Allozyme Genetic Diversity and Conservation Strategy of Ten Natural Populations of Pinus bungeana Zuuc. ex Endl

Pinus bungeana is a three-needle pine with typical fragmented distribution in central and northwestern China. Its natural resources are gradually decreasing and need to be conserved. For conserving genetic diversity of P. bungeana, the authors sampled 10 natural populations in its distribution areas and conducted the analysis of isozymes. Thirty one loci with 53 alleles on the basis of 16 enzyme systems were assayed. The parameters of genetic diversity at species and population level are respectively as follows: As = 1.742, Ae[s] = 1.49, Ps = 54.8%, He[s] = 0.162, Ap = 1.39, Ae[p]= 1.30, Pp = 34.85, He[p] = 0.0986. In comparison with other pines, P. bungeana possesses a slightly low amount of genetic variation especially at the population level. By contrast, the level of population genetic differentiation (GST = 0.135) is higher compared to other pines. All ten populations are divided into three groups according to Nei抯 genetic identity (I). There is a slight relation (r = 0.31) between genetic distance and geographical distance. Some populations are obviously deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium but the total population is basically accordant with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The correlation analysis between allele frequencies and ecological factors showed that the alleles at loci of Idh and Pgi-2 had gradient variation trends of their frequencies. The sample capturing curves?analysis indicated that the captured alleles increased when the number of sampled populations increased and 99% out of whole allele pool of ten populations would be captured when five populations were randomly selected. At last, the population genetic structure of P. bungeana and its conservation strategy were discussed.

Environmental Risk Assessment and Preventive Conservation Strategy for the Porch of the Glory, Santiago of Compostela Cathedral

In the framework of the Santiago of Compostela Cathedral program, a multidisciplinary investigation of the porch of the glory was carried out between 2009 and 2011 to identify the main environmental risks and to develop a preventive conservation planto be integrated in the general management strategy of the Cathedral. The study included historic and archivist research, structural studies, mineralogical analyses, biological sampling, cleaning tests and microclimatic monitoring. The main weathering factors and the related damage processes were identified. Results have shown that the main responsible for the observed damage was the infiltration of rainwater through the roof, due to cracks in the structure of the Cathedral. Other environmental factors having a remarkable impact on the state of conservation of the polychrome and its substrate were the solar radiation, the thermo-hygrometric cycles, the particle deposition and the biological growth. Solutions were suggested to improve the environmental conditions, thus reducing further damage.

A plant nutrition strategy for ex-situ conservation based on "Ecological Similarity"

This paper reviewed a large scale conservation work of rare and endangered plants currently conducted in main botanical gardens in China, and the existed, predictable and neglected problems on plant growth and reproduction in ex-situ conservation process. Considered the status quo in plant ex conservation, a nutritional strategy on the plant conservation was proposed based on ＇Ecological Similarity＇. Its main idea was that the ex-situ conservation plants coming from natural ecosystem were compulsively allocated in the agro-ecosystems and would return to natural ecosystem ultimately. Therefore, research on plant nutrition of the ex-situ conservation plants should neither just pursue yield and quality as that in agro-ecosystems nor merely stay on intrinsic natures without human intervening. We should give attentions to both of their attributes as in natural ecosystems and in agro-ecosystems, i.e., taking full advantage of plant nutritional measures as in agro-ecosystems to solve actual survival problems of the ex-conservation plants, and ensuring the final goal of returning to nature and playing its ecological role.

Conservation utility of botanic garden living collections:Setting a strategy and appropriate methodology

In the realities of the modern world, when the natural habitat is rapidly disappearing and the number of imperiled plants is constantly growing, ex situ conservation is gaining importance. To meet this challenge, botanic gardens need to revise both their strategic goals and their methodologies to achieve the new goals. This paper proposes a strategy for the management of threatened plants in living collections,which includes setting regional conservation priorities for the species, creation of genetically representative collections for the high priority species, and usage of these collections in in situ actions. In this strategy, the value of existing and future species living collections for conservation is determined by the species' conservation status and how well the accessions represent their natural genetic variation.

Applying systematic conservation planning to constitute a protection strategy for broad-leaved Korean pine forests in Changbai Mountains, China

The broad-leaved Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis) forest is one of the most biodiverse zonal communities in the North Temperate Zone and an important habitat for many endangered species.Broad-leaved Korean pine forests(BKPFs) are shrinking quickly due to deforestation and rapid urbanization. Thus, scientific protection strategies are urgently needed to change this status. Changbai Mountains contains one of the largest BKPFs and is considered a priority biodiversity conservation area in China. Guided by systematic conservation planning(SCP) methods and procedures, we chose representative species and communities in BKPFs ecosystem as priority conservation objects, and set quantitative conservation target, which is in the light of the biodiversity characteristic of BKPFs. The watershed area is used as planning unit. We used CPlan software to calculate the irreplaceability(Ir)value of each planning unit and the contribution value(Ti) of each conservation object to(1) assess the conservation efficiency;(2) identify the conservation gap of the existing conservation network. Then wecalculated a human disturbance index(HDI) for planning units in the conservation gaps and combine this with the Ir value to design three conservation scenarios to optimize the conservation network.Results show that planning units with high conservation value 14.16% of the total area, with3084.36 km2 were covered by the existing conservation network. 79.28% of planning units with high conservation value have not been protected which were concentrated mainly in the eight gap areas.Only 25.3% of protection objects achieved their conservation target with the existing conservation network. Conservation efficiency is low. Three conservation scenarios are constituted, each prioritizing a different aim:(1) ecological value;(2)species rescue; and(3) economical avoidance. The three conservation schemes potentially enable 93%,88% and 51% of conservation objects, respectively, to achieve identified conservation targets, thereby improving conservation efficiency significantly.

Achievements and challenges of primate conservation in China

The dual impact of climate change and human activities has precipitated a sharp decline in primate biodiversity globally.China is home to the most diverse primate species in the Northern hemisphere,which face severe ecological threats due to the expansion of modern agriculture,extensive exploitation and consumption of natural resources,and excessive land development during its transition from an agricultural to a modern society.In response,China has implemented various ecological conservation measures,including habitat restoration and protection.These efforts have made substantial strides in biodiversity conservation,with certain regions witnessing an increase in primate populations.In the current study,we conducted a systematic review of historical documents and field research data related to Chinese primates,evaluating the endangered status of primate species in China.Despite improvements in the habitats of most primate species and some population growth,many species still face severe threats,including declining and small populations.Species such as the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus strykeri),eastern black crested gibbon(Nomascus nasutus),and Hainan gibbon(N.hainanus)remain particularly vulnerable due to their limited distribution ranges and extremely small populations.Insufficient scientific data,fragmented information,and not enough studies in conservation biology further compound the challenges.Moreover,there is a notable lack of detailed population monitoring data for species such as the Bengal slow loris(Nycticebus bengalensis),pygmy slow loris(N.pygmaeus),Indochinese gray langur(Trachypithecus crepusculus),Shortridge’s langur(T.shortridgei),and capped langur(T.pileatus),which hinders the development of practical and targeted conservation management strategies.Therefore,for national biodiversity conservation,there is an urgent need for specialized primate surveys,enhancing habitat protection and restoration,and increasing focus on cross-border conservation strategies and regional cooperation.There is also a need to establish a comprehensive and systematic research database platform,conduct continuous and in-depth research in primate biology,and actively engage in the scientific assessment of ecotourism.Additionally,strengthening public awareness and education on wildlife conservation remains essential.Such integrated and systematic efforts will provide scientific support for the current and future conservation and management of primate species in China.

Conservation and Renewal Strategies of Industrial Heritage Residential Areas from the Perspective of Heritage Protection : A Case Study of Residential Area of Wuchang Vehicle Factory

The residential area of Wuchang Vehicle Factory is taken as a case to explore the protection and renewal strategies of industrial heritage residential areas.By analyzing the current situation of the residential area,issues such as functional decline,memory loss,and weakened community vitality are revealed.Three design concepts are proposed:building renovation,historical space renovation,and the introduction of cultural and creative industries,aiming to improve the living environment,showcase historical value,cultivate cultural and creative industries,promote economic transformation,and community vitality.This paper could provide reference for the protection and renewal of similar industrial heritage residential areas,and new ideas for the research and utilization of industrial heritage.By comprehensively considering heritage protection,cultural inheritance,and community development,systematic suggestions are proposed.

A strategic study on biodiversity conservation in Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna harbors valuable tropical rainforests with abundant biod iversity and it is acknowledged as a treasure house of wildlife. By describing t he characteristics of its physical geography, the authors analyzed the habitat c omplex. The major vegetation types and rare wildlife were systematically studied to indicate the major elements and great value of the biodiversity. The present status of general biodiversity conservation was briefly appraised to reveal the potential crises and problems in the conservation practice. Based on the theori es and experience borrowed from modern conservation biology and innovations at h ome and abroad, 4 primary strategies were accordingly suggested to establish a b eneficial mutual-improvement mechanism for the better conservation so that the b iodiversity conservation and utilization can be properly integrated, the local p eople's livelihood effectively uplifted and their over-dependence on the resourc es relatively lessened.

Complementarities of two existing intermediate conservation approaches

The need for integration of ex situ and in situ approaches in conservation of plants has long been recognized. However, ex situ collections have numerous limitations that reduce their utility for conservation, necessitating the introduction of new, more appropriate, flexible and less costly approaches.Two new approaches that can be called "intermediate" between in situ and ex situ, and bridging them in some way have been proposed over the last two decades. In these approaches material collected in natural populations is planted and maintained outside the original location, but with a different purpose.While the purpose of the inter situs approach is reintroduction, the concern of the quasi in situ approach is long-term storage of species genetic diversity. I view these two approaches as complementary and necessary components of conservation-oriented restoration. In restoration of a degraded habitat using threatened species(i.e. inter situs), quasi in situ collections can serve an important role in providing longterm preservation of these species' genetic diversity and production of seeds needed for restoration.

Ethnobotanical Study towards Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Upper Catchments of Dhauli Ganga in the Central Himalaya

The present study broadly focused on medicinal plant species collected from wild by the villagers for different purposes in the upper catchment of Dhauli Ganga in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve(NDBR),in the central Himalaya.A schedule based survey was conducted during the years 2003-2005 in 15 villages of Chamoli district part of the NDBR.Information was collected from collectors, vaidya(medicine man)and those dealing with domestication and marketing of the medicinal plants. The aim of the study was to understand the prioritiesed medicinal plants,their mode of collection and document their ethnobotanical uses by the Bhotiya tribal communities,in this world heritage site. During the survey,50 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families and 44 genera were documented.Out of these,70% were harvested from the wild,22% were cultivated and 8% were cultivated as well as wild harvested.Of the cultivated species,8% were found growing in the kitchen gardens and 14%in the agricultural fields.However,42%of the plants had their roots and rhizomes used followed by leaves (26%),seeds(10%),seed and leaf(8%),bark and whole plant(6%)and flower(1%).Most plants were reported to be used for rheumatism(16),followed by stomach disorder(14),cold and cough(11),and jaundice(9).Thirty three plants species were reported to have more than one therapeutic uses,while 17 species were reported to be used against single ailment.The distance of villages from road head was one of the factors contributing to the decline in the medicinal plant population in their natural habitats. The availability of medicinal plants increased with increase in distance from road head and also the peoples'dependence on them.Documentation of the traditional knowledge will help in conservation of knowledge and also opportunity for using it for future training and use.The result of this study will help in promoting sustainable cultivation and implementation in conservation protocol of those species,which are in the verge of extinction in this region.

Biological characteristics and conservation genetics of the narrowly distributed rare plant Cinnamomum chago(Lauraceae)

Cinnarnomum chago （family Lauraceae） is an essential source of timber and oil. This plant is narrowly distributed in the western part of the Yunnan Province. In this study, the distribution, habitat, and biological characteristics of C chago were examined through field investigation. The genetic diversity and the variation of the remnant populations were also studied using the inter-simple sequence repeat technique. Results showed that C chago is mainly distributed in the upstream tributary mountains of Lancang River in Yunlong County of Yunnan Province. The species distribution exhibited a fragmented pattern with five isolated populations and high-frequency anthropogenic interference. A combination of morphological features （opposite leaves, pinnate leaf veins, absence of glandular fossa, large drupe, small punch, and pollen surface with triangular spike grain, with cushion bumps at the base） indicated that C. chago is a key phylogenetic taxon between the two sections of Asian Cinnamomurn plants （Sect. Camphora （Trew） Meissn. and Sect. Cinnamomum）. Analysis of the genetic diversity of C. chago indicated that it has a moderately high level of genetic diversity at the population and species levels （populations level： Ne - 1.629, H = 0.348, I=0.504, and PPB = 83.3%; species level： Ne - 1.864, H = 0.460, I = 0.652, and PPB - 100%）. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 17% of the genetic variation was divided between the populations, whereas 83% was observed within the populations. Based on these results, we suggest the inclusion of C. chago in the Wild Plants with Extremely Small Populations in China. Moreover, the species should be given special attention and protection. Some strategies were proposed for the conservation of the C. chago populations.

Farmer's Adaptive Strategies on Land Competition between Societal Outcomes and Agroecosystem Conservation in the Purple-soiled Hilly Region,Southwestern China

The worldwide extension and intensification of farming during the last century has led to ecosystem degradation and caused a series of environmental problems.Conservation of ecosystem services in agricultural regions has been implemented by top-down government actions or initiated by resilience scientists in the developed countries,but little attention was paid in the developing countries,especially in some remote mountainous regions.The present paper presents a case study showing how local farmers obtained both maximal societal outcomes and agroecosystem conservation interests in the absence of distinct boundaries between agricultural and protected ecological areas in the densely populated purple-soiled hilly region of southwestern China.The local community(Yanting County) has developed a mosaic agricultural-forestry-fishery-stock breeding system with spatially targeted land uses,diverse agricultural productions and multiple ecological partnerships.It indicates that the local farmers have hereditarily perceived sound strategies on maximizing sustainable societal outcomes and optimizing tradeoffs among macro-market,state policy,new technological facility and ecological reinforcement.

Neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer: Where we are and where we are going

Locally advanced rectal cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach based on total neoadjuvant treatment with radiotherapy(RT)and chemotherapy(ChT),followed by deferred surgery.Currently,alternatives to the standard total neoadjuvant therapy(TNT)are being explored,such as new ChT regimens or the introduction of immunotherapy.With standard TNT,up to a third of patients may achieve a complete pathological response(CPR),potentially avoiding surgery.However,as of now,we lack predictive markers of response that would allow us to define criteria for a conservative organ strategy.The presence of muta-tions,genes,or new imaging tests is helping to define these criteria.An example of this is the diffusion coefficient in the diffusion-weighted sequence of magnetic resonance imaging and the integration of this imaging technique into RT treatment.This allows for the monitoring of the evolution of this coefficient over successive RT sessions,helping to determine which patients will achieve CPR or those who may require intensification of neoadjuvant therapy.

Maintaining biodiversity will define our long-term success

Human beings are not only a part of our planet's ecosystems,but also,they are massively overusing them.This makes ecosystem protection,including biodiversity preservation,vital for humanity's future.The speed and scale of the threat are unprecedented in human history.The long arch of evolution has been confronted with such a high level of human impact,that we are now facing the sixth mass extinction event,66 million years after the last one.This threat heightens the imperative for bold human intervention.Our paper identifies three strategies for such an intervention.First,and possibly most challenging,human demand needs to be curbed so it fits within the bounds of what Earth's ecosystems can renew.Without meeting this quantitative goal,biodiversity preservation efforts will not be able to get scaled.Second,in the transition time,we must focus on those locations and areas where most biodiversity is concentrated.Such a focus on‘hotspots’will help safeguard the largest portion of biodiversity with least effort.Third,to direct biodiversity preservation strategies,we need to much better document the existence and distribution of biodiversity around the globe.New information technologies could help with this critical effort.In conclusion,biodiversity preservation is no longer just a concern for specialized biologist but is becoming a societal necessity if humanity wants to have a stable future.

Folk nomenclature of plants in Cistanche deserticola-associated community in South Gobi, Mongolia

Cistanche deserticola is an important medicinal plant in Mongolia.Despite its significant role in local healing systems,little traditional knowledge had been reported.The present study investigated folk names of C.deserticola and other species of the same community in Umnugobi Province,South Gobi region of Mongolia,based on ethnobotanical approaches.The high correspondence between folk names and scientific names of plant species occurring in Cistanche-associated community shows the scientific meaning of folk nomenclature and classification in Mongolia.The Mongolian and folk names of plants were formed on the basis of observations and understanding of wild plants including their morphology,phenology and traditional uses as well.Results from this study will support the conservation of C.deserticola itself,a rare and endangered plant species listed in the Monglian Red Data Book.Our documentation of folk nomenclature based on 96 plant species in the Cistanche community,as a part of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity,will be very helpful for making strategy of plant biodiversity conservation in Mongolia.

Molecular evidence of introgressive hybridization between related species Jankowski's Bunting(Emberiza jankowskii)and Meadow Bunting(Emberiza cioides)(Aves:Passeriformes)

Natural hybridization,which often occurs between closely related species exhibiting sympatric or parapatric distributions,is an important source of genetic variation within populations.The closely related Jankowski’s Bunting(Emberiza jankowskii)and Meadow Bunting(E.cioides)are similar in morphology and genetics,occupy overlapping niches,and are sympatric in eastern Inner Mongolia.Previous studies have reported trans-species polymorphisms of alleles between the two species,as well as an unexpectedly high genetic diversity of the endangered E.jankowskii.We speculate that introgressive hybridization has occurred between the two species and contributed to the additional unexpected variation to E.jankowskii.We used mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2(ND2)gene and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to compare the genetic diversity of E.jankowskii and E.cioides,and inferred the origin of trans-species polymorphisms between the two species by phylogenetic reconstruction and Bayesian cluster analysis.The two species could be clearly distinguished by population cluster analysis.Despite the large number of mutational differences,we still detected sharing of major haplotypes and the presence of hybrids between the two species.Our study confirmed that weak introgressive hybridization has occurred between sympatric E.jankowskii and E.cioides,which may be mediated by female E.cioides individuals,and that interspecific introgression has contributed to the maintenance of high genetic diversity in E.jankowskii.While being wary of the potential negative effects of introgressive hybridization,we suggest that expanding the habitat of E.jankowskii remains the most effective conservation strategy at present.

Assessment of Stone Material Deterioration of the Exposed Surfaces of the Step Pyramid in Saqqara

The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, Egypt is one of the oldest stone monuments in the world and along with other historical monuments of this area is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO （United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization）. In a way, this monument was an experimental construction and served as a prototype for other pyramids afterwards built in Ancient Egypt. Innovative materials, mortar, construction and engineering solutions were introduced and approbated during the construction process of the Step Pyramid. Therefore, the reconstruction of this monument possibly close to its original state is an extremely difficult task. The preservation of this pyramid for future generations is a challenge to the specialists of various scientific fields. Current study is focusing on systematic assessment of the exposed surfaces of the pyramid＇s facades identifying various stone material weathering types and their intensities, as well as major deformations of the structure further integrated into the geospatial model of the pyramid. The results of this study provide possibility to determine the most endangered areas of pyramid＇s facades and calculate the volume of necessary reconstruction work.

Evaluation of Ecological Effectiveness of Protected Areas in Northwest China

Protected areas(PAs) have experienced explosive growth in Northwest China over the last three decades, but their effectiveness in representing regional ecological system diversity has not attracted considerable attention. Low effectiveness would exacerbate the conservation-development conflicts, particularly those that arise as a result of the Great Western Development Strategy(GWDS). Thus, an assessment of the effectiveness of the PA network has become quite important. We proposed natural vegetation communities to represent regional ecological system diversities, and proposed Global 200 Priority Ecoregions, Important Bird Areas, and ecosystem function regions to represent important conservation areas. To determine their effectiveness, we studied the extent to which ecological system diversities and important conservation areas are represented by the existing 96 PAs. Our results indicated that the total coverage of vegetation communities in PAs in Northwest China is not sufficiently comprehensive. As the PA system has expanded, the growth in the total area of the PAs has been greater than that of their vegetation community richness. While most of the important conservation areas are covered by PAs, some regions have not yet reached the 10% threshold; further, PAs are distributed unevenly and conservation gaps remain in the region. Therefore, these regions should receive more attention when planning new PAs. It is vital that more biodiversity datasets and assessment of ecosystem function regions are integrated in order to provide a basis for the government to formulate appropriate protection and development strategies.

Tree-ring:a suitable implement for spatial and temporal fire distribution analysis in savanna woodland and dry forest

Based on 120 stem discs collected during3 months of fieldwork along a 12 km route,the history of fires in the Wari Maro Forest（09 1000 N–02 1000E） over the past century in savanna woodland and dry forest was reconstituted.Three major ecological areas are characterized：one highly burnt zone located between two relative less burnt areas.By analyzing tree rings,246 fire scars were identified.The scars were caused by 51 fire years,occurring at a mean interval of 2.23 years.From 1890 to1965,only 6 years with fires were recorded from sampled trees.Since 1966,no year has passed without fire.The fire frequency point scale reached 14 years.This was the case of Burkea africana,which has been identified as a species tolerant to fire and could be planted to create a natural firewall.In contrast,Anogeissus leiocarpa is highly sensitive to fire,and in a dry forest ecosystem that burns seasonally,it requires a special conservation plan.Two new concepts are described：the rebarking of trees after fire and Mean Kilometer Fire Interval.The first concept was tested with Daniellia oliveri（Rolfe） Hutch ＆ Dalz trees,and the second concept was used to evaluate spatial fire distribution.We demonstrate that savanna woodland and dry forest were subject to a degradation process caused by destructive fires related to vegetation cover clearance and illegal logging.

Assessing anthropogenic pressure and threats on Paeonia emodi Wall.ex Royle habitats in Garhwal Himalaya

The Garhwal Himalaya is among the major repositories of immensely valuable wild edible plants and provides food security to the local population.Among the valuable plant species that grow in this region,Paeonia emodi(family Paeoniaceae)is an important wild edible species that found in temperate regions with an altitude range between 1800 and 2800 m.The species is facing a severe threat to its sustainability due to overharvesting,habitat disturbances,and a lack of effort regarding conservation.For the first time,this study investigated anthropogenic pressure,population decline perceptions in the natural habitat,and vulnerability assessment of P.emodi under selected study sites(n=23 villages).A semi structured questionnaire was used to interview approximately 45%of the local inhabitants,including herbal practitioners(Vaidhyas or Dais)of each village.On the basis of demographic characteristics,the perceptions and responses of 464 local people were documented regarding potential causes of deterioration and feasible options for sustainable utilization.Using the weight survey method,we estimated the actual amount of collection based on personal interaction and direct observation.In order to determine the threats status,a rapid vulnerability assessment(RVA)was performed and were used based on the current exploitation and usage.The present study revealed that leaf(100%)was the most frequently harvested part,followed by stem(95.65%),seed(26.09%),root(21.74%)and flower(13.04%).The village Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa recorded the highest collection scores while the purpose of the collection was mostly edible(100%),medicinal(100%),and least commercial(8.70%).According to the literature review and the present survey,the RVA(total=21)is categorized as category II(intermediate side of the RVA index),indicating a degree of vulnerability.The study revealed that P.emodi faces extinction in the Garhwal Himalayas.Growing this species through agro-production techniques may alleviate the pressure on the existing population as a result of the availability of raw materials for commercial and household uses.These findings will provide an effective framework for conservation and management decisions and plans.