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Vasiliev D, Hazlett R, Hutchinson KL, Bornmalm L. Light at the end of the tunnel: Innovative opportunities for saving tropical biodiversity. AMBIO 2024; 53:702-717. [PMID: 38353913 PMCID: PMC10992326 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01970-w] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The expansion of roads into wilderness areas and biodiversity hotspots in the Global South seems inevitable and is predicted to bring about significant biodiversity loss. Even so, existing widespread strategies aiming to mitigate the direct and indirect impacts of roads on the environment have been of limited effectiveness. These tactics, including construction of fencing, wildlife crossings on paved roads, and establishment of protected areas along the roads, are unlikely to be sufficient for protecting diverse species assemblages from roadkill, habitat fragmentation, and anthropogenic activity in tropics. This indicates the need for integration of more ambitious approaches into the conservation toolkit, such as the constructing tunnels, covered ways, and elevated roads. Although these tools could significantly support conservation efforts to save tropical biodiversity, to date, they are rarely considered. Here, we discuss factors which determine the need for application of these approaches in the Global South. We highlight the often-overlooked long-term benefits associated with the application of the proposed tools. We also discuss the potential challenges and risks, and the ways to minimise them. Hopefully this article will encourage practitioners to integrate these strategies into conservation toolkits and allow policy-makers and investors to make informed decisions on sustainable road infrastructure development in the Global South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Vasiliev
- Turiba University, 68 Graudu Street, Riga, 1030, Latvia.
| | - Richard Hazlett
- Pomona College, 333 N College Way, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | | | - Lennart Bornmalm
- University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
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2
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Broekman MJE, Hilbers JP, Tucker MA, Huijbregts MAJ, Schipper AM. Impacts of existing and planned roads on terrestrial mammal habitat in New Guinea. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14152. [PMID: 37551763 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
New Guinea is one of the last regions in the world with vast pristine areas and is home to many endemic species. However, extensive road development plans threaten the island's biodiversity. We quantified habitat fragmentation due to existing and planned roads for 139 terrestrial mammal species in New Guinea. For each species, we calculated the equivalent connected area (ECA) of habitat, a metric that takes into account the area and connectivity of habitat patches in 3 situations: no roads (baseline situation), existing roads (current), and existing and planned roads combined (future). We assessed the effect of roads as the proportion of the ECA remaining in the current and future situations relative to the baseline. To examine whether there were patterns in these relative ECA values, we fitted beta-regression models relating these values to 4 species characteristics: taxonomic order, body mass, diet, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List status. On average across species, current ECA was 89% (SD 12) of baseline ECA. Shawmayer's coccymys (Coccymys shawmayeri) had the lowest amount of current ECA relative to the baseline (53%). In the future situation, the average remaining ECA was 71% (SD 20) of baseline ECA. Future remaining ECA was below 50% of the baseline for 28 species. The montane soft-furred paramelomys (Paramelomys mollis) had the lowest future ECA relative to the baseline (36%). In general, currently nonthreatened carnivorous species with a large body mass had the greatest reductions of ECA in the future situation. In conclusion, future road development plans imply extensive additional habitat fragmentation for a large number of terrestrial mammal species in New Guinea. It is therefore important to limit the impact of planned roads, for example, by reconsidering the location of planned roads that intersect habitat of the most threatened species, or by the implementation of mitigation measures such as underpasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten J E Broekman
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle P Hilbers
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlee A Tucker
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A J Huijbregts
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aafke M Schipper
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Hague, The Netherlands
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3
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Atmoko T, Toulec T, Lhota S, Darman. Population status of proboscis monkeys in Balikpapan Bay and their potential survival challenges in Nusantara, the proposed new capital city of Indonesia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:107. [PMID: 38168705 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Populations of rare and endangered species are nowadays in peril due to large-scale habitat conversion, and even sizeable and stable populations are confronted with unexpected challenges. We conducted a full census of a proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) population in Balikpapan Bay and located 292 one-male-multifemale units and 67 all-male units in 2022. Using data on average group size, subsampled from Balikpapan Bay, we estimated a total population size of 3907 individuals. The rate of proboscis monkey habitat loss in Balikpapan Bay has been slowing down to the current 0.69% per year. It is predicted that habitat recovery may exceed habitat loss after 13 years. The Indonesian capital city relocation was announced in 2019 with spatial plans designed to cover a total land area of 2,560 km2 across various habitats until 2045. A total number of 1449 individuals (37.08% of the population) were found on 80.55 km2 (41.29%) of habitat that overlapped with current spatial plans of Nusantara Capital city. The construction work just started; before that, the government had already claimed it would be a "smart, green, beautiful, and sustainable city". We, therefore, include our recommendations to mitigate the impact of the construction and to pursue the goal to construct the most sustainable capital city, concerning local biodiversity and thus become a pioneer in a new direction of proboscis monkey conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri Atmoko
- Research Organization for Life Sciences and Environment, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, 10340, Indonesia
- Yayasan Borneo Biodiversity Conservation (BBC), Samboja - Km 38, Samboja, East Kalimantan, 75272, Indonesia
| | - Tadeáš Toulec
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha - Suchdol, 165 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Stanislav Lhota
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha - Suchdol, 165 00, Czech Republic
- Ústí nad Labem Zoo, Drážďanská 23, Ústí Nad Labem, 400 07, Czech Republic
| | - Darman
- Yayasan Borneo Biodiversity Conservation (BBC), Samboja - Km 38, Samboja, East Kalimantan, 75272, Indonesia
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Baidoo R, Arko-Adjei A, Poku-Boansi M, Quaye-Ballard JA, Somuah DP. Land use and land cover changes implications on biodiversity in the Owabi catchment of Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15238. [PMID: 37180943 PMCID: PMC10172756 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper examined land use and land cover (LULC) change and implications to biodiversity in the Owabi catchment of Atwima Nwabiagya North District in Ghana from 1991 to 2021 using remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS), with participatory methods such as interviews and questionnaires with a sample size of 200 participants. The use of supervised classification with maximum likelihood algorithm in QGIS was employed to generate LULC maps of 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021. Molusce Plugin in QGIS was applied to predict probabilities of LULC changes in 10 years (2021-2031). The results showed that high-density forest has disappeared from 1991 to 2021 while built-up has increased and remained the most dominant LULC from 2011 to 2021. There is a continual decline in the number of plant and animal species in and around the Owabi catchment. This can be attributed to the decline of high-density forests and increased built-up in the study area through human actions. The study identified the influence of human activities as the key forces of LULC change to biodiversity loss. This problem stemmed from the taste for housing and trading activities in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area which has resulted in an increasing demand for settlement because of its closeness to Kumasi and its environs. The study recommends that stringent preventive measures should be developed and enforced by various stakeholders including the Forestry Commission, Ghana Water Company Limited, Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the District/Municipal Assemblies to safeguard the forest from human activities. This recommendation will help these agencies to keep abreast with changes in LULC in the various communities and factors such as changes during the planning of the communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Baidoo
- Department of Geomatic Engineering; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Corresponding author.
| | - Anthony Arko-Adjei
- Department of Geomatic Engineering; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Poku-Boansi
- Department of Planning; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Dorcas Peggy Somuah
- Department of Forest Resources Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Greenspan E, Montgomery C, Stokes D, K'lu SS, Moo SSB, Anile S, Giordano AJ, Nielsen CK. Occupancy, density, and activity patterns of a Critically Endangered leopard population on the
Kawthoolei‐Thailand
border. POPUL ECOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Greenspan
- Karen Wildlife Conservation Initiative Willagee Western Australia Australia
| | - Clara Montgomery
- Karen Wildlife Conservation Initiative Willagee Western Australia Australia
| | - Demelza Stokes
- Karen Wildlife Conservation Initiative Willagee Western Australia Australia
| | - Saw Say K'lu
- Kawthoolei Forestry Department Chiang Mai Thailand
| | | | - Stefano Anile
- Forestry Program and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory Southern Illinois University Carbondale Illinois USA
| | | | - Clayton K. Nielsen
- Forestry Program and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory Southern Illinois University Carbondale Illinois USA
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Hughes LJ, Morton O, Scheffers BR, Edwards DP. The ecological drivers and consequences of wildlife trade. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 98:775-791. [PMID: 36572536 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife trade is a key driver of extinction risk, affecting at least 24% of terrestrial vertebrates. The persistent removal of species can have profound impacts on species extinction risk and selection within populations. We draw together the first review of characteristics known to drive species use - identifying species with larger body sizes, greater abundance, increased rarity or certain morphological traits valued by consumers as being particularly prevalent in trade. We then review the ecological implications of this trade-driven selection, revealing direct effects of trade on natural selection and populations for traded species, which includes selection against desirable traits. Additionally, there exists a positive feedback loop between rarity and trade and depleted populations tend to have easy human access points, which can result in species being harvested to extinction and has the potential to alter source-sink dynamics. Wider cascading ecosystem repercussions from trade-induced declines include altered seed dispersal networks, trophic cascades, long-term compositional changes in plant communities, altered forest carbon stocks, and the introduction of harmful invasive species. Because it occurs across multiple scales with diverse drivers, wildlife trade requires multi-faceted conservation actions to maintain biodiversity and ecological function, including regulatory and enforcement approaches, bottom-up and community-based interventions, captive breeding or wildlife farming, and conservation translocations and trophic rewilding. We highlight three emergent research themes at the intersection of trade and community ecology: (1) functional impacts of trade; (2) altered provisioning of ecosystem services; and (3) prevalence of trade-dispersed diseases. Outside of the primary objective that exploitation is sustainable for traded species, we must urgently incorporate consideration of the broader consequences for other species and ecosystem processes when quantifying sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J. Hughes
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield South Yorks S10 2TN Sheffield UK
| | - Oscar Morton
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield South Yorks S10 2TN Sheffield UK
| | - Brett R. Scheffers
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - David P. Edwards
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield South Yorks S10 2TN Sheffield UK
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Masseloux J, Le QT, Burr J, Gerber BD. Estimating arboreality and the effects of forest structure on tropical tree‐dwelling mesomammals using arboreal camera traps. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12822] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Masseloux
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston RI USA
| | - Q. T. Le
- Southern Institute of Ecology Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - J. Burr
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston RI USA
| | - B. D. Gerber
- Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island Kingston RI USA
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8
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Wong ST, Guharajan R, Petrus A, Jubili J, Lietz R, Abrams JF, Hon J, Alen LH, Ting NTK, Wong GTN, Tchin LT, Bijack NJC, Kramer-Schadt S, Wilting A, Sollmann R. How do terrestrial wildlife communities respond to small-scale Acacia plantations embedded in harvested tropical forest? Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9337. [PMID: 36188514 PMCID: PMC9486821 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
To offset the declining timber supply by shifting towards more sustainable forestry practices, industrial tree plantations are expanding in tropical production forests. The conversion of natural forests to tree plantation is generally associated with loss of biodiversity and shifts towards more generalist and disturbance tolerant communities, but effects of mixed-landuse landscapes integrating natural and plantation forests remain little understood. Using camera traps, we surveyed the medium-to-large bodied terrestrial wildlife community across two mixed-landuse forest management areas in Sarawak, Malaysia Borneo which include areas dedicated to logging of natural forests and adjacent planted Acacia forests. We analyzed data from a 25-wildlife species community using a Bayesian community occupancy model to assess species richness and species-specific occurrence responses to Acacia plantations at a broad scale, and to remote-sensed local habitat conditions within the different forest landuse types. All species were estimated to occur in both landuse types, but species-level percent area occupied and predicted average local species richness were slightly higher in the natural forest management areas compared to licensed planted forest management areas. Similarly, occupancy-based species diversity profiles and defaunation indices for both a full community and only threatened and endemic species suggested the diversity and occurrence were slightly higher in the natural forest management areas. At the local scale, forest quality was the most prominent predictor of species occurrence. These associations with forest quality varied among species but were predominantly positive. Our results highlight the ability of a mixed-landuse landscape with small-scale Acacia plantations embedded in natural forests to retain terrestrial wildlife communities while providing an alternate source of timber. Nonetheless, there was a tendency towards reduced biodiversity in planted forests, which would likely be more pronounced in plantations that are larger or embedded in a less natural matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth T Wong
- Department of Ecological Dynamics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Institute of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Roshan Guharajan
- Department of Ecological Dynamics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Panthera Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | | | | | - Robin Lietz
- Department of Ecological Dynamics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
| | - Jesse F Abrams
- Global Systems Institute and Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie Kramer-Schadt
- Department of Ecological Dynamics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Institute of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Andreas Wilting
- Department of Ecological Dynamics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Ecological Dynamics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
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9
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Joining the dots in an era of uncertainty – Reviewing Myanmar’s Illegal wildlife trade and looking to the future. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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10
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Ridley FA, Hickinbotham EJ, Suggitt AJ, McGowan PJK, Mair L. The scope and extent of literature that maps threats to species globally: a systematic map. ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 2022; 11:26. [PMID: 39294701 PMCID: PMC11378821 DOI: 10.1186/s13750-022-00279-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human activities are driving accelerating rates of species extinctions that continue to threaten nature's contribution to people. Yet, the full scope of where and how human activities threaten wild species worldwide remains unclear. Furthermore, the large diversity of approaches and terminology surrounding threats and threat mapping presents a barrier to understanding the state of knowledge and uptake into decision-making. Here, we define 'threats' as human activities and direct human-initiated processes, specifically where they co-occur with, and impact the survival of, wild species. Our objectives were to systematically consolidate the threat mapping literature, describe the distribution of available evidence, and produce a publicly available and searchable database of articles for easy uptake of evidence into future decision-making. METHODS Four bibliographic databases, one web-based search engine, and thirteen organisational websites were searched for peer-reviewed and grey-literature published in English 2000-2020. A three-stage screening process (title, abstract, and full-text) and coding was undertaken by two reviewers, with consistency tested on 20% of articles at each stage. Articles were coded according to 22 attributes that captured dimensions of the population, threat, and geographic location studied in addition to methodological attributes. The threats studied were classified according to the IUCN Red List threat classification scheme. A range of graphical formats were used to visualise the distribution of evidence according to these attributes and complement the searchable database of articles. REVIEW FINDINGS A total of 1069 relevant threat mapping studies were found and included in the systematic map, most conducted at a sub-national or local scale. Evidence was distributed unevenly among taxonomic groups, ecological realms, and geographies. Although articles were found for the full scope of threat categories used, most articles mapped a single threat. The most heavily mapped threats were alien invasive species, aquatic or terrestrial animal exploitation, roads and railways, residential development, and non-timber crop and livestock agriculture. Limitations regarding the English-only search and imperfect ability of the search to identify grey literature could have influenced the findings. CONCLUSIONS This systematic map represents a catalogue of threat mapping evidence at any spatial scale available for immediate use in threat reduction activities and policy decisions. The distribution of evidence has implications for devising actions to combat the threats specifically targeted in the post-2020 UN Biodiversity Framework, and for identifying other threats that may benefit from representation in global policy. It also highlights key gaps for further research to aid national and local-scale threat reduction. More knowledge would be particularly beneficial in the areas of managing multiple threats, land-based threats to marine systems, and threats to plant species and threats within the freshwater realm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca A Ridley
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Emily J Hickinbotham
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew J Suggitt
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Philip J K McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Louise Mair
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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11
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Abram NK, Lim HY, Ng CKC, Yorath S, Razi MHM, Ong CGS, Chen KO, Wilson KB. The socio-economic and cultural impacts of the Pan Borneo Highway on Indigenous and local communities in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269890. [PMID: 35759467 PMCID: PMC9236263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Road and highway development can provide multiple benefits to society, but without careful planning, this development can result in negative social and environmental impacts. The 1,200 km Pan Borneo Highway project (PBH) in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is constructing new highways and up-grading 2-lane roads to 4-lane highways. We assessed the potential impact of the PBH on communities using three width scenarios of 50m, 75m and 100m for planned highway alignments, and identified potentially impacted dwellings and community lands. We estimated that 65–93 villages will be impacted, and that 1,712–7,093 dwellings and 3,420–6,695 ha of community lands (e.g. paddy, oil palm smallholdings and rubber) may be lost to the PBH. Due to land tenure technicalities, many affected households may not get compensation for the loss of their homes and lands. The PBH will disproportionally impact Sabah’s Indigenous Peoples, with the Kadazandusun most affected. For this study to be constructive, we provide a low impact alternative alignment for a part of the PBH; discuss the socio-economic and cultural impacts of the PBH, and offer some perspectives on current planning procedures in Sabah to support more sustainable and equitable development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Ye Lim
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Sylvia Yorath
- Land Empowerment Animals People, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Cynthia Gaik Suan Ong
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Land Empowerment Animals People, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kok-On Chen
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kenneth Brockington Wilson
- Forever Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Land Empowerment Animals People, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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12
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Green Finance as an Institutional Mechanism to Direct the Belt and Road Initiative towards Sustainability: The Case of China. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14106164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (hereinafter BRI) has been challenged due to its failure to promote long-term environmental sustainability. Recent years, however, have witnessed a tendency in which green finance is being deliberately crafted by Chinese regulatory authorities in order to support a green BRI. Despite BRI’s popularity as a scientific research topic, the legal literature with regard to China’s domestic green finance laws/regulations and their impact on BRI’s sustainability is insufficient. The purpose of this study is to fill this research gap by examining how China has utilized green finance as an institutional mechanism in order to steer the BRI toward sustainability, as well as to provide policy suggestions on how to further improve BRI’s sustainability by addressing existing legal and regulatory deficiencies. The methodology utilized was a textual analysis of legal/regulatory documents. Based on an investigation of the environmental sustainability challenges faced by the BRI, this paper elaborates Chinese banks’ green finance practices in facilitating a sustainable BRI. It makes a further inquiry into the regulatory instruments by which Chinese banks are able improve their green performances, and elucidates existing regulatory deficiencies. Finally, it presents policy recommendations intended to enhance the ability of Chinese banks to obtain more private capital to finance BRI green projects, including: (1) introducing ‘green’ provisions to the draft Commercial Bank Law; (2) developing a mutually recognized green standard; (3) mandating environmental disclosures; and (4) encouraging institutional investors to buy green assets.
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13
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Carter NH, Pradhan N, Hengaju K, Sonawane C, Sage AH, Grimm V. Forecasting effects of transport infrastructure on endangered tigers: a tool for conservation planning. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13472. [PMID: 35602904 PMCID: PMC9121866 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of transport infrastructure is a major threat to endangered species worldwide. Roads and railways can increase animal mortality, fragment habitats, and exacerbate other threats to biodiversity. Predictive models that forecast the future impacts to endangered species can guide land-use planning in ways that proactively reduce the negative effects of transport infrastructure. Agent-based models are well suited for predictive scenario testing, yet their application to endangered species conservation is rare. Here, we developed a spatially explicit, agent-based model to forecast the effects of transport infrastructure on an isolated tiger (Panthera tigris) population in Nepal's Chitwan National Park-a global biodiversity hotspot. Specifically, our model evaluated the independent and interactive effects of two mechanisms by which transport infrastructure may affect tigers: (a) increasing tiger mortality, e.g., via collisions with vehicles, and (b) depleting prey near infrastructure. We projected potential impacts on tiger population dynamics based on the: (i) existing transportation network in and near the park, and (ii) the inclusion of a proposed railway intersecting through the park's buffer zone. Our model predicted that existing roads would kill 46 tigers over 20 years via increased mortality, and reduced the adult tiger population by 39% (133 to 81). Adding the proposed railway directly killed 10 more tigers over those 20 years; deaths that reduced the overall tiger population by 30 more individuals (81 to 51). Road-induced mortality also decreased the proportion of time a tiger occupied a given site by 5 years in the 20-year simulation. Interestingly, we found that transportation-induced depletion of prey decreased tiger occupancy by nearly 20% in sites close to roads and the railway, thereby reducing tiger exposure to transportation-induced mortality. The results of our model constitute a strong argument for taking into account prey distributions into the planning of roads and railways. Our model can promote tiger-friendly transportation development, for example, by improving Environmental Impact Assessments, identifying "no go" zones where transport infrastructure should be prohibited, and recommending alternative placement of roads and railways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil H. Carter
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Narendra Pradhan
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna Hengaju
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Abigail H. Sage
- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wenatchee, United States of America
| | - Volker Grimm
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research –UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
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14
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Barnick KA, Green AM, Pendergast ME, Şekercioğlu ÇH. The effects of human development, environmental factors, and a major highway on mammalian community composition in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah,
USA. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A. Barnick
- Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Austin M. Green
- Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | | | - Çağan H. Şekercioğlu
- Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
- Koç University Faculty of Sciences Rumelifeneri, Istanbul, Sarıyer Turkey
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15
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Coutant O, Boissier O, Ducrettet M, Albert-Daviaud A, Bouiges A, Dracxler CM, Feer F, Mendoza I, Guilbert E, Forget PM. Roads Disrupt Frugivory and Seed Removal in Tropical Animal-Dispersed Plants in French Guiana. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.805376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological interactions are being affected at unprecedented rates by human activities in tropical forests. Yet, the continuity of ecological functions provided by animals, such as seed dispersal, is crucial for forest regeneration and species resilience to anthropogenic pressures. The construction of new roads in tropical forests is one of the main boosters of habitat destruction as it facilitates human access to previously isolated areas and increases defaunation and loss of ecological functions. It, therefore, becomes increasingly urgent to rapidly assess how recently opened roads and associated anthropogenic activities affect ecological processes in natural habitats, so that appropriate management measures to conserve diversity can be taken. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic pressures on the health status of a mature rainforest crossed by a newly opened road in French Guiana. For this, we combined different methods to conduct a rapid assessment of the forest’s health status. Firstly, we evaluated the activity of frugivores using camera traps deployed in four forest patches located near (<1 km) ecological corridors preserved as canopy bridges over the road during the fruiting periods of four animal-dispersed tree species. Secondly, we analyzed the fate of seeds enclosed in animal-dispersed tropical fruits by calculating the proportions of fruits consumed and seeds removed (either dispersed or predated) by frugivores. Results show that the proportion of fruits opened and consumed was lower in the forest areas located near the road than in the control forest, and this difference was more significant for plant species strictly dependent on large-bodied primates for seed dispersal than for species relying on both primates and birds. Camera traps showed the presence of small primates and kinkajous feeding on Virola fruits in the forest impacted by the road, where large primates were absent. It is thus likely that smaller frugivores exert a compensatory effect that maintains ecological functions near the road. Despite efforts made to preserve forest continuity through ecological corridors, anthropogenic pressures associated with road proximity are affecting wildlife and disrupting associated ecological functions crucial for plant regeneration, contributing to further forest degradation.
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16
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Alexiou I, Abrams JF, Coudrat CNZ, Nanthavong C, Nguyen A, Niedballa J, Wilting A, Tilker A. Camera-trapping reveals new insights in the ecology of three sympatric muntjacs in an overhunted biodiversity hotspot. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe Annamites ecoregion harbors exceptional levels of species richness and endemism, but intensive snaring has decimated populations of terrestrial mammals. Ungulates, such as muntjacs, are susceptible to snaring, and in need of effective conservation action. At least three muntjacs occur sympatrically in the region: the Annamite dark muntjac species complex Muntiacus rooseveltorum/truongsonensis, the northern red muntjac Muntiacus vaginalis, and the large-antlered muntjac Muntiacus vuquangensis. We conducted a landscape-scale systematic camera-trapping survey in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park to gather information on the ecology and distribution of these muntjacs. We analyzed camera-trap records within an occupancy framework to evaluate responses to environmental and anthropogenic variables, and to predict distributions across the protected area. We found varying responses to the covariates, indicating complex drivers of occurrence, though all three muntjac had higher occupancies in more inaccessible areas. Mean (95%) PAO in the protected area was higher for large-antlered muntjac (0.33 [0.22–0.49]), followed by Annamite dark muntjac (0.28 [0.18–0.39]), and then northern red muntjac (0.27 [0.15–0.42]). Large-antlered muntjac and northern red muntjac were widespread, while dark muntjac was restricted to a single high elevation area. Overall, our results provide new insights into muntjac ecology, distribution, and population status, and we discuss how this information can be used to inform conservation efforts. Given the high occupancies that we found for the Critically Endangered large-antlered muntjac, we argue that Nakai-Nam Theun National Park may be vital for the long-term survival of the species.
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17
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“Engaging the Enemy”: Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) Conservation in Human Modified Environments in the Kinabatangan floodplain of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. INT J PRIMATOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-022-00288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Throughout the equatorial tropics, forest conversion to agriculture often fragments crucial primate habitat. In 30 years, 80% of the alluvial lowland forests along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, have been supplanted by oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantations. Today, only about 20% of the former orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) population remains in the region. Because most of the land is now under the tenure of agribusiness companies, we used a pragmatic approach of mixed biosocial methods and citizen science engagement of oil palm growers (N = 6) as active conservation partners to study orangutan use of the privately administered landscape between protected forest fragments. We found that 22 of 25 remanent forest patches (0.5 to 242 hectares) surveyed within plantations contained food or shelter resources useful for orangutans. Of these, 20 are in regular transitory use by wider-ranging adult male orangutans, and in 9 patches, females are resident and raising offspring isolated within oil palm plantations. These findings indicate that orangutans retain a measure of normal metapopulation dynamics necessary for viability at the landscape level despite drastic habitat modification. We found that barriers to in situ conservation in these agroforest matrices were due to the following misconceptions across sectors: 1) Good farming practices require exclusion of wildlife; 2) Orangutans seen in plantations must be “rescued” by people; and 3) Translocation is an appropriate conservation strategy, and nondetrimental to orangutans. Our exploratory study exemplifies the value of biosocial methods and collaboration with industrial-scale farmers to support primate resilience in forests fragmented by agriculture.
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18
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Yong DL, Jain A, Chowdhury SU, Denstedt E, Khammavong K, Milavong P, Aung TDW, Aung ET, Jearwattanakanok A, Limparungpatthanakij W, Angkaew R, Sinhaseni K, Le TT, Nguyen HB, Tang P, Taing P, Jones VR, Vorsak B. The specter of empty countrysides and wetlands—Impact of hunting take on birds in
Indo‐Burma. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ding Li Yong
- BirdLife International (Asia) Tanglin International Centre Singapore
| | - Anuj Jain
- BirdLife International (Asia) Tanglin International Centre Singapore
| | - Sayam U. Chowdhury
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Ei Thinzar Aung
- Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association Yangon Myanmar
| | | | | | - Rongrong Angkaew
- Conservation Ecology Program King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok Thailand
| | | | | | - Hoai Bao Nguyen
- Vietnam National University, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department University of Science Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Punleu Tang
- BirdLife International Cambodia Programme Phnom Penh Cambodia
| | - Porchhay Taing
- BirdLife International Cambodia Programme Phnom Penh Cambodia
| | - Victoria R. Jones
- BirdLife International, The David Attenborough Building Cambridge UK
| | - Bou Vorsak
- BirdLife International Cambodia Programme Phnom Penh Cambodia
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19
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Quintana I, Cifuentes EF, Dunnink JA, Ariza M, Martínez-Medina D, Fantacini FM, Shrestha BR, Richard FJ. Severe conservation risks of roads on apex predators. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2902. [PMID: 35190573 PMCID: PMC8861172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The global expansion of road networks threatens apex predator conservation and ecosystem functioning. This occurs through wildlife-vehicle collisions, habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced genetic connectivity and increased poaching. We reviewed road impacts on 36 apex predator species and assessed their risk from current roads based on road exposure and species vulnerability. Our findings reveal all apex predators are exposed to road impacts. Eight of the ten species with the highest risk occur in Asia, although other high-risk species are present in the Americas, Africa and Europe. The sloth bear suffers the highest risk of all apex predators, followed by the tiger and dhole. Based on species risk from roads, we propose a widely applicable method to assess the potential impact of future roads on apex predators. We applied this method to proposed road developments in three areas: the Brazilian Amazon, Africa, and Nepal, to locate high-impact road segments. Roughly 500 protected areas will be intersected by these roads, threatening core apex predator habitats. We advocate the need for rigorous road development planning to apply effective mitigation measures as an urgent priority and to avoid construction in wilderness areas and predator strongholds.
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20
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Browne C, Ronis EM, Miller JRB, Kapetanakos Y, Gibbs S, Hendrix T, Carlson Bremer D. Systems Approaches to Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Expanding Existing Frameworks to Facilitate Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.698666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife trafficking is a complex conservation issue that threatens thousands of species around the world and, in turn, negatively affects biodiversity and human well-being. It occurs in varied social-ecological contexts; includes numerous and diverse actors along the source-transit-destination trade chain, who are involved in illicit and often covert human behaviors driven by interacting social, economic, cultural, and political factors; and involves numerous stakeholders comprising multiple sectors and disciplines. Such wicked problems can be difficult to define and usually lack simple, clear solutions. Systems thinking is a way to understand and address complex issues such as wildlife trafficking and requires multisectoral, cross-disciplinary collaboration to comprehensively understand today's increasingly complex problems and develop holistic and novel solutions. We review methods utilized to date to combat wildlife trafficking and discuss their strengths and limitations. Next, we describe the continuum of cross-disciplinarity and present two frameworks for understanding complex environmental issues, including the illegal trade in wildlife, that can facilitate collaboration across sectors and disciplines. The Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation provides guidance and tools for defining complex social-ecological systems and identifying strategic points of intervention. One Health focuses on the nexus of human, wildlife, and environmental health, and can provide a framework to address concerns around human-wildlife interactions, including those associated with the illegal wildlife trade. Finally, we provide recommendations for expanding these and similar frameworks to better support communication, learning, and collaboration in cross-disciplinary efforts aimed at addressing international wildlife trafficking and its intersections with other complex, global conservation issues.
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21
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Lawler OK, Allan HL, Baxter PWJ, Castagnino R, Tor MC, Dann LE, Hungerford J, Karmacharya D, Lloyd TJ, López-Jara MJ, Massie GN, Novera J, Rogers AM, Kark S. The COVID-19 pandemic is intricately linked to biodiversity loss and ecosystem health. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e840-e850. [PMID: 34774124 PMCID: PMC8580505 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by zoonotic SARS-CoV-2, has important links to biodiversity loss and ecosystem health. These links range from anthropogenic activities driving zoonotic disease emergence and extend to the pandemic affecting biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, ecosystem services, and multiple conservation facets. Crucially, such effects can exacerbate the initial drivers, resulting in feedback loops that are likely to promote future zoonotic disease outbreaks. We explore these feedback loops and relationships, highlighting known and potential zoonotic disease emergence drivers (eg, land-use change, intensive livestock production, wildlife trade, and climate change), and discuss direct and indirect effects of the ongoing pandemic on biodiversity loss and ecosystem health. We stress that responses to COVID-19 must include actions aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems, in order to avoid future emergence of zoonoses and prevent their wide-ranging effects on human health, economies, and society. Such responses would benefit from adopting a One Health approach, enhancing cross-sector, transboundary communication, as well as from collaboration among multiple actors, promoting planetary and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odette K Lawler
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hannah L Allan
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter W J Baxter
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Romi Castagnino
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Marina Corella Tor
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Leah E Dann
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Hungerford
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dibesh Karmacharya
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Thomas J Lloyd
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - María José López-Jara
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gloeta N Massie
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Junior Novera
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew M Rogers
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Salit Kark
- The Biodiversity Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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22
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Biodiversity and Transportation Infrastructure in the Republic of Korea: A Review on Impacts and Mitigation in Developing the Country. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13110519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The construction and continued use of transportation infrastructure, specifically roads, has had a significant global impact on biodiversity and the environment. The Republic of Korea, or South Korea, has a road density of 1.13 km/km2. So far, three nationwide studies about vertebrate road-killed species have been reported, showing bias towards medium to large mammals, the most common victims being the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis), Korean hare (Lepus coreanus), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), and the common raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Road-kills, or wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), tend to occur in or near preferred habitat types or in highly fragmented areas, with roads additionally being linked to habitat fragmentation and loss. Alongside WVCs and habitat effects, information about other adverse effects on biodiversity is scant, although there are reports that heavy metals and other pollutants from road runoff impact marine biodiversity, vegetation, soil, and groundwater. Furthermore, roads have been linked to a prevalence of invasive plant species. To mitigate road impacts, the South Korean government has constructed, with mixed results, 530 wildlife crossing structures, mainly including overpasses and tunnels. To mitigate road impacts more effectively, the country will need more construction, monitoring, and consistent management of wildlife crossing structures. Further, incorporating plans for wildlife crossing structures in early stages of road development will be required.
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23
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Hwang M, Ditmer MA, Teo S, Wong ST, Garshelis DL. Sun bears use 14‐year‐old previously logged forest more than primary forest in Sabah, Malaysia. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mei‐Hsiu Hwang
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation College of Veterinary Medicine National Pingtung University of Science and Technology 1, Shuehfu Rd., Neipu Pingtung 912 Taiwan
| | - Mark A. Ditmer
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology University of Minnesota Saint Paul Minnesota 55108 USA
- U.S.D.A. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 324, 25th Street Ogden Utah 84401 USA
| | - Shu‐De Teo
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation College of Veterinary Medicine National Pingtung University of Science and Technology 1, Shuehfu Rd., Neipu Pingtung 912 Taiwan
| | - Siew Te Wong
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Jalan Sepilok, Mile 14 Sandakan, Sabah 90000 Malaysia
| | - David L. Garshelis
- IUCN SSC Bear Specialist Group 35132 Hanna Road Cohasset Minnesota 55721 USA
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24
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Engert JE, Ishida FY, Laurance WF. Rerouting a major Indonesian mining road to spare nature and reduce development costs. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jayden E. Engert
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
| | - Françoise Yoko Ishida
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
| | - William F. Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
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25
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Hilderink M, de Winter I. No need to beat around the bushmeat-The role of wildlife trade and conservation initiatives in the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07692. [PMID: 34386637 PMCID: PMC8342965 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife species constitute a vast and uncharted reservoir of zoonotic pathogens that can pose a severe threat to global human health. Zoonoses have become increasingly impactful over the past decades, and the expanding trade in wildlife is unarguably among the most significant risk factors for their emergence. Despite several warnings from the academic community about the spillover risks associated with wildlife trade, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic underlines that current policies on the wildlife industry are deficient. Conservation initiatives, rather than practices that attempt to eradicate zoonotic pathogens or the wild species that harbour them, could play a vital role in preventing the emergence of life-threatening zoonoses. This review explores how wildlife conservation initiatives could effectively reduce the risk of new zoonotic diseases emerging from the wildlife trade by integrating existing literature on zoonotic diseases and risk factors associated with wildlife trade. Conservation should mainly aim at reducing human-wildlife interactions in the wildlife trade by protecting wildlife habitats and providing local communities with alternative protein sources. In addition, conservation should focus on regulating the legal wildlife trade and education about disease transfer and safer hunting and butchering methods. By uniting efforts for wildlife protection and universal concern for preventing zoonotic epidemics, conservation initiatives have the potential to safeguard both biodiversity, animal welfare, and global human health security.
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26
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Platt SG, Win MM, Lin N, Aung SHN, John A, Rainwater T. Avian species richness in traditional rice ecosystems: a case study from upper Myanmar. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6992.13.7.18719-18737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rice Oryza sativa ecosystems provide foraging and nesting habitat for a variety of birds. Myanmar is a major rice-producing nation and yet bird use of rice ecosystems remains largely unstudied. We present the results of a case study of avian species richness in a traditional rice ecosystem at Limpha Village in upper Myanmar. The rice field at Limpha occupies 17.5 ha where a single crop is produced each year without chemical inputs (fertilizer and pesticides). Village lands are contiguous with the buffer zone of Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary. We conducted bird surveys of the rice field during dry and wet seasons (2013–20) and documented the occurrence of 85 species (exclusive of Buttonquail these included 58 resident species, 20 migratory species, six species with both resident and migratory populations in upper Myanmar), including 10 species of conservation concern. Species richness was greatest during the dry season when an influx of Palearctic migrants was present. We ranked 52 species as Common, 23 as Uncommon, and 10 as Rare. Most birds used the rice field as foraging rather than breeding habitat. Insectivore was the most common feeding guild (43 species), followed by Omnivore (22 species), Carnivore (12 species), Granivore (6 species), Frugivore (1 species), and Nectarivore (1 species) guilds. We observed eight species associated with domestic Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalis and 15 species foraging at active fires or in burned areas in the rice field. Piles of rice straw are important foraging sites for several species. Low intensity agricultural practices, habitat heterogeneity, and proximity to the nearby swamp, forest, & Chindwin River are probably responsible for the relatively high avian species richness at Limpha. Future agricultural intensification could negatively impact avian species richness in the Limpha rice field. Our findings suggest that traditional rice agriculture is compatible with conservation objectives in the buffer zone of Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary. Our study, however, requires replication before generalizations can be made concerning the value of traditional rice ecosystems to avian conservation in Myanmar.
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27
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Silva I, Crane M, Savini T. The road less traveled: Addressing reproducibility and conservation priorities of wildlife-vehicle collision studies in tropical and subtropical regions. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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28
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McGrath SJ, Behie AM. Hunting Pressure on Primates in Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park, Cambodia. INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-021-00219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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29
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Tee TL, van Manen FT, Kretzschmar P, Sharp SP, Wong ST, Gadas S, Ratnayeke S. Anthropogenic edge effects in habitat selection by sun bears in a protected area. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thye Lim Tee
- T. L. Tee and S. Ratnayeke (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3012-6264) ✉ , Dept of Biological Sciences, Sunway Univ., Malaysia
| | - Frank T. van Manen
- F. T. van Manen, U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Petra Kretzschmar
- P. Kretzschmar, Dept of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Inst. for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Germany
| | - Stuart P. Sharp
- S. P. Sharp, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster Univ., UK
| | - Siew Te Wong
- S. T. Wong, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Sumbin Gadas
- S. Gadas, Sabah Wildlife Dept, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Shyamala Ratnayeke
- T. L. Tee and S. Ratnayeke (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3012-6264) ✉ , Dept of Biological Sciences, Sunway Univ., Malaysia
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30
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Namkhan M, Gale GA, Savini T, Tantipisanuh N. Loss and vulnerability of lowland forests in mainland Southeast Asia. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:206-215. [PMID: 32410311 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite containing extraordinary levels of biodiversity, lowland (<200 m asl) tropical forests are extremely threatened globally. Southeast Asia is an area of high species richness and endemicity under considerable anthropogenic threat with, unfortunately, scant focus on its lowland forests. We estimated extent of lowland forest loss from 1998 to 2018, including inside protected areas and determined the vulnerability of this remaining forest. Maximum likelihood classification techniques were used to classify Landsat images to estimate lowland forest cover in 1998 and 2018. We used Bayesian belief networks with 20 variables to evaluate vulnerability of the forest that remained in 2018. Analyses were conducted at two spatial scales: landscape patch (analogous to ecoregion) and country level. Over 20 years, >120,000 km2 of forest (50% of forest present in 1998) was lost. Of the 14 lowland forest patches, 6 lost >50% of their area. At the country scale, Cambodia had the greatest deforestation (>47,500 km2 ). In 2018, 18% of the lowlands were forested, and 20% of these forests had some formal protection. Approximately 50% of the lowland forest inside protected areas (c. 11,000 km2 ) was also lost during the study period. Most lowland forest remaining is highly vulnerable; eight landscape patches had >50% categorized as such. Our results add to a growing body of evidence that the presence of protected areas alone will not prevent further deforestation. We suggest that more collaborative conservation strategies with local communities that accommodate conservation concessions specifically for lowland forests are urgently needed to prevent further destruction of these valuable habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliwan Namkhan
- Conservation Ecology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - George A Gale
- Conservation Ecology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Tommaso Savini
- Conservation Ecology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Naruemon Tantipisanuh
- Conservation Ecology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
- Conservation Ecology Program, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
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31
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Prioritizing areas for conservation action in Kawthoolei, Myanmar using species distribution models. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Healey RM, Atutubo JR, Kusrini MD, Howard L, Page F, Hallisey N, Karraker NE. Road mortality threatens endemic species in a national park in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Jamhuri J, Edinoor MA, Kamarudin N, Lechner AM, Ashton‐Butt A, Azhar B. Higher mortality rates for large- and medium-sized mammals on plantation roads compared to highways in Peninsular Malaysia. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:12049-12058. [PMID: 33209269 PMCID: PMC7663984 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The fragmentation of forests by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and road networks is an ongoing global biodiversity crisis. In Southeast Asia and other tropical regions, wildlife populations are being isolated into pockets of natural habitat surrounded by road networks and monoculture plantations. Mortality from wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) is contributing to a decline in many species of conservation priority in human-modified landscapes. This study is the first in Malaysia to investigate factors affecting the occurrence of WVCs. We assessed roadkill data gathered by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks on small-, medium-, and large-sized mammals in Peninsular Malaysia. We examined the relationship between wildlife road accidents and several environmental factors. We found a total of 605 roadkill animals, involving 21 species, which included three species classified as Endangered. Road type (plantation road or highway), year, and distance of the road from continuous and fragmented forests were significant in determining mammal mortality. Unexpectedly, the majority of road mortality occurred on palm oil plantation roads compared to highways. Mortality of small- and medium-sized mammals was greater at locations further from continuous forest than those closer to fragmented forests. Segmentation of continuous forest by roads should be avoided wherever possible to reduce the threat of roads on crossing wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamaluddin Jamhuri
- Department of Forest Science and BiodiversityFaculty of Forestry and EnvironmentUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSelangorMalaysia
| | | | - Norizah Kamarudin
- Department of Forest Science and BiodiversityFaculty of Forestry and EnvironmentUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSelangorMalaysia
| | - Alex M. Lechner
- School of Environmental and Geographical SciencesUniversity of Nottingham Malaysia CampusSemenyihMalaysia
- Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary HealthSchool of GeographyUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
| | - Adham Ashton‐Butt
- British Trust for OrnithologyThetfordUK
- School of Biological and Marine SciencesUniversity of HullHullUK
| | - Badrul Azhar
- Department of Forest Science and BiodiversityFaculty of Forestry and EnvironmentUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSelangorMalaysia
- Biodiversity UnitInstitute of BioscienceUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangMalaysia
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How Important Are Resistance, Dispersal Ability, Population Density and Mortality in Temporally Dynamic Simulations of Population Connectivity? A Case Study of Tigers in Southeast Asia. LAND 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/land9110415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Development of landscape connectivity and spatial population models is challenging, given the uncertainty of parameters and the sensitivity of models to factors and their interactions over time. Using spatially and temporally explicit simulations, we evaluate the sensitivity of population distribution, abundance and connectivity of tigers in Southeast Asia to variations of resistance surface, dispersal ability, population density and mortality. Utilizing a temporally dynamic cumulative resistant kernel approach, we tested (1) effects and interactions of parameters on predicted population size, distribution and connectivity, and (2) displacement and divergence in scenarios across timesteps. We evaluated the effect of varying levels of factors on simulated population, cumulative resistance kernel extent, and kernel sum across nine timesteps, producing 24,300 simulations. We demonstrate that predicted population, range shifts, and landscape connectivity are highly sensitive to parameter values with significant interactions and relative strength of effects varying by timestep. Dispersal ability, mortality risk and their interaction dominated predictions. Further, population density had intermediate effects, landscape resistance had relatively low impacts, and mitigation of linear barriers (highways) via lowered resistance had little relative effect. Results are relevant to regional, long-term tiger population management, providing insight into potential population growth and range expansion across a landscape of global conservation priority.
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Riggs RA, Langston JD, Beauchamp E, Travers H, Ken S, Margules C. Examining Trajectories of Change for Prosperous Forest Landscapes in Cambodia. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:72-90. [PMID: 32333037 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01290-9] [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: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tropical forest landscapes are undergoing rapid transition. Rural development aspirations are rising, and land use change is contributing to deforestation, degradation, and biodiversity loss, which threaten the future of tropical forests. Conservation initiatives must deal with complex social, political, and ecological decisions involving trade-offs between the extent of protected areas and quality of conservation. In Cambodia, smallholders and industrial economic land concessions drive deforestation and forest degradation. Rural economic benefits have not kept pace with development aspirations and smallholders are gradually expanding agriculture into protected forests. We examine the drivers and effects of rural forest landscape transitions in Cambodia to identify trade-offs between conservation and development. Using historical trends analysis and information gathered through key informant interviews, we describe how local communities perceive social and ecological changes, and examine the implications of local development aspirations for conservation. We explore three scenarios for the future of conservation in Cambodia, each with different conservation and community development outcomes. We contend that conservation efforts should focus on strengthening governance to meet social and environmental requirements for sustainable forest landscapes. We suggest potential entry points for governance improvements, including working with local decision-makers and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. There is a need for realistic priority setting in contested tropical forest landscapes. Prosperous rural economies are a necessary but not sufficient condition for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Anne Riggs
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia.
- Tanah Air Beta, Batu Karu, Tabanan, Bali, 82152, Indonesia.
| | - James Douglas Langston
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
- Tanah Air Beta, Batu Karu, Tabanan, Bali, 82152, Indonesia
- Faculty of Forestry, Forest Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Emilie Beauchamp
- International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), London, WC1X *NH, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Travers
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Sereyrotha Ken
- Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia Program, #21, Street 21, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, PO Box 1620, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Chris Margules
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
- Institute for Sustainable Earth and Resources, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Kota Depok, Java Barat, 16424, Indonesia
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Debruille A, Kayser P, Veron G, Vergniol M, Perrigon M. Improving the detection rate of binturongs (Arctictis binturong) in Palawan Island, Philippines, through the use of arboreal camera-trapping. MAMMALIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2019-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although remote camera-traps are used worldwide for ecological studies, the methods of use are often based on ground-level detection. This inherently limits the ability to detect arboreal species. This study aims to test arboreal camera trapping as an alternative method to improve the detection of the binturong (Arctictis binturong). We obtained a total of 41 independent detections of binturongs for 2,973 trap-nights, representing a detection rate of 1.38%. Thus, although statistical comparison with other surveys is not possible, this is currently the highest detection rate for the species. This is encouraging to further develop this method for research on binturongs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Debruille
- Arctictis Binturong Conservation , MNHNP CP 31 , 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 , Paris , France
| | - Pauline Kayser
- Arctictis Binturong Conservation , MNHNP CP 31 , 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 , Paris , France
- La Ménagerie le Zoo du Jardin des Plantes de Paris , Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle , 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 , Paris , France
| | - Géraldine Veron
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB) , Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles , CP 51, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris , Cedex 05 , France
| | - Murielle Vergniol
- Arctictis Binturong Conservation , MNHNP CP 31 , 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 , Paris , France
| | - Melissa Perrigon
- Arctictis Binturong Conservation , MNHNP CP 31 , 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 , Paris , France
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Big cats in borderlands: challenges and implications for transboundary conservation of Asian leopards. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLarge carnivores have extensive spatial requirements, with ranges that often span geopolitical borders. Consequently, management of transboundary populations is subject to several political jurisdictions, often with heterogeneity in conservation challenges. In continental Asia there are four threatened leopard subspecies with transboundary populations spanning 23 countries: the Persian Panthera pardus saxicolor, Indochinese P. pardus delacouri, Arabian P. pardus nimr and Amur P. pardus orientalis leopards. We reviewed the status of these subspecies and examined the challenges to, and opportunities for, their conservation. The Amur and Indochinese leopards have the majority (58–100%) of their remaining range in borderlands, and the Persian and Arabian leopards have 23–26% of their remaining ranges in borderlands. Overall, in 18 of 23 countries the majority of the remaining leopard range is in borderlands, and thus in most countries conservation of these subspecies is dependent on transboundary collaboration. However, we found only two transboundary initiatives for Asian leopards. Overall, we highlighted three key transboundary landscapes in regions that are of high importance for the survival of these subspecies. Recent listing of the leopard in the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals is important, but more international collaboration is needed to conserve these subspecies. We provide a spatial framework with which range countries and international agencies could establish transboundary cooperation for conserving threatened leopards in Asia.
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Human infrastructure development drives decline in suitable habitat for Reeves’s pheasant in the Dabie Mountains in the last 20 years. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Carter N, Killion A, Easter T, Brandt J, Ford A. Road development in Asia: Assessing the range-wide risks to tigers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz9619. [PMID: 32494684 PMCID: PMC7190336 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz9619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Roads are proliferating worldwide at an unprecedented rate, with potentially severe impacts on wildlife. We calculated the extent and potential impacts of road networks across the 1,160,000-km2, 13-country range of the globally endangered tiger (Panthera tigris)-a conservation umbrella species. We found that roads were pervasive, totaling 134,000 km across tiger conservation landscapes (TCLs), even in tiger priority sites and protected areas. Approximately 43% of the area where tiger breeding occurs and 57% of the area in TCLs fell within the road-effect zone. Consequently, current road networks may be decreasing tiger and prey abundances by more than 20%. Nearly 24,000 km of new roads will be built in TCLs by 2050, stimulated through major investment projects such as China's Belt and Road Initiative. Given that roads will be a pervasive challenge to tiger recovery in the future, we urge decision-makers to make sustainable road development a top priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Carter
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexander Killion
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tara Easter
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jodi Brandt
- Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83712, USA
| | - Adam Ford
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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40
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Toulec T, Lhota S, Soumarová H, Putera AKS, Kustiawan W. Shrimp farms, fire or palm oil? Changing causes of proboscis monkey habitat loss. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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41
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Potential Distribution of the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Different Land Covers of Nepal: Implications for Conservation. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12031282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have driven many wildlife species towards extinction. Among these species, the geographic distributions of many are poorly documented, which can limit the effectiveness of conservation. The critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is experiencing population decline throughout its range due to land-use changes and illegal trade for food and traditional medicine. Using distribution records and maximum entropy modeling, we predicted the potential distribution of the Chinese pangolin across Nepal. Most suitable potential habitats of the Chinese pangolin occurred in forest areas of the mid-hill region in central and eastern Nepal, followed by cultivated land. Almost all potential suitable habitats of the Chinese pangolin occurred outside of protected areas, and most of them were encroached upon by cultivated land, human settlements, and infrastructure developments. The results from this study provide baseline information on the potential suitable habitats of the Chinese pangolin in Nepal, which helps to develop site- and species-specific management plans and to identify priority areas to minimize the current threats to the pangolin and enhance the stewardship of species conservation.
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42
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Silva I, Crane M, Savini T. High roadkill rates in the Dong Phayayen‐Khao Yai World Heritage Site: conservation implications of a rising threat to wildlife. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Silva
- Conservation Ecology Program School of Bioresources and Technology King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok Thailand
| | - M. Crane
- Conservation Ecology Program School of Bioresources and Technology King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok Thailand
| | - T. Savini
- Conservation Ecology Program School of Bioresources and Technology King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok Thailand
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43
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Satjanadumrong J, Robinson MT, Hughes T, Blacksell SD. Distribution and Ecological Drivers of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Asia. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:611-626. [PMID: 30993545 PMCID: PMC6910891 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group and related rickettsia (SFGR) are a neglected group of pathogens that belong to the genus Rickettsia. SFGR are zoonotic and are transmitted by arthropod vectors, primarily ticks, fleas and mites to accidental hosts. These emerging and re-emerging infections are widely distributed throughout the world. Land-use change and increasing human-wildlife conflict compound the risk of SFGR infection to local people in endemic areas and travelers to these regions. In this article, we discuss the rickettsial organisms causing spotted fever and related diseases, their arthropod vectors in Asia and the impact of land-use change on their spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaruwan Satjanadumrong
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithee Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Matthew T Robinson
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Tom Hughes
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithee Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithee Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK.
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Abstract
AbstractConservation genetics can provide data needed by conservation practitioners for their decisions regarding the management of vulnerable or endangered species, such as the sun bear Helarctos malayanus. Throughout its range, the sun bear is threatened by loss and fragmentation of its habitat and the illegal trade of both live bears and bear parts. Sharply declining population numbers and population sizes, and a lack of natural dispersal between populations all threaten the genetic diversity of the remaining populations of this species. In this first population genetics study of sun bears using microsatellite markers, we analyzed 68 sun bear samples from Cambodia to investigate population structure and genetic diversity. We found evidence for two genetically distinct populations in the West and East of Cambodia. Ongoing or recent gene flow between these populations does not appear sufficient to alleviate loss of diversity in these populations, one of which (West Cambodia) is characterized by significant inbreeding. We were able to assign 85% of sun bears of unknown origin to one of the two populations with high confidence (assignment probability ≥ 85%), providing valuable information for future bear reintroduction programs. Further, our results suggest that developed land (mostly agricultural mosaics) acts as a barrier to gene flow for sun bears in Cambodia. We highlight that regional sun bear conservation action plans should consider promoting population connectivity and enforcing wildlife protection of this threatened species.
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45
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Trans-national conservation and infrastructure development in the Heart of Borneo. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221947. [PMID: 31532810 PMCID: PMC6750574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Heart of Borneo initiative has promoted the integration of protected areas and sustainably-managed forests across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Recently, however, member states of the Heart of Borneo have begun pursuing ambitious unilateral infrastructure-development schemes to accelerate economic growth, jeopardizing the underlying goal of trans-boundary integrated conservation. Focusing on Sabah, Malaysia, we highlight conflicts between its Pan-Borneo Highway scheme and the regional integration of protected areas, unprotected intact forests, and conservation-priority forests. Road developments in southern Sabah in particular would drastically reduce protected-area integration across the northern Heart of Borneo region. Such developments would separate two major clusters of protected areas that account for one-quarter of all protected areas within the Heart of Borneo complex. Sabah has proposed forest corridors and highway underpasses as means of retaining ecological connectivity in this context. Connectivity modelling identified numerous overlooked areas for connectivity rehabilitation among intact forest patches following planned road development. While such ‘linear-conservation planning’ might theoretically retain up to 85% of intact-forest connectivity and integrate half of the conservation-priority forests across Sabah, in reality it is very unlikely to achieve meaningful ecological integration. Moreover, such measure would be exceedingly costly if properly implemented–apparently beyond the operating budget of relevant Malaysian authorities. Unless critical road segments are cancelled, planned infrastructure will fragment important conservation landscapes with little recourse for mitigation. This likelihood reinforces earlier calls for the legal recognition of the Heart of Borneo region for conservation planning as well as for enhanced tri-lateral coordination of both conservation and development.
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Pruvot M, Khammavong K, Milavong P, Philavong C, Reinharz D, Mayxay M, Rattanavong S, Horwood P, Dussart P, Douangngeun B, Theppangna W, Fine AE, Olson SH, Robinson M, Newton P. Toward a quantification of risks at the nexus of conservation and health: The case of bushmeat markets in Lao PDR. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 676:732-745. [PMID: 31054417 PMCID: PMC7112076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Trade of bushmeat and other wildlife for human consumption presents a unique set of challenges to policy-makers who are confronted with multiple trade-offs between conservation, food security, food safety, culture and tradition. In the face of these complex issues, risk assessments supported by quantitative information would facilitate evidence-based decision making. We propose a conceptual model for disease transmission risk analysis, inclusive of these multiple other facets. To quantify several processes included in this conceptual model we conducted questionnaire surveys with wildlife consumers and vendors in semi-urban centers in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR, Laos) and direct observations of consumer behaviors. Direct observation of market stalls indicated an estimated average of 10 kg bushmeat biomass per stall per hour. The socio-demographic data suggested that consumption of bushmeat in urban areas was not for subsistence but rather driven by dietary preference and tradition. Consumer behavioral observations indicated that each animal receives an average of 7 contacts per hour. We provide other key parameters to estimate the risk of disease transmission from bushmeat consumption and illustrate their use in assessing the total public health and socio-economic impact of bushmeat consumption. Pursuing integrative approaches to the study of bushmeat consumption is essential to develop effective and balanced policies that support conservation, public health, and rural development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Pruvot
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Health Program, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA.
| | - Kongsy Khammavong
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Lao PDR Program, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic
| | - Phonesavanh Milavong
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Lao PDR Program, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic
| | | | - Daniel Reinharz
- Institut de la Francophonie pour la Médecine Tropicale, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic; Département de Médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sayapeth Rattanavong
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic
| | - Paul Horwood
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Bounlom Douangngeun
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Ban Khunta, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic
| | - Watthana Theppangna
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Ban Khunta, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic
| | - Amanda E Fine
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Health Program, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Sarah H Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Health Program, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Matthew Robinson
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Newton
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Infrastructure expansion challenges sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219408. [PMID: 31339902 PMCID: PMC6656346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The island of New Guinea hosts the third largest expanse of tropical rainforest on the planet. Papua New Guinea—comprising the eastern half of the island—plans to nearly double its national road network (from 8,700 to 15,000 km) over the next three years, to spur economic growth. We assessed these plans using fine-scale biophysical and environmental data. We identified numerous environmental and socioeconomic risks associated with these projects, including the dissection of 54 critical biodiversity habitats and diminished forest connectivity across large expanses of the island. Key habitats of globally endangered species including Goodfellow’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi), Matchie’s tree kangaroo (D. matschiei), and several birds of paradise would also be bisected by roads and opened up to logging, hunting, and habitat conversion. Many planned roads would traverse rainforests and carbon-rich peatlands, contradicting Papua New Guinea’s international commitments to promote low-carbon development and forest conservation for climate-change mitigation. Planned roads would also create new deforestation hotspots via rapid expansion of logging, mining, and oil-palm plantations. Our study suggests that several planned road segments in steep and high-rainfall terrain would be extremely expensive in terms of construction and maintenance costs. This would create unanticipated economic challenges and public debt. The net environmental, social, and economic risks of several planned projects—such as the Epo-Kikori link, Madang-Baiyer link, Wau-Malalaua link, and some other planned projects in the Western and East Sepik Provinces—could easily outstrip their overall benefits. Such projects should be reconsidered under broader environmental, economic, and social grounds, rather than short-term economic considerations.
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Kim K, Serret H, Clauzel C, Andersen D, Jang Y. Spatio-temporal characteristics and predictions of the endangered leopard cat Prionailirus bengalensis euptilura road-kills in the Republic of Korea. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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49
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The road to deforestation: Edge effects in an endemic ecosystem in Sumatra, Indonesia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217540. [PMID: 31260478 PMCID: PMC6602176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, roads are a main driver of deforestation and degradation as they increase forest access along the forest edge. In many tropical areas, unofficial roads go unreported and unrecorded, resulting in inaccurate estimates of intact forested areas. This is the case in central Sumatra, which boasts populations of critically endangered Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatrensis), tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) and other endemic flora and fauna that make the area globally unique. However, maps do not reflect the reality of forest loss in the area. Here we present new maps from 2002 and 2016 of digitized and ground-truthed roads in one of Sumatra's unique lowland tropical protected areas, Tesso Nilo National Park. Using our newly created roads dataset, we examine the distribution of forest with respect to distance to roads. Our data show >2,400 km of roads within the national park in 2016 -nearly a 10-fold increase from roads known in 2002. Most forest (82-99%) within Tesso Nilo falls within 100 m, 500 m, and 1000 m of road edges. Length of road increased 157% and road density increased from 1.06 km/km2 to 2.63 km/km2 from 2002-2016. Our results suggest that this endemic ecosystem is facing substantial threat from roads and their associated impacts. Without swift management action, such as road closures and increased enforcements by park management, this ecosystem, and its endemic wildlife, could be lost. It is imperative that protected areas worldwide more rigorously consider roads and road effects on ecosystem fragmentation in their conservation plans.
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Heon SP, Chapman PM, Bernard H, Ewers RM. Small logging roads do not restrict movements of forest rats in Bornean logged forests. Biotropica 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sui P. Heon
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College London Ascot UK
| | | | - Henry Bernard
- Institute for Tropical Biology and ConservationUniversity Malaysia Sabah Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
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