystem conservation. Full article