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.

Securing a future for China's plant biodiversity through an integrated conservation approach

The severely threatened Chinese flora urgently needs a new, well adapted to China and properly formulated conservation strategy. The present review provides a detailed conservation methodology that complements previously described guidelines for preservation of plant species with extremely small populations(PSESP) in China. This review adds to the above concept in several aspects, making it relevant to all threatened Chinese plant species. The proposed integral conservation strategy has the following crucial components:-ecoregional basis for conservation planning and implementation;-a unified scoring system that is used in regional systematic planning for reserve design,monitoring and assessment of efficiency of a reserve network, and creation of seed banks and living collections;-a focus on population demography and the presence of naturally occurring regeneration as the key criteria for defining the conservation status of a species and the appropriate major focus of the species recovery plan;-creation of multi-species living collections that preserve species genetic variation and provide material for in situ actions;-experimental translocation of threatened species into multiple locations within and outside their known range.Adopting and implementing these strategies successfully and more fully in China requires that the country changes PA legislation and improves PA management, the National Science Foundation of China(NSFC) re-prioritizes the type of research that receives research funds, and local scientists improve their approach toward information sharing.

Spatial phylogenetics of two topographic extremes of the Hengduan Mountains in southwestern China and its implications for biodiversity conservation

Previous attempts to elucidate the drivers of speciation mechanisms and spatial distribution patterns of biodiversity in mountain regions have treated different floras within a single geological region as one flora,ignoring the potential contributions of high habitat/ecosystem heterogeneity.Furthermore,current conservation strategies largely focus on forest ecosystems and/or specific flagship species,ignoring marginal ecosystems,leaving species in these ecosystems at risk.Here,we compared the spatial patterns of biodiversity and the potential drivers of these patterns in the river valley and subnival ecosystems of the Hengduan Mountains region(HDM)in southwestern China.Specifically,we compared spatial patterns of diversity,endemism,and threatened species in these ecosystems based on both traditional measurements and recent phylogenetic approaches.We then examined how those patterns were related to environmental factors and human activity in these same regions.We found that the middle-southern HDM supports the highest diversity and endemism for the river valley and subnival ecosystems;however,the distribution patterns of neo-and paleo-endemism in these two ecosystems differ.Regression models indicate that habitat diversity and paleo-climatic fluctuation are important drivers of diversity and endemism for these two ecosystems.Temperature and precipitation,however,showed different influences on the spatial patterns in different ecosystems.Categorical analysis of neo-and paleoendemism(CANAPE)indicated that most endemism centers are not covered by current nature reserves.Moreover,the intensity of human activity is highest in the southern and southeastern HDM,which coincides with the distribution patterns of diversity,mixed-endemism and high-priority(and threatened)species.These findings suggest that different floras within a single geographic/floristic region respond differently to environmental factors and show different spatial phylogenetic patterns.We,therefore,recommend that future research into the drivers of biodiversity consider the contributions of various ecosystem types within a single geological region.This study also provides a theoretical basis for protecting habitat diversity.Our work confirms that current conservation efforts are insufficient to protect ecosystem diversity in the river valley and subnival ecosystems of the Hengduan Mountains.Therefore,we recommend the establishment of nature reserves in the regions identified in this study;furthermore,we strongly recommend improving current and establishing new management policies for biodiversity conservation in this region.

Spatial Correlation and Ecological Characteristics Analysis of Man-agement Area for Biodiversity Conservation and Relevant Regionalization

Formulation of different ecological zone plans according to the corresponding protection targets and the necessity of proper conservation policy is one of the measures to achieve the goal of ecological conservation in China.In order to clarify the interrelation among key ecological zone plans,this paper carried out the research on spatial relation of priority areas of biodiversity conservation and three key ecological areas(key ecological function areas,key regions of ecological service function,national nature reserves)and the research on ecological conditions,based on multi-scale ecological spatial theme information,which incorporates elements like ecological quality and type,and by the aid of spatial information analysis and GIS modeling.The results showed a contrastively fine spatial consistency with 68.8%of priority areas of biodiversity conservation overlapping with three key ecological areas.Although the environment in priority areas of biodiversity conservation were in good conditions,protection pressure is also increasing,powerful supervision and protection should not be ignored.The environmental conditions in the overlapping areas,as a whole,were superior to those in the non-overlapping areas.Since two areas have different characteristics,targeted protection measures should be formulated based on this difference,which will be very important for biodiversity conservation in priority areas of biodiversity conservation.

Taxonomy is the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation SEABRI reports on biological surveys in Southeast Asia

The Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute （SEABRI） is an international scientific research and education organization affiliated directly to the Chinese Academy of Sciences （CAS） and managed by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden （XTBG）. By harnessing its connections with all CAS institutes, local institutes and international agencies and leveraging on their resources, it seeks to make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia.

Overview of priorities,threats,and challenges to biodiversity conservation in the southern Philippines

Human activities have severely impacted on many species and ecosystems.Thus,understanding the local biodiversity situation is crucial for implementing effective biodiversity conservation interventions.Mindanao in the southern Philippines is home to various unique species,particularly in its pristine ecosystems.However,the available biodiversity data for many terrestrial vertebrates and key areas remain incomplete.To address this issue,we synthesized published literature related to biodiversity from 2000 to 2022 in Mindanao.Moreover,this analysis used four key terrestrial vertebrates(amphibians,reptiles,birds,and mammals)in Mindanao as research objects.According to our findings,there was a significant and positive correlation between the number of biodiversity studies and species recorded.In terms of species richness,birds were the most recorded group(n=334 spp.),followed by reptiles(n=108 spp.),mammals(n=70 spp.),and amphibians(n=52 spp.).We also found that the number of endemic and threatened species varies geographically and across taxonomic groups.Yet,we discovered a significant disparity in the information available on biodiversity in different provinces of Mindanao.For example,the western provinces of Mindanao have had no record of biodiversity for more than two decades.Furthermore,we found that the changes in tree cover loss were consistent with biodiversity records,but this correlation is only significant for birds.Finally,we highlighted some critical threats and challenges to biodiversity,including deforestation,agricultural expansion,mining,and their impact on biodiversity conservation in Mindanao.Our findings suggested that biodiversity conservation should focus not only on areas with high levels of biodiversity but also on areas lacking biodiversity information.To do this,we call for strengthening collaboration among various institutions and digitizing and centralizing of information related to biodiversity.By gaining a deeper understanding of biodiversity in Mindanao,we can better and sustainably protect critical ecosystems in this region from the increasing threats posed by human activities.

Sacred Natural Site and Regional Biodiversity Conservation in Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna is a multinational region and different ethnic groups have self-owned traditional ways of protecting biodiversity, represented by Dragon Moun-tain and Hil Cemetery, and Temple Forest. As population increases and economy develops, people’s consciousness of traditional culture is fading and both of the number and area of sacred natural sites underwent changes, undermining the role of sacred natural sites playing in biodiversity protection, especial y for species pro-tection and gene exchange.

Selecting flagship species to solve a biodiversity conservation conundrum

The difficulty of effectively monitoring and managing the environment to conserve biodiversity is as yet an unsolved conundrum.A project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has concluded that progress can be made through the use of flagship species selected using criteria drawn from conservation biology,ecosystem function,socio-economics,and cultural importance.Inclusion of the latter three criteria will help attract and maintain the commitment of the public to play full parts in carrying out any conservation measures needed.A system is proposed for scoring species to select those that are most suitable as flagships.This method can be used regardless of the size of the area chosen for attention,whether it is a region,a country,or a particular protected area.

Knowledge Gaps in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacts on Biodiversity Conservation in Nairobi, Kenya

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to ensure environmental sustainability is enhanced focusing on the future generation. Knowledge of the SDGs becomes pivotal in biodiversity conservation thus, a gap impacts such efforts on protecting and preserving biodiversity habits difficult. Nairobi City was chosen because of her unique ecosystem that habits wildlife and urban life with great prospects of being East Africa’s business hub. With an estimated double city population by 2030, knowledge of SDGs would be useful in enhancing biodiversity conservation in unique cities like Nairobi. Thus, a gap in the knowledge of SDGs threatens the future of biodiversity unless it is mitigated. The study employed a cross-sectional design that caters to qualitative and quantitative data. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model was adopted to evaluate how determinants of human perceptions, decisions, and activities related to implementing sustainable development goals impact biodiversity conservation. Results indicate that respondents’ knowledge (30.5% ± 2.01%), attitudes (30.4% ± 1.56%), and practice (26.3% ± 0.08%) on implementation of SDGs was significantly low. Further, a majority believed that lack of awareness of SDGs 87% impacts biodiversity conservation, coupled with 12% and 1%, respectively, who opined that limited SDGs knowledge sharing and corruption were barriers to biodiversity conservation. The majority of respondents believed that increased awareness of SDGs (78.2% ± 2.61%), and strengthened institutional capacity (58.7% ± 3.01%) underscores SDGs’ importance in biodiversity conservation. Knowledge of SDGs is pivotal in the enhancement of biodiversity conservation.

Drivers of Change, Threats and Barriers to the Conservation of Biodiversity in Traditional Agricultural Systems

People and nature are working in tandem to reduce the integrity of traditional agricultural systems. The paper highlighted the drivers of change acting on traditional agricultural landscapes including the threats and barriers hindering biodiversity conservation. The drivers of change are： modem agriculture, tourism, education and outmigration and climate change. The threats are encroachment and land-use change, pollution, replacement of traditional varieties and erosion of indigenous knowledge systems and practices. The barriers to biodiversity conservation include the incapacity of farmers to respond to pressures affecting their traditional farming systems, absence of methodologies for integrating traditional and modem knowledge in biodiversity conservation and the multi-functionality of traditional agriculture not fully captured by the market. The conservation framework to guide stakeholders for in-situ management of biodiversity includes niche market development, revenue generation and cultural restoration. The study made use of data collected during the series of workshops conducted in 2005-2007 covering the Ifugao Rice Terraces of the Philippines. Secondary data from other traditional agricultural systems were integrated to enrich the discussion and write-up of this paper.

Perception of Local Populations of Bouba-Ndjidda National Park on Indigenous Knowledge and the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity Conservation

This study deals with the perceptions of indigenous knowledge in the field of conservation and the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the peripheral villages of the Bouba-Ndjidda National Park (PNBN), Department of Mayo-Rey, Cameroon. To this end, 23 out of 70 villages in the study area were selected, for a sample of 368 households surveyed through a questionnaire addressed to the heads of households. Data collection took place from August 27 to December 22, 2022. The results reveal that 70.7% of the population living near the PNBN practice agriculture as their main income-generating activity, followed by livestock (23.3%) and trade (6%). Knowledge in the field of the conservation of natural resources is rooted in occultism through rituals and sacrifices (99.50%) offered to the geniuses of nature and prohibitions on the felling of trees and sacred animals (13.00%). The populations perceive climate change through the variation of the seasons (97.60%), the increase in temperature (84.80%), the reduction in the duration of the rainy seasons (54.60%), the drop in agricultural yield (84.80%) and floods (74.70%). The consequence of these changes on wildlife is the disappearance of animal species such as the Rhinoceros, the Wild Dog, the Cheetah and the Ostrich. In order to cope with climate change, the natives have developed strategies such as the adoption of early crop varieties (maize, millet, soybeans, etc.), the reorganization of the agricultural calendar, the practice of reforestation, extension of field surfaces, the cessation of excessive deforestation and uncontrolled bush fires, the construction of fired brick houses, the practice of irrigation, seasonal migration and occultism. This indigenous knowledge is a perfect adaptation to climate change and makes it possible to better take into account the vision of local populations in the conservation of biodiversity.

Spatial Analysis of Federal Protected Areas and Priority Areas for Biodiversity Conservation in Brazil

This study presents a spatial analysis of priority areas for biodiversity conservation (PABCs) in Brazil and their coverage by federal protected areas as an indicator of the level of protection afforded to biodiversity in the country and the convergence of environmental protection policies in the sphere of federal government. Georeferenced data were processed using a geographic information system, enabling the calculation of areas, analyses of superimpositions, localizations, and the obtainment of other information using spatial features manipulated in this system. A comparative analysis is done of the PABCs mapped in two periods (2003 and 2007) to ascertain the evolution of this public policy instrument in detecting environmental priorities in protected areas. The improved coverage of PABCs by protected areas in the more recent mapping indicates a good convergence of environmental policies, which are enhanced by technical improvements to mapping procedures and methods for identifying such areas. As a result, the priority areas for biodiversity conservation could become a protected area regulated and recognized by the federal government.

Forests of Greece, Their Multiple Functions and Uses, Sustainable Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Face of Climate Change

This is a review paper based on national and international literature, national inventories and empirical approach. A general overview of the forests, forest management and forest biodiversity of Greece are briefly summarized. The distribution of the main forest species and their ecosystems in the Geographic regions of Greece is presented in a tabular form. Their multiple functions and uses, their management type/regime, their risks and threats, protection and conservation measures are also synoptically described. Furthermore, adaptive forest management and silviculture as well as management of genetic diversity in order to face climate change are also analysed. Research priority areas on biodiversity and challenges for biodiversity research and related policy in Greece have been summarized. The new Rural Development Program (2014-2020), which is currently in the final phase of implementation, will take into consideration the forest itself and forest-related European and National legal obligations. Finally, major conclusions and research priority areas on future management and conservation of forests are highlighted.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Sacred Groves and Conservation of Biodiversity in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve of India

The sacred groves in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR) of India were studied to understand the concept of traditional ecological and biodiversity conservation systems. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected villages of the PBR along with the survey of sacred groves. In 10 selected villages of the PBR 7 sacred groves were managed by Mawasi and 16 sacred groves by Gond tribal communities. Different deities were worshipped in the sacred groves and each grove was named after the deity dwelling in the respective sacred grove. A total of 19 such deities were recorded during the survey worshipped by the local people. In study area, various traditional customs associated with sacred groves were in practice. The sacred groves were rich in plant genetic diversity and were composed of many ethnobotanically useful species, including wild edible fruits, medicinal plants, fodder, fuelwood and timber yielding species. Given the importance of conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem attempts should be made to maintain the sanctity of sacred groves.

Biodiversity Conservation and the Poor: Practical Issues beyond Global Conferences

The paper focuses on biodiversity—an issue that easily?gets left out of consideration because it is hard to measure. While efforts to reduce over-fishing or conservation of water resources are relatively easy to discuss in quantitative terms, biodiversity in terms of plant species is usually covered by crude and even invalid figures. The paper begins by providing a brief historical overview of attempts to define biodiversity, going back to the early efforts in Africa to deal with conservation and showing how definitions have evolved overtime and how they have shaped conservation efforts. While the main focus of the paper is biodiversity conservation and the poor, the paper makes references to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and other important global conferences including the World Conference on Environment and Development and Convention on Biological Diversity. The paper finds that international conferences by and large do not adequately address the issue of biodiversity and the poor. The limited commitment shown by political leaders at the conferences should be a reason for global and local authorities to create an environment that enables communities to meet their daily needs, foster development and conserve biodiversity.

Community Perception of Biodiversity Conservation Within Protected Areas:Case of Pendjari National Park,Benin

Commitment of local communities to protected areas is essential for conserving biodiversity.In Benin,various conservation models have been implemented for National Park management.This study,carried out around the Pendjari National Park (PNP),analyzed local people’s views on ongoing participatory management activities and assessed their perceptions towards biodiversity conservation within the park.We interviewed 164 residents living in

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER FISH IN HONG KONG, CHINA

We surveyed the distribution, composition and diversity of freshwater fish in Hong Kong, China from 2002 to 2004. Sites surveyed were mainly streams, marshes and estuaries. There are ponds for aquaculture and reservoirs in Hong Kong but no large natural water bodies. From the 220 sites surveyed, 114 species of 37 families were found. Gobiidae (with 24 species) and Cyprinidae (21 species) were the dominant families. This survey has increased the number of freshwater fish species recorded in Hong Kong to 167. Among these, 71 (42.5%) are primary freshwater fish, 44 are brackish and 46 are vagrants. The remaining 6 species are diadromous. In Hong Kong, freshwater fish are conserved by a combination of measures. About 38% of Hong Kong’s land area is designated as country parks and/or special areas, and is managed for nature conservation and educational purposes. In addition, another 5% of land area is zoned for conservation in the statutory land use zoning system to protect them from development and incompatible land uses. Major development projects have to go through the statutory environmental impact assessment process to ensure that they will not have adverse impact as far as practicable. There are conservation action plans for important species. For example, captive-bred individuals of the endemic Hong Kong Paradise Fish Macropodus hongkongensis have been released to suitable and secure sites inside country parks and their populations are regularly monitored. Other measures such as wetland creation, restoration and enhancement programmes are also implemented for freshwater fish conservation.

Sacred groves of India:repositories of a rich heritage and tools for biodiversity conservation

Sacred groves preserve a rich religious and socio-cultural heritage of Indian biodiversity from primeval times,due to their values.They act as a bridge between man and nature.Groves help to improve soil quality,replenish water resources and are pivotal for biodiversity conservation of plants and animals including rare,endemic,threatened,vulnerable species and ethnobotanical species.Most of India's sacred groves are associated with a deity or a spiritual being,who protects the grove and local people.Vegetation cover of these groves has traditional ethnobotanical value,especially in the field of ethnomedicine,which accounts for the conservation of groves over the years.Numerous plant species from sacred groves are used according to tradition and culture to prevent or cure various health problems.However,modernisation,industrialisation,increased encroachment and misuse of forest resources increasingly threaten sacred groves.These treasures of nature must be conserved by formulating and applying new laws and policies while creating awareness among people about the value of sacred groves.Toward this aim,we review the distribution,ecological and socio-cultural significance of sacred groves of India and strategies to conserve them.

A theoretical framework for investigating ecological problems associated with biodiversity conservation in national parks: A case of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda

Theoretical frameworks play a vital role in research, spelling out the constructs important in the research area, and the relationships between the constructs. An understanding of the theoretical constructs which underpin the research provides researchers with a framework, which enables them to understand when, how and why particular phenomena occur. Depending on the type of research, this either allows them to make reasoned predictions, which can be empirically tested during the research or gives direction for the research if it is open-ended and exploratory. Such frameworks not only guide the questions asked and the design of the research, but also help to interpret the data. If the situation being investigated is very complex, involving numerous interlinked variables, it is often difficult to identify a single theoretical framework that is suitable for a particular study. This article uses the case of human ecological behavioural problems associated with the conservation of biodiversity in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, to show how a theoretical framework to investigate a complex situation was developed.

Biodiversity conservation in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalayan mountain region of northern Pakistan:Overview of big mammal protection

The high mountains of northern Pakistan comprise the western section of the Hindu KushKarakoram-Himalayas(HKH)region of South and Central Asia.They are home to some rare and endangered species of fauna and flora which form an important link in the biodiversity of the region as a whole.Increasing population and changing life styles in recent decades have brought unprecedented pressures on the biodiversity of this region.Along with the government,the non-governmental organizations(NGOs)and communities have a crucial role to play in conserving biodiversity.In this regard,a number of undertakings to protect depleting species have been initiated by governmental and nongovernmental entities.These efforts are commendable and some have produced positive results,but many exist on a small scale and,with a few exceptions,are not self-sustaining.This paper reports on some of these initiatives of conserving big mammal species like the Astor markhor,Blue sheep,Himalayan brown bear,Himalayan ibex and Snow leopard,with the aim of collating and highlighting them,identifying gaps in conservation and suggesting a way forward so as to promote conservation projects on a larger and more sustainable basis.