1
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Han Q, Li M, Keeffe G. Can large-scale tree planting in China compensate for the loss of climate connectivity due to deforestation? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172350. [PMID: 38608907 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Extensive deforestation has been a major reason for the loss of forest connectivity, impeding species range shifts under current climate change. Over the past decades, the Chinese government launched a series of afforestation and reforestation projects to increase forest cover, yet whether the new forests can compensate for the loss of connectivity due to deforestation-and where future tree planting would be most effective-remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluate changes in climate connectivity across China's forests between 2015 and 2019. We find that China's large-scale tree planting alleviated the negative impacts of forest loss on climate connectivity, improving the extent and probability of climate connectivity by 0-0.2 °C and 0-0.03, respectively. The improvements were particularly obvious for species with short dispersal distances (i.e., 3 km and 10 km). Nevertheless, only ~55 % of the trees planted in this period could serve as stepping stones for species movement. This indicates that focusing solely on the quantitative target of forest coverage without considering the connectivity of forests may miss opportunities in tree planting to facilitate climate-induced range shifts. More attention should be paid to the spatial arrangement of tree plantations and their potential as stepping stones. We then identify priority areas for future tree planting to create effective stepping stones. Our study highlights the potential of large-scale tree planting to facilitate range shifts. Future tree-planting efforts should incorporate the need for species range shifts to achieve more biodiversity conservation benefits under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyao Han
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Agricultural University, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Greg Keeffe
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, UK
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2
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Marcolin L, Tonelli A, Di Marco M. Early-stage loss of ecological integrity drives the risk of zoonotic disease emergence. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230733. [PMID: 38863350 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures have increasingly disrupted the integrity of ecosystems worldwide, jeopardizing their capacity to provide essential contributions to human well-being. Recently, the role of natural ecosystems in reducing disease emergence risk has gained prominence in decision-making processes, as scientific evidence indicates that human-driven pressure, such as habitat destruction and deforestation, can trigger the emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases. However, the intricate relationship between biodiversity and emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) remains only partially understood. Here, we updated the most comprehensive zoonotic EID event database with the latest reported events to analyse the relationship between EIDs of wildlife origin (zoonoses) and various facets of ecological integrity. We found EID risk was strongly predicted by structural integrity metrics such as human footprint and ecoregion intactness, in addition to environmental variables such as tropical rainforest density and mammal species richness. EID events were more likely to occur in areas with intermediate levels of compositional and structural integrity, underscoring the risk posed by human encroachment into pristine, undisturbed lands. Our study highlights the need to identify novel indicators and targets that can effectively address EID risk alongside other pressing global challenges in sustainable development, ultimately informing strategies for preserving both human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Marcolin
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Tonelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Moreno Di Marco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
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3
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Koricha HG, Jemal Adem M. Investigated the role of community based approaches for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12241. [PMID: 38806458 PMCID: PMC11133471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Community based conservation approaches are the holistic way to ensure appropriate biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvement in many protected areas across the world. However involvement of local community in conservation activities and benefit sharing in many protected areas are not well implemented. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of community based conservation approaches for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development. To address the stated objectives, required data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The result of the study revealed that parks provide various benefits for the local communities which are found in and adjacent to the park. Regarding perceived benefits from park, there was significant difference among community based association and non-community based association at (X2 = 92.071, df = 1, P < 0.05) while no significant difference was observed across kebeles. In spite of variation in perception among local community on park conservation, it was revealed that the communities contribute towards conservation of the park by controlling outbreak of fire and informing wildlife attack. Regarding strengths and weakness of community based conservation approaches as the finding indicated that internal factors out weight the external factors which imply that implementing the approaches is crucial for successful conservation of the park.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Gena Koricha
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism, Madda Walabu University, Bale Robe, Oromia, Ethiopia.
| | - Mustafa Jemal Adem
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resource Management, Madda Walabu University, Bale Robe, Oromia, Ethiopia
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4
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Robinson JG, LaBruna D, O’Brien T, Clyne PJ, Dudley N, Andelman SJ, Bennett EL, Chicchon A, Durigan C, Grantham H, Kinnaird M, Lieberman S, Maisels F, Moreira A, Rao M, Stokes E, Walston J, Watson JEM. Scaling up area-based conservation to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 target: The role of Nature's Strongholds. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002613. [PMID: 38771730 PMCID: PMC11108224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), signed in 2022 by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, recognized the importance of area-based conservation, and its goals and targets specify the characteristics of protected and conserved areas (PCAs) that disproportionately contribute to biodiversity conservation. To achieve the GBF's target of conserving a global area of 30% by 2030, this Essay argues for recognizing these characteristics and scaling them up through the conservation of areas that are: extensive (typically larger than 5,000 km2); have interconnected PCAs (either physically or as part of a jurisdictional network, and frequently embedded in larger conservation landscapes); have high ecological integrity; and are effectively managed and equitably governed. These areas are presented as "Nature's Strongholds," illustrated by examples from the Congo and Amazon basins. Conserving Nature's Strongholds offers an approach to scale up initiatives to address global threats to biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. Robinson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Danielle LaBruna
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Peter J. Clyne
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Sandy J. Andelman
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Avecita Chicchon
- Andes-Amazon Initiative, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Carlos Durigan
- Wildlife Conservation Society Brasil, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Hedley Grantham
- Center for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Bush Heritage Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Sue Lieberman
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Wildlife Conservation Society Congo, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Adriana Moreira
- Global Environmental Facility, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Madhu Rao
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- World Commission on Protected Areas, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Emma Stokes
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Joe Walston
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - James EM Watson
- School of The Environment, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Krull M. Mercury Exposure and Habitat Fragmentation Affect the Movement, Foraging Behavior, and Search Efficiency of the Marsh Periwinkle (Littorina irrorata). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:1971-1981. [PMID: 36524861 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The interactions between habitat fragmentation and other stressors are considered a key knowledge gap. The present study tested the hypotheses that mercury enhances the effects of fragmentation by (1) reducing the cumulative daily movement of organisms, (2) shifting their foraging behavior, and (3) altering the vertical movement of the marsh periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata) in a field experiment. Random walk simulations were used to access how changes in movement affect the search efficiency of organisms in the long term. Eighteen 1.5 m2 plots were constructed in a salt marsh where landscapes characteristics were manipulated to reach three different levels of habitat cover. Daily movement of 12 marked control and mercury-exposed snails were measured in each plot. Bayesian models were used to analyze the data and evidence ratios were used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that the effects of fragmentation were consistent in both control and exposed treatments, with an increase in the cumulative displacement of organisms. However, mercury significantly reduced the movement of organisms in all levels of fragmentation, shifting their foraging behavior (evidence ratio > 1000). Exposed snails were more likely to be found inactive in comparison with the control treatment (evidence ratio > 1000). Fragmentation also reduced the vertical movement of organisms in both treatments. In contrast, mercury increased the vertical movement of organisms (evidence ratio > 1000). The search efficiency of organisms also increased in a highly fragmentated landscape, suggesting that changes in foraging behavior are likely due to reduced resources and consequently increase in foraging effort. The present study shows that mercury exposure can enhance the effects of habitat fragmentation by changing organisms' movement, foraging behavior, and search efficiency. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1971-1981. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Krull
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany
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6
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Gaston KJ, Gardner AS, Cox DTC. Anthropogenic changes to the nighttime environment. Bioscience 2023; 73:280-290. [PMID: 37091747 PMCID: PMC10113933 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
How the relative impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the natural environment vary between different taxonomic groups, habitats, and geographic regions is increasingly well established. By contrast, the times of day at which those pressures are most forcefully exerted or have greatest influence are not well understood. The impact on the nighttime environment bears particular scrutiny, given that for practical reasons (e.g., researchers themselves belong to a diurnal species), most studies on the impacts of anthropogenic pressures are conducted during the daytime on organisms that are predominantly day active or in ways that do not differentiate between daytime and nighttime. In the present article, we synthesize the current state of knowledge of impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the nighttime environment, highlighting key findings and examples. The evidence available suggests that the nighttime environment is under intense stress across increasing areas of the world, especially from nighttime pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra S Gardner
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel T C Cox
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
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7
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Addressing Threats and Ecosystem Intactness to Enable Action for Extinct in the Wild Species. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The species listed as Extinct in the Wild (EW) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species consist of 84 plants and animals that have been lost from their indigenous range. EW species are therefore restricted to ex situ conservation facilities and often have populations founded with few individuals. Our analysis demonstrates that 60% of EW species are associated with ecoregions that have very low proportions of intact habitat. Furthermore, threats such as invasive species, pollution, and climate change affect just over half of EW species and compound the obstacles facing their reinstatement to the wild. Despite these bleak assessments, there are various options for EW recovery. We present five scenarios that encapsulate the circumstances facing EW species and suggest potential conservation action for each of these situations. We illustrate these scenarios using case studies of EW species that demonstrate how the various options of ex situ management, reintroduction, and assisted colonisation to new habitat can be used to address the very exacting requirements of EW species. Our aim is to present a broad review of the obstacles facing the recovery of EW species whilst inspiring action to prevent the extinction of the most imperilled species on the planet.
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8
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Pillay R, Watson JEM, Hansen AJ, Jantz PA, Aragon-Osejo J, Armenteras D, Atkinson SC, Burns P, Ervin J, Goetz SJ, González-Del-Pliego P, Robinson NP, Supples C, Virnig ALS, Williams BA, Venter O. Humid tropical vertebrates are at lower risk of extinction and population decline in forests with higher structural integrity. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:1840-1849. [PMID: 36329351 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Reducing deforestation underpins global biodiversity conservation efforts. However, this focus on retaining forest cover overlooks the multitude of anthropogenic pressures that can degrade forest quality and imperil biodiversity. We use remotely sensed indices of tropical rainforest structural condition and associated human pressures to quantify the relative importance of forest cover, structural condition and integrity (the cumulative effect of condition and pressures) on vertebrate species extinction risk and population trends across the global humid tropics. We found that tropical rainforests of high integrity (structurally intact and under low pressures) were associated with lower likelihood of species being threatened and having declining populations, compared with forest cover alone (without consideration of condition and pressures). Further, species were more likely to be threatened or have declining populations if their geographic ranges contained high proportions of degraded forest than if their ranges contained lower proportions of forest cover but of high quality. Our work suggests that biodiversity conservation policies to preserve forest integrity are now urgently required alongside ongoing efforts to halt deforestation in the hyperdiverse humid tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Pillay
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew J Hansen
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Patrick A Jantz
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jose Aragon-Osejo
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dolors Armenteras
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Patrick Burns
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jamison Ervin
- United Nations Development Programme, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Goetz
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Brooke A Williams
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oscar Venter
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Trammell EJ, Carlson ML, Reynolds JH, Taylor JJ, Schmidt NM. Ecological integrity and conservation challenges in a rapidly changing Arctic: A call for new approaches in large intact landscapes. AMBIO 2022; 51:2524-2531. [PMID: 35779211 PMCID: PMC9584027 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intactness is a commonly used measure of ecological integrity, especially when evaluating conservation status at the landscape scale. We argue that in the large and relatively unfragmented landscapes of the Arctic and sub-Arctic, intactness provides only partial insight for managers charged with maintaining ecological integrity. A recent landscape assessment suggests that 95% of Alaska shows no measured direct or indirect impacts of human development on the landscape. However, the current exceptionally high levels of intactness in Alaska, and throughout the Arctic and sub-Arctic, do not adequately reflect impacts to the region's ecological integrity caused by indirect stressors, such as a rapidly changing climate and the subsequent loss of the cryosphere. Thus, it can be difficult to measure, and manage, some of the conservation challenges presented by the ecological context of these systems. The dominant drivers of change, and their associated ecological and socioeconomic impacts, vary as systems decline in ecological integrity from very high to high, and to intermediate levels, but this is not well understood in the literature. Arctic and sub-Arctic systems, as well as other large intact areas, provide unique opportunities for conservation planning, but require tools and approaches appropriate to unfragmented landscapes undergoing rapid climate-driven ecological transformation. We conclude with possible directions for developing more appropriate metrics for measuring ecological integrity in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Jamie Trammell
- Alaska Center for Conservation Science, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 USA
- Environmental Science, Policy, & Sustainability, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520 USA
| | - Matthew L. Carlson
- Alaska Center for Conservation Science, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 USA
| | - Joel H. Reynolds
- Climate Change Response Program, U.S. National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Dr. Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO 80525 USA
| | - Jason J. Taylor
- Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 790 E. Beckwith Ave, Missoula, MT 59801 USA
| | - Niels M. Schmidt
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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10
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Theobald DM, Keeley ATH, Laur A, Tabor G. A simple and practical measure of the connectivity of protected area networks: The
ProNet
metric. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aaron Laur
- Center for Large Landscape Conservation Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Gary Tabor
- Center for Large Landscape Conservation Bozeman Montana USA
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11
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A functional vulnerability framework for biodiversity conservation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4774. [PMID: 36050297 PMCID: PMC9437092 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32331-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Setting appropriate conservation strategies in a multi-threat world is a challenging goal, especially because of natural complexity and budget limitations that prevent effective management of all ecosystems. Safeguarding the most threatened ecosystems requires accurate and integrative quantification of their vulnerability and their functioning, particularly the potential loss of species trait diversity which imperils their functioning. However, the magnitude of threats and associated biological responses both have high uncertainties. Additionally, a major difficulty is the recurrent lack of reference conditions for a fair and operational measurement of vulnerability. Here, we present a functional vulnerability framework that incorporates uncertainty and reference conditions into a generalizable tool. Through in silico simulations of disturbances, our framework allows us to quantify the vulnerability of communities to a wide range of threats. We demonstrate the relevance and operationality of our framework, and its global, scalable and quantitative comparability, through three case studies on marine fishes and mammals. We show that functional vulnerability has marked geographic and temporal patterns. We underline contrasting contributions of species richness and functional redundancy to the level of vulnerability among case studies, indicating that our integrative assessment can also identify the drivers of vulnerability in a world where uncertainty is omnipresent.
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12
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Estrada A, Garber PA, Gouveia S, Fernández-Llamazares Á, Ascensão F, Fuentes A, Garnett ST, Shaffer C, Bicca-Marques J, Fa JE, Hockings K, Shanee S, Johnson S, Shepard GH, Shanee N, Golden CD, Cárdenas-Navarrete A, Levey DR, Boonratana R, Dobrovolski R, Chaudhary A, Ratsimbazafy J, Supriatna J, Kone I, Volampeno S. Global importance of Indigenous Peoples, their lands, and knowledge systems for saving the world's primates from extinction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn2927. [PMID: 35947670 PMCID: PMC9365284 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn2927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Primates, represented by 521 species, are distributed across 91 countries primarily in the Neotropic, Afrotropic, and Indo-Malayan realms. Primates inhabit a wide range of habitats and play critical roles in sustaining healthy ecosystems that benefit human and nonhuman communities. Approximately 68% of primate species are threatened with extinction because of global pressures to convert their habitats for agricultural production and the extraction of natural resources. Here, we review the scientific literature and conduct a spatial analysis to assess the significance of Indigenous Peoples' lands in safeguarding primate biodiversity. We found that Indigenous Peoples' lands account for 30% of the primate range, and 71% of primate species inhabit these lands. As their range on these lands increases, primate species are less likely to be classified as threatened or have declining populations. Safeguarding Indigenous Peoples' lands, languages, and cultures represents our greatest chance to prevent the extinction of the world's primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Estrada
- Institute of Biology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Paul A. Garber
- Department of Anthropology and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sidney Gouveia
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão - SE, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Ascensão
- cE3c—Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, 5° Piso, Sala 2.5.46, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Agustin Fuentes
- Department of Anthropology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, College of Engineering, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
| | - Christopher Shaffer
- Department of Anthropology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA
| | | | - Julia E. Fa
- School of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), CIFOR Headquarters, Bogor 16115, Indonesia
| | | | - Sam Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, London, UK
| | - Steig Johnson
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Glenn H. Shepard
- Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, Belém do Para, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Antropologia Social, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Department of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5102, USA
| | | | - Christopher D. Golden
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Dallas R. Levey
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- National Autonomous University of Mexico, Institute of Biology, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ramesh Boonratana
- Mahidol University International College, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | | | - Abhishek Chaudhary
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Jonah Ratsimbazafy
- Groupe d’étude et de recherche sur les primates (Gerp), Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jatna Supriatna
- Graduate Program in Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Inza Kone
- Centre Suisse des Recherches Scientifiques, Université de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
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13
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Zeng Y, Koh LP, Wilcove DS. Gains in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services from the expansion of the planet's protected areas. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl9885. [PMID: 35648855 PMCID: PMC9159568 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl9885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas safeguard biodiversity, ensure ecosystem functioning, and deliver ecosystem services to communities. However, only ~16% of the world's land area is under some form of protection, prompting international calls to protect at least 30% by 2030. We modeled the outcomes of achieving this 30 × 30 target for terrestrial biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and nutrient regulation. We find that the additional ~2.8 million ha of habitat that would be protected would benefit 1134 ± 175 vertebrate species whose habitats currently lack any form of protection, as well as contribute to either avoided carbon emissions or carbon dioxide sequestration, equivalent to 10.9 ± 3.6 GtCO2 year-1 (28.4 ± 9.4% of the global nature-based climate-change mitigation potential). Furthermore, expansion of the protected area network would increase its ability to regulate water quality and mitigate nutrient pollution by 142.5 ± 31.0 MtN year-1 (28.5 ± 6.2% of the global nutrient regulation potential).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zeng
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Corresponding author. (Y.Z.); (L.P.K.); (D.S.W.)
| | - Lian Pin Koh
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Corresponding author. (Y.Z.); (L.P.K.); (D.S.W.)
| | - David S. Wilcove
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Corresponding author. (Y.Z.); (L.P.K.); (D.S.W.)
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14
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Jones KR, von Hase A, Costa HM, Rainey H, Sidat N, Jobson B, White TB, Grantham HS. Spatial analysis to inform the mitigation hierarchy. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall R. Jones
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | - Amrei von Hase
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | - Hugo M. Costa
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | - Hugo Rainey
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | - Naseeba Sidat
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | | | - Thomas B. White
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology Cambridge University Cambridge UK
| | - Hedley S. Grantham
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
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15
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Angelstam P, Manton M, Stjernquist I, Gunnarsson T, Ottvall R, Rosenberg M, Thorup O, Wedholm P, Elts J, Gruberts D. Barriers and bridges for sustaining functional habitat networks: A macroecological system analysis of wet grassland landscapes. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8801. [PMID: 35414903 PMCID: PMC8986984 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims at supporting the maintenance of representative functional habitat networks as green infrastructure for biodiversity conservation through transdisciplinary macroecological analyses of wet grassland landscapes and their stewardship systems. We chose ten north European wet grassland case study landscapes from Iceland and the Netherlands in the west to Lithuania and Belarus in the east. We combine expert experiences for 20-30 years, comparative studies made 2011-2017, and longitudinal analyses spanning >70 years. Wader, or shorebird, (Charadrii) assemblages were chosen as a focal species group. We used evidence-based knowledge and practical experience generated in three steps. (1) Experts from 8 wet grassland landscapes in northern Europe's west and east mapped factors linked to patterns and processes, and management and governance, in social-ecological systems that affect states and trends of wet grasslands as green infrastructures for wader birds. (2) To understand wader conservation problems and their dynamic in wet grassland landscapes, and to identify key issues for successful conservation, we applied group modeling using causal loop diagram mapping. (3) Validation was made using the historic development in two additional wet grassland landscapes. Wader conservation was dependent on ten dynamically interacting ecological and social system factors as leverage points for management. Re-wetting and grazing were common drivers for the ecological and social system, and long-term economic support for securing farmers' interest in wader bird conservation. Financial public incentives at higher levels of governance of wetland management are needed to stimulate private income loops. Systems analysis based on contrasting landscape case studies in space and over time can support (1) understanding of complex interactions in social-ecological systems, (2) collaborative learning in individual wet grassland landscapes, and (3) formulation of priorities for conservation, management, and restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Angelstam
- School for Forest ManagementSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesSkinnskattebergSweden
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife ManagementInland Norway University of Applied SciencesKoppangNorway
| | - Michael Manton
- Faculty of Forest Science and EcologyVytautas Magnus UniversityAkademijaLithuania
| | - Ingrid Stjernquist
- Environmental and Resource Dynamics GroupDepartment of Physical GeographyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jaanus Elts
- Birdlife EstoniaTartuEstonia
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Davis Gruberts
- Department of Chemistry and GeographyUniversity of DaugavpilsDaugavpilsLatvia
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16
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Dehaudt B, Amir Z, Decoeur H, Gibson L, Mendes C, Moore JH, Nursamsi I, Sovie A, Luskin MS. Common palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) are positively associated with humans and forest degradation with implications for seed dispersal and zoonotic diseases. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:794-804. [PMID: 35038361 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1. Habitat loss and degradation can undermine wildlife communities and ecosystem functioning. However, certain generalist wildlife species like mesopredators and omnivores can exploit these disturbed habitats, sometimes leading to population increases (e.g., "mesopredator release" in degraded areas). Although mesopredator release may cause negative effects on food webs and zoonotic disease management, some disturbance-tolerant species may help perpetuate important ecological interactions, such as seed dispersal. 2. We evaluated the habitat associations of common palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), which are widespread generalist mesopredators in Southeast Asia. Common palm civets are also high-quality seed dispersers, and potential zoonotic disease hosts. 3. We used published and new camera trapping data to map their probability of presence across Southeast Asia and evaluate regional-scale associations between capture rates and habitat variables such as elevation, ecoregion intactness, and Human Footprint Index, among others. We also assessed the influence of habitat variables on their relative abundance at the local scale. 4. At the regional scale, we found that common palm civets showed significant positive associations with landscapes characterized by lower ecoregion intactness, higher Human Footprint Index, and lower elevations. At the local scale, their relative abundance showed a significant positive association with higher Human Footprint Index, but only to a certain point, after which it started decreasing. They also favored lower elevations at the local scale. 5. These multi-scale results indicate that common palm civets' abundance can increase under certain levels of human disturbances, consistent with the "mesopredator release" hypothesis. This suggests they may be crucial seed dispersers in degraded forest landscapes, especially where more sensitive seed dispersers have disappeared. Our results are also consistent with previous studies reporting that habitat degradation increases populations of potential zoonotic disease hosts, and thus risks of transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Dehaudt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Zachary Amir
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Henri Decoeur
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke Gibson
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Calebe Mendes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jonathan H Moore
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ilyas Nursamsi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Adia Sovie
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew Scott Luskin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
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17
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Identifying science-policy consensus regions of high biodiversity value and institutional recognition. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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18
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Crist E, Kopnina H, Cafaro P, Gray J, Ripple WJ, Safina C, Davis J, DellaSala DA, Noss RF, Washington H, Rolston H, Taylor B, Orlikowska EH, Heister A, Lynn WS, Piccolo JJ. Protecting Half the Planet and Transforming Human Systems Are Complementary Goals. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.761292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unfolding crises of mass extinction and climate change call for urgent action in response. To limit biodiversity losses and avert the worst effects of climate disruption, we must greatly expand nature protection while simultaneously downsizing and transforming human systems. The conservation initiative Nature Needs Half (or Half Earth), calling for the conservation of half the Earth's land and seas, is commensurate with the enormous challenges we face. Critics have objected to this initiative as harboring hardship for people near protected areas and for failing to confront the growth economy as the main engine of global ecological destruction. In response to the first criticism, we affirm that conservation policies must be designed and implemented in collaboration with Indigenous and local communities. In response to the second criticism, we argue that protecting half the Earth needs to be complemented by downscaling and reforming economic life, humanely and gradually reducing the global population, and changing food production and consumption. By protecting nature generously, and simultaneously contracting and transforming the human enterprise, we can create the conditions for achieving justice and well-being for both people and other species. If we fail to do so, we instead accept a chaotic and impoverished world that will be dangerous for us all.
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19
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Nicholson E, Watermeyer KE, Rowland JA, Sato CF, Stevenson SL, Andrade A, Brooks TM, Burgess ND, Cheng ST, Grantham HS, Hill SL, Keith DA, Maron M, Metzke D, Murray NJ, Nelson CR, Obura D, Plumptre A, Skowno AL, Watson JEM. Scientific foundations for an ecosystem goal, milestones and indicators for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:1338-1349. [PMID: 34400825 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01538-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite substantial conservation efforts, the loss of ecosystems continues globally, along with related declines in species and nature's contributions to people. An effective ecosystem goal, supported by clear milestones, targets and indicators, is urgently needed for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and beyond to support biodiversity conservation, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and efforts to abate climate change. Here, we describe the scientific foundations for an ecosystem goal and milestones, founded on a theory of change, and review available indicators to measure progress. An ecosystem goal should include three core components: area, integrity and risk of collapse. Targets-the actions that are necessary for the goals to be met-should address the pathways to ecosystem loss and recovery, including safeguarding remnants of threatened ecosystems, restoring their area and integrity to reduce risk of collapse and retaining intact areas. Multiple indicators are needed to capture the different dimensions of ecosystem area, integrity and risk of collapse across all ecosystem types, and should be selected for their fitness for purpose and relevance to goal components. Science-based goals, supported by well-formulated action targets and fit-for-purpose indicators, will provide the best foundation for reversing biodiversity loss and sustaining human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Nicholson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia. .,IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland.
| | - Kate E Watermeyer
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica A Rowland
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chloe F Sato
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone L Stevenson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela Andrade
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland.,Conservación Internacional, Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Thomas M Brooks
- IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.,World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of The Philippines, Los Baños, The Philippines.,Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Neil D Burgess
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Climate, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Su-Ting Cheng
- School of Forestry & Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hedley S Grantham
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samantha L Hill
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, UK
| | - David A Keith
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland.,Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Metzke
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nicholas J Murray
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cara R Nelson
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland.,Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | - Andy Plumptre
- Key Biodiversity Area Secretariat, BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew L Skowno
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James E M Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Hansen AJ, Mullan K, Theobald DM, Powell S, Robinson N, East A. Natural vegetation cover on private lands: locations and risk of loss in the northwestern United States. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Hansen
- Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman Montana 59717 USA
| | - Katrina Mullan
- Department of Economics University of Montana Missoula Montana 59812 USA
| | | | - Scott Powell
- Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Montana State University Bozeman Montana 59717 USA
| | | | - Alyson East
- Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman Montana 59717 USA
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21
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Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5978. [PMID: 33293507 PMCID: PMC7723057 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Many global environmental agendas, including halting biodiversity loss, reversing land degradation, and limiting climate change, depend upon retaining forests with high ecological integrity, yet the scale and degree of forest modification remain poorly quantified and mapped. By integrating data on observed and inferred human pressures and an index of lost connectivity, we generate a globally consistent, continuous index of forest condition as determined by the degree of anthropogenic modification. Globally, only 17.4 million km2 of forest (40.5%) has high landscape-level integrity (mostly found in Canada, Russia, the Amazon, Central Africa, and New Guinea) and only 27% of this area is found in nationally designated protected areas. Of the forest inside protected areas, only 56% has high landscape-level integrity. Ambitious policies that prioritize the retention of forest integrity, especially in the most intact areas, are now urgently needed alongside current efforts aimed at halting deforestation and restoring the integrity of forests globally. Mapping and quantifying degree of forest modification is critical to conserve and manage forests. Here the authors propose a new quantitative metric for landscape integrity and apply it to a global forest map, showing that less than half of the world’s forest cover has high integrity, most of which is outside nationally designed protected areas.
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22
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23
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Ward M, Saura S, Williams B, Ramírez-Delgado JP, Arafeh-Dalmau N, Allan JR, Venter O, Dubois G, Watson JEM. Just ten percent of the global terrestrial protected area network is structurally connected via intact land. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4563. [PMID: 32917882 PMCID: PMC7486388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Land free of direct anthropogenic disturbance is considered essential for achieving biodiversity conservation outcomes but is rapidly eroding. In response, many nations are increasing their protected area (PA) estates, but little consideration is given to the context of the surrounding landscape. This is despite the fact that structural connectivity between PAs is critical in a changing climate and mandated by international conservation targets. Using a high-resolution assessment of human pressure, we show that while ~40% of the terrestrial planet is intact, only 9.7% of Earth's terrestrial protected network can be considered structurally connected. On average, 11% of each country or territory's PA estate can be considered connected. As the global community commits to bolder action on abating biodiversity loss, placement of future PAs will be critical, as will an increased focus on landscape-scale habitat retention and restoration efforts to ensure those important areas set aside for conservation outcomes will remain (or become) connected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ward
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Santiago Saura
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027, Ispra, VA, Italy
- ETSI Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Brooke Williams
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Juan Pablo Ramírez-Delgado
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Nur Arafeh-Dalmau
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - James R Allan
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar Venter
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Grégoire Dubois
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027, Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, NY, 20460, USA
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24
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Riggio J, Baillie JEM, Brumby S, Ellis E, Kennedy CM, Oakleaf JR, Tait A, Tepe T, Theobald DM, Venter O, Watson JEM, Jacobson AP. Global human influence maps reveal clear opportunities in conserving Earth's remaining intact terrestrial ecosystems. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:4344-4356. [PMID: 32500604 PMCID: PMC7383735 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Leading up to the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties 15, there is momentum around setting bold conservation targets. Yet, it remains unclear how much of Earth's land area remains without significant human influence and where this land is located. We compare four recent global maps of human influences across Earth's land, Anthromes, Global Human Modification, Human Footprint and Low Impact Areas, to answer these questions. Despite using various methodologies and data, these different spatial assessments independently estimate similar percentages of the Earth's terrestrial surface as having very low (20%-34%) and low (48%-56%) human influence. Three out of four spatial assessments agree on 46% of the non-permanent ice- or snow-covered land as having low human influence. However, much of the very low and low influence portions of the planet are comprised of cold (e.g., boreal forests, montane grasslands and tundra) or arid (e.g., deserts) landscapes. Only four biomes (boreal forests, deserts, temperate coniferous forests and tundra) have a majority of datasets agreeing that at least half of their area has very low human influence. More concerning, <1% of temperate grasslands, tropical coniferous forests and tropical dry forests have very low human influence across most datasets, and tropical grasslands, mangroves and montane grasslands also have <1% of land identified as very low influence across all datasets. These findings suggest that about half of Earth's terrestrial surface has relatively low human influence and offers opportunities for proactive conservation actions to retain the last intact ecosystems on the planet. However, though the relative abundance of ecosystem areas with low human influence varies widely by biome, conserving these last intact areas should be a high priority before they are completely lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Riggio
- National Geographic SocietyWashingtonDCUSA
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation BiologyMuseum of Wildlife and Fish BiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
| | | | | | - Erle Ellis
- Department of Geography and Environmental SystemsUniversity of MarylandBaltimore CountyMDUSA
| | | | | | - Alex Tait
- National Geographic SocietyWashingtonDCUSA
| | | | | | - Oscar Venter
- Natural Resource and Environmental Studies InstituteUniversity of Northern British ColumbiaPrince GeorgeBCCanada
| | - James E. M. Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQldAustralia
- Global ConservationWildlife Conservation SocietyBronxNYUSA
| | - Andrew P. Jacobson
- National Geographic SocietyWashingtonDCUSA
- Department of Environment and SustainabilityCatawba CollegeSalisburyNCUSA
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