Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) laying eggs habitat mapping in Penimbangan Beach, Bali Island

Penimbangan beach is one of the tourist destinations located in Buleleng Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia. This beach is also a nesting place for one of the sea turtle species in Indonesia, which is olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). The problem that exists on the island of Bali today is most of the land in coastal areas were experienced land degradation. This land degradation occurs due to human activities or natural factors, it harms the turtle nesting habitat around the coastal area of Bali Island. Conservation of nesting turtle habitat is needed through spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This study uses the parameters of sand particle, beach slope, width beach, humidity, and temperature parameter to determine the suitability of the turtle nesting habitat. Penimbangan beach area which is very suitable for turtle nesting locations has an area of 163,45 m2, suitable for laying eggs 4.886,44 m2, and not suitable for laying eggs 10.201,64 m2. The map of the suitability for laying turtle eggs is dominated by areas that are not suitable because the width of the beach is not too long and the humidity is still relatively high.

Gazella arabica dareshurii: a remarkable relict population on Farur Island, Iran

Background The islands in the Persian Gulf are home to several species of gazelles, i.e., Gazella bennettii, G. subgutturosa, and a new subspecies of Mountain gazelles which was discovered on Farur Island and described for the first time in 1993 as Gazella gazella dareshurii. Later, phylogenetic analyses showed that the Mountain gazelles consist of two species: G. gazella and G. arabica. As the Farur gazelles are more closely related to the Arabian forms of the Mountain gazelles, this subspecies is regarded to be G. arabica dareshurii. Until now, the origin of this subspecies has been an enigma. Results Here, we used mitochondrial cyt b, two nuclear introns (CHD2 and ZNF618), and morphological data to address this question by investigating the taxonomic position of the Farur gazelles. The results show that this population is monophyletic and split from other G. arabica populations probably 10,000 BP. Conclusions It is a natural relict population that was trapped on the island due to the rising sea levels of the Persian Gulf after the Last Glacial Maximum. Intermittent drought and flooding are suggested to be the main factors balancing population growth in the absence of natural predators on this monsoon-influenced island. Conservation actions should focus on preserving the natural situation of the island (cease introducing mesquite tree and other invasive species, stop building new construction and roads, and caution in providing water sources and forage), and possibly introducing individuals to other islands (not inhabited by gazelles) or to fenced areas on the Iranian mainland (strictly isolated from other gazelle populations) when the population reaches the carrying capacity of the island.

Crumbling Island Keystones: Threat Diversity and Intensification on Islands Push Large Island Fruit Bats to the Brink

Large island fruit bats (LIFB), species of Pteropus, Acerodon, and related genera in the pteropodid subfamily Pteropodinae, are keystone species for island conservation in the Palaeotropics, playing critical roles as agents of dispersal and pollination of native island plant communities. This keystone role is crumbling because LIFB are collectively the most threatened group of bats in the world. Six species (7.4%) have gone extinct in the last 200 years and ~66% of extant species are assessed as threatened by the IUCN. Life history characteristics, long lives, and low reproductive rates, elevate vulnerability and species are commonly subject to multiple threats. Here we review the primary threats to LIFB, namely unsustainable hunting, habitat degradation and loss, urbanisation, climate change, invasive species, and persecution. We highlight how the island context intensifies and accelerates population and species declines. We make specific recommendations in response to the major threats and identify overarching research needs to support conservation action. Specifically, research is needed that addresses: (1) population sizes and trends; (2) life history and social ecology; (3) dietary, roosting and movement ecology; (4) human attitudes and behaviors towards LIFB; (5) island-specific threats to LIFB; (6) distributions, populations and ecology of non-Pteropus species. Although there is great complexity of threats and contexts, five key conservation actions emerge that have the collective potential to secure LIFB populations throughout their ranges: (1) protect and restore native habitats; (2) improve attitudes and behaviours towards LIFB; (3) strengthen protective legislation and enforcement; (4) captive breeding of species at immediate risk of extinction; (5) build and network research and conservation capacity.Key words: flying fox, monkey-faced bat, island conservation, keystone species, Pteropus, Acerodon, hunting, habitat loss, climate change.

Vegetation structure and distribution characteristics of Symplocos prunifolia, a rare evergreen broad-leaved tree in Korea

Background In Korea, Symplocos prunifolia Siebold. & Zucc. is only found on Jeju Island. Conservation of the species is difficult because little is known about its distribution and natural habitat. The lack of research and survey data on the characteristics of native vegetation and distribution of this species means that there is insufficient information to guide the management and conservation of this species and related vegetation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the distribution and vegetation associated with S. prunifolia. Results As a result of field investigations, it was confirmed that the native S. prunifolia communities were distributed in 4 areas located on the southern side of Mt. Halla and within the evergreen broad-leaved forest zones. Furthermore, these evergreen broad-leaved forest zones are themselves located in the warm temperate zone which are distributed along the valley sides at elevations between 318 and 461 m. S. prunifolia was only found on the south side of Mt. Halla, and mainly on south-facing slopes; however, small communities were found to be growing on northwest-facing slopes. It has been confirmed that S. prunifolia trees are rare but an important constituent species in the evergreen broad-leaved forest of Jeju. The mean importance percentage of S. prunifolia community was 48.84 for Castanopsis sieboldii, 17.79 for Quercus acuta, and 12.12 for Pinus thunbergii; S. prunifolia was the ninth most important species (2.6). Conclusions S. prunifolia can be found growing along the natural streams of Jeju, where there is little anthropogenic influence and where the streams have caused soil disturbance through natural processes of erosion and deposition of sediments. Currently, the native area of S. prunifolia is about 3300 m2, which contains a confirmed population of 180 individual plants. As a result of these low population sizes, it places it in the category of an extremely endangered plant in Korea. In some native sites, the canopy of evergreen broad-leaved forest formed, but the frequency and coverage of species were not high. Negative factors that contributed to the low distribution of this species were factors such as lacking in shade tolerance, low fruiting rates, small native areas, and special habitats as well as requiring adequate stream disturbance. Presently, due to changes in climate, it is unclear whether this species will see an increase in its population and habitat area or whether it will remain as an endangered species within Korea. What is clear, however, is that the preservation of the present native habitats and population is extremely important if the population is to be maintained and expanded. It is also meaningful in terms of the stable conservation of biodiversity in Korea. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is judged that a systematic evaluation for the preservation and conservation of the habitat and vegetation management method of S. prunifolia should be conducted.

Autecology of Drosera burmanni in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, Ngada District, Flores Island, Indonesia

Witono JR, Usmadi D, Wihermanto, Purnomo DW, Safarinanugraha D, Pakiding Y, Netoseso N. 2020. Autecology of Drosera burmanni in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, Ngada District, Flores Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2137-2145. Drosera burmanni Vahl is a native carnivorous plant from tropical and subtropical Asia to the West Pacific, including Flores Island. During the botanical survey, a small population of the species was found in a limited area in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, Flores Island. Conservation of the species is necessary, since the habitat might be developed for the botanic gardens infrastructure. This research aims to study the autecology of D. burmanni, including environmental preferences and its associated species. Thirty plots with 2 x 2 m each were made to recognize its associated species and the pattern of its population distribution and its soil requirements. In the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, D. burmanni flourishes with an average annual rainfall of 1835 mm; a temperature of 12.50-26.2° C; 48-99% humidity; at an altitude of 1489-1491 m asl.; a soil pH of 6.66, which contains very high C-organic, a high C/N ratio, moderate N total, K2O, P2O5, low CEC, and very low K, Na, Ca, Mg, and BS. Drosera burmanni displays a density of 8.5 individuals per m2 and is associated with 20 species, which belong to 19 genera and 9 families. The species has a clustering pattern and a positive association with Erigeron sumatrensis, Spinifex littoreus, and Imperata cylindrica. To conserve D. burmanni in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, it is necessary to designate its natural habitat as an in situ conservation area.

ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF SNORKELING AND DIVING ACTIVITY TOWARD CORAL REEF HABITATS IN THE LEMUKUTAN ISLAND OF BENGKAYANG REGENCY

Lemukutan Island has the potential of coral reefs to be developed into snorkeling and diving destinations. This study aims to (1) Analyze the suitability and carrying capacity of Lemukutan Island Conservation area in the development of snorkeling and diving ecotourism; (2) Formulate a strategy for developing Snorkeling and diving ecotourism in Lemukutan Island. Primary data collection with field observations and structured interviews to 30 respondents on Lemukutan Island. Secondary data is collected by various libraries and related. Based on results of the study, Lemukutan Island's coral reef ecosystem for the purpose of snorkeling and diving tourism was in the appropriate category (S2) with an IKW value of 76.8% and 68.86%. While the Ecological Carrying Capacity of each ± 6,139 people / day and ± 1,008 people / day. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis obtained alternatif strategies (1) Management and utilization of coral reefs optimally by taking into account the sustainability; (2) Increased access to Lemukutan islands, such as speed boats and timely departures; (3) Adding snorkeling and diving equipment, and improving resort services; (4) Arrangement of land and sea space in accordance with its designation so that marine resources can be sustainable; (5) Packaging of unique and environmentally based snorkeling and diving tours; (6) Increasing promotion through digital technology and promotion through tourism events to build partnership networks; (7) Improving skills for the community to open up alternative opportunities for new jobs; (8) Disseminating the importance of protecting coral reefs and making rules for snorkeling and diving tours

TRADISI LOKAL MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN KAWASAN KONSERVASI PULAU YAMDENA KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGGARA BARAT

West Southeast Maluku Regency is one of the districts in Maluku Province. This regency has several large and small islands. One of the big islands is Yamdena Island. This island has been designated by the government as a water conservation area. This area is an important area for several marine species such as turtles, dugongs, whales and dolphins and plays an important role in the ecological connectivity of waters through local governance. The purpose of this study is to describe local traditions in the management of territorial waters in the Yamdena Island conservation area. The method used is a social survey method. The approach adopted was focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The analysis used is descriptive qualitative. This research shows that some villages still apply local traditions, namely sasi teripang and kima. Another tradition is the existence of prohibitions and sanctions in the management of marine resources made orally by the village government along with traditional institutions and local organizations. This local tradition was made since ancestors and is still ongoing to this day as a form of conservation of marine resources in order to remain sustainable and sustainable.

Split-gene drive system provides flexible application for safe laboratory investigation and potential field deployment

ABSTRACTCRISPR-based gene drives spread through populations bypassing the dictates of Mendelian genetics, offering a population-engineering tool for tackling vector-borne diseases, managing crop pests, and helping island conservation efforts; unfortunately, current technologies raise safety concerns for unintended gene propagation. Herein, we address this by splitting the two drive components, Cas9 and gRNAs, into separate alleles to form a novel trans-complementing split–gene-drive (tGD) and demonstrate its ability to promote super-Mendelian inheritance of the separate transgenes. This bi-component nature allows for individual transgene optimization and increases safety by restricting escape concerns to experimentation windows. We employ the tGD and a small– molecule-controlled version to investigate the biology of component inheritance and use our system to study the maternal effects on CRISPR inheritance, impaired homology on efficiency, and resistant allele formation. Lastly, mathematical modeling of tGD spread in a population shows potential advantages for improving current gene-drive technologies for field population modification.

Economic Valuation of Green Island, Taiwan: A Choice Experiment Method

The evaluation of ecological security and ecosystem services is now a core issue in the field of natural and environmental resources. Quantifying the economic value of island ecosystem services can inform policy decisions that affect the island and help justify expenditures on ecosystem service improvements. This study investigates the preferences of residents and tourists regarding Green Island and estimates willingness-to-pay (WTP) values for island ecosystem services using a choice experiment. The results indicate significant differences between the preferences of residents and tourists regarding island environmental resources. Therefore, based on the multiple attributes and ecosystem services, this study formulated three assessment schemes: “environmental protection”, “recreational development”, and “integrated operation and management”. Based on our analysis of the problems reflected in the aforementioned valuation models, we recommend that policy makers refer to environmental attribute preferences to create statements or advertisements targeting relevant audiences when planning island development. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating how the economic valuation of island ecosystem services can help design and target island conservation policies in order to maximize welfare.