PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT DESA HUTAN LAHAN BASAH TERHADAP PERUBAHAN FUNGSI CAGAR ALAM MENJADI TAMAN WISATA ALAM

This research aims to analyze the public perceptions to the function change the nature preserve of Pulau Burung becomes the nature tourist park in the Pulau Burung Forest Village. The analysis used in this research is by using a Likert Scale analysis. The research location is housed in the Pulau Burung Village of District Tanah Bumbu. This study uses primary data obtained directly through a questionnaire to the villagers of the District Pulau Burung. Secondary data obtained through the government in the village. The sampling using simple random sampling method, where all members have the same population was selected as a representative sample of the population. To determine the public perception then used the likert scale analysis. The results showed that a high perception of the function change of nature preserve become nature tourist park and it’s management in the Forest Village District of Pulau Burung, seen from three indicators of responses/opinions, knowledge, and attitudes

CYP1A expression in freshwater fish of western New York as an indicator of pollution levels

Various species of freshwater fish regulate the expression of certain proteins in response to environmental contamination. Previous research has shown that CYP1A expression increases in response to contaminant levels, and can result in increased tumor formation. Fish in contaminated environments would thus benefit by downregulating the expression of CYP1A to reduce tumor prevalence as an adaptive strategy. Alternatively, regulation of the CYP1A protein in fish can serve as a bioindicator of the pollution level of an environment. This study evaluated CYP1A expression in twelve different species of freshwater fish from seven bodies of water throughout western NY including Cuba Lake, Genesee River, Hanging Bog, Love Canal, Moss Lake, Rushford Lake and Tifft Nature Preserve. Western blot analysis was used to measure CYP1A expression as a marker of site pollution and potential fish population adaptation. It was hypothesized that low CYP1A expression at a site with known contamination would suggest signs of adaptation to pollution levels present. Furthermore, if at least one sample from a species showed CYP1A expression, then the CYP1A antibody (Caymen Chemical, USA; 173132) had compatibility with that species, eliminating falsely suspected adaptation. The results from this study suggest possible adaptation of fish may be occurring in the polluted Tifft Nature Preserve and Genesee River. In contrast, CYP1A expression in fish from Cuba Lake, Hanging Bog, Love Canal, Moss Lake, and Rushford Lake appear to represent known pollution levels and adaptation is not likely occurring. Results from this study are preliminary and next steps include collection and analysis of sediment to provide a stronger correlation between pollution at sites and CYP1A expression.

Encyonema chebalingense sp. nov., a new freshwater diatom species (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyceae) from Guangdong Province, China

During a survey of freshwater diatoms from Mojiang River, Chebaling Nature Preserve in Shaoguan City, Shixing County, Guangdong Province, China, a new Encyonema species, Encyonema chebalingense sp. nov., was discovered. Based on observations with light and scanning electron microscopy, a detailed morphological description of E. chebalingense is here presented. The main features of E. chebalingense include: conspicuously asymmetrical and dorsiventral, semielliptical to semielliptical–lanceolate valves, with a filiform raphe; dorsal margin clearly arched and ventral margin nearly straight or slightly concave; central area on the ventral side formed by 1–2 shorter central striae; and short tectullae projecting within the striae. The new species was compared with some similar species, all of which show similarities to E. chebalingense but differ in features such as dimensions, internal valve structure, stria density and valve shape. This genus is common and abundant in relatively clean waters, and other new species most likely will be recorded in the future from China.

Nature Connection and 360-Degree Video: An Exploratory Study With Immersive Technology

Background: Immersive technologies may be an avenue to explore the construct of human–nature connection more thoroughly and without some of the obstacles to accessing nature in-person. Purpose: The aim of this project was to discover if self-exposure to immersive virtual nature can lead to any change in nature connectedness. Methodology/Approach: Participants were recruited from the Texas State University campus and randomized into three experimental conditions: a filmed library or nature experience, and an in-nature experience. 360-degree videos of a nature preserve and the university library were projected within a head-mounted display in a laboratory setting. Results of pre- and postsurvey data were compared between experimental groups. Findings/Conclusions: Pairwise comparisons with the Nature Relatedness Scale indicated that participants in the in-nature experience reported significantly stronger beliefs about their connection to nature than those in either virtual condition. With respect to the State of Independence with Nature Scale, planned pairwise comparisons indicated that between participants in the in-nature experience and the virtual nature experience did not differ. Implications: This study suggests that to connect with nature, one should spend time there. In addition, here data support that a virtual immersive nature experience can affect a state-dependent measurement of nature connection, and even equal that of an in-nature experience.

Role of reptiles and associated arthropods in the epidemiology of rickettsioses: A one health paradigm

We assessed the presence of Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in reptiles, their ectoparasites and in questing ticks collected in a nature preserve park in southern Italy, as well as in a peri-urban area in another region. We also investigated the exposure to these pathogens in forestry workers, farmers and livestock breeders living or working in the nature preserve park given the report of anecdotal cases of spotted fever rickettsioses. Rickettsia spp. were molecularly detected in Podarcis muralis and Podarcis siculus lizards (i.e., 3.1%), in Ixodes ricinus (up to 87.5%) and in Neotrombicula autumnalis (up to 8.3%) collected from them as well as in I. ricinus collected from the environment (up to 28.4%). Rickettsia monacensis was the most prevalent species followed by Rickettsia helvetica. An undescribed member of the family Anaplasmataceae was detected in 2.4% and 0.8% of the reptiles and ectoparasites, respectively. Sera from human subjects (n = 50) were serologically screened and antibodies to Rickettsia spp. (n = 4; 8%), C. burnetti (n = 8; 16%) and A. phagocytophilum (n = 11; 22%) were detected. Two ticks collected from two forestry workers were positive for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. Ixodes ricinus is involved in the transmission of SFG rickettsiae (R. monacensis and R. helvetica) in southern Europe and lizards could play a role in the sylvatic cycle of R. monacensis, as amplifying hosts. Meanwhile, N. autumnalis could be involved in the enzootic cycle of some SFG rickettsiae among these animals. People living or working in the southern Italian nature preserve park investigated are exposed to SFG rickettsiae, C. burnetii and A. phagocytophilum.

First data on Myxomycetes of the State Nature Preserve “Sut-Khol”, Republic of Tuva (Tyva), Russia

First records of Myxomycetes from the Republic of Tuva, Russia, are presented. We identified 24 species of myxomycetes from 12 genera, 7 families and 4 orders in the State Natural Customer “Sut-Khol”. For the Republic of Tuva, 14 species of myxomycetes have been identified for the first time. Arcyria globosa, first identified on the bark of a live Сaragana in the Asian part of Russia using the “moist chamber”. We have also identified a rare species of Echinostelium fragile on the bark of a live Pinus sylvestris.