|
|
- Conservation in troubled times
Authors: Dudley; Nigel, Mitchell, Brent A., Redford, Kent H., Stolton, Sue, Timmins, Hannah L., Watson, James E.M.
Pages: 1 - 3
PubDate: 2025-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000286
- ORX volume 59 issue 1 Cover and Front matter
Pages: 1 - 2
PubDate: 2025-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000547
- ORX volume 59 issue 1 Cover and Back matter
Pages: 1 - 2
PubDate: 2025-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000559
- Briefly
Pages: 4 - 9
PubDate: 2025-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000523
- A major victory in the effort to end the online, ornamental trade in bats
Authors: Coleman; Joanna L., Huang, Joe Chun-Chia, Kingston, Tigga, Lee, Benjamin P.Y.-H., O'Keefe, Joy M., Randhawa, Nistara, Rutrough, Abigail L., Shepherd, Chris R., Thong, Vu Dinh, Tsang, Susan M.
Pages: 10 - 10
PubDate: 2025-02-26
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001844
- Marine conservation in Indonesia's Senayang Islands: addressing threats to
dugongs and hawksbill turtles within the coral triangle
Authors: Alawy; Fauzan, Saifimar, Chantira, Firdamayanti, Alia, Rusmadi, , Wijaya, Kesuma, Rachmat, Henti Hendalastuti
Pages: 10 - 11
PubDate: 2025-02-26
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001595
- Turning the tide for sharks: Important Shark and Ray Areas
Authors: Armstrong; Asia O., Batlle-Morera, Amanda, Bettcher Brito, Vanessa, Charles, Ryan, García-Rodríguez, Emiliano, Gonzalez-Pestana, Adriana, Kyne, Peter M., Notarbartolo di Sciara, Giuseppe, Palacios, Marta D., Rohner, Christoph A., Jabado, Rima W.
Pages: 11 - 12
PubDate: 2025-03-06
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001790
- Lost and found: discovery of the painted swellshark Cephaloscyllium pictum
in Timor-Leste
Authors: Claassens; Louw, Giddens, Jonatha, Gama Pinto, Junior, Delaney, Denley, Ebert, David A.
Pages: 12 - 12
PubDate: 2025-03-13
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001777
- Eels: uncertain impacts of proposed CITES listings
Authors: Stein; Florian Martin, Nijman, Vincent, Lau, Mickey Chung Wai, Dekker, Willem
Pages: 12 - 13
PubDate: 2025-02-06
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000018
- New records of the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in the Qomolangma
National Nature Reserve, Tibet
Authors: Ding; Yu, Wu, Nan, Liu, Yixuan, Zhong, Hua, Cering, Lhaba, Shi, Kun
Pages: 13 - 14
PubDate: 2025-03-20
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001741
- New surveys reveal high biodiversity of Lake Télé, Congo
Authors: Brugiere; David, Chirio, Laurent, Agnèse, Jean-François
Pages: 13 - 13
PubDate: 2025-03-06
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001601
- Fungi gaining ground at recent CBD and IUCN meetings
Authors: Barron; Elizabeth Sanna
Pages: 14 - 15
PubDate: 2025-03-06
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001819
- Saving Ulmus elongata: an Endangered tree endemic to China
Authors: Chen; Di, Li, Yali, Wen, XiangYing
Pages: 15 - 16
PubDate: 2025-03-13
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001728
- New record of the Endangered Nymphaea candida discovered in Xinjiang,
China
Authors: Zhou; Xinyu, Liu, Huiliang, Zhang, Yuanming, Guan, Kaiyun
Pages: 15 - 15
PubDate: 2025-02-26
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001753
- The last remaining southern muriquis Brachyteles arachnoides from the
interior of São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Robbi; Beatriz, Melo, Fabiano Rodrigues de, Montilha De Oliveira, Edson, Strier, Karen B.
Pages: 16 - 17
PubDate: 2025-02-27
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001807
- Ex situ planting movement for Indonesia's threatened trees
Authors: Zaman; Mokhamad Nur, Hamidi, Arief, Robiansyah, Iyan
Pages: 16 - 16
PubDate: 2025-02-26
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001789
- New record of Leopardus guigna in Chile expands its range northwards
Authors: Riffo; Ricardo Pino, Aedo, Luna Pino
Pages: 17 - 18
PubDate: 2025-02-27
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001856
- Designing and evaluating alternative livelihoods for shark conservation: a
case study on thresher sharks in Alor Island, Indonesia
Authors: Shidqi; Rafid A., Sari, Dewi R., Alopen, Jeheskiel, Bang, Yodhikson M., Arianto, Igo, Kopong, Primiaty N. S., TD, Vivekananda Gitandjali, Smulders, Etoile, Booth, Hollie
Pages: 19 - 30
Abstract: The pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus is an Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species primarily threatened by overfishing. Indonesia is the world's largest shark fishing nation, and in Alor Island, thresher sharks have been a primary target for small-scale fishing communities for decades, sustaining subsistence livelihoods and serving as a protein source. With thresher shark populations continuously declining, there is a need for conservation measures to reduce shark mortality from fishing, while also securing the well-being of coastal communities. This study presents results and lessons learnt from a multi-faceted effort to reduce communities’ dependence on this Endangered shark species through a livelihood-based intervention complemented by collaborative species management and community outreach. Using a theory-based and statistical research design, we describe the approach taken in our intervention and its conservation outcomes. Total thresher shark catches were 91% lower among fishers who participated in our intervention compared to non-participants. Participating fishers also experienced increases in their income, in some cases by up to 525% relative to the income before the intervention. Occasional violations and challenges in the form of socio-political conflicts also occurred, yet these incidents acted as catalysts for regulatory change and reinforced stakeholder collaboration. This suggests overall positive outcomes and the potential for continued social change in shark conservation in the region over the long term. Our findings outline some generalizable lessons learnt for designing and implementing bottom-up livelihood-based interventions in other contexts.
PubDate: 2025-02-11
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001376
- Reanalysis of sequences of alleged Javan tiger highlights the difficulties
in studying big cats and the need for high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Khan; Anubhab, Yulianto, Yulianto, Aninta, Sabhrina Gita, Wirdateti, Wirdateti
Pages: 75 - 80
Abstract: Big cats are of conservation concern throughout their range, and genetic tools are often employed to study them for various purposes. However, there are several difficulties in using genetic tools for big cat conservation that could be resolved by modern methods of DNA sequencing. Recent reports of the sighting of a putative Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica in West Java, Indonesia, highlight some of the difficulties of studying the genetics of big cats. We reanalysed the data of the original reports and found that the conclusions were drawn based on incorrect copies of the genes. Specifically, the nuclear copy of the mitochondrial gene was analysed with the mitochondrial sequence, leading to discordance in the results. However, re-sequencing of the remaining DNA confirms that the sighting could have been that of a tiger, but the subspecies cannot be confirmed. This work highlights the urgency of developing high-throughput sequencing infrastructure in the tropics and the need for reliable databases for the study of big cats.
PubDate: 2025-01-23
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001297
- First density estimates of the Endangered Claire's mouse lemur Microcebus
mamiratra and recommendations for its conservation
Authors: Martin; Luke D., Razafimanantsoa, Herison, Nomenjanahary, Eva S., Volampeno, Sylviane, Behie, Alison M.
Pages: 109 - 118
Abstract: Mouse lemurs Microcebus spp. are small, nocturnal primates endemic to Madagascar. The genus is extraordinarily diverse, with 25 extant species, several of which have been described recently. The Endangered Claire's mouse lemur Microcebus mamiratra was first described in 2006, but, similarly to other newly described mouse lemurs, remains understudied, and estimates of its population size are unavailable, hampering effective conservation management. We conducted line transect distance sampling surveys of M. mamiratra across several habitat types in and around Lokobe National Park on the island of Nosy Be in north-western Madagascar. Using a systematic random design we surveyed 15 transects over a 6-week period in 2023, recording 92 detections from a total survey effort of 46.5 km. We estimate the density of M. mamiratra on Nosy Be to be 125.1 individuals/km2, which extrapolates to an estimate of c. 4,700 individuals across the forested areas of its range on the island. Our results indicate that Nosy Be harbours moderately high densities of M. mamiratra, with the highest encounter rates in the unprotected secondary and degraded forests around Lokobe National Park. Our population estimate will inform future conservation status assessments and conservation planning for this range-restricted species and provide a baseline for monitoring population changes over time. We present recommendations for the conservation of M. mamiratra and highlight the potential for lemur watching, sustained by the strong tourism industry on Nosy Be, to help protect lemur habitat and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
PubDate: 2025-01-27
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000772
- Conservation Crisis' Status of jaguars Panthera onca in Corcovado National
Park, Costa Rica —CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Olson, Erik R., Shen, Yunyi, Matzinger, Parker J., Solano Mora, Evelyn Tatiana, Saborío-R; Guido, Azofeifa, Alejandro
Pages: 136 - 136
PubDate: 2025-04-22
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605325000249
- Return of the Eurasian lynx: using local stakeholder knowledge and
experiences to inform lynx conservation in the French Alps
Authors: Alexander; Justine Shanti, Christe, Philippe, Zimmermann, Fridolin
Pages: 31 - 39
Abstract: Large carnivore conservation in human-dominated landscapes is a complex issue, often marked by the stark contrast between those who hold deep-rooted animosity towards these animals and those who welcome their presence. The survival of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in Europe relies on effective coexistence with humans in multi-use areas. We explored the experiences and perceptions of local hunters and pastoralists regarding the return of the lynx to the Giffre Valley, France, and mapped lynx distribution based on the probability of site use while accounting for detection probability. We conducted in-depth interviews with 29 respondents to gather data on lynx sightings, rationale for hunting and pastoralism, and perceptions of lynxes. We found that 45% of respondents had detected lynxes in the last 40 years, with an estimated site use of 0.66 ± SE 0.33 over the last decade, indicating there was a 66% probability of lynxes using the sites during that time period. Our results suggest that hunting and pastoralism in the region are rooted in a desire to carry on local traditions and connect with the natural world. Respondents generally tolerated the presence of lynxes, perceiving few threats to their livelihoods and activities, and expressing a willingness to coexist peacefully. However, some identified future challenges that could arise with the return of large carnivores to the valley and highlighted scenarios that could lead to a decline in tolerance. This study emphasizes the valuable knowledge of local hunters and pastoralists and their potential role in lynx population monitoring and conservation. Integrating stakeholder values in decision-making processes is crucial for inclusive and sustainable responses to promote biodiversity.
PubDate: 2024-10-23
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000334
- Participatory modelling across Kenyan villages facilitates insights into
the complexity of human–elephant interactions
Authors: Von Hagen; Lynn, Gray, Steven A., Schulte, Bruce A., Githiru, Mwangi, Kiute, Helena I., Lepczyk, Christopher A.
Pages: 40 - 49
Abstract: Negative human–wildlife interactions are a growing problem, particularly for people living near protected areas and wildlife refuges. In Kenya, African savannah elephants Loxodonta africana threaten food security for subsistence farmers by crop foraging, which can jeopardize conservation efforts if farmers retaliate against elephants. To inform conservation and management, this study had three objectives: (1) to evaluate stakeholder participatory models of human–elephant conflict; (2) to note any novel or underrepresented variables in the models; and (3) to determine if there were indicators for assessing the success of mitigation programmes using a biocultural approach. We conducted participatory modelling sessions in six villages in rural Kenya using fuzzy cognitive mapping (n = 206 participants). Farmers created group visual models with variables related to conflict with elephants. A total of 14 variables were common across all six villages, with the two highest centrality scores (a measure of importance to overall dynamics) associated with income and feelings of security. Most variables fell into two categories: environmental interactions, and policy and management. Multiple variables such as road infrastructure (drivers) and soil compaction (consequences) were identified as aspects of conflicts that are under-reported or absent in scientific literature, as well as potential socio-cultural indicators. The participatory method used is a tool for gaining more refined insights into interactions with elephants, with implications for other complex conservation issues or wildlife interactions. A more holistic view of the impacts of human–elephant interactions as demonstrated here can lead to sustainable, co-developed programmes that benefit both farmer livelihoods and elephant conservation.
PubDate: 2024-12-04
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000449
- Partnerships between private landowners and conservationists to protect
one of the most evolutionarily distinct amphibians
Authors: Valenzuela-Sánchez; Andrés, Miranda, Sebastián, Moreno-Gonzalez, Ricardo, Gerding, Julio, Catrileo, Rayen, Guillemot, Jules, Delgado-Oyarzún, Soledad, Núñez, Maricela, Cunningham, Andrew A., Zapararte, María Belén
Pages: 50 - 53
Abstract: Wildlife conservation on private land is an important approach that is increasingly utilized to protect biodiversity and can help contribute to the 30 by 30 target of the Global Biodiversity Framework. In 2018, a Chilean non-profit conservation organization launched a land conservation programme aiming to build long-term partnerships with private landowners to protect critical habitat for threatened amphibians in Chilean Patagonia. Here we describe a new locality record of the micro-endemic, Endangered Barrio's frog Insuetophrynus acarpicus found at a site that joined the programme in 2020. Barrio's frog is ranked 11th in the list of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered amphibians. Our systematic literature search showed that most aspects of the natural history and ecology of this species are unknown, limiting our ability to provide actionable science to inform its conservation. The newly described Barrio's frog population is the eighth known locality of this species and one of only three occurring within a protected area. Habitat quality assessments indicated optimal conditions for most of the measured habitat parameters in the high-gradient stream where the species occurs. This case study illustrates that long-term partnerships between private landowners and conservationists can be used as an effective tool to protect the habitat of highly threatened amphibians.
PubDate: 2024-03-11
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000115
- The Pangolin Universal Notching System: a scale-marking methodology for
pangolins
Authors: Martin; Jeannie Miller, Buckley, Jacqueline Y., Connelly, Ellen, Hywood, Lisa, Lacey, L. Mae, Ruden, Rachel M., Ruhagazi, Deo, Wearn, Anna
Pages: 54 - 60
Abstract: Despite thousands of individuals entering the illegal wildlife trade each year, assessments of pangolin populations are largely non-existent, even in areas with high exploitation and limited personnel and field equipment. Although pangolins have unique keratin-based scales, there is no universal scale-marking method for individuals despite some pangolin conservation programmes utilizing marking for reference and cataloguing. Each programme currently establishes and manages its own system, resulting in inconsistencies and limiting data sharing. To facilitate pangolin monitoring and research, we developed a standardized method for assigning individual identification numbers, which we call the Pangolin Universal Notching System. This system is neither resource nor training intensive, which could facilitate its adoption and implementation globally. Its application could help to address knowledge gaps in pangolin ageing, reproduction, survivorship, migration and local trafficking patterns, and could be used in combination with other tagging techniques for research on pangolin biology.
PubDate: 2024-09-16
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000656
- First camera-trap evidence of the Critically Endangered Chinese pangolin
Manis pentadactyla in Kavrepalanchok community forests, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha; Nischal, Pandey, Sadip Raj, Shrestha, Sandeep, Bashyal, Ashish
Pages: 61 - 64
Abstract: The Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List but little is known about its status in Nepal. Although indirect sign surveys have reported its presence in several community forests in Kavrepalanchok district, no photographic or video evidence has previously been documented. We used camera traps to investigate the occurrence of pangolins in 20 community forests in Panauti Municipality in Kavrepalanchok. A total of 75 0.01 km2 plots were surveyed using camera traps during September 2022–February 2023, with a total survey effort of 803 trap-days. The cameras recorded a total of 16 individual video footage events of Chinese pangolins in six of the community forests. This is the first camera-trap evidence of the species' presence in these forest patches, and in Kavrepalanchok district. The pangolins displayed behaviours such as sniffing, gathering plant material and digging, between 18.00 and 1.00. The camera-trap records provide more accurate species identification and reliable information than indirect sign surveys, indicating camera traps are a useful surveying tool for rare, nocturnal and elusive pangolins.
PubDate: 2024-10-09
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000450
- Georeferencing Sunda pangolin Manis javanica records in Singapore
Authors: Aziz; Muhammad Khairuldin, O'Dempsey, Anthony, Ng, Bee Choo, Balakrishnan, Kalai Vanan, Luz, Sonja, Yeong, Charlene, Chan, Sharon, Chua, Marcus A.H.
Pages: 65 - 68
Abstract: In Singapore, the Critically Endangered Sunda pangolin Manis javanica is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and road traffic collisions. To mitigate these threats, an understanding of its spatiotemporal distribution is needed, as identified in the National Conservation Strategy and Action Plan for the species. However, Sunda pangolin occurrence data are held in multiple separate databases, are typically collected using non-standardized methods, and often lack accurate location details. To compile a complete georeferenced database of Sunda pangolin records in Singapore, we consolidated occurrence data from heterogeneous databases and mainstream and social media, and converted locality descriptions into geographical coordinates. We demonstrate the use of this database to analyse data on rescued pangolins and those killed on roads, to aid conservation efforts in Singapore, and describe other potential applications. We georeferenced 482 records of pangolin sightings, rescues and roadkill for 1996–2021, finding an increase in all three over the study period. Roadkill and rescues occurred mostly in central and western Singapore, close to forested areas, and were predominantly of subadults and adult males. The data can be used to inform threat mitigation strategies, post-rescue release plans and further research. The database has already been used in practice, contributing to environmental impact assessments and conservation recommendations. Overall, this georeferenced database demonstrates the value of citizen science and collating wildlife data from multiple sources, and the methods used can be applied to other taxa to aid conservation strategies.
PubDate: 2024-09-16
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000206
- No reliable evidence supports the presence of the Javan tiger: data issues
related to the DNA analysis of a recent hair sample
Authors: Sui; Zheng-Yan, Yamaguchi, Nobuyuki, Liu, Yue-Chen, Xue, Hao-Ran, Sun, Xin, Nyhus, Philip, Luo, Shu-Jin
Pages: 69 - 74
Abstract: A recent study published in Oryx proposed that the extinct Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica may still survive on the Island of Java, Indonesia, based on mitochondrial DNA analysis of a single hair sample collected from a location where a tiger was reportedly encountered. However, upon reanalysing the genetic data presented in that study, we conclude that there is little support for this claim. The sequences of the putative tiger hair and Javan tiger museum specimens generated are not from tiger cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA but more likely the nuclear pseudogene copies of mitochondrial DNA. In addition, the number of mismatches between the two Javan tiger sequences is unusually high for homologous sequences that are both from tigers, suggesting potential issues with data reliability. The paper provides insufficient details on quality control measures, making it impossible to rule out the possibility that errors were introduced during the analysis. Consequently, it is inappropriate to use the sequences presented in that study to infer the existence of the Javan tiger.
PubDate: 2024-12-06
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324001248
- Doing social science with conservation: co-reflexivity on the project
model in conservation
Authors: Schreer; Viola, Thung, Paul, Freeman, Scott, Anirudh, Namrata Biligeri, Campbell-Smith, Gail, Eghenter, Cristina, Spehar, Stephanie
Pages: 81 - 90
Abstract: The conservation sector increasingly values reflexivity, in which professionals critically reflect on the social, institutional and political aspects of their work. Reflexivity offers diverse benefits, from enhancing individual performance to driving institutional transformation. However, integrating reflexivity into conservation practice remains challenging and is often confined to informal reflections with limited impact. To overcome this challenge, we introduce co-reflexivity, offering an alternative to the binary distinction between social science on or for conservation, which respectively produce critical outsider accounts of conservation or provide social science instruments for achieving conservation objectives. Instead, co-reflexivity is a form of social science with conservation, in which conservation professionals and social scientists jointly develop critical yet constructive perspectives on and approaches to conservation. We demonstrate the value of co-reflexivity by presenting a set of reflections on the project model, the dominant framework for conservation funding, which organizes conservation activity into distinct, target-oriented and temporally bounded units that can be funded, implemented and evaluated separately. Co-reflexivity helps reveal the diverse challenges that the project model creates for conservation practice, including for the adoption of reflexivity itself. Putting insights from social science research in dialogue with reflections from conservation professionals, we co-produce a critique of project-based conservation with both theoretical and practical implications. These cross-disciplinary conversations provide a case study of how co-reflexivity can enhance the conservation–social science relationship.
PubDate: 2024-10-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000747
- Using decision analysis to develop a framework for nest protection for
threatened birds
Authors: Tripovich; Joy S., Walshe, Terry, Elphinstone, Andrew, Ingwersen, Dean, Roderick, Mick, Pitcher, Benjamin J.
Pages: 91 - 100
Abstract: The regent honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia is a Critically Endangered Australian songbird, with current population estimates of < 300 individuals remaining in the wild. Low nest success is a factor preventing the recovery of the population, and management remedies are needed. However, a lack of data on intervention success raises uncertainty and impedes planning. To identify management priorities under uncertainty, we engaged with conservation practitioners and key stakeholders to develop and evaluate potential nest protection interventions. Four categories of threats were considered: avian predators, mammalian predators, extreme weather events and avian competitors. The interventions with the highest predicted probabilities of nest success under each threat category were, respectively: lethal control of avian predators, the use of tree collars to control arboreal mammalian predators, the provisioning of supplementary food and nesting resources during extreme weather events, and control of the noisy miner Manorina melanocephala, a competitor species. Our analysis shows that by applying a combination of conservation actions alongside improvements in nest detection, it is possible, based on the opinion of experts, to provide a pathway for the recovery of the regent honeyeater.
PubDate: 2024-12-27
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000942
- Human–African buffalo conflict: perceptions of damage, and mitigation
strategies, in villages bordering Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Authors: Hariohay; Kwaslema Malle, Marandu, Ebenezer B., Lyimo, Emmanuel H., Bajuta, Elibariki S.
Pages: 101 - 108
Abstract: Human–wildlife conflict is a critical and complex challenge in wildlife conservation. It arises when humans and wildlife interact and one or both parties suffer negative consequences from the interaction. This research assessed the extent of damage resulting from human–African buffalo Syncerus caffer conflict and explored mitigation strategies. We used a semi-structured questionnaire-based survey of 131 households randomly selected in Kambi ya Simba, Oldeani and Tloma villages surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Our results revealed that resource competition was the main factor inducing human–African buffalo conflict. The impacts reported most frequently were crop damage (especially during the wet seasons) and human casualties. Crops that were most often damaged included maize, beans, wheat, peas and coffee. To minimize buffalo crop depredation, farmers currently use traditional mitigation approaches such as guarding farms, lighting fires, using torchlight and vocal and other auditory deterrents. In addition, a local coffee estate installed electrified fencing around its plantation. Our findings demonstrate the impacts of human–African buffalo conflict on local communities and the importance of continuing human–African buffalo conflict monitoring to improve conservation action and increase the participation of the local community in conservation activities. To minimize human–African buffalo conflict, we recommend conservation strategies that improve the natural habitat of the African buffalo. Most importantly, providing communities affected by human–African buffalo conflict with modern and more effective mitigation methods, paired with increased community awareness of the use of these methods, could result in significant reductions in the human cost of human–African buffalo conflict.
PubDate: 2024-11-13
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000784
- Distribution and potential habitat of the Vulnerable Himalayan wolf Canis
lupus chanco in Bhutan
Authors: Dhendup; Tashi, Letro, , Tandin, , Wangdi, Sonam
Pages: 119 - 122
Abstract: The rare Himalayan wolf Canis lupus chanco is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and there is limited knowledge of its ecology and distribution. In Bhutan, the Himalayan wolf is one of the least known carnivores. Our aims in this study were to map the current distribution of the wolf in Bhutan and to identify potential habitats within the country. We compiled 32 records of wolf presence from camera-trap surveys and, using a maximum entropy approach, we estimated a potential habitat of 2,431 km2, comprising c. 6.3% of Bhutan. However, wolf presence was localized and non-continuous. We recommend a detailed fine-scale habitat analysis in areas of potential habitat and genetic studies to investigate population structure. Knowledge of these matters will provide insights regarding connectivity and facilitate the development of conservation strategies for this threatened wolf.
PubDate: 2024-05-06
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000127
- Half a century of survey data reveal population recovery but persistent
threats for the Vulnerable yellow-footed rock-wallaby in Queensland,
Australia
Authors: Silcock; Jennifer Lesley, Gynther, Ian C., Horsup, Alan, Molyneux, Jenny, Wattz, Tracy L., Fairfax, Russell J., Healy, Al J., Murphy, David, McRae, Peter D.
Pages: 123 - 135
Abstract: The record of mammal declines and extinctions in Australia raises concerns regarding geographically restricted and poorly known taxa. For many taxa, the existing data are insufficient to assess their conservation status and inform appropriate management. Concerns regarding the persistence of the subspecies of yellow-footed rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus celeris, which is endemic to Queensland, have been expressed since the 1970s because of red fox Vulpes vulpes predation, competition with feral goats Capra hircus and land clearing. This rock-wallaby is rarely observed, occupies rugged mountain ranges and, prior to our surveys, had not been surveyed for 25 years. We surveyed 138 sites across the range of this rock-wallaby during 2010–2023, including revisiting sites surveyed in the 1970s–1980s and locations of historical records. We examined occurrence in relation to habitat variables and threats. Occupancy and abundance remained similar over time at most sites. However, by 2023 the subspecies had recolonized areas in the north-east of its range where it had disappeared between surveys in the 1980s and 2010s, and three south-western subpopulations that were considered extinct in the 1980s were rediscovered. Recolonization and increases in abundance at numerous sites between the 2010s and 2020s are associated with declines in feral goat abundance, indicating dietary and habitat competition are major threats. Exclusion fences erected since 2010 could limit genetic exchange between rock-wallaby subpopulations whilst allowing domestic goats to be commercially grazed. Petrogale xanthopus celeris should remain categorized as Vulnerable based on these ongoing threats. Repeated monitoring approximately every decade should underpin management of this endemic taxon.
PubDate: 2024-11-19
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000760
|
Open Access journal
