scholarly journals A Landscape-Scale Adjoining Conservation (LAC) Approach for Efficient Habitat Expansion: The Case of Changbai Mountain, Northeast China

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2919
Author(s):  
Jianwei Bai ◽  
Lina Tang ◽  
Qingchun Wang ◽  
Fengri Li
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Changbai Mountain ◽  
Landscape Patterns ◽  
Habitat Isolation ◽  
Biodiversity Crisis

The biodiversity crisis and ecosystem degradation caused by habitat destruction and human activities can be reduced by organizing protected areas. However, many protected areas currently take the form of “green islands,” which has led to serious habitat isolation in many places. We thus introduce herein a landscape-scale adjoining conservation (LAC) approach for the protection and restoration of ecosystems across the boundaries between protected areas and surrounding non-protected areas. The strategy of the LAC approach is to effectively expand conservation areas by connecting isolated areas of important ecosystems or habitats outside of protected areas. The methodology of the LAC approach involves integrated analyses that consider both habitat quality and landscape patterns. Forest-habitat quality is characterized by species composition and stand structure, and habitat connectivity is quantified by the max patch area of habitat and total habitat area. The focal statistic is useful for examining habitat clumps that result from landscape fragmentation. As a case study, we apply the LAC approach to adjoining restoration of broadleaf Korean pine mixed forest on the Changbai Mountain in northeastern China. We developed a metric called the Restoration Efficiency of Landscape Expansion (RELE) to evaluate the LAC approach. The results indicate that a minimal restoration effort can produce significant effects in terms of the expansion of contiguous habitat, as quantified by RELE.

scholarly journals Ecological Network Optimization in Urban Central District Based on Complex Network Theory: A Case Study with the Urban Central District of Harbin

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1427
Author(s):  
Shuang Song ◽  
Dawei Xu ◽  
Shanshan Hu ◽  
Mengxi Shi
Keyword(s):  
Complex Network ◽  
Network Optimization ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Landscape Patterns ◽  
Ecological Network ◽  
Complex Network Theory ◽  
Ecological Corridors ◽  
Low Degree ◽  
Central District

Habitat destruction and declining ecosystem service levels caused by urban expansion have led to increased ecological risks in cities, and ecological network optimization has become the main way to resolve this contradiction. Here, we used landscape patterns, meteorological and hydrological data as data sources, applied the complex network theory, landscape ecology, and spatial analysis technology, a quantitative analysis of the current state of landscape pattern characteristics in the central district of Harbin was conducted. The minimum cumulative resistance was used to extract the ecological network of the study area. Optimized the ecological network by edge-adding of the complex network theory, compared the optimizing effects of different edge-adding strategies by using robustness analysis, and put forward an effective way to optimize the ecological network of the study area. The results demonstrate that: The ecological patches of Daowai, Xiangfang, Nangang, and other old districts in the study area are small in size, fewer in number, strongly fragmented, with a single external morphology, and high internal porosity. While the ecological patches in the new districts of Songbei, Hulan, and Acheng have a relatively good foundation. And ecological network connectivity in the study area is generally poor, the ecological corridors are relatively sparse and scattered, the connections between various ecological sources of the corridors are not close. Comparing different edge-adding strategies of complex network theory, the low-degree-first strategy has the most outstanding performance in the robustness test. The low-degree-first strategy was used to optimize the ecological network of the study area, 43 ecological corridors are added. After the optimization, the large and the small ecological corridors are evenly distributed to form a complete network, the optimized ecological network will be significantly more connected, resilient, and resistant to interference, the ecological flow transmission will be more efficient.

scholarly journals Spatial Assessment of the Potential Impact of Infrastructure Development on Biodiversity Conservation in Lowland Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshan Sharma ◽  
Bhagawat Rimal ◽  
Nigel Stork ◽  
Himlal Baral ◽  
Maheshwar Dhakal
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Remotely Sensed Data ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Ecological Sites ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats ◽  
The Impact

Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate with infrastructure development being one of the leading causes. New infrastructure, such as roads, provides new access and results in increased land clearing and wildlife hunting. A number of large infrastructure projects, including new roads and rail, are being planned in Nepal. We show the application of readily available remotely sensed data and geospatial tools to assess the potential impact of these future developments on habitat quality under three protection-level scenarios. Our findings reveal that there is currently large spatial heterogeneity in habitat quality across the landscape as a result of current anthropogenic threats, and that three areas in particular could have up to 40% reduction in habitat quality as a result of the planned infrastructure. Further research is required to determine more precisely the impact on key species. Strengthening protected areas and buffer zones will contribute to mitigating degradation to some degree, however, large areas of biologically significant areas outside protected areas will be affected without new controls. Our geographic information systems (GIS) based methodology could be used to conduct studies in data poor developing countries, where rapid infrastructure development across ecological sites are ongoing, in order to make society, policy makers, and development planners aware.

scholarly journals Description of two new species of Avicularia Lamarck 1818 and redescription of Avicularia diversipes (C. L. Koch 1842) (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Aviculariinae)—three possibly threatened Brazilian species

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2223 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROGÉRIO BERTANI ◽  
CAROLINE SAYURI FUKUSHIMA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Original Description ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Southern State ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Specimen Identification ◽  
Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Avicularia diversipes (C. L. Koch 1842) known previously only from its original description is redescribed along with Avicularia sooretama sp. nov. and Avicularia gamba sp. nov. The three species are endemic to Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. With other Avicularia species, they share a procurved anterior eye row, slender embolus and medially folded spermathecae, whereas they have unusual characters, such as a very long and spiraled embolus (A. diversipes) and spermathecae with multilobular apex (A. sooretama sp. nov.). Furthermore, the three species lack a tibial apophysis in males and share a distinctive color pattern ontogeny that is not known in any other Avicularia species. The conservation status of the three species is discussed, especially with respect to endemism, illegal trafficking and habitat destruction. The creation of protected areas in southern State of Bahia, Brazil, is recommended, as well as the inclusion of these species in IUCN and CITES lists. Appendices with figures and species information are presented to facilitate correct specimen identification by custom officers, in order to limit illegal traffic.

scholarly journals Registro de la Serpiente Coral de Steindachneri Micrurus steindachneri (Squamata: Elapidae) en el Área Ecológica de Conservación Municipal Tinajillas-Río Gualaceño

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Lorena Urgiles ◽  
Juan Carlos Sánchez ◽  
Pedro Xavier Astudillo
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Coral Snake

Registramos a la Serpiente Coral de Steindachner Micrurus steindachneri en el Área Ecológica de Conservación Municipal Tinajillas-Río Gualaceño, provincia de Morona Santiago, Ecuador. La especie ha sido previamente registrada en solo dos áreas protegidas nacionales en Ecuador. Este reporte es el primero en una zona protegida local y resalta la importancia de los sistemas naturales de protección municipal para la conservación de especies sensibles a la destrucción de su hábitat.  Record of Steindachner Coral Snake Micrurus steindachneri (Squamata: Elapidae) in the Municipal Conservation Ecological Area Tinajillas-Río GualaceñoWe registered the Steindachner Coral Snake Micrurus steindachneri in the Municipal Conservation Ecological Area Tinajillas-Río Gualaceño, province of Morona Santiago, Ecuador. The species has been previously recorded in just two national protected areas in Ecuador. This report is the first in a local protected area, and highlights the importance of municipal protection for conservation of species that are vulnerable to habitat destruction.

scholarly journals Estimating Changes in Habitat Quality through Land-Use Predictions: Case Study of Roe Deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) in Jeju Island

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 10123
Author(s):  
Dong-jin Lee ◽  
Seong Woo Jeon
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Jeju Island ◽  
Invest Model ◽  
Integrated Valuation

This study predicts future land-use changes and the resulting changes in habitat quality, suggesting a method for establishing land-use management to ensure sustainable wildlife habitats. The conservation effects were verified in terms of wild animal habitat quality according to the designation of protected areas. Land-use change until 2050 was predicted using the Dyna-Conversion of Land Use Change and its effects (Dyna-CLUE) model for Jeju Island, Korea, and the change in the quality of roe deer habitats was predicted using the Integrated Valuation and Environmental Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. Results indicate that, compared to 2030, urbanized area increased by 42.55 km2, farmland decreased by 81.36 km2, and natural area increased by 38.82 km2 by 2050. The average habitat quality on Jeju Island was predicted to decrease from 0.306 in 2030 to 0.303 in 2050. The average habitat quality ranged from 0.477 in 2030 to 0.476 in 2050 in protected areas and 0.281 in 2030 to 0.278 in 2050 outside protected areas. Habitat quality in protected areas was relatively high, and its reduction was limited. Areas with lower habitat quality need approaches such as expanding greenery and improving its quality. By establishing appropriate land-use plans by predicting habitat quality, wildlife habitats can be better maintained and protected, which is a primary goal of green infrastructure.

scholarly journals Status of the relict population of the Critically Endangered Madagascar spider tortoise Pyxis arachnoides

Oryx ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan C. J. Walker ◽  
Tsilavo H. Rafeliarisoa
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Species Range ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Relict Population ◽  
Distance Model ◽  
C 71

AbstractThe Madagascar spider tortoise Pyxis arachnoides is endemic to the coastal dry forests of south-west Madagascar. In recent years its range has been reduced by c. 71%, with the species now confined to eight fragmented populations occupying a total of 2,464 km2. These remaining populations are facing a significant threat of extinction because of habitat destruction and other anthropogenic pressures. We developed methodology for a line transect distance sampling survey and applied it systematically across the species' range. The resulting distance model estimated a mean density of 226.9 tortoises km−2 (95% confidence interval, CI, 168.1–306.3) and a total population of 664,980 (95% CI 492,680–897,550). Fragmentation of the species’ range suggests the current population could be <30% of the historical population. Of the remaining population 73.5% falls within protected areas. However, nine of these 12 protected areas are designated as IUCN category III, V or VI parks, allowing some extractive activities to be undertaken. The most effective strategy for the conservation of P. arachnoides would be to reduce the threats to this species and its habitat, and to develop and expand the current community-based conservation and poverty alleviation programmes in the region.

Recovery of species diversity after disturbance of broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest in Changbai Mountain

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Zhanqing ◽  
Wang Qingli ◽  
Zou Chunjing ◽  
Bu Rencang
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Changbai Mountain ◽  
Korean Pine

Determinants of local people's attitude toward conservation and the consequential effects on illegal resource harvesting in the protected areas of Sulawesi (Indonesia)

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
TIEN MING LEE ◽  
NAVJOT S. SODHI ◽  
DEWI M. PRAWIRADILAGA
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Land Rights ◽  
Forest Resources ◽  
Conservation Education ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Resource Extraction ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Biodiversity Crisis ◽  
Indonesian Archipelago ◽  
Conservation Attitudes

SUMMARYThe exploitation of tropical forest resources is a key driver of the current biodiversity crisis, and it is pivotal to understand human attitudes toward conservation and resource harvesting. This paper investigates effects of interactions, perceptions of protected areas (PAs) and sociodemographic variables on conservation attitudes, and the correlates of illegal resource extraction among 660 households from 33 villages bordering eight PAs on Sulawesi (Indonesia). Mixed-effect multiple regression analyses showed that the most important predictors of the support for PAs included the degree of involvement in management, presence/absence of PA-human conflict, perceived sustainability of forest resources and length of residency in Sulawesi. Notably, active participation in community management by transmigrants and the reconciliation of land-rights conflicts for natives may promote favourable conservation attitudes. Ordination and correlation analyses also revealed that the extent of illegal resource harvesting activities, such as hunting and logging, were significantly influenced by a negative conservation attitude and past conflict with PA establishment. Garnering support for PAs through conservation education and resolving land-rights disputes could potentially alleviate illegal resource extraction. The disparity in resource extraction patterns among the villages across all PAs confirms the importance of adopting site-specific conservation strategies that may make PAs across the biologically unique yet critically threatened Indonesian Archipelago more effective.

Extinction, the Causes of Extinction and the Conservation of Biodiversity

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisashi Nagata ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Global Warming ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Natural Process ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Mass Extinctions ◽  
Species Extinction ◽  
Biodiversity Crisis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Extinction Rates ◽  
Conservation Of Biodiversity

Over 25% of species are currently categorized as threatened. Extinction is a natural process in organism evolution, and 99% of all organisms that have thus far existed are already extinct. Current extinction rates, however, is progressing at least 2,500 times faster than in the past. Ongoing extinction is so fast, in fact, that organisms may not be able to adapt environment and to evolve. Current biodiversity crisis is called “sixth extinction” because it is severer than five geological mass extinctions. Habitat destruction, overexploitation, and invasion of species through human activities are currently the major causes of species extinction. Global warming is also expected to pose a considerable threat to Earth’s organisms. I briefly review the nature of species extinction, its processes, causes, theoretical background, and ongoing threats.

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