Diversity

Research

16 pages, 1395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Rubber Plantation Restoration in National Parks on Plant Diversity and Soil Chemical Properties

by Chunyan Du, Donghai Li, Weifeng Wang, Xiaobo Yang, Zhixiang Wu, Chuan Yang, Yingying Zhang, Qingmao Fu and Dongling Qi

Diversity 2024, 16(11), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110701 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Plantations left for natural succession play a significant role in Tropical Rainforest National Parks. Studying the succession and restoration of plantations is crucial for achieving a park’s authenticity and integrity, as well as for maximizing its ecological functions. However, the changes in vegetation [...] Read more.

Plantations left for natural succession play a significant role in Tropical Rainforest National Parks. Studying the succession and restoration of plantations is crucial for achieving a park’s authenticity and integrity, as well as for maximizing its ecological functions. However, the changes in vegetation and soil properties during the natural succession of these decommissioned plantations remain unclear. In this study, we examined rubber [(Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. Ex A. Juss.) Muell. Arg] plantations in the Yinggeling area of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest. We used community surveys, field sampling, and soil property analyses to investigate the species richness, diversity, and species composition of the aboveground plant communities during three succession periods of rubber plantations left for natural succession, including 0 years (ZY), 3 years (TY), and 7 years (SY). The soil pH, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and total potassium contents in the three succession periods were analyzed. These results showed that there were 92 species of understory plants in the decommissioned rubber plantations, belonging to 72 genera in 39 families. The highest number of understory plant species was found in the plantations with 3 years of natural succession, totaling 66 species from 49 genera in 29 families. The number of families, genera, and species followed the pattern TY > SY > ZY. The Margalef richness index (F), Simpson index (D), and Shannon–Wiener index (H) of understory plants in the 0-year succession plantations were significantly lower than those in the 3-year and 7-year succession plantations. However, there was no significant difference in the Pielou (EH) index among the succession gradients. The soil pH, nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), and available phosphorus (AP) in the 0-year succession plantations were significantly higher than those in the 3-year and 7-year succession plantations. There were no significant differences in soil total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total organic carbon (TOC), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) across the three succession gradients. The soil total potassium (TK) in the 3-year succession plantations was significantly higher than that in the 0-year and 7-year succession plantations. Soil available phosphorus and total phosphorus (TP) were positively correlated with the Margalef index, Simpson index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou index. The recovery rate of understory vegetation in decommissioned rubber plantations was faster than that of the soil. This indicates that the construction of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest has significantly promoted the recovery of the number of plant species and plant species diversity that have been left from rubber plantation operations. These findings not only deepen our understanding of soil property changes during the vegetation succession of artificial forests, particularly rubber plantations, but they also hold significant implications for guiding tropical forest management and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Viability of Translocated Mongolian Dung Beetles (Gymnopleurus mopsus) for Ecological Restoration in Republic of Korea: An Analysis of Environmental Adaptability

by Hwang Kim, Doo-Hyung Lee, Sun-Hee Hong, Jong-Seok Park, Jung-Wook Kho and Young-Joong Kim

Diversity 2024, 16(11), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110691 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 363

Abstract

This study investigates the reintroduction and ecological adaptation of the endangered dung beetle, Gymnopleurus mopsus, in South Korea, a region from which it has been absent since the 1970s. To facilitate this, we imported genetically identical populations of G. mopsus from Mongolia [...] Read more.

This study investigates the reintroduction and ecological adaptation of the endangered dung beetle, Gymnopleurus mopsus, in South Korea, a region from which it has been absent since the 1970s. To facilitate this, we imported genetically identical populations of G. mopsus from Mongolia and embarked on a comprehensive restoration research project. A key focus of this endeavor was to evaluate the adaptability of these beetles to the local environment, an essential aspect of successful reintegration of species from foreign ecosystems. Under meticulously controlled field cage conditions, we conducted an in-depth monitoring of the life history traits of G. mopsus. This monitoring revealed that the adult beetles, which entered hibernation in September 2019, began emerging in stages from late April to May 2020. Following hibernation, we observed that the adults engaged in reproductive activities from late-May until early-August, with the emergence of the first-generation (F1) adults occurring from late-July to mid-September. This led to a notable tripling in population size, increasing from 34 to 109 individuals. The successful survival and reproductive behaviors of these Mongolian dung beetles in the climatic conditions of Korea suggest a promising potential for their adaptation when reintroduced into native habitats. We are now directing our efforts towards long-term monitoring, focusing on the survival and reproductive efficacy of these new generations, to further validate the success of this ecological restoration project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 62132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Impact of Land Use on Biodiversity Based on Multiple Scenarios—A Case Study of Southwest China

by Yingzhi Kuang, Hao Zhou and Lun Yin

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100630 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 722

Abstract

The main causes of habitat conversion, degradation, and fragmentation—all of which add to the loss in biodiversity—are human activities, such as urbanization and farmland reclamation. In order to inform scientific land management and biodiversity conservation strategies and, therefore, advance sustainable development, it is [...] Read more.

The main causes of habitat conversion, degradation, and fragmentation—all of which add to the loss in biodiversity—are human activities, such as urbanization and farmland reclamation. In order to inform scientific land management and biodiversity conservation strategies and, therefore, advance sustainable development, it is imperative to evaluate the effects of land-use changes on biodiversity, especially in areas with high biodiversity. Using data from five future land-use scenarios under various Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), this study systematically assesses the characteristics of land-use and landscape pattern changes in southwest China by 2050. This study builds a comprehensive biodiversity index and forecasts trends in species richness and habitat quality using models like Fragstats and InVEST to evaluate the overall effects of future land-use changes on biodiversity. The research yielded the subsequent conclusions: (1) Grasslands and woods will continue to be the primary land uses in southwest China in the future. But the amount of grassland is expected to decrease by 11,521 to 102,832 km², and the amounts of wasteland and urban area are expected to increase by 8130 to 16,293 km² and 4028 to 19,677 km², respectively. Furthermore, it is anticipated that metropolitan areas will see an increase in landscape fragmentation and shape complexity, whereas forests and wastelands will see a decrease in these aspects. (2) In southwest China, there is a synergistic relationship between species richness and habitat quality, and both are still at relatively high levels. In terms of species richness and habitat quality, the percentage of regions categorized as outstanding and good range from 71.63% to 74.33% and 70.13% to 75.83%, respectively. The environmental circumstances for species survival and habitat quality are expected to worsen in comparison to 2020, notwithstanding these high levels. Western Sichuan, southern Guizhou, and western Yunnan are home to most of the high-habitat-quality and species-richness areas, while the western plateau is home to the majority of the lower scoring areas. (3) The majority of areas (89.84% to 94.29%) are forecast to undergo little change in the spatial distribution of biodiversity in southwest China, and the general quality of the ecological environment is predicted to stay favorable. Except in the SSP1-RCP2.6 scenario, however, it is expected that the region with declining biodiversity will exceed those with increasing biodiversity. In comparison to 2020, there is a projected decline of 1.0562% to 5.2491% in the comprehensive biodiversity index. These results underscore the major obstacles to the conservation of biodiversity in the area, highlighting the need to fortify macro-level land-use management, put into practice efficient regional conservation plans, and incorporate traditional knowledge in order to save biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity as a Tool in the Assessment of the Conservation Status of Coastal Habitats: A Case Study from Calabria (Southern Italy)

by Antonio Morabito, Carmelo Maria Musarella, Giuseppe Caruso and Giovanni Spampinato

Diversity 2024, 16(9), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090535 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1106

Abstract

The Mediterranean coasts are threatened by human activities that alter habitats structure and functionality, modifying vegetation and causing the loss of typical species. The definition of the conservation status of coastal habitats is essential to preserve these fragile environments through planned policies. This [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean coasts are threatened by human activities that alter habitats structure and functionality, modifying vegetation and causing the loss of typical species. The definition of the conservation status of coastal habitats is essential to preserve these fragile environments through planned policies. This study aims to assess the conservation status of the habitats of community interest (sensu EEC Directive 43/92) through the analysis of biodiversity and correlating it with urbanisation. A total of 73 vegetation relevés were carried out, so allowing 13 revealing different habitats to be identified. The total plant species diversity per habitat was measured by means of the H-index, also used to assess naturalness (N), differently considering native, alien, and disturbance species. To correlate the N index with distance from urban centres, a statistical analysis was performed. The analysis showed the highest values of H⁺ were found in habitats 2240, 2110, 2260, and 2230, while lowest values were observed in habitats 2270* and 2240. The habitats 2270* and 2240, the closest to urban centres, have a lower naturalness score than habitats 1420, 2120, 2250*, and 2270*, where higher naturalness scores have been found and therefore lower levels of disturbance. The criteria and methods discussed in this study can be used in coastal management in order to identify the most sensitive habitats and implement an effective conservation strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conservation Prioritization of Orthoptera Assemblages on a Mediterranean Island

by Elli Tzirkalli, Konstantina Zografou, Luc Willemse, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis and Vassiliki Kati

Diversity 2024, 16(6), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16060347 - 15 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1002

Abstract

In response to the ongoing global extinction, conservationists must prioritize future conservation investments to ensure that such measures are biologically effective and economically viable. To propose an effective conservation plan for Orthoptera assemblages on Cyprus Island, we introduce the Standardized Conservation Index ( [...] Read more.

In response to the ongoing global extinction, conservationists must prioritize future conservation investments to ensure that such measures are biologically effective and economically viable. To propose an effective conservation plan for Orthoptera assemblages on Cyprus Island, we introduce the Standardized Conservation Index (StCI), a biodiversity index accounting for the conservation value (c_i), presence, dispersal ability, endemism and conservation status of a species. We evaluated the effect of eleven environmental variables on StCI, c_i, species richness and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, using linear and generalized linear models. Species and environmental data were collected in 60 localities that were placed along four elevational zones and included seven habitat types. Our results revealed the importance of rural mosaics and forests for the conservation of Orthoptera. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index failed to show the importance of high-altitude forests. The Orthoptera species diversity was favored by flower heads and the soil humidity, while rock cover and high shrubs had a positive and negative effect, respectively, on the StCI and c_i values. Our results underline the value of StCI in complementing traditional diversity indices, as a scale-independent index that can be used for different taxa to prioritize sites of conservation concern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reptile Biodiversity and Vulnerability in Bolivia’s Beni Department: Informing Conservation Priorities in a Neglected Frontier

by Cord B. Eversole, Randy L. Powell, Luis R. Rivas and Dennis E. Lizarro

Diversity 2024, 16(6), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16060335 - 7 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1100

Abstract

The Department of Beni, in the country of Bolivia, is thought to host a significant level of biodiversity as a result of its tropical, moist, and diverse climate and landscape. However, the biodiversity of Beni is also considered poorly known and understudied due [...] Read more.

The Department of Beni, in the country of Bolivia, is thought to host a significant level of biodiversity as a result of its tropical, moist, and diverse climate and landscape. However, the biodiversity of Beni is also considered poorly known and understudied due to its inaccessible landscapes, socio-economic challenges, and an overall lack of biodiversity infrastructure. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive species inventories and the development of effective conservation policies and strategies. We conducted an assessment of biodiversity, environmental vulnerability, and conservation status of reptiles documented in Beni. We identified 169 reptile species, spanning three orders and twenty-five families that have been officially documented in Beni. Utilizing the Environmental Vulnerability Score (EVS), we classified these species into high (17.8%), medium (68.1%), and low (14.2%) vulnerability categories, while IUCN categorization revealed 1.8% of reptile species in Beni are classified as vulnerable and 0.6% as near threatened. We found significant differences in ecological drivers of vulnerability among species within all categories (high, medium, low), with habitat specificity and human persecution being significantly higher for high and medium-vulnerability species. Our results demonstrate the intricate vulnerabilities of Beni’s reptiles, highlighting the need for comprehensive, species-specific conservation strategies and planning. Most importantly, our results offer a consolidated framework of information on reptile biodiversity and conservation for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers to use and build upon in the future that will facilitate the development of biodiversity infrastructure not only in the Department of Beni but throughout Bolivia and the Neotropics Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity Conservation in Xishuangbanna, China: Diversity Analysis of Traditional Knowledge Related to Biodiversity and Conservation Progress and Achievement Evaluation

by Qing Huang, Yinzhi Kuang, Hao Zhou, Xunqi Li and Lun Yin

Diversity 2024, 16(5), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16050260 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

Biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the earth. The study of traditional knowledge related to biological resources is a hot issue in the field of international biodiversity conservation. Xishuangbanna is a key area of biodiversity and a cultural [...] Read more.

Biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the earth. The study of traditional knowledge related to biological resources is a hot issue in the field of international biodiversity conservation. Xishuangbanna is a key area of biodiversity and a cultural hotspot of international significance. According to the Technical Regulation for Classification, Investigation, and Inventory of Traditional Knowledge Relating to Biological Diversity issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, we investigated and catalogued the traditional knowledge related to biodiversity of the Jino people who have lived in Xishuangbanna for generations, and collected 490 entries of traditional knowledge related to biodiversity of the Jino people. Drawing on the traditional knowledge diversity index calculation method proposed by Wang Guoping, the overall traditional knowledge α-diversity index of the Jino people is 0.63, indicating that the richness of the traditional knowledge of the Jinuo people is relatively high. The traditional culture related to biodiversity, the traditional knowledge related to agricultural genetic resources, and the traditional technology related to the sustainable utilization of biological resources are relatively rich and diverse. The diversity index is 0.86, 0.82 and 0.79, respectively. In addition, Xishuangbanna has invested a lot of energy in biodiversity protection, including the establishment of nature reserves, botanical gardens, zoos, ecological tea gardens and other species reserves, and the promulgation of laws and policies related to biodiversity protection, and has achieved remarkable results in in situ protection and ex situ protection. On the basis of analyzing the progress and achievements of biodiversity conservation in Xishuangbanna, this study points out that Xishuangbanna faces challenges such as the loss of traditional knowledge, insufficient conservation efforts, and great changes in land use, and puts forward corresponding suggestions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of the Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in Kenya

by Nicholus Kilonzo, Joel T. Heinen and Patrick Byakagaba

Diversity 2024, 16(3), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030183 - 18 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1904

Abstract

International trade is hastening extinction for many species of plants and animals despite the fact that many countries have ratified CITES. The adoption of treaties is often symbolic as many countries, especially in the developing world where most biodiversity is found, experience a [...] Read more.

International trade is hastening extinction for many species of plants and animals despite the fact that many countries have ratified CITES. The adoption of treaties is often symbolic as many countries, especially in the developing world where most biodiversity is found, experience a lack of fit between international agreements and national laws and institutions. Our main objective here is to assess the extent of jurisdictional and institutional fit in the implementation of CITES in Kenya, an important issue given the amount of international trade in wild products and the importance of wildlife tourism to the country. The specific objectives are to assess the following: the capacity and level of coordination among state actors and conservation mandates in national policy and law using a mixed methods approach involving a literature review and 38 key informant surveys representing professional expertise from various stakeholder groups. We found that over 60% of respondents indicated only moderate capacity for the implementation of CITES and coordination between local and central governments. Some participants indicated that judicial officers lack adequate conservation knowledge, thus hampering enforcement via low prosecution rates. A moderate (at best) structural fit involving inefficiencies such as conflicting processes, unequal enforcement, and suboptimal coordination implies a degree of failure in developing the implementation capacity of CITES within Kenya. Our results also show a mismatch between agency staffing and workload at several levels of government, and we make suggestions for improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

9 pages, 733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Lake Fragmentation and Its Effect on Wintering Waterbirds in Poyang Lake, China

by Muhammad Suliman, Wenyou Deng, Qingming Wu, Tariq Ahmad, Xueying Sun, Debela Megersa Tsegaye, Muhammad Sadiq Khan, Ngo Thi Kieu Trang and Hongfei Zou

Diversity 2024, 16(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030154 - 29 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1286

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the fragmentation of sub-lakes in winter and its effects on wintering waterbirds in Poyang Lake. Poyang Lake becomes fragmented in winter, which forms many seasonal sub-lakes every year, and have different environmental characteristics. These sub-lakes significantly impact [...] Read more.

This study was designed to determine the fragmentation of sub-lakes in winter and its effects on wintering waterbirds in Poyang Lake. Poyang Lake becomes fragmented in winter, which forms many seasonal sub-lakes every year, and have different environmental characteristics. These sub-lakes significantly impact winter bird habitats and result in susceptibility to various changes, because birds have different distribution responses. A total of 24 sub-lakes were surveyed from one to five vantage points using point count methods in each sub-lake with binoculars, monocular, and a spotting scope for four consecutive winter seasons. The multi-site dissimilarity Sorensen index measures overlapped between two populations, and the R software “iNEXT” package was used to evaluate the sample coverage test of the study area. We observed 58 wintering waterbird species belonging to 9 orders and 15 families from 2016 to 2020. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the species richness of wintering waterbirds was significantly positively correlated with the sub-lake areas and associated with the richness of habitat type. The WNODF analyses were considerably correlated for sites of waterbirds, mainly with the abundance of forage and conservation of habitat form. The outcomes of this study showed that Maying Lake has the highest local beta diversity, whereas Dacha Lake has the lowest local beta diversity contribution (0.007). This study’s findings demonstrate Poyang Lake’s role in waterbird the habitat suitability of waterbirds, especially for foraging and conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Mitigation Measures at Roadkill Hotspots in South Korea

by Il Ryong Kim, Kihyun Kim and Euigeun Song

Diversity 2023, 15(12), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15121199 - 6 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1798

Abstract

Collisions between wildlife and vehicles or roadkill remain a persistent issue. This poses a significant threat to the safety of both wildlife and drivers. The lack of systematically managed roadkill records poses challenges for nationwide research and comprehensive assessment in South Korea. Since [...] Read more.

Collisions between wildlife and vehicles or roadkill remain a persistent issue. This poses a significant threat to the safety of both wildlife and drivers. The lack of systematically managed roadkill records poses challenges for nationwide research and comprehensive assessment in South Korea. Since 2018, the Ministry of Environment (MOE), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), and National Institute of Ecology (NIE) in South Korea have been implementing roadkill investigations and management. The areas selected for roadkill mitigation measures were determined through hotspot analysis based on nationwide roadkill data collected using the Korean Roadkill Observation System (KROS), an integrated online platform. In this study, the top 50 roadkill hotspots were selected, and appropriate mitigation measures, including wildlife fences, warning signs, and speed enforcement cameras, were implemented. A total of 190.6 km of wildlife fences, 75 warning signs, and 27 speed enforcement cameras were installed. The results of these implementations revealed an average reduction in roadkill incidents of 80.2%. Subsequently, we compared and analyzed roadkill incidents before and after these mitigation measures were implemented. The comparative analysis based on hotspot grades showed that areas with lower grades had relatively lower reductions in roadkill incidents. Moreover, the study showed that the presence of multiple mitigation measures in a single area did not significantly differ from the effects of a single mitigation measure. This research will contribute to an enhanced understanding of roadkill mitigation measures and aid in preventing wildlife accidents on the road. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI