The Covid-19 pandemic has had global impacts, leading to changes in human activities and resulting in both positive and negative outcomes for the natural environment. To more fully understand the pandemic’s impact on the conservation of ecosystems and conservation actors or organizations, this research investigated its impact on the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and targeted follow up semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the pandemic led to many challenges for some actors, including job loss and cancellation of fieldwork and outreach events. More positively, there were opportunities for some actors to adapt or find new modes of operation, which unexpectedly made some of them more effective at achieving their goals. The results also suggest that the impacts of the pandemic on ecosystems were both positive and negative. On the positive side, curfews and lockdowns restricted access to natural areas, resulting in benefits such as ecosystem recovery. More negatively, there were issues associated with spikes in illegal activities such as poaching and squatting in protected areas. Respondents suggested that better access to funding and local government support would have helped conservation actors be in a better position to adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic. The results of this research provide much needed insight into how the Covid-19 pandemic is and will continue to impact conservation actors and their initiatives. Further studies can build on this research to explore the impact of pandemics on conservation in the long term.

The overexploitation of wildlife for bushmeat consumption poses a significant threat to biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Angola, where the problem remains largely unexplored. This study provides the first overview of the regional bushmeat trade in Uíge Province and an analysis of consumption patterns in this socio-economic context. We provide data on the range of species hunted and their respective conservation status, and highlight the sources and structures underlying this regional trade. We conducted qualitative expert interviews with nine bushmeat traders from four communities and a quantitative consumer survey of 204 citizens of Uíge. More than 60% of the respondents consumed bushmeat at least once per week and 23% hunted regularly, indicating that this practice is deeply rooted in society. Of the 16 species sold in the central market in Uíge, five are categorized as threatened or Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for control measures. Large parts of the population consider bushmeat consumption to be an integral part of their culture but our results indicate that younger and better educated Angolans are moving away from these traditions and are less likely to practice traditional hunting. These findings suggest that access to comprehensive education and environmentally sustainable livelihoods is key to reducing the unsustainable use of wildlife resources.

Positive human–wildlife coexistence, especially in contexts of rewilding and the reintroduction of large carnivores, partially depends on communication between stakeholders. The media, and in particular local journalism, can play a crucial role in determining people’s knowledge of and attitudes towards wildlife. In this article, we analyse the online coverage of bears produced by the most widely circulated local newspaper in Trentino (Italy), where bears have been reintroduced thanks to a rewilding project funded by the European Union. Employing quantitative and qualitative content analysis of 375 articles, we look into the main features of the media coverage of bears over one year (2024). We find that articles tend to focus on controversial and uncommon events, such as culls and interactions. The most prevalent sources of quotations in the articles are politicians and activists, while experts, local residents, and individuals in the farming sector are less often quoted. The majority of articles are framed through the lens of the socio-political struggle generated by bear presence. Micro-dynamics of the online media coverage include high polarisation, fragmentation of narratives, and the marginalisation of relevant stakeholders (i.e., local communities, experts, European institutions).

The Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, but the development of effective conservation strategies is hindered by a lack of data on its distribution range and population dynamics. In addition, standardized survey and analysis methods are required to facilitate the sharing of results and maximize conservation effectiveness. To fill these knowledge and methodological gaps, we investigated the occurrence of pangolin burrows in the subtropical forest ecosystem of Fujian, China. We surveyed a total of 70 transects across five land-cover types within the Fujian Junzifeng National Nature Reserve and detected 87 burrows. The majority of burrows (87%) were located in mixed conifer and broadleaf forests. We used six environmental variables in a generalized linear model to examine the relationship between the occurrence of burrows and environmental factors. The average model results from the best model set showed that the distribution of burrows was significantly influenced by forest type. For effective pangolin conservation, we recommend that local conservation authorities prioritize the protection of mixed conifer and broadleaf forests. Our findings support the local conservation of the Chinese pangolin and the standardization of surveys and conservation efforts across the species’ range.

The “Critically Endangered” Cherry-throated Tanager Nemosia rourei is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, and extremely rare for reasons that are not yet fully understood. We monitored reproductive activities of the only known individuals of the species, at two sites, between October 2018 and November 2023. The birds foraged in social groups of 5–8 individuals. Ten nests, built in trees at heights of 12–26 m, were monitored through continuous direct observation. Most reproductive activity occurred between October and end of November, with one further nest found in March. Clutch size was 3–4 eggs, the incubation and nestling periods were 16 days, and the chicks were fed mainly on invertebrates. Up to six nest helpers, likely young from previous seasons, assisted with the collection of nest material, feeding the chicks, and defending the nest. Reproductive success was 50%, with losses due to climatic conditions (rain and cold) and predation, but may have been enhanced by the efforts of the researchers in scaring away potential predators including Spot-billed Toucanet Selenidera maculirostris and Black Capuchin Sapajus nigritus. These findings reinforce the value of detailed observation of social groups and their nests, and continuing efforts to deter predators. Further research could address how parental care and nest helpers affect reproductive success. The availability of large trees with abundant lichens may be a limiting factor for the reproductive success of species in the long term, and so protecting and restoring habitat with such features is crucial for the long-term conservation of this species.

This work analyses the genetic potential of Stevia rebaudiana beyond its sweetening properties, aiming to reassess its conservation and utilization in breeding programmes. This focus is justified by the growing global demand for natural sweeteners and the challenges posed by extreme weather events and diseases affecting crop yield and quality. The relationship between the species’ genetic diversity and its response to biotic and abiotic stresses is explored, as well as the limitations of current conservation and breeding strategies. Findings reveal underutilized genetic resources, limited integration of genomic tools in breeding efforts and a lack of robust in situ conservation initiatives. Genotypic variability has been observed in response to diseases such as Septoria leaf spot, while abiotic factors, including salinity and drought, can significantly influence steviol glycoside content. It is concluded that an integrated approach, combining dynamic conservation, photoperiod‐informed breeding strategies, improvements in seed viability, omics‐based tools and coherent public policies, is essential to ensure crop resilience and genetic sovereignty, especially in regions of origin such as Paraguay. The sustainable use of Stevia’s genetic diversity could foster more sustainable, healthier and fairer production systems.

The 13 species of hornbills occurring in Indonesia have been studied to varying degrees, but a comprehensive identification of knowledge gaps is still lacking. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the species and topics that require further investigation. We searched the literature using ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Neliti, ResearchGate, and the Google search engine for all publications from 1970 to 2023. Publications were grouped under 15 conservation and ecological topics related to hornbills. Our review included 183 publications, comprising journal articles (56.3%), theses/dissertations (23.5%), conference papers (18.6%), and small portions of books and book sections (1.6%). Almost all the literature (72%) had been published after 2013, while the remaining (28%) was published before this period. The need for further studies across all research topics was identified for several species, including the Sumba Hornbill Rhyticeros everetti, Sulawesi Hornbill Rhabdotorrhinus exharratus, and Papuan Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus. We also underscore the need for investigation into seed dispersal, ecotourism, and research methods across all hornbill species. Enhancing research and drawing public attention to Indonesia’s hornbills should increase their popularity and may serve to increase financial resources. This is the first systematic review of hornbill research for Indonesia and provides important information to determine future hornbill studies in the country.

The black walnut Juglans neotropica is a forest species characterized by being a monoecious and deciduous tree with a long life. This species has great ecological, environmental, and economic value, playing a fundamental role in the ecosystem. According to the IUCN, J. neotropica is threatened by anthropogenic activities that have drastically affected its distribution. In this study, the plastid intergenic spacer marker trnS-trnfM was amplified from 74 J. neotropica samples from eight locations in Amazonas region (Peru) to determine its haplotype network, genetic diversity, and genetic divergence. The results revealed that J. neotropica from Amazonas region showed i) a lineage composed of the eight populations embedded into the Rhysocaryon section; ii) three genetic groups within the haplotype network with the presence of an ancestral haplotype (H1) and possibly candidates for new taxa; iii) a high divergence between the populations of Molinopampa and Luya (1.62–2.64% of p-distance); iv) populations with high genetic diversity indices (Levanto = 0.32, Molinopampa = 0.41) with constant threats from anthropogenic activities; and v) high genetic structuring within populations (Fst = 0.04). Overall, these results collectively support a scenario of high variability with limited interpopulation genetic exchange. Our findings provide previously unavailable insights into the vulnerability of the black walnut J. neotropica by (i) quantifying the genetic consequences of human-induced habitat fragmentation and (ii) establishing baseline diversity metrics for future monitoring. These results directly inform in situ conservation priorities by identifying populations harbouring unique alleles that warrant immediate protection. Finally, further research should include nuclear markers (e.g., microsatellites or RAD-seq) to support our findings.

Birds show considerable spatial and temporal fluctuations in their abundance due to variations in habitat conditions. The lowland wetlands of the Pampas region in Argentina are key wintering areas for two flamingo species. The Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis is a year-round resident, while the Andean Flamingo Phoenicoparrus andinus is a partial altitudinal migrant that uses these wetlands in winter when some of the wetlands in the high Andes freeze over. We studied the association between the annual abundance of both flamingo species, wetland condition (water surface area and water salinity), and environmental conditions (flooding) driven by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over 15 consecutive winters (July–August 2008–2022) in 24 lowland wetlands in central Argentina. There were notable differences in wetland surface area and water conductivity between years, with some wetlands ranging from flooded to almost dried out. For any given year, there were also large differences in water surface area and water conductivity between wetlands. Both flamingo species showed marked fluctuations in abundance over the study period. Each year, the Chilean Flamingo was more abundant than the Andean Flamingo. The Chilean Flamingo was recorded at least once in every wetland, while the Andean Flamingo was absent from three wetlands and was not observed in two years during the study. The Chilean Flamingo was recorded in wetlands covering a larger range of water conductivity values than the Andean Flamingo (2.53–58.23 ms/cm vs 2.94–16.20 ms/cm, respectively). The abundance of both flamingo species was higher at intermediate water conductivity values and decreased at higher or lower values. These results show that these lowland wetlands are subjected to strong interannual variation in climatic conditions which affect lake conditions, and thus the abundance of both flamingo species, highlighting the importance of conserving wetlands encompassing a broad range of environmental conditions.

The connectivity between epigean and cave habitats is crucial for maintaining invertebrate communities once it can facilitate faunal movement, organic resource supply, and environmental stability. The study aimed to investigate how some spatial and temporal variations in environmental factors within caves and epigean habitats influence invertebrate species richness and composition. We found a notable difference in invertebrate species richness and composition between cave and epigean environments and between cave lithologies. Moisture and temperature significantly influenced species composition across lithologies and epigean and hypogean environments. Cave microclimatic emerged as a critical factor influencing cave fauna. The dissimilarities between epigean and cave environments underscore the selective pressures imposed by caves, challenging species to overcome such environmental filters. Despite epigean environments offering more significant variability in conditions and resources, the findings highlight the importance of local ecological context and specific situations in shaping invertebrate communities. Furthermore, spatial variability within caves emphasises the necessity for a nuanced approach to conservation, considering the heterogeneity of habitats within each cave system. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between caves and their surrounding areas, emphasising the need for tailored conservation strategies that account for regional and cave-specific factors in the context of global environmental changes.

The Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterus phainopeplus is listed as a “Critically Endangered” hummingbird endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in Colombia. Prior to 2022, there were only three documented sightings of the sabrewing since it was described in 1879, including only one record between 1946 and 2022. As a result, this “lost” species has long been one of the most poorly known birds in Colombia. We located a resident population of Santa Marta Sabrewing along the Guatapurí River near the Chemesquemena and Guatapurí villages in July 2022, and at its type locality, San José, in January 2023. Based on historical data and newly collected field observations, we assess the species’ status and describe aspects of its natural history and ecology. Our review indicates that the species has been frequently misidentified in the past, and that to date, documented evidence of its presence is limited to four localities, all of them restricted to the south-eastern slope of the SNSM, along the mid Guatapurí River basin. Consequently, this bird appears to represent a case of microendemism. This species is likely to remain listed as Critically Endangered until conclusive evidence suggests otherwise. Field observations indicate that the species is highly associated with watercourses, where males hold year-round territories and form leks. We obtained records of males in mid-elevation habitats (1,150–1,850 m) for 16 consecutive months between July 2022 and October 2023, suggesting that the species might not be an elevational migrant, as previously speculated. More information is needed to understand the species’ ecology so that effective conservation actions can be designed in collaboration with the indigenous communities with which the species coexists.

We examined a zooarchaeological assemblage from Badger Island, a 12.4 km2 landbridge island in the Furneaux Group, Bass Strait, south-eastern Australia. The accumulation consisted of Pleistocene and Holocene strata that were rich in mammal remains. Small mammal remains were accumulated by owls, whereas large mammal remains were accumulated by people and/or autochthonous mortality. The Pleistocene fauna was dominated by grassland mammals, particularly Mastacomys fuscus (Broad-toothed Rat), but these gradually declined and were largely replaced by forest–woodland dwelling mammals in the Holocene. The same pattern of faunal change has been observed on the large main island of Tasmania (∼65,000 km2), suggesting changes observed at Beeton Rockshelter are representative of the region. Because all of the Furneaux Group Islands were united as one landmass in the past, the fossil fauna observed in Beeton Rockshelter is relevant to conservation-oriented mammal-restoration initiatives, which are being considered throughout the entire Furneaux Group.

Species abundances and richness are central parameters in ecology and crucial for describing diversity and composition across environments. Understanding how they vary in natural environments is critical for informed conservation decisions, especially in the face of anthropogenic pressures, such as deforestation and climate change. We evaluate the influence of landscape and local habitat variables on the richness and abundances of lizards in the Caatinga, the largest continuous block of seasonally dry tropical forests. We sampled seven lizard communities for three months using visual encounters along transects. We recorded landscape and microhabitat variables and evaluated their influence on lizard species richness, diversity, and occurrence using model selection. Ten lizard species were recorded, with Tropidurus semitaeniatus, Ameivula ocellifera, and Tropidurus hispidus being the most abundant. Topographic complexity and the number of rocky outcrops positively affect species richness and diversity by promoting environmental heterogeneity and hence increasing refuges, shelters, and thermoregulation sites. Different microhabitat and landscape variables were important predictors of the occurrences of individual lizard species. The quantity of rocks significantly increased the likelihood of Tropidurus semitaeniatus occurrence, while litter negatively affected Tropidurus hispidus, and fallen logs increased the probability of Ameiva ameiva occurrence. We argue that preserving topographically complex regions is essential for maintaining the diversity of lizards in the Caatinga biome.

Obligate avian scavengers, such as the “Critically Endangered” California Condor Gymnogyps californianus, face significant threats from human activities and environmental changes. This study examines the home range and presence of reintroduced California Condors in a protected area in Baja California, Mexico, focusing on the influences of seasonality, biological factors, and food supplementation. Using spatial data collected over 12 months with telemetry equipment, we analysed condor movements within and beyond the boundaries of the Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. Our findings reveal that condors spend over half their time within the protected area, with an increased presence during winter months. Supplementary feeding programmes significantly increased condor presence within the park, particularly in spring and summer. Home range analyses showed that season significantly influenced home range sizes, with smaller ranges observed during winter compared with other seasons. Additionally, male condors had larger home ranges than females during spring, but no significant sex differences were observed in other seasons. Age did not have a significant effect on home range size. This study emphasises the importance of protected areas and supplementary feeding programmes in condor conservation, highlighting the necessity of continuous monitoring and management to help support this iconic species.

This study examines mortality of the Amur tiger Panthera tigris altaica caused by traffic collision incidents in the Russian Far East from 1980 to 2023. Forty-six per cent of mortality incidents occurred within the last 4 years of this period (2020–2023) following an outbreak of African swine fever, which led to a reduction of prey available for tigers. Using multiple regression analysis, we identify significant predictors of tiger mortality, including road type, biotope, and distances to settlements and federally protected areas. We identified five locations with concentrations of tiger mortality, with four of these near protected areas comprising 54% of all incidents. Asphalt roads have an elevated risk of tiger deaths during the winter, whereas unpaved roads have elevated risk during warmer months. Wildlife-friendly road planning, including crossings and enhanced night-time controls, is crucial for reducing mortality and ensuring the survival of this species amidst increasing development of human infrastructure. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to reduce traffic-related risks to the Amur tiger.

Cycads, an ancient lineage, face a higher threat of extinction than any other plant group. To address this urgent issue, a more comprehensive method for assessing extinction threat, the Conservation and Prioritization Index (CPI), is proposed and tested for cycads in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. The CPI is a multifaceted approach that incorporates techniques used in conservation status assessments by the IUCN and the Mexican NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 but incorporates other information, including georeferenced distribution data, endemism in Veracruz, number of locations, extent of occurrence, and distribution area. Using CPI, correlations were found between longitude and extinction risk for Ceratozamia species in Veracruz. Zamia vazquezii and Z. inermis were assessed to have the highest level of extinction risk. Overall, this study indicates that a more holistic approach, incorporating broader sources of environmental health, can be used to more effectively and proactively manage extinction threats to cycads in Veracruz. In this sense, Veracruz can serve as a model for conservation planning in different states in Mexico and worldwide. CPI is a tool that can be applied to other regions to manage another threatened biota. This method enhances objectivity and effectiveness in conservation efforts, promoting data-driven decision-making that can be used globally.

The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian Petrel Pterodroma sandwichensis, is an endangered seabird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Genetic, morphometric, and behavioural differences have previously been found between different island populations of the species. Understanding the breeding phenology of different populations of ʻuaʻu is therefore vital for conservation actions targeting the species. To assess breeding phenology of ʻuaʻu on the islands of Kauaʻi and Lānaʻi, two main techniques were used over a 12-year period: direct burrow monitoring and burrow cameras. The breeding phenology of the ʻuaʻu is described based on this data. On Kauaʻi, breeding birds arrive in the middle of April, undergo an exodus of approximately one month, and return to lay in the beginning of June. Incubation continues until early August, followed by chick-rearing, which ends on average two weeks before the chick fledges. Fledging starts in mid-October, peaks in mid-November, and ends in the third week of December. Lānaʻi birds arrive two weeks earlier and fledge one week earlier than on Kauaʻi. On both islands breeding was asynchronous with a 68-day (Kauaʻi) and 48-day (Lānaʻi) gap between first and last fledging birds. Considering phenology data across its entire Hawaiian range, ʻuaʻu first arrive on east Maui, then Lānaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi in that order. These differences in timing presumably reflect and/or reinforce genetic differentiation between subpopulations of the species. The utility of this information is discussed in terms of directing management actions towards key periods of vulnerability to introduced predators, including peak incubation, chick emergence, and chick exercise periods. Description of island-specific phenologies is also critical to inform efforts to rescue fledglings disoriented by artificial light, mitigate powerline collisions, and refine existing monitoring and restoration projects. Future work using acoustic monitoring and data collected at social attraction sites is recommended for assessing the phenology of non-breeders at colonies.

Penguins include 18 species of seabirds distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. Climate change is a growing problem that affects penguins, especially those living in Antarctica, making them some of the most currently endangered species. Loss of habitat, commercial fishing and infectious diseases spread by anthropogenic activities in the Southern Ocean are threats facing penguins. In addition, environmental changes affect the distribution of free-living species that act as intermediate hosts for parasites (e.g. krill, fish) and consequently their transmission dynamics and distribution. The present work aims to provide an update on macro- and microparasites recorded in all penguin species in wildlife. Based on published records from penguins, we provide a list of 157 parasite taxa recorded in all penguin species. The list includes 54 helminths, 45 arthropods, 39 bacteria and 19 protozoa reported in 207 scientific publications. Most papers were focused on the genus Spheniscus. In the analysis, we identify the distribution of parasites among hosts to better predict the disease risk facing their populations worldwide. Some pathogenic effects of the parasites found are discussed.