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Biodiversity in Different Regions: Exploring Global Ecology Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 15712

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
2. Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
3. Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
Interests: sex chromosomes; vertebrate genome evolution; chromosome evolution; cytogenetics; comparative genomics; mitochondrial genome analysis; satellite DNA; transposon; genetic diversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Interests: wildlife; biodiversity; ecology and management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Different global regions are at high risk of drastic environmental changes. The climate is warming and many species are in decline. Pollution is also affecting ecosystems and human health, with risks of sea level changes, disease, food security and climate extremes. Narrowly adapted and endemic species now face extinction as climate change impacts biodiversity, agricultural production and food security. Understanding how climate has shaped ecosystems and how drivers of environmental change (including human population growth and consumption, energy use, land use changes and pollution) impact biological systems are fundamental to global ecology sustainability.

This Special Issue will highlight recent research on how ecological changes have impacted biodiversity in different regions of the world across many scales —from individual organisms to populations, communities and ecosystems through reviews and original contributions addressing the following themes:

  • The molecular basis of genetic diversity and genetic adaptations to local environmental conditions
  • Rapid evolutionary and genetic changes and species’ adaptive responses
  • Biodiversity monitoring in captivity and nature for conservation
  • Climate change and challenges to zero hunger and food security

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Kornsorn Srikulnath
Dr. Prateep Duengkae
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • diversity
  • inbreeding
  • monitoring
  • conservation
  • ecosystems
  • anthropocen
  • bioeconomy
  • coexistence
  • reducing the extinction risk
  • population
  • reintroduction
  • outbreeding
  • habitat suitability

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 7004 KiB  
Article
Twitter Mining for Detecting Interest Trends on Biodiversity: Messages from Seven Language Communities
by Shu Ishida, Takanori Matsui, Chihiro Haga, Keiko Hori, Shizuka Hashimoto and Osamu Saito
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12893; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712893 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1729
Abstract
The recent rates of global change in nature are unprecedented in human history. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has proposed a framework to achieve transformative change. Transformative change with respect to nature will be driven by recognizing the [...] Read more.
The recent rates of global change in nature are unprecedented in human history. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has proposed a framework to achieve transformative change. Transformative change with respect to nature will be driven by recognizing the values people have; making inclusive decisions based on these values; restructuring policies, rights, and regulations in accordance with them; and transforming social norms and goals that can drive change. Social media is a new source of information and a modern tool for monitoring public opinion on human–nature interactions. This study identified commonalities among seven language communities (the six official languages of the United Nations and the Japanese language), demonstrating the uniqueness of the Japanese community by comparing hashtags in tweets that include the term biodiversity and determining differences in interest and concern about biodiversity from the past to the present. Tweets accessible at the end of 2021 that focus on biodiversity were collected from the Twitter server and used to form a text dataset. Interest was then qualitatively and quantitatively identified using natural language processing technology. Engagements and diversity indices were found to be on the rise in all language communities. We found that the Japanese language community has a different perspective on the relationship between biodiversity and humans from the scope of the IPBES conceptual framework. Future work should examine the relationship between passion for biodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, collaboration with various people around the world is necessary to understand the concept of biodiversity in different traditions and cultures. Full article
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18 pages, 1769 KiB  
Article
Thai Local Chicken Breeds, Chee Fah and Fah Luang, Originated from Chinese Black-Boned Chicken with Introgression of Red Junglefowl and Domestic Chicken Breeds
by Trifan Budi, Worapong Singchat, Nivit Tanglertpaibul, Wongsathit Wongloet, Aingorn Chaiyes, Nattakan Ariyaraphong, Worawit Thienpreecha, Wannapa Wannakan, Autchariyapron Mungmee, Thanyapat Thong, Pish Wattanadilokchatkun, Thitipong Panthum, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Artem Lisachov, Narongrit Muangmai, Rattanaphon Chuenka, Pollavat Prapattong, Mitsuo Nunome, Wiyada Chamchumroon, Kyudong Han, Santi Pornpipatsiri, Thepchai Supnithi, Min-Sheng Peng, Jian-Lin Han, Yoichi Matsuda, Prateep Duengkae, Phuechphol Noinafai and Kornsorn Srikulnathadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6878; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086878 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4083
Abstract
Knowledge of the genetic characteristics, origin, and local adaptation of chickens is essential to identify the traits required for chicken breeding programs. Chee Fah and Fah Luang are black-boned chicken breeds reared in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Chickens are an important part of the [...] Read more.
Knowledge of the genetic characteristics, origin, and local adaptation of chickens is essential to identify the traits required for chicken breeding programs. Chee Fah and Fah Luang are black-boned chicken breeds reared in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Chickens are an important part of the local economy and socio-culture; however, the genetic diversity, characteristics, and origins of these two breeds have been poorly studied. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, gene pool, and origin of the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens using mitochondrial DNA D-loop (mtDNA D-loop) sequencing and microsatellite genotyping, as well as habitat suitability analysis using maximum entropy modeling. The MtDNA D-loop sequencing and microsatellite genotype analyses indicated that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens shared haplogroups A, B, and CD with Chinese black-boned chickens. Gene pool analysis revealed that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens have distinct genetic patterns compared to Thai domestic chickens and red junglefowl. Some gene pools of red junglefowl and other Thai domestic chickens were observed within the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chicken gene pool structures, suggesting genetic exchange. The data indicate that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens originated from Chinese indigenous black-boned chicken breeds and experienced crossbreeding/hybridization and introgression with red junglefowl and other domestic breeds during domestication. Interestingly, the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from Chiang Rai shared the same allelic gene pool, which was not shared with the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from Mae Hong Son, suggesting at least two gene pool origins in the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chicken populations. Alternatively, different gene pools in the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from different localities might be caused by differences in environmental factors, especially elevation. Full article
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22 pages, 3450 KiB  
Article
Genetic Monitoring of the Last Captive Population of Greater Mouse-Deer on the Thai Mainland and Prediction of Habitat Suitability before Reintroduction
by Wongsathit Wongloet, Prach Kongthong, Aingorn Chaiyes, Worapong Singchat, Warong Suksavate, Nattakan Ariyaraphong, Thitipong Panthum, Artem Lisachov, Kitipong Jaisamut, Jumaporn Sonongbua, Trifan Budi, Wannapa Wannakan, Worawit Thienpreecha, Paanwaris Paansri, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Kriangsak Sribuarod, Umphornpimon Prayoon, Pakpoom Aramsirirujiwet, Wiyada Chamchumroon, Narongrit Muangmai, Prateep Duengkae and Kornsorn Srikulnathadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043112 - 8 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
Developing successful conservation programs for genetically depleted species is challenging. Survival and adaptive potential are related to genetic and habitat factors; therefore, conservation programs are designed to minimize risks associated with inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The greater mouse-deer (Tragulus napu [...] Read more.
Developing successful conservation programs for genetically depleted species is challenging. Survival and adaptive potential are related to genetic and habitat factors; therefore, conservation programs are designed to minimize risks associated with inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The greater mouse-deer (Tragulus napu) is a true forest species that contributes to seed distribution dynamics in forests. However, with continuous demographic decline over the last century in the wild, only captive populations of the greater mouse-deer remain on the Thai mainland. A restoration program initiated 20 years ago has increased their population to more than 100 individuals but maintaining high genetic diversity in a small captive population is crucial for successful recovery. Microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial D-loop and SRY gene sequence analyses were performed to examine the genetic diversity and population structure in 123 greater mouse-deer (64 females and 59 males). Highly reduced effective captive population size with trends of inbreeding were observed. No historical bottleneck was observed. These conditions have reduced their reproductive fitness and ability to adapt to environmental change, increasing the risk of population decline and eventual extinction. Demographic analyses suggested a recent captive population expansion due to effective animal welfare and reproduction. The results also suggested that population size at equilibrium is the main factor of allelic diversity (number of alleles). Large habitat carrying capacity, representing each fixed captive population size can support the genetic diversity of greater mouse-deer. We also identified suitable habitat areas for reintroduction and long-term in situ conservation of greater mouse-deer using maximum entropy modeling. Based on the environmental variables, species distribution modeling for greater mouse-deer indicated lowland tropical forest regions in the Khlong Saeng-Khao Sok forest complexes as most suitable and requiring urgent habitat improvement. These findings highlight the relevance of careful genetic monitoring and habitat suitability for the long-term conservation of greater mouse-deer and enhance the success of future conservation plans. Full article
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22 pages, 2616 KiB  
Article
Standard Identification Certificate for Legal Legislation of a Unique Gene Pool of Thai Domestic Elephants Originating from a Male Elephant Contribution to Breeding
by Nattakan Ariyaraphong, Dung Ho My Nguyen, Worapong Singchat, Warong Suksavate, Thitipong Panthum, Warangkhana Langkaphin, Saran Chansitthiwet, Taweepoke Angkawanish, Arphorn Promking, Kantapon Kaewtip, Kitipong Jaisamut, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Suchin Trirongjitmoah, Narongrit Muangmai, Orasa Taesumrith, Suratchai Inwiset, Prateep Duengkae and Kornsorn Srikulnath
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15355; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215355 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2527
Abstract
Illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to global biodiversity. Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are highly valued by various cultures as religious symbols and tourist attractions, which has led to a high demand for captive elephants. Owing to the unviability of [...] Read more.
Illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to global biodiversity. Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are highly valued by various cultures as religious symbols and tourist attractions, which has led to a high demand for captive elephants. Owing to the unviability of captive breeding programs, several captive elephant populations are maintained by illegally obtaining wild Asian elephants. Morbidity and mortality rates among captive populations are high, whereas reproduction is low. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity among elephants using microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial D-loop sequences of three captive elephant populations. The study results showed very low nucleotide diversity D-loop sequences and high variations in microsatellite genotyping, with an extensive variation of the gene pool estimates from different populations. This suggests that the optimal male selection during breeding could aid in maintaining the genetic diversity among captive populations. Forward genetic simulation revealed a decreasing genetic diversity in the fixed state within 50 generations. However, largely different gene pools can be effectively used to infer original elephant sources; this would facilitate the development of an identification certificate integration with machine learning and image processing to prevent illegal legislation owing to registration fraud between wild and domestic elephants. Implementing the proposed approaches and recommendations would aid in the mitigation of the illegal capture and domestic trade of wild elephants in Thailand and contribute to the success of future conservation plans in the blueprint of sustainable development goals. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 1749 KiB  
Review
Asian Elephant Evolutionary Relationships: New Perspectives from Mitochondrial D-Loop Haplotype Diversity
by Kornsorn Srikulnath, Nattakan Ariyaraphong, Worapong Singchat, Thitipong Panthum, Artem Lisachov, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Kyudong Han, Narongrit Muangmai and Prateep Duengkae
Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010720 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3918
Abstract
Mitochondrial displacement loop (mt D-loop) sequence analyses have greatly improved assessments of genetic diversity, structure, and population dynamics of endangered species threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Tracking population haplotypes of these species using mitochondrial-based markers has opened new avenues for conservation [...] Read more.
Mitochondrial displacement loop (mt D-loop) sequence analyses have greatly improved assessments of genetic diversity, structure, and population dynamics of endangered species threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Tracking population haplotypes of these species using mitochondrial-based markers has opened new avenues for conservation genomics and biodiversity research. Recent studies have used mt D-loop sequences to assess the genetic diversity of the largest land mammal in Asia, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), whose populations are rapidly declining. Here, we review haplotype data from mt D-loop sequencing studies and highlight previous population-scale hypotheses pertaining to the origin and diverse genetic profiles of Asian elephants. Retrieving haplotype information from elephant populations can substantially improve estimations of different parameters relevant to their conservation and allow introgression/hybridization dissection of genetic variation to shed light on ongoing evolutionary processes. Full article
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