scholarly journals Mangrove Health Assessment and Genetic Diversity of Associated Sesarmid Crab Parasesarma Persicum in Nayband National Park, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Dehghani ◽  
Ahmad Shadi ◽  
Yasaman Gandomi ◽  
Ahmad Ghasemi
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
National Park ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Habitat Alteration ◽  
Mangrove Habitat ◽  
Mangrove Crab

Abstract Mangrove forests as one of the most important coastal ecosystems provide important ecological and economic performance to the world, have been threatened by developmental human activities and subsequent land use changes. The present study aims to assess mangrove ecosystem health in Nayband Marine National Park, Iran using Mangrove Quality Index (MQI), in addition to analyse the effect of mangrove habitat quality on the genetic diversity of Parasesarma persicum the associated mangrove crab by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Four stations were studied for mangrove quality index analysis as well as genetic analysis. The results of MQI survey based on hydrology, water, soil, biota criteria indicated moderate to low habitat quality of mangroves in the study area. Station 4 in the southern Nayband gulf showed highest impact by human activities and MQI of 0.7, indicating serious habitat alteration in this area. Station 2 in the northern part of Nayband gulf showed a moderate mangrove quality (MQI = 0.5). Based on the results of the AFLP genetic assessment, the estimated heterozygosity(He) of crabs was between 0.29 to 0.32 with a mean of 0.30. The highest genetic diversity was found at station 2, however, no complete population differentiation was observed between 4 stations. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between mangrove habitat alteration and heterozygosity reduction (P<0.05). Based on the results of the present study, mangrove habitat destruction due to anthropogenic activities may directly reduce the genetic diversity of associated species of this ecosystem.

Fish Habitat: Essential Fish Habitat and Rehabilitation

1999 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Coastal Development ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Habitat Alteration ◽  
Essential Fish Habitat ◽  
Nontarget Organisms ◽  
Fishery Resources

<em>Abstract</em> .—New England aquatic, estuarine, and marine environments are highly variable and present distinct habitat features that support a number of commercial, recreational, and nontarget organisms. The heterogeneous environmental conditions found throughout New England provide important habitat characteristics for the reproduction, development, growth, feeding, and sustainability of fishery resources. Organisms have specific ontogenetic requirements that demonstrate their evolutionary adaptation to particular riverine, inshore, and offshore habitats. Habitat alteration and disturbance occur due to natural processes and human activities. Human-induced chemical, biological, and physical threats to habitat can have direct and indirect effects on local fish and mollusk populations. Increases in coastal development and humangenerated pollutants entering the environment are major threats to marine and aquatic habitats and are a result of increasing human population. Human activities and direct habitat alteration (e.g., hydrologic modifications) can disrupt environmental processes and conditions, and pollutants are discharged from a variety of nonpoint and point sources including runoff and industrial discharge, respectively. The sustainability of fishery resources in the New England region depends upon the protection of essential fish habitat. This protection includes identifying and understanding all potential nonfishing threats, point and nonpoint pollutant sources, and anthropogenic activities and impacts.

scholarly journals Low genetic diversity indicating the threatened status of Rhizophora apiculata (Rhizophoraceae) in Malaysia: declined evolution meets habitat destruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Azman ◽  
Kevin-Kit-Siong Ng ◽  
Chin-Hong Ng ◽  
Chai-Ting Lee ◽  
Lee-Hong Tnah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Mangrove Species ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Tropical Asia ◽  
Rhizophora Apiculata ◽  
Low Genetic Diversity

Abstract Worldwide, many mangrove species are experiencing significant population declines, including Rhizophora apiculata, which is one of the most widespread and economically important species in tropical Asia. In Malaysia, there has been an alarming decline in R. apiculata populations driven primarily by anthropogenic activities. However, the lack of genetic and demographic information on this species has hampered local efforts to conserve it. To address these gaps, we generated novel genetic information for R. apiculata, based on 1,120 samples collected from 39 natural populations in Peninsular Malaysia. We investigated its genetic diversity and genetic structure with 19 transcriptome and three nuclear microsatellite markers. Our analyses revealed a low genetic diversity (mean He: 0.352) with significant genetic differentiation (FST: 0.315) among populations of R. apiculata. Approximately two-third of the populations showed significant excess of homozygotes, indicating persistent inbreeding which might be due to the decrease in population size or fragmentation. From the cluster analyses, the populations investigated were divided into two distinct clusters, comprising the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia. The western cluster was further divided into two sub-clusters with one of the sub-clusters showing strong admixture pattern that harbours high levels of genetic diversity, thus deserving high priority for conservation.

scholarly journals A Case Study on Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Spatial Entities with Anthropogenic Activities: The National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4486
Author(s):  
Despoina Aktsoglou ◽  
Georgios Gaidajis
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
Product Consumption

The current paper presents a methodological framework that is able to evaluate the carrying capacity of protected areas where various human activities, apart from recreation and tourism, take place. The proposed framework converts the energy and product consumption into land required to satisfy those needs (Ecological Footprint) and compares them with the current land uses and available land (Biocapacity), in order to calculate carrying capacity. To facilitate the evaluation, an algorithm that calculates the Ecological Footprint, the Biocapacity, and the Carrying Capacity of the protected area under study by introducing 48 inputs was developed. The inputs were related to the evaluation of individual indicators assessing energy and product consumption of human activities such as households, tertiary sector, municipal buildings, public lighting, private and public transportation, and tourism. A new unit is introduced, the “equivalent person,” since the anthropogenic activities within the boundaries of the protected area contribute in a dissimilar way to the total land requirements. The framework is applied, as case study, in the National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (NPEMT), Greece, with a view to validate and improve its applicability. Within the NPEMT, habitats of significant biodiversity and ecological value are in coexistence with extensive human activities (urban, rural, tourist, light industrial). The study area covers up to approximately 73,000 ha and its population is estimated at about 29,000 people. The Carrying Capacity of the NPEMT according to the current consumption patterns was estimated at 39,193 equivalent residents, which was higher than the current equivalent residents (36,960), indicating a potential for tourism development at the NPEMT. The Ecological Footprint of the NPEMT was estimated at 181,324 Gha or 4.9 Gha/perseq, slightly higher than the European mean (4.69 Gha/perseq). Among activities, households and private transportation (with approximately 79% and 10%, respectively), among land use, agriculture, livestock, and CO2 emissions (with approximately 36%, 30%, and 30%, respectively), and among products, beef, fruits/vegetables, and beverages (with approximately 22%, 15%, and 14%, respectively) were the main contributors of the total Ecological Footprint of the NPEMT. The area of the NPEMT is able to meet the needs of its population provided that the consumption patterns will be stable. The results encourage the expansion of tourism development, as the tourism activity within the NPEMT is limited compared to other adjacent domestic destinations.

scholarly journals The diversity of the woody tree flora of Mont Sangbé National Park (west of the Ivory Coast)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 050-061
Author(s):  
Tra Bi Tra Jeannot ◽  
Kouassi Kouadio Henri
Keyword(s):  
Cote D'ivoire ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Ivory Coast ◽  
National Park ◽  
Côte D’Ivoire ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Cote D’Ivoire ◽  
The Impact

The present study concerns the diversity of the woody tree flora of Mont Sangbé National Park (West of Côte d'Ivoire). The main objective was to analyze the diversity of the woody tree flora of this park impacted by human activities. Specifically, it involved (1) identifying the anthropogenic factors of the PNMS, sources of impact (2) assessing the impact of these activities on the diversity of the woody tree flora of the PNMS and (3) propose measures to mitigate biodiversity losses. To carry out the study, a device of 14 square blocks of 1 ha each was used on the impacted sites and the control sites in the different biotopes of the park. Each block was subdivided into 100 square plots of 100m² each. The results show that anthropogenic activities have reduced the flora richness of the park, modified its floristic composition and caused the disappearance of some status species. It was proposed as a measure to step up surveillance of the park.

scholarly journals No Limits of Acceptable Change: A Proposed Research Framework for Informing Visitor Use Management in the Context of Cultural Resources

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Zachary D. Miller ◽  
Wayne Freimund ◽  
Stefani A. Crabtree ◽  
Ethan P. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
National Park ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Cultural Resource ◽  
Limits Of Acceptable Change ◽  
The Us ◽  
Visitor Use ◽  
Material Evidence

Cultural resources are commonly defined as resources that provide material evidence of past human activities. These resources are unique, as they are both finite and non-renewable. This provides a challenge for traditional visitor use management since these resources have no limits of acceptable change. However, with nearly every national park in the US containing cultural resources, coupled with ever-growing visitation, it is essential that managers of parks and protected areas have the ability to make science-informed decisions about cultural resources in the context of visitor use management. We propose a framework that can help provide context and exploration for these challenges. Drawing on previous literature, this framework includes risk-based approaches to decision making about visitor use; visitor cognitions related to cultural resources; emotions, mood, and affect related to cultural resource experiences; creating and evaluating interpretive programs; deviant visitor behaviors related to cultural resources; and co-management.

scholarly journals Can Habitat Quality Index Measured Using the InVEST Model Explain Variations in Bird Diversity in an Urban Area?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5747
Author(s):  
Dehuan Li ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
Fan Xia ◽  
Yixuan Yang ◽  
Yujing Xie
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Local Scale ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Invest Model ◽  
Trade Offs

Biodiversity maintenance is a crucial ecosystem service. Due to time limits and data availability, assessing biodiversity using indicators or models has become a hot topic in recent decades. However, whether some proposed indicators can explain biodiversity well at the local scale is still unclear. This study attempted to test whether the habitat quality index (HQI) as measured using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) model could explain variations in bird diversity in New Jiangwan Town, a rapidly urbanized region of Shanghai, China. The relationships from 2002 to 2013 among HQI and the two diversity indices, species richness and species abundance, were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and gray correlation analysis. No significant association was found. Habitat connectivity was then integrated to develop a new combined indicator of habitat quality and connectivity index (HQCI). The associations between HQCI and the two diversity indices were improved significantly. The results indicated that connectivity may be an important factor explaining the diversity of certain species at a local scale. More empirical studies should be conducted to provide scientific evidence relating habitat quality to biodiversity.

scholarly journals The implementation of an aquatic toxicity index as a water quality monitoring tool in the Olifants River (Kruger National Park)

Koedoe ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Wepener ◽  
J.H.J. Van Vuren ◽  
H.H. Du Preez
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Quality Index ◽  
National Park ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Aquatic Toxicity ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Toxicity Index ◽  
Olifants River

Large sets of water quality data can leave water quality managers and decision-makers totally overwhelmed. In order to convey the interpretation of the data in a simplified and understandable manner, the water quality results from bi-monthly surveys undertaken at seven different sampling sites in the Letaba, Olifants, and Selati rivers over a two year period (February 1990 to April 1992) were reduced to index values, using a water quality index. The water quality index (Aquatic Toxicity Index or ATI) revealed spatial and temporal trends. The higher index values, recorded for the sampling sites towards the eastern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP), revealed that the water quality was better than the quality measured in the Olifants River on the western bound-ary. The lowest index values were calculated for the Selati River, with index values consistently below 50. Index values indicate that the water quality in the Selati River was unsuitable for supporting normal physiological processes in fish. The water quality of the Selati River had an immediate impact on the water quality of the Olifants River directly below the confluence. Lower index values recorded at sites further downstream was also attributed to the influence of the Selati River since there are no known point sources of contaminants within the boundaries of the KNP. The index scores also elucidated temporal trends with lower scores evident during winter months. This was due to reduced flow in the Olifants River and a greater contribution of contaminated water from the Selati River. Index values increased following the first seasonal rains due to a dilution effect. Very low index values were recorded at certain sites during flood periods due to increased turbidity, reduced oxygen, and increased metal concentrations.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants of Turmic Valley (Central Karakoram National Park), Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sher Wali Khan ◽  
Qamar Abbas ◽  
Syed Najmul Hassan ◽  
Hawas Khan ◽  
Azhar Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Indus River ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
The People ◽  
Over Exploitation ◽  
Gilgit Baltistan

This study was undertaken to enumerate the medicinal plants of the area, find out the conservation status, and record the folk knowledge from the inhabitants of Turmic Valley during 2011-2013. The valley is located in the Rondo division of the District Skardu on the Northeastern side of the Indus River. The detailed information about the local flora regarding medicinal uses was collected from the local herbal healers (Hakeems) and other knowledgeable people. Locally used herbs of the area prevent and cure the people from various diseases such as joint pains, bronchitis, flu and fever, lowering blood pressure, constipation, liver disorders, stomach and abdominal problems, etc. The most common medicinal herbs found in the region belong to the families Gentianaceae, Berberidaceae, Umbelliferae, Labiatae, Rosaceae, Compositae, Urticaceae, and Ranunculaceae. The inhabitants of the valley mostly use the 42 plant species for the treatment of different health problems. Forty-two species of plants (including 4 Gymnosperms, 1 monocotyledon, and 37 dicotyledons) and 35 types of diseases have been identified during the current study. Thymus linearis, Rosa webbiana, Urtica dioca, Pleurospermum candollei, Berberis spp., Delphinium brononianum, and Mentha angustifolia were the commonly used plant species in the valley. The collected baseline data of this study will be helpfulfor young researchers in the fieldof taxonomy, ethnobotany, pharmacology, organic chemistry, and particularly for biodiversity conservation. Over exploitation, habitat destruction, and over grazing are the major threats for the loss of the important flora of the area.

scholarly journals Molecular genetic diversity and differentiation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L. 1758) in East African natural and stocked populations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Papius Dias Tibihika ◽  
Manuel Curto ◽  
Esayas Alemayehu ◽  
Herwig Waidbacher ◽  
Charles Masembe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Oreochromis Niloticus ◽  
Nile Tilapia ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Genetic Erosion ◽  
Gene Pools ◽  
East African ◽  
Nile Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus

Abstract Background The need for enhancing the productivity of fisheries in Africa triggered the introduction of non-native fish, causing dramatic changes to local species. In East Africa, the extensive translocation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the major factors in this respect. Using 40 microsatellite loci with SSR-GBS techniques, we amplified a total of 664 individuals to investigate the genetic structure of O. niloticus from East Africa in comparison to Ethiopian and Burkina Faso populations. Results All three African regions were characterized by independent gene-pools, however, the Ethiopian population from lake Tana showed to be more divergent than expected suggesting that it might be a different species. In East Africa, the genetic structure was congruent with both geographical location and anthropogenic activities. O. niloticus from Lake Turkana (Kenya) was isolated, while in Uganda, despite populations being rather similar to each other, two main natural catchments were able to be defined. We show that these two groups contributed to the gene-pool of different non-native populations. Moreover, admixture and possible hybridization with other tilapiine species may have contributed to the genetic divergence found in some populations such as Lake Victoria. We detected other factors that might be affecting Nile tilapia genetic variation. For example, most of the populations have gone through a reduction of genetic diversity, which can be a consequence of bottleneck caused by overfishing, genetic erosion due to fragmentation or founder effect resulting from stoking activities. Conclusions The anthropogenic activities particularly in the East African O. niloticus translocations, promoted admixture and contact with the native congenerics which may contribute to outbreeding depression and hence compromising the sustainability of the species in the region.

scholarly journals Impact of community participation in adaptive wildlife resources management at Mole National Park, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-149
Author(s):  
Benjamin Makimilua Tiimub ◽  
◽  
Braimah Gbolo ◽  
Richard Wonnsibe Tiimob ◽  
Ernestina Laatman Tiimo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
National Park ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Market Value ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Market Value Chain ◽  
Trade Market

Purpose: Wildlife resources constitute indispensable nature’s strongholds for human livelihoods strategies in forest, savanna zones across Ghana and the worldwide although, it often engendered conflicts. Impact of community participation on adaptive wildlife resources management was strategically assessed at Mole National Park. Research methodology: 60 randomly selected park environs residents were interviewed for valid responses using semi-structured questionnaires. Findings: High wildlife products demand has transformed bush meat into lucrative business through poaching by thousands of youths and adults, causing habitat destruction and sharp wildlife population decline. Hunters, poachers, middlemen, restaurant operators constituted game-trade-market-value chain. Limitations: Funding subjectivity reduced scope of the study to only few communities in dry season. Temptation to reject the questionnaires on suspicion of force evacuation plots against some park adjoining villages was later refuted. Hence, recovery rate was 100%. Contribution: We recommend that Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission should strengthen synergies on community participation in adaptive wildlife management by coopting educational interventions that positively influence indigenous behaviors through seminars, workshops, face-to-face interactions. This will better define the rights, roles, responsibilities of key partners towards resolving communal wildlife conflicts. Keywords: Community participation, Wildlife management, Park sustainability, Poaching, Game-trade-market-value chain

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document