Research

17 pages, 4036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological and Public Advantages of a Dual Flagship Strategy: Giant Panda and Snow Leopard

by Ying Yue, Yihong Wang, Ziyi Ye, Chengcheng Zhang, Lan Qiu, Qiang Xu, Xin He, Chendi Ma, Biao Yang, Zhisong Yang and Qiang Dai

Diversity 2024, 16(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16020076 - 25 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1114

Abstract

Flagship species’ conservation strategies hold significant prominence in biodiversity preservation. The giant panda, a globally recognized species, has drawn attention to its benefits and constraints as a flagship species. This study aimed to assess the potential benefits of a dual flagship strategy using [...] Read more.

Flagship species’ conservation strategies hold significant prominence in biodiversity preservation. The giant panda, a globally recognized species, has drawn attention to its benefits and constraints as a flagship species. This study aimed to assess the potential benefits of a dual flagship strategy using both the giant panda and snow leopard, compared to an approach solely using the giant panda. We identified the number of potential beneficiary species based on their habitat overlap with the giant panda and snow leopard in Sichuan and Gansu, China. Subsequently, we examined public preferences for these two flagships and their influencing factors through questionnaire surveys within and outside China. The dual flagship strategy covered the habitats of more species and amplified existing protection for those species already benefiting from giant panda conservation efforts. The giant panda was commonly perceived as “Adorable”, “Innocent”, and “Rare”, while perceptions of the snow leopard leaned towards “Mighty”, “Mysterious”, and “Rare”. Though the giant panda is widely favored, the survey indicates a notable preference for snow leopards among a proportion of respondents. The dual flagship strategy offers expanded wildlife habitat coverage and benefits a broader range of species. Moreover, the combined appeal of the snow leopard and giant panda, each possessing unique charm and symbolism, holds the potential to garner broader societal interest and support. This study may serve as a reference for policy decisions in the Giant Panda National Park and other similar protected areas, optimizing conservation management and outreach initiatives for flagship species strategies. It may also benefit conservation strategies centered on other flagship species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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18 pages, 4523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Survey of the Wild Giant Panda Population and Habitat Reflects an Urgent In Situ Conservation Need: A Case of Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve

by Yiqiong Zhang, Wei Wei, Shibu Qubi, Minghua Chen, Yihua Gong, Hong Zhou, Zejun Zhang, Feiyun Yuan and Han Han

Diversity 2023, 15(10), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15101039 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1618

Abstract

An important tool for conserving species and their habitats and achieving sustainable development is the establishment of national parks. The population ecology of the species to be conserved, including their population size and suitable habitat, needs to be assessed prior to integrating protected [...] Read more.

An important tool for conserving species and their habitats and achieving sustainable development is the establishment of national parks. The population ecology of the species to be conserved, including their population size and suitable habitat, needs to be assessed prior to integrating protected areas into national parks. The Liangshan Mountains are currently the southernmost habitat of giant pandas and lie outside the newly established Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). The population is threatened with extinction due to severe isolation and human disturbance. However, there has been a ten-year gap in the census of giant pandas in this critical area. This means that conservation managers are unable to keep up to date with population and habitat dynamics. The Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve is the core area of the giant panda population in Liangshan and the link for gene exchange. The focus of this study is to assess the spatial distribution pattern of suitable habitat, habitat fragmentation and the habitat selection characteristics of giant pandas in the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve in Liangshan in order to lay the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park. A total of 151 giant panda fecal samples were collected in 2023. Using the distance–bamboo stem fragments method, this indicated that nearly 28 to 29 giant pandas exist within the reserve. Based on MaxEnt and FRAGSTATS, the giant panda population is concentrated in Wahei–Yiziyakou. They tend to choose gentle slopes of 10–30°, at altitudes between 2500 m and 3500 m, with average annual temperatures between 8.5 °C and 10 °C. They also select the areas close to roads and settlements for their frequent activities. Unsuitable habitat is widespread and surrounds low-, medium- and high-suitability habitats with poor habitat connectivity. In situ conservation measures are urgently needed due to the restricted distribution of populations and poor habitat suitability. This lays the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park, providing greater protection for the giant panda and other species in the region, and for other national parks to integrate all habitats into a single management unit. This will address conservation gaps and overlapping management, and promote the conservation of rare or endangered species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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13 pages, 1746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Selection Differences of Two Sympatric Large Carnivores in the Southwestern Mountains of China

by Tengteng Tian, Xing Chen, Han Pan, Yuyi Jin, Xiaodian Zhang, Yang Xiang, Dazhao Song, Biao Yang and Li Zhang

Diversity 2023, 15(9), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15090968 - 27 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136

Abstract

Large terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role in the top–down control of terrestrial ecosystems by maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity. However, intense interspecific competition typically occurs among large sympatric carnivores, leading to population reduction or extinction. Spatial partitioning through divergent habitat selection mitigates [...] Read more.

Large terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role in the top–down control of terrestrial ecosystems by maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity. However, intense interspecific competition typically occurs among large sympatric carnivores, leading to population reduction or extinction. Spatial partitioning through divergent habitat selection mitigates such competition. In this study, we analyzed the main environmental factors influencing the habitat selection and fragmentation of suitable habitats in Xinlong County, Sichuan Province, using 410 infrared cameras from 2015 to 2023. By employing generalized linear and maximum entropy models, we developed an ensemble model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of leopards (Panthera pardus) and wolves (Canis lupus). The results revealed significant disparities in suitable habitat distributions of leopards and wolves as coexisting large carnivores. Leopards prefer understory, whereas wolves prefer high-altitude meadows. Wolves spatially avoid leopards, who secure relatively superior resources and relegate wolves to inferior habitats. Although suitable habitat patches for both species cluster intensely, habitat connectivity remains low owing to pronounced anthropogenic disturbances, which is especially evident in the higher fragmentation of wolf habitats. These results suggest that sympatric large carnivores can reduce spatial competition intensity and promote spatial partitioning by selecting divergently suitable habitats, thereby facilitating species coexistence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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5 pages, 3393 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Morphometric Analysis of the Critically Endangered Fan Mussel (Pinna nobilis L.) in Maliakos Gulf (Central Aegean)

by Ioannis E. Tsamadias, Dimitra D. Rizou, Dimitrios K. Moutopoulos, Athanasios Lattos, Ioannis A. Giantsis, Basile Michaelidis and John A. Theodorou

Diversity 2023, 15(9), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15090948 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 707

Abstract

In this study, we present the relationships between total length, unburied length, and shell width and between total length and net weight for the critically endangered Pinna nobilis. This is the first transplantation study in which live specimens of P. nobilis have [...] Read more.

In this study, we present the relationships between total length, unburied length, and shell width and between total length and net weight for the critically endangered Pinna nobilis. This is the first transplantation study in which live specimens of P. nobilis have been used for estimating the length–weight relationship by deploying the unburied length. Length–length relationships were all linear for all cases (r² > 0.900), whereas the length–weight relationship was negative allometric with the values of the exponent b ranging from 2.159 to 2.828. These relationships are important because they offer a restorative monitoring tool without damaging or sacrificing this endangered species, as total length can be computed using unburied length. By examining the relationships between different size dimensions in this re-allocated population, the present study also provided valuable insights for comparative growth studies, stock assessment models, and conservation purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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14 pages, 1380 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Adaptive Genetic Management of a Reintroduction Program from Captive Breeding to Metapopulation Management of an Arboreal Marsupial

by Jennifer C. Pierson, Laurence Berry, Lauren Alexander, Jennifer Anson, Michelle Birkett, Leah Kemp, Bruce A. Pascoe, Katherine A. Farquharson and Carolyn J. Hogg

Diversity 2023, 15(7), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15070848 - 12 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1442

Abstract

The application of genetic data to conservation management programs can be hindered by the mismatch in timelines for management decisions and the acquisition of genetic data, particularly genomic sequence data that may require outsourcing. While applying genetic principles where data are absent can [...] Read more.

The application of genetic data to conservation management programs can be hindered by the mismatch in timelines for management decisions and the acquisition of genetic data, particularly genomic sequence data that may require outsourcing. While applying genetic principles where data are absent can provide general guidelines for actions, genetic data can often fine-tune actions through adaptive management. We describe the adaptive genetic management of the establishment of a metapopulation of a small arboreal marsupial, the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura). Two captive breeding programs were established as source populations, with genetic principles applied to the establishment of the first program and empirical genetic data used to guide the establishment of the second program. Genetic data from both programs were then used to allocate founders to three new populations to create a metapopulation with diversity both within and among the sites. Building and maintaining the diversity of metapopulations when recovering threatened species will reduce pressure on the original source populations and increase the resilience of the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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19 pages, 2708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Rare and Endangered Species: When a Single Methodology Is Not Enough—The Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus along the Coast of Salento (South Apulia, Italy)

by Luigi Bundone, Lucia Rizzo, Sergio Fai, Gema Hernandez-Milian, Stefano Guerzoni and Emanuela Molinaroli

Diversity 2023, 15(6), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060740 - 03 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428

Abstract

Several factors contributed, over time, to the Mediterranean monk seal’s sharp population decline. Despite the relative disappearance of documented breeding sub-populations, sightings have been collected, in recent decades, from most of the species’ former habitat. The conservation of this endangered marine mammal should [...] Read more.

Several factors contributed, over time, to the Mediterranean monk seal’s sharp population decline. Despite the relative disappearance of documented breeding sub-populations, sightings have been collected, in recent decades, from most of the species’ former habitat. The conservation of this endangered marine mammal should also encompass those areas. We conducted our research along the coast of Salento (South Apulia, Italy) as a case study. To collect data on monk seal presence in the area, expected to be characterized by low numbers, we combined three different methodologies: a questionnaire to fishermen, interviews with witnesses of sightings, and a historical review of the species’ presence. The different methodologies allowed us to collect 11 records of recent sightings (after 2000) and 30 records of historical encounters (before 2000), highlighting that the species was already rare in Salento over the last century. Most of the historical information was concentrated between 1956 and 1988 (28 records), suggesting discontinuous occurrence in the area, possibly depending on the lack of monitoring efforts. Furthermore, a broad regional approach should be considered as a more effective path to aid the monk seal recovery, better comprehend the species’ abundance and movements, and eventually contribute to the overall health of ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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17 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability and Family Relationships in a Reintroduced Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Population: A Field-Lab Integrated Approach

by Flavio Monti, Chiara Mengoni, Andrea Sforzi, Francesco Pezzo, Lorenzo Serra, Giampiero Sammuri and Nadia Mucci

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050622 - 03 May 2023

Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Reintroductions represent an opportunity to restore local biodiversity and reverse the effect of taxa extinction. However, they need feasibility and monitoring plans before and during their implementation to ensure concrete and lasting results. During the 20th century, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) [...] Read more.

Reintroductions represent an opportunity to restore local biodiversity and reverse the effect of taxa extinction. However, they need feasibility and monitoring plans before and during their implementation to ensure concrete and lasting results. During the 20th century, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) underwent a severe population decline in many European countries due to direct persecution and coast exploitation. In the 1960s–1970s, it was declared extinct as a breeder in Italy. In 2004, the Maremma Regional Park (Tuscany, central Italy) started a reintroduction project by capturing and releasing, from 2006 to 2010, 33 juvenile Corsican ospreys on the southern coast of Tuscany. The settlement of the first breeding pair in 2011 was the initial sign of the success of the reintroduction project, then further pairs settled from 2011 onward. A total of 81 feather or blood samples were collected for DNA extraction from both translocated (2006–2010) and newborn individuals (2011–2021). Individuals were analyzed at 16 microsatellite loci to verify any changes in genetic variability over time and to set out a protocol for the reconstruction of kinship for conservation and management purposes. We did not observe a reduction in genetic variability between the two sampling periods, although we found a slight sign of the founder effect in the reestablished population. A strong genetic differentiation was observed between this Mediterranean population and an injured osprey from a Northern European population, thus confirming the importance of considering the local genetic pool in any reintroduction project. Monogamous behavior was confirmed by family reconstruction, which allowed the identification of clear kinship relationships. Our findings indirectly inform on the genetic variability of the population during the 16-year period from the start of the project and provide useful insights for its long-term conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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12 pages, 4332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Factors Influencing Wildlife to Use Existing Bridges and Culverts in Giant Panda National Park

by Song Lu, Ying Yue, Yihong Wang, Dawei Zhang, Biao Yang, Zhen Yu, Honghui Lin and Qiang Dai

Diversity 2023, 15(4), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15040487 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1580

Abstract

Roads, acting as barriers, hamper wildlife movements and disrupt habitat connectivity. Bridges and culverts are common structures on roads, and some of them can function to allow wildlife passage. This study investigated the effects of traffic, the surrounding landscape, human disturbance, and bridge [...] Read more.

Roads, acting as barriers, hamper wildlife movements and disrupt habitat connectivity. Bridges and culverts are common structures on roads, and some of them can function to allow wildlife passage. This study investigated the effects of traffic, the surrounding landscape, human disturbance, and bridge and culvert structures on the utilization of bridges and culverts as dedicated passages by wildlife, using motion-activated infrared camera traps along a 64 km road in Giant Panda National Park, Sichuan, China. The results show that both species richness and counts of wildlife recorded at the bridge and culvert were significantly lower than those observed at sites distant from roads. No large-sized wildlife was recorded at the bridges and culverts. Human activities and traffic volume significantly and negatively affect medium-sized wildlife utilization of bridges and culverts. We conclude that bridges and culverts serve as wildlife crossings, but their efficacy is weak. This emphasizes the necessity of retrofitting bridges and culverts via mitigation facilities such as noise and light barriers, and vegetation restoration on both sides of the roads in Giant Panda National Park. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)

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