Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation

Designation of Nauradehi and Veerangana Durgavati wildlife sanctuary as Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh, India: Advancing landscape-level biodiversity conservation

Ritesh Joshi — 2024-11-10

Landscape surrounding and existing within a protected area has a vital role in biodiversity conservation. Landscape conservation facilitates in bringing all the stakeholders on a single platform to collaborate their ideas on managing important biodiversity areas for long-term sustainability. Significant efforts have been made for the management and conservation of biodiversity-rich areas across the larger landscapes. Declaring Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve is noteworthy because they have great ecological and conservation values. The declaration of these sanctuaries as a tiger reserve shall strengthen the landscape management approach, facilitate the population of tigers to move across a large landscape, and establish their wider territories for gene flow. It is also important to document and observe in the next few years, how the tigers adapt and how the development of the area would help the locals without affecting conservation.

Biodiversity loss due to mining activities

Divya Nakade — 2024-11-10

Mining activities, while essential for resource extraction and economic development, often take a heavy toll on biodiversity and the variety of life on Earth. The environmental consequences of mining extend far beyond the immediate extraction sites, affecting ecosystems, species, and even human communities. The pursuit of valuable minerals and metals drives large-scale land clearing, leading to the direct destruction of natural habitats. Mining operations, spanning various methods and scales, exert diverse pressures on ecosystems worldwide. The paper examines the direct and indirect consequences on plant and animal species, microbial communities, and habitats. It explores the differential sensitivities of various organisms to habitat disruption, pollution, and alterations in soil and water quality. The review highlights the importance of considering unique species and ecosystem responses to mining, emphasizing the nuanced interplay between different taxonomic groups. Through a comprehensive examination of existing literature, this review contributes to a holistic understanding of the complex interactions between mining activities and biodiversity. It seeks to inform researchers and industry stakeholders about the necessity of adopting sustainable practices to balance resource extraction with the preservation of global biodiversity.

A review of the biogeography, diversity, and current conservation status of turtles and tortoises in South Asia

Amtyaz Safi — 2024-11-10

There are approximately 357 turtles and tortoise species worldwide, of which 32 freshwater turtles and tortoise species are found in South Asia. According to the IUCN Red List analysis, 85% of South Asian turtle species are threatened (VU, CR, and EN), while the remaining 15% are at low risk (least concern, LC or near threatened, NT). This study focuses on the current conservation status and information regarding its biogeography, distribution, and diversity. We evaluated existing records of South Asian tortoises and terrapins. This review discusses the checklists and proposes the integration of ecological and molecular biology concepts to provide a more comprehensive study and turtle review in South Asia.

Enforcement and capacity building to combat illegal trade of Alexandrine Parakeets Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus 1766) in Odisha, India

Shreya Pandey — 2024-11-10

Illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, and the bird trade is a prominent contributor to this issue. India, particularly Odisha, has witnessed the illicit trade of Alexandrine Parakeets, a prized species in the pet trade. This research examines the enforcement efforts against illegal parakeet trading in Odisha, focusing on frontline forest staff's attitudes, knowledge, and experiences using a survey-based approach. The study identifies the socio-economic factors such as poor economic conditions and lack of education as major factors motivating local communities’ participation and support for illegal wildlife trade activities, shedding light on the complexities of wildlife trafficking in the region. Findings highlight the importance of staff engagement and education in augmenting conservation efforts and enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement strategies aimed at curbing the illegal trade of Alexandrine Parakeets in Odisha, India. This approach can be implemented in other states of India also where the socio-economic factors are a significant factor contributing to illegal trading activities for biodiversity as awareness is the key factor driving change. The insights gained from this research could inform policy interventions and conservation initiatives.

The Effects of Urbanization on Wetland Ecosystem and Aquatic Biodiversity in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

Mala Modu — 2024-11-10

Wetland ecosystems provide multiple benefits to human settlements, nonetheless, they are threatened by human activities associated mainly with urban growth. Therefore, the study assessed the impact of urbanization on wetlands in the Makurdi metropolis on aquatic biodiversity conservation through focus group discussion and satellite imageries. Three multi-date Landsat satellite imageries, TM of 1985, ETM+ 2000, and OLI 2020, were utilized to generate data, analyze, and monitor changes that have occurred over time and space. The Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) was adopted to extract built-up features within the study locations with indices ranging from -1 to 1. The extent of land use change (urbanization) was analyzed by subtracting the reference year (2020) from the base year. The highest rate of urban growth was observed during the third period of urbanization (2000 to 2020) in which the built-up area increased more than twice by 163.69km² (19.81%) over wetlands. The magnitude of change in wetland areas for 35 years between 1985 and 2020 showed that wetlands decreased by -26.41 km²representing a change (-42.97%) of the total change for the period. Wetland had an annual rate of change of -15.04% within the study years while cultivated land had the least annual rate of change (3.30%). This indicates that there was rapid urbanization in the study area between 2000 and 2020 compared to 1985 and 2000. Wetland ecosystems are under pressure in the area, and thus, have a detrimental effect on the aquatic biodiversity of the study area, through displacement, decrease, and death of aquatic species such as Crocodylusniloticus, Trichechussenegalensis, crabs, and water snails. Human activities that degrade wetlands should be reduced, restricted, or regulated.

Species diversity and distribution patterns of Hornbills (Bucerotiformes: Bucerotidae) in Pulau Banding, Perak, Malaysia

Aainaa Syazwani Mohamad Amir Hamzah — 2024-11-10

Hornbills (Aves: Bucerotidae) play a crucial role in seed dispersal, essential for the maintenance of tropical rainforest biodiversity. This study aimed to document the species diversity and distribution patterns of hornbills in Pulau Banding, Perak, Malaysia, part of the Royal Belum State Park and the Belum-Temenggor Forest complex. Conducted in March 2023, the study established eight observation points spaced 600 meters apart. Hornbill species were identified through visual observations using Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars and by recognizing bird calls. The Morisita index was used to analyze distribution patterns, revealing an overall clumped distribution (Id = 1.60) across the island. The study recorded 45 individual hornbills representing five species: Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus), Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), Bushy-crested Hornbill (Anorrhinus galeritus), and Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros subruficollis). Variation in sightings across observation points was attributed to resource availability, habitat preferences, and human disturbances. Points with abundant food resources, like fig trees, and lower human activity had higher hornbill sightings. Based on the findings, several conservation actions are recommended: habitat preservation, water resource management, anti-poaching measures, ecotourism development, community involvement, and the use of GPS tracking and remote sensing technologies. This study provides valuable data for local conservation initiatives and supports global efforts to mitigate the decline of hornbill populations. The findings can influence policy and conservation efforts, ensuring the continued presence of hornbills and promoting Pulau Banding as a sustainable area that benefits both the community and the ecosystem. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and detailed ecological studies to further explore hornbill ecology and interactions in Pulau Banding.