 Subjects -> CONSERVATION (Total: 128 journals)
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- ORX volume 58 issue 3 Cover and Front matter
Pages: 1 - 2
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S003060532400067X
- ORX volume 58 issue 3 Cover and Back matter
Pages: 1 - 2
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000681
- Areas of hope: ensuring the conservation of future values of nature
Authors: Redford; Kent H., Dudley, Nigel
Pages: 273 - 274
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000553
- Briefly
Pages: 275 - 280
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000668
- Opportunity: assess programme impact by testing an adaptation of the IUCN
Green Status of Species
Authors: Young; Rebecca E., Akçakaya, H. Reşit, Bennet, Elizabeth L., Hoffmann, Michael, Hudson, Michael A., Long, Barney, McMurdo Hamilton, Thalassa, Neam, Kelsey, Owen, Megan A., Young, Richard P., Grace, Molly K.
Pages: 281 - 281
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000292
- Online publications for responsible primate-watching for tourists and for
tourism professionals
Authors: Waters; Siân, Hansen, Malene Friis
Pages: 281 - 282
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000243
- IUCN Species Survival Commission Aquatic Fungi Specialist Group
Authors: Fernandes; Isabel, Fryar, Sally, Böhm, Monika
Pages: 282 - 282
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000322
- Launching of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Spain Species Specialist
Group
Authors: Cano-Alonso; Luis Santiago, Acedo, Carmen, Almunia, Javier, Bellido, J. Jesus, Calmaestra, Ricardo G., Tellería, Jose Luis
Pages: 282 - 283
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000280
- The Salto Morato Manifest for Conservation Translocations
Authors: Fernandez; Fernando, Leuchtenberger, Caroline, Araújo, Valquíria, Barbosa, Antonio, Barquero, Gonzalo, Bernardo, Christine, Desbiez, Arnaud, Felippi, Daniel, Galliez, Maron, Kaizer, Mariane, Kanaan, Vanessa, Landis, Mariana, Lopes-Rocha, Fabiana, Lugarini, Camile, Mangini, Paulo, May-Junior, Joares, Melo, Fabiano, Miranda, Everton, Nunes, Fabio, Oliveira, Marcos, Paula, Rogério, Rambaldi, Denise, Renzeti, Lara, Ruiz-Miranda, Carlos, Sipinski, Elenise, Somenzari, Marina, Valença-Montenegro, Mônica, Rheingantz, Marcelo
Pages: 283 - 283
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000231
- White stork conservation: first use of nest platforms on power poles in
Iran
Authors: Kolnegari; Mahmood, Khosravi, Mohammad Ali, Basiri, Ali Akbar, Hazrati, Mandana, Guerrero-Casado, Jose, Tortosa, Francisco S., Harness, Richard
Pages: 284 - 284
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000413
- Reasons for hope: an ecological corridor for the northern muriqui
Authors: Kaizer; Mariane C., Teixeira, Brenda Sthefanie, Clyvia, Aryanne, Ferraz, Daniel, de Melo, Fabiano R., Goulart, Vinicius Donisete Lima Rodrigues
Pages: 284 - 285
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000310
- Signs of population recovery of the buffy-headed marmoset Callithrix
flaviceps
Authors: Possamai; Carla B., Lima, Marlon, Melo, Fabiano Rodrigues de, Mendes, Sérgio Lucena, Strier, Karen B.
Pages: 285 - 285
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000267
- First plant conservation translocation in Armenia: restoring globally
threatened wild pear populations
Authors: Asatryan; Anna
Pages: 286 - 286
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000279
- Seeds of collaboration for the Indian Botanical Gardens Network
Authors: Dhyani; Anurag, Blanchflower, Paul, Gratzfeld, Joachim
Pages: 286 - 287
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000152
- Rewilding of black softshell turtles in Brahmaputra landscape, India
Authors: Singh; Shailendra, Kar, Sushmita, Pegu, Khagesh
Pages: 287 - 287
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000309
- Rediscovery of the Critically Endangered Plantago fengdouensis in Sichuan,
China
Authors: Gao; Gang, Chen, Xuyan
Pages: 287 - 288
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S003060532400022X
- Alliance of protected areas for better landscape conservation outcomes in
northern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Lee; Benjamin P. Y.-H., Gallacher, Emma, Kempinski, Josh, van Essen, Lourens, Zaarour, Mohammed A., Williams, A. Christy, Marshall, Paul A., Figueiredo, Duarte, Leitner, Peter, Shehadeh, Yehya K., Browne, Stephen J.
Pages: 288 - 288
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000255
- Policy document for bird conservation in the urban landscape of the
National Capital Region, India
Authors: Mylswamy; Mahendiran, Prakash, Divya, Bhattacharya, Ankita, Dwevedi, Rajneesh, Myswamy, Parthiban, Azeez, Parappurath Abdul
Pages: 289 - 289
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000401
- Reptiles and their conservation in south-west Ukraine
Authors: Oskyrko; Oleksandra, Lysenko, Roman, Obikhod, Daryna, Yakovliev, Maksym, Haidash, Oleksandr
Pages: 290 - 299
Abstract: Knowledge of the spatial distribution of reptiles is essential for decision-making in conservation under future climate change scenarios. We present a new compilation of reptile records for Odesa Oblast (i.e. province), south-west Ukraine. We compiled 662 records: 200 from our own research during 2012–2022, 362 from the published literature, 73 from public databases and 27 from museum collections. Fourteen native species of reptile (one species of Emydidae, four of Lacertidae, one of Anguidae, six of Colubridae and two of Viperidae) have been recorded in Odesa Oblast but the distribution of several are poorly known and/or records have rarely been published. We also report four introduced reptile species (one each of Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae and Anguidae). We present the data in a grid of 462 10 × 10 km cells covering the oblast. In this compilation we did not record any new species, but our records include previously unreported localities for some species. Species richness was highest in the areas along the Black Sea, in protected areas. The main threats to the reptiles in Odesa Oblast are the alteration and degradation of habitats, military action, uncontrolled pressure from infrastructure projects and the presence of invasive species.
PubDate: 2024-01-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001321
- Using local ecological knowledge to determine the status of Cantor's giant
softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii in Kerala, India
Authors: Jain; Ayushi, Akshay, V.A., Deepak, V., Das, Abhijit, Barnes, Paul, Tapley, Benjamin, Cavada-Blanco, Francoise
Pages: 300 - 309
Abstract: The Critically Endangered Cantor's giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii is a freshwater turtle found in South and Southeast Asia. Its population is declining because of habitat destruction and alteration, and hunting for its meat. Data on the species’ ecology, behaviour, population size, distribution and threats are limited, and previous surveys undertaken in India have failed to detect individuals in the wild. This lack of data hinders strategic conservation planning. Ecologists and conservationists increasingly utilize local ecological knowledge to determine the status and gain insights into the ecology of threatened and rare species that are difficult to detect in field studies. To examine the historical and current occurrence of Cantor's giant softshell turtle, we conducted community interviews along the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India. With data from these interviews, we identified multiple sites where the species continues to occur. Older respondents and those that used the river for fishing and irrigation were more likely to report sightings of the species. Our findings also improved knowledge about the turtles’ seasonal and diel activity patterns. A network of key informants identified through the interviews provided information on turtle bycatch, sightings and nesting. This network is being utilized for the continued monitoring of the species and could help in devising evidence-based management strategies for softshell turtles in India. These methods can also be adopted more widely for other threatened species of freshwater turtles globally.
PubDate: 2024-02-19
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001370
- Two decades of community-based conservation yield valuable insights into
marine turtle nesting ecology
Authors: van de Geer; Casper H., Broderick, Annette C., Carter, Matt I.D., Irei, Athuman Abdallah, Kiponda, Fikiri Kea, Kiptum, Joseph, Wandiga, Joe Ngunu, Omar, Mohamed, Parazzi, Nicola, Sawyer-Kerr, Hannah, Weber, Sam B., Zanre, Ricardo, Godley, Brendan J.
Pages: 310 - 322
Abstract: For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site.
PubDate: 2024-01-12
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001011
- Nesting of the Critically Endangered gharial Gavialis gangeticus in Bardia
National Park, Nepal
Authors: Bashyal; Ashish, Shrestha, Nischal, Thapa, Rosy, Shrestha, Sandeep, Sanjel, Makunda, Densmore, Llewellyn D., Khadka, Bed
Pages: 340 - 343
Abstract: The gharial Gavialis gangeticus is a Critically Endangered crocodilian currently known from only 14 disjunct locations in Nepal and India. The protected stretch of the Babai River in Bardia National Park, Nepal, is home to one of the six subpopulations of gharials that have exhibited recent evidence of reproduction. However, there is limited information available on the gharial population in this region. We conducted surveys during the breeding, nesting and hatching seasons of gharials during 2020–2022 to study the gharial population in the Babai River in Bardia National Park. We located one breeding group of gharials in Soth Khola (2–3 individuals) and one in Dhanuse (5–6 individuals), and we observed pre-mating or mating behaviours in all 3 years. We identified potential nesting areas on sand banks of 19–175 m in length. During nesting seasons we found abundant signs of nesting only in Dhanuse, including entry and exit trails of female gharials to and from the water and trial nests. In 2020 and 2021 we did not find any signs of hatching, probably because of flooding. In 2022 we recorded two gharial nests, producing c. 60 hatchlings, in Dhanuse. Our findings indicate that the gharial population in the Babai River is probably nesting annually. We recommend various conservation actions for this gharial population.
PubDate: 2024-04-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000103
- Human–crocodile interactions in the western Solomon Islands: the
importance of local data for reducing attacks on people
Authors: Aswani; Shankar, Matanzima, Joshua
Pages: 344 - 346
Abstract: Interactions between people and the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus frequently occur on islands and in coastal regions. Saltwater crocodiles impact people's lives and livelihoods by attacking them, resulting in minor or serious injuries, and by interfering in people's foraging activities. Retaliation may include killing the crocodiles involved. To reduce such human–crocodile interactions, data about the occurrence of incidents are required. We present data on encounters with crocodiles and attacks on people in the Roviana Lagoon, Solomon Islands. Data includes time of incident, gender, age and activity of the victim, water conditions and what happened to the crocodile after the incident. We used a questionnaire to capture the details of incidents that occurred during 2000–2020 in the villages of Dunde, Baraulu, Nusa Hope and Kozou. Most incidents were in the evening, mostly involving women, and most victims were aged 20–39 years or ≥ 60 years. In all cases people were attacked while gleaning for shellfish in the mangroves. Attacks occurred irrespective of whether the water was clear or murky, and in all cases the crocodiles were not killed. Such site-specific data will facilitate the formulation of strategies for reducing negative interactions between people and crocodiles in this particular location. Although the saltwater crocodile is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, research such as this provides data that can be used for promoting coexistence with and conservation of this species.
PubDate: 2024-01-22
DOI: 10.1017/S003060532300176X
- Wildlife conservation through traditional values: alarming numbers of
crocodile attacks reported from Timor-Leste
Authors: Brackhane; Sebastian, Fukuda, Yusuke, Xavier, Flaminio M.E., de Araujo, Vitorino, Gusmao, Marcal, Trindade, Josh, do Amaral de Carvalho, Demétrio, Dos Reis Pires, Rui, Webb, Grahame
Pages: 347 - 350
Abstract: On the IUCN Red List the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus is categorized globally as Least Concern, with national populations ranging from fully recovered to extinct. The saltwater crocodile population of the Southeast Asian island nation of Timor-Leste was severely depleted by colonial hunting but has recovered since independence in 2002. During 2007–2014 there was a 23-fold increase in reported crocodile attacks (104 documented attacks), concomitant with a 2% annual increase in the human population. Public tolerance to attacks and the reluctance to harm crocodiles are entwined with reverence of crocodiles as sacred beings by most but not all Timorese people. In 2022, 7–8 years after our previous assessment, we visited five sites on the south coast of Timor-Leste in Lautém, Viqueque, Manufahí and Cova Lima municipalities. High rates of crocodile attacks continue. We obtained 35 records of attacks for 2015–2022 (34% fatal). In the municipalities where crocodile attacks occurred (Lautém, Viqueque, Cova Lima), the sacred status of crocodiles prevented inhabitants from harming them in retribution. In Manufahí, where no attacks were reported, such traditional values never existed and crocodiles were hunted for subsistence and to improve safety. The design of a context-specific crocodile management programme that respects the reverence attributed to crocodiles by most people but reduces the risk of people being attacked by crocodiles is a conservation management challenge for the government of Timor-Leste. The developing tourism industry, which relies on coastal beaches and reefs, is jeopardized by the risk of crocodile attacks.
PubDate: 2024-04-08
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000036
- Threatened or poorly known' The case of the Mediterranean narrow endemic
Valeriana amazonum in Sardinia
Authors: Fenu; Giuseppe, Calderisi, Giulia, Cogoni, Donatella
Pages: 363 - 366
Abstract: The Mediterranean flora is characterized by a high number of narrow endemic plant species that are often restricted to a few small populations. One of these species, Valeriana amazonum, a perennial plant occurring only in the Supramontes region of central eastern Sardinia, is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of its restricted range, small population size and an inferred decline caused by several threats. During 2007–2022, we monitored all mature individuals of this plant annually and surveyed ecologically suitable sites for the species. We identified two previously unknown populations and also learnt of two successful translocations carried out independently by an unknown local citizen. As our monitoring data indicate there has been no decline in the number of mature individuals over the period of monitoring, the species’ conservation status requires reassessment. We recommend that V. amazonum should be recategorized as Near Threatened as it seems to be poorly known rather than highly threatened. This could also be the case with other narrow Mediterranean endemics, especially those that grow in inaccessible habitats for which long-term studies are needed to assess conservation status.
PubDate: 2024-01-31
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001722
- Challenges and possible conservation implications of recolonizing dholes
Cuon alpinus in Nepal
Authors: Ghimirey; Yadav, Acharya, Raju, Yadav, Kaushal, Rai, Jeevan, Baral, Rishi, Neupane, Utsav, Basnet, Binod, Gilbert, Martin, Poudel, Shashank, van Rensburg, Berndt J.
Pages: 378 - 386
Abstract: The Endangered dhole Cuon alpinus is a medium-sized canid that was historically distributed widely across East, Central, South and Southeast Asia. In Nepal, following heavy persecution during the 1970s and 1980s, the species was locally extirpated across large parts of the country. After decades of near absence, the dhole is reportedly showing signs of recovery in various areas of Nepal. We carried out three surveys using camera traps (resulting in a total of 6,550 camera-trap days), reviewed literature and interviewed herders and conservation practitioners (40 interviews) to determine the historical and current distribution of dholes in the country, and the species’ current status. Our camera traps recorded five images of dholes, and the literature review and interview survey provided further insights into the historical and current presence of dholes in Nepal. The combined findings suggest dholes have recolonized many areas where they had been locally extirpated, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area in central Nepal and the Tinjure–Milke–Jaljale forests in the eastern part of the country. Although these returns are encouraging, challenges remain for dhole recolonization, including conflict with livestock herders, human hunting of wild ungulates affecting the species’ prey base, increasing infrastructure development in forested areas, and diseases.
PubDate: 2024-01-31
DOI: 10.1017/S003060532300073X
- Release trial of captive-bred variable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius
shows that frogs disperse rapidly, are difficult to recapture and do not
readily regain skin toxicity—ERRATUM
Authors: Klocke; Blake, Garcés, Orlando, Lassiter, Elliot, Guerrel, Jorge, Hertz, Andreas, Illueca, Estefany, Klaphake, Eric, Linhoff, Luke, Minbiole, Kevin, Ross, Heidi, Tasca, Julia A., Woodhams, Douglas C., Gratwicke, Brian, Ibáñez, Roberto
Pages: 405 - 405
PubDate: 2024-03-25
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000498
- Searching for spots: a comprehensive survey for the Arabian leopard
Panthera pardus nimr in Saudi Arabia – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Dunford; Carolyn E., Faure, J. Philip B., Ross, Michael D., Spalton, J. Andrew, Drouilly, Marine, Pryce-Fitchen, Kai J.P., De Bruin, Ross, Botha, Alexander E., Alshehri, Abdullah, Le Roex, Nikki, Balme, Guy, Almalki, Ahmed, Gallacher, Emma, Alhlafi, Mesfer, Alaamri, Saleh, Mills, David R., Mann, Gareth
Pages: 406 - 406
PubDate: 2024-01-10
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001813
- Women in Wildlife Science: Building Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
edited by Carol L. Chambers and Kerry L. Nicholson (2022) 400 pp., Johns
Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, USA. ISBN 978-1-4214-4502-1 (hbk),
USD 49.95.
Authors: Palmer; Meredith S.
Pages: 407 - 407
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S003060532400053X
- Coral Reefs of Australia: Perspectives from Beyond the Water's Edge edited
by Sarah Hamylton, Pat Hutchings & Ove Hoegh-Guldberg (2022) 344 pp.,
CSIRO Publishing, Clayton, Australia. ISBN 978-1-4863-1548-2 (pbk), AUD
99.99.
Authors: Agardy; Tundi
Pages: 407 - 408
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000358
- The Good Garden: How to Nurture Pollinators, Soil, Native Wildlife, and
Healthy Food—All in Your Own Backyard by Chris McLaughlin (2023) 312
pp., Island Press, Washington, DC, USA. ISBN 978-1-64283-215-0 (pbk), USD
34.99.
Authors: Iturra; Camila
Pages: 408 - 408
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.1017/S003060532400036X
- Release trial of captive-bred variable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius
shows that frogs disperse rapidly, are difficult to recapture and do not
readily regain skin toxicity
Authors: Klocke; Blake, Garcés, Orlando, Lassiter, Elliot, Guerrel, Jorge, Hertz, Andreas, Illueca, Estefany, Klaphake, Eric, Linhoff, Luke, Minbiole, Kevin, Ross, Heidi, Tasca, Julia A., Woodhams, Douglas C., Gratwicke, Brian, Ibáñez, Roberto
Pages: 323 - 335
Abstract: Variable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius have declined significantly throughout their range as a result of infection with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project maintains an ex situ population of this Critically Endangered species. We conducted a release trial with surplus captive-bred A. varius individuals to improve our ability to monitor frog populations post-release, observe dispersal patterns after freeing them into the wild and learn about threats to released frogs, as well as to determine whether natural skin toxin defences of frogs could be restored inside mesocosms in the wild and to compare Bd dynamics in natural amphibian communities at the release site vs a non-release site. The 458 released frogs dispersed rapidly and were difficult to re-encounter unless they carried a radio transmitter. No frog was seen after 36 days following release. Thirty frogs were fitted with radio transmitters and only half were trackable by day 10. Tetrodotoxin was not detected in the skins of the frogs inside mesocosms for up to 79 days. Bd loads in other species present at sites were high prior to release and decreased over time in a pattern probably driven by weather. No differences were observed in Bd prevalence between the release and non-release sites. This trial showed that refinements of our methods and approaches are required to study captive Atelopus frogs released into wild conditions. We recommend continuing release trials of captive-bred frogs with post-release monitoring methods, using an adaptive management framework to advance the field of amphibian reintroduction ecology.
PubDate: 2023-12-13
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001254
- Status of the Critically Endangered gharial Gavialis gangeticus in the
upper Ghaghara River, India, and its conservation in the Girwa–Ghaghara
Rivers
Authors: Vashistha; Gaurav, Ranjan, Vivek, Singh, Devvrat, Ugemuge, Shantanu S., Badhawan, Akash Deep, Gupta, Pulkit
Pages: 336 - 339
Abstract: The gharial Gavialis gangeticus is a Critically Endangered crocodilian endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Habitat modification by river damming and water extraction has caused a severe decline in its population. The status of the gharial is known within protected areas, but there have been few surveys for this species in unprotected areas. In Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, a breeding gharial population in Girijapuri Barrage Reservoir has low recruitment, and it has been hypothesized that yearlings disperse downstream into the unprotected Ghaghara River when the barrage gates are opened. We surveyed a 100-km stretch of the Ghaghara River from the Girijapuri Barrage to Chahlari Ghat, observing a total of 84 gharials, including a high proportion of juveniles. A survey in 2021 from Chahlari Ghat to Ayodhya observed 174 gharials, giving a combined total of 258 gharials in a 219-km stretch of the Ghaghara River for the two surveys. Together, these findings confirm the presence of a significant population of gharials in the Ghaghara River. We recommend the adoption of an integrated approach, involving government agencies and local communities along the river, to conserve the protected Girwa–Kaudiyala Rivers and the unprotected Ghaghara River for gharial conservation and recovery. Such a programme will need to tackle the threats facing the gharial and establish baseline data and long-term monitoring protocols for freshwater species conservation in this river system.
PubDate: 2023-12-22
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001485
- Searching for spots: a comprehensive survey for the Arabian leopard
Panthera pardus nimr in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Dunford; Carolyn E., Faure, J. Philip B., Ross, Michael D., Spalton, J. Andrew, Drouilly, Marine, Pryce-Fitchen, Kai J.P., De Bruin, Ross, Botha, Alexander E., Alshehri, Abdullah, Le Roex, Nikki, Balme, Guy, Almalki, Ahmed, Gallacher, Emma, Alhlafi, Mesfer, Alaamri, Saleh, Mills, David R., Mann, Gareth
Pages: 351 - 362
Abstract: The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323000807
- The road to recovery: conservation management for the Critically
Endangered Bali myna shows signs of success
Authors: Squires; Thomas M., Kepakisan, Agus N.K., Kusumanegara, Hery, Collar, Nigel J., Yuni, Luh P.E.K., Owen, Andrew, Nugroho, Andri, Sarmawi, Mas U., Nelson, S. Sunny, Winarni, Nurul L., Marsden, Stuart J.
Pages: 367 - 377
Abstract: The Bali myna Leucopsar rothschildi has long suffered heavy trapping, leading to its near extinction in the wild and categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Decades of conservation breeding, release of birds and post-release management at Bali Barat National Park have, until recently, failed to secure a viable wild population. However, over the past decade, population increases, expansion into new areas of the National Park and beyond, and successful breeding in both artificial and natural nest sites have occurred. These recent successes are associated with a change in approach by the National Park authority from concentrating efforts on the last refugium of the species (an area protected from trapping but with potentially suboptimal habitat) and towards the human-dominated landscapes around the main road through the National Park. Bali mynas tended to favour areas with extensive shorter grass cover and open canopies and to shun denser woodland. Anthropogenic landscapes such as farmland and plantations presumably mimic the original savannah habitat of the species, but nestbox provision has probably been crucial in these areas in the absence of natural cavities. A potential further factor in the increases in myna numbers and range has been a scheme involving local people in commercial breeding of the species, thereby reducing its market price, and working with communities to reduce trapping pressure. We encourage continuing operation of this management strategy inside the National Park and its further extension into adjacent tourist areas, which appear to have myna-friendly socio-ecological conditions.
PubDate: 2023-11-20
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323000777
- Analysis of a 131-year longitudinal dataset of the Eurasian otter Lutra
lutra in Hong Kong: implications for conservation
Authors: Hui; Michael Ka Yiu, Chan, Bosco Pui Lok
Pages: 387 - 395
Abstract: Hong Kong is one of the busiest metropolises, and the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra is one of its most threatened species. We collected published data for 1890–2020 to document changes in local otter abundance and distribution over time. The 108 records revealed new distribution data and showed that decline began as early as the 1930s. The local Eurasian otter is strongly associated with coastal and alluvial wetlands, and its last refugium, the Yuen Long floodplain draining the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, has always been a critical habitat. Our analysis suggests that hunting is unlikely to be a major cause of the otter's decline. Rather, dependence on lowland wetlands makes it particularly susceptible to habitat loss caused by increasing urbanization. Auxiliary infrastructures and water pollution have also exacerbated wetland degradation to the detriment of otters and their prey. There is a need for greater cooperation amongst government agencies and landowners to guarantee otter survival: priority steps include the establishment of additional and interconnected wetland reserves, better stakeholder engagement and enforcement efficiency to tackle entrenched pollution problems, and flood prevention schemes that preserve or restore functional riverine ecosystems within critical otter habitats. The current otter distribution range has been earmarked for development in a government-led mega urbanization plan; the plight of the local Eurasian otter needs to be widely publicized to garner stakeholders' support and galvanize immediate conservation actions across society.
PubDate: 2023-10-16
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001163
- Genetic insights to assist management of the Critically Endangered hangul
Cervus hanglu hanglu in the Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Narayan; Sneha, Srivastava, Tanushree, Sreedharan, Gayathri, Panda, Bapin K., Hameed, Javaid, Vasudevan, Karthikeyan, Reddy, P. Anuradha
Pages: 396 - 404
Abstract: The hangul Cervus hanglu hanglu, a Critically Endangered mountain ungulate of Jammu and Kashmir, India, faces the imminent threat of population loss and extinction. Effective management of its largest viable population in Dachigam National Park in the Kashmir Himalaya requires reliable demographic information. Using 14 microsatellite markers we identified 293 individuals (208 females and 85 males) through faecal analysis, and generated data on the genetic status and population size of the hangul in its winter habitat. The mean expected and observed heterozygosities of 0.62 and 0.59 are comparable to those of several red deer Cervus elaphus populations elsewhere. The effective population sizes were 46.3 and 93.7 when the frequencies of rare alleles were considered to be 0.050 and 0.010, respectively. The average mean kinship of the population was 0.34, and there was no evidence of a recent bottleneck event. In genetic mark–recapture analysis the best model included an effect of sex on both detection and recapture probabilities. Detection of males was highest in November, coinciding with the hangul breeding season, whereas detection of females was highest in December. Our estimate of the hangul population using genetic mark–recapture with bootstrapping was 394 individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use genetic data to estimate the population of the hangul. It will guide future studies of this subspecies and also serve as an impetus for identifying founder animals for captive breeding, and for connecting the population in Dachigam National Park with the other small, isolated populations to ensure the long-term survival of this subspecies.
PubDate: 2023-12-13
DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323001266
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Open Access journal
