Search Results (1,255)

The Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella marica) is a native and highly adaptable species of the Arabian Peninsula. Due to drastic population declines, the species is listed as globally vulnerable. Very little is known about the behavioral ecology of this species in captivity; therefore, this study was designed to investigate the seasonal variations in the activity patterns of Arabian sand gazelles at Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, Qatar. Data were collected in two phases, i.e., summer (September–October 2021) and winter (December 2021–January 2022), for a total of 16 days. Results revealed that feeding and walking (p = 0.001) were the dominant activities in both seasons, yet these were higher in summer compared to winter. Likewise, standing, lying down and other activities (social interactions, defecating, maintenance, sexual behaviors) were also higher in summer compared to winter. All these findings suggest that Arabian sand gazelles are adaptable to harsh environments. However, we strongly recommend a year-round investigation on the impacts of humans, feed types and Arabian Oryx on the behavioral activities of Arabian sand gazelles. In addition, we suggest studying the behavior ecology of the wild scattered populations of Arabian sand gazelles for better management of captive breeding stocks. Full article

The known laws of nature in the physical sciences are well expressed in the language of mathematics, a fact that caused Eugene Wigner to wonder at the “unreasonable effectiveness” of mathematical concepts to explain physical phenomena. The biological sciences, in contrast, have resisted the formulation of precise mathematical laws that model the complexity of the living world. The limits of mathematics in biology are discussed as stemming from the impossibility of constructing a deterministic “Laplacian” model and the failure of set theory to capture the creative nature of evolutionary processes in the biosphere. Indeed, biology transcends the limits of computation. This leads to a necessity of finding new formalisms to describe biological reality, with or without strictly mathematical approaches. In the former case, mathematical expressions that do not demand numerical equivalence (equations) provide useful information without exact predictions. Examples of approximations without equal signs are given. The ineffectiveness of mathematics in biology is an invitation to expand the limits of science and to see that the creativity of nature transcends mathematical formalism. Full article

At the border between Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal, where three European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) currently operate, the process to establish a fourth one is underway: Raia Seca Gerês/Xurés (RSGX). This new cross-border cooperation structure covers an area rich in natural and cultural heritage and mostly matches the Gerês/Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve designated in 2009. The goal of this paper is to decipher to what extent a common understanding between both sides of the border might enable the delivery of a common spatial plan managed by the EGTC under the auspices of the sustainable development paradigm. The findings obtained from the interviews conducted indicate that borders remain present in the experiences and mentalities of the interviewed stakeholders and that cross-border spatial planning largely depends on territorial agendas linked to national-state sovereignty, hindering its factual implementation. The interviewees expect the future EGTC to serve as a mechanism to channel cooperation and redefine the role of the already designated Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, moving beyond isolated actions funded by Interreg and embracing a more integrated approach to cooperation. Full article

Chile holds ~50% of temperate forests in the Southern Hemisphere, thus constituting a genetic–ecological heritage. However, intense anthropogenic pressures have been inducing distinct forest structural-regeneration patterns. Accordingly, we evaluated 22 soil properties at 0–5 and 5–20 cm depths in two protected sites, with similar perturbation records but contrasting post-disturbance regeneration stages: long-term secondary forest (~50 y) (SEC_FORST) (dominated by Chusquea sp.-understory) and a short-term forest after disturbance (~5 y) (FAD_IST) within a Nothofagus spp. forest to determine the potential of these soils to promote nutrient availability, water cycling, soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration (CO₂→SOC), and microbiome. Results detected 93 correlations (r ≥ 0.80); however, no significant differences (p < 0.05) in physical or chemical properties, except for infiltration velocity (+27.97%), penetration resistance (−23%), SOC (+5.64%), and % Al saturation (+5.64%) relative to SEC_FORST, and a consistent trend of suitable values 0–5 > 5–20 cm were estimated. The SOC→CO₂ capacity reached 4.2 ± 0.5 (FAD_IST) and 2.7 ± 0.2 Mg C y⁻¹ (SEC_FORST) and only microbial abundance shifts were observed. These findings provide relevant insights on belowground resilience, evidenced by similar ecosystem services provision capacities over time, which may be influenced progressively by opportunistic Chusquea sp. Full article

Pseudanabaena foetida, a filamentous cyanobacterium, is highly sensitive to temperature and light intensity. This study explores its oxidative stress responses under diurnal light intensities in temperature variations, utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) normalized to optical density (OD₇₃₀) levels (H₂O₂/OD₇₃₀) as a biomarker. The adequate P. foetida cells were distributed to three incubators for 22 days at 30 °C, 20 °C, and 10 °C. Light intensity varied over the course of the day, increasing from morning to a maximum at noon, followed by a gradual decrease until evening. Measurements of H₂O₂, protein, chlorophyll a (Chl a), and catalase (CAT) activity were carried out every three hours, starting at 6:00 and ending at 21:00. Protein concentration and Chl a increased between 12:00 and 15:00 for every temperature. H₂O₂, CAT, and H₂O₂/OD₇₃₀ increased until 15:00 and decreased afterwards for each temperature. The CAT was directly proportional to P. foetida’s H₂O₂ concentration or cell biomass (H₂O₂/OD₇₃₀), which indicates oxidative stress responses and a defense mechanism. The reduced temperature (30 °C to 20 °C and 30 °C to 10 °C) was significantly impactful on H₂O₂ concentration, protein concentration, and Chl a content. The model, based on P. foetida biomass, provides valuable insights into oxidative stress responses under different temperatures, with implications for understanding climate change. Full article

In recent years, microplastic pollution has become one of the major global concerns and represents a complex, multidimensional, and multisectoral reality. The considerable existing data relating to microplastic pollution in matrices such as water and soil suggests that microplastics are widespread globally, but there are several knowledge gaps regarding their actual distribution mostly in remote locations far from sources. In this review we examine current knowledge on microplastic pollution in the Antarctic continent. Antarctica, the unique continent not permanently anthropized, is the southernmost part of the planet but its geographic isolation does not protect against the harmful impact of human activities. This continent is characterized by limited internal pollution sources but high-burden external routes of contaminants and represents a unique natural laboratory to analyze how pollution can reach every part of the biosphere. This review reports the presence of microplastics in organic and inorganic matrices not only at marine level (water, sediments, benthic organisms, krill, and fish) but also in freshwater (lakes, rivers, snow, and glaciers) highlighting that microplastic contamination is endemic in the Antarctic environment. Microplastic pollution is of great environmental concern everywhere, but the characteristics of remote ecosystems suggest that they could be more sensitive to harm from this pollution. Full article

Across the globe, ecosystems are degraded and humanity is impacting the biosphere amongst multiple domains, exceeding sustainability boundaries, in, for example, biodiversity loss and air pollution. To address this issue, people are calling for a socio-ecological systems approach. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how we used our experience to develop a catchment approach to planning and on-ground intervention, using the Upper Clutha catchment in the South Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand to demonstrate and report the importance of collaboration in achieving coordinated catchment management. This experience can be represented by the culmination of multiple workstreams that make up the Wānaka Way Framework—a prototype in action of how we work as a community to pursue One Health. Here, we demonstrate that this is achieved through trusted relationships, the co-design of tools, and knowledge creation and sharing. We highlight how the learnings from this catchment management approach can be applied more broadly. Full article

UNESCO’s dual designations of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and Global Geoparks (UGGps) offer unique opportunities for integrating biodiversity and geodiversity conservation with sustainable development. This study investigates the synergies and conflicts between these designations at Mount Hakusan, Japan, the country’s only site with overlapping BR and UGGp territories. Employing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research highlights key governance challenges, conservation impacts, and community engagement outcomes. Findings highlight key synergies, including enhanced global recognition, collaborative educational initiatives, and the potential for interdisciplinary conservation efforts. However, the study also identifies significant conflicts, such as governance inefficiencies, budgetary constraints, and tensions between biodiversity conservation and geotourism priorities. While the BR framework emphasizes ecosystem protection, the UGGp’s focus on geotourism can create challenges in balancing conservation with economic development. Furthermore, low public awareness and limited youth engagement pose barriers to fully realizing the potential benefits of both designations. Recommendations are provided for integrated management strategies, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing community participation to align conservation and tourism objectives. The study enhances the understanding of managing Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) and offers practical strategies to support global conservation and sustainable development initiatives. Full article

This study has been conducted to assess the anthropogenic impact of the ANWIL S.A. nitrogen plants, one of the largest producers of nitrogen fertilizers in Poland, on the activity of arylsulphatase (AR), rhodanese (RDN) and catalase (CAT) related to sulphur transformation in forest soils. Samples of rusty brown soils were collected in the area adjacent to the ANWIL S.A. nitrogen plants in Włocławek. The profiles were located in the vicinity of the following production plants: No. W1—approximately 2.5 km away, No. W2—approximately 2 km away, and No. W3—approximately 0.8 km away. The control profile was established in the Tuchola Forest, which is part of the Biosphere Reserve. In order to recognize the impact caused by pollutants and the capacity of soil for re-generation, the resistance index (RS) and resilience index (RL) were determined. The highest RS value (0.964) was noted for rhodanese activity in layer Bv in W2, where the lowest RS for CAT (0.019) was observed. This study demonstrated the resilience of CAT activity in layer Bv in all the soil profiles adjacent to ANWIL. The highest resilience indicator was soil catalase activity. Enzymatic activity can be used to indicate the anthropogenic impact and the transformation of nutrients in forest soil. Full article

The preservation and management of riparian zones in nature protection areas are challenging due to the simultaneous demands of nature protection regulations, active nature tourism burdens, and local community needs. The local community’s willingness to participate in riparian zone management is an essential contribution to establishing successful long-term riparian zone management. This study aimed to gain insight into the perceptions of the local community, particularly landowners, on the management perspectives of riparian zones in nature protection areas. We used a questionnaire survey to gather data from three distinct localities within the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (NVBR). In total, 734 respondents were interviewed, of which 40% were landowners who owned land in riparian zones. Landowners did not differ significantly from those without property rights in their willingness to undertake voluntary work to improve the quality of riparian zones. Landowners more often use riparian zones for cultural and recreational activities. Overall, the landowners had similar perceptions of riparian zone management to respondents without property rights in the NVBR. Full article

This pilot study examines the complex interplay between human happiness and environmental sustainability through the lens of environmental ethics. Using a mixed-methods approach with surveys and interviews, it investigates how self-reported happiness is related to access to nature, environmental concerns, attitudes towards sustainability, and ethical values. Both surveys and interviews revealed a dominance of biospheric and altruistic ethical values and strong environmental concerns among the participants, often expressed from an anthropocentric perspective. The findings suggest that fostering environmental ethics could bridge the gap between happiness and sustainability. Despite the study limitations, such as geographical constraints and a small survey sample, it contributes a novel framework that can be replicated and adapted for larger-scale cross-cultural studies. Full article

This paper is focused on presenting a methodological procedure for assessing landscape–ecological problems resulting from conflicts of interest and its application in the Po?ana Biosphere Reserve. The approach is grounded in the concept of the landscape as a geosystem. It examines natural and socio-economic phenomena, classifying them as either threatened or threatening. By intersecting these phenomena, spatial delineation of the conflicts of interest has been achieved. Within the Po?ana Biosphere Reserve, three groups of problems resulting from spatial conflicts of interest were identified: threats to biodiversity and ecological stability; threats to natural resources; and threats to the environment of human society. A total of 121 specific threats were identified in the area. This approach is applicable to other biosphere reserves for identifying areas with conflicts of interest as the identification of spatial conflicts is crucial for the effective and targeted design of measures aimed at their mitigation or elimination, aligning with the overarching objective of biosphere reserves—sustainable development. An indispensable condition is to bridge the sectoral approach in landscape management and ensure effective communication and cooperation between individual stakeholder groups in the territory. Full article

The accurate estimation of tree volume and biomass is necessary for forest ecosystems management. However, traditional estimation methods are expensive, require a large amount of labor and materials, and may involve destructive sampling. In this study, a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and free software were used to estimate the volume and biomass of the stems of individual trees from two coniferous species, Abies religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham and Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl, in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), Michoacan, Mexico. TLS is an alternative to traditional measurement methods, which allows tree measurements to be extracted from a point cloud, opening up new opportunities to characterize the volume and biomass of standing trees. The simple linear regression analysis comparing stem volume and biomass estimates from different methods shows that the Vol_TLS and Vol_TModel relationship provides a better fit (R² = 0.97, RMSE = 0.351 m³) compared to the Vol_TLS and Vol_OModel relationship (R² = 0.93, RMSE = 0.537 m³). However, comparisons between measurements with predictive models (from destructive methods) and TLS (a non-destructive method) did not show significant differences. The results show that this increasingly accessible technology can be used to adequately estimate forest biomass and volume in a non-destructive manner, which is particularly important in places such as the MMBR. Full article

Due to the gradual depletion of traditional metallic mineral resources, the search for new potential sources is an important issue. One such source is coal deposits. The extraction of metals from coal is a way to produce clean energy. This study presents the results of detailed research on geochemical features and mineralogy to understand the processes of microelement enrichment in the coal-bearing deposit of Shubarkol, in Central Kazakhstan. Modern analytical techniques were used to obtain information about the conditions and processes of trace element accumulation in coal, as well as the modes of occurrence of these elements. Geochemical data were analyzed using multidimensional statistical methods, including correlation, clustering, and factor analysis, which allowed us to draw several scientific conclusions. Numerous factors indicate that the enrichment of trace elements in sediments is controlled by clastic terrigenous material and low-temperature hydrothermal solutions circulating in the coal basin. The main sources of removal of trace elements from coal are ancient igneous rock complexes located within deposits that were directly involved in coal enrichment through secondary geological processes. According to estimates, the degree of enrichment of Jurassic coals at Shubarkol was close to the average value for world coals (0.5 < CC < 2), and coal seams were enriched with lithophilic and chalcophilic elements such as Ba, U, Yb, Co, La, Nb, Hf, Sc, V, Sr, Cu, and Zn. A correlation analysis of coal deposits revealed a significant correlation between main oxides and rare earth elements (REEs). The strongest correlation was between Zr, Hf, Th/Ta, and REEs. The positive correlations between Zr and Al₂O₃, Nb and Al₂O₃ indicate that these elements (Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, and REY) are probably related to Al. The results obtained make it possible to consider coal as a potential mineral resource for the production of rare metals and serve as a guide for the industrial processing of the most important elements found in coal. Full article