Journal of Landscape Ecology Feed

Dynamics of Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Total Nitrogen Under Different Land Use in Indo-Myanmar Hotspot Region, Nagaland

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Soil microbial biomass and nitrogen, a vital nutrient pool for ecosystem nutrient cycling is affected by several factors including climate, edaphic, and land-use change. Focusing on Phek, India which lies within the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot, this study investigates how land use system (forest, permanent agriculture, horticulture, and jhum cultivation) season and soil depth influence soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and total nitrogen (TN). Soil samples were collected from three depths up to 30 cm across four seasons. Soil physical and chemical properties varied significantly with season, land-use and soil depth (p < 0.001), with forest soils maintaining the highest water holding capacity and lowest bulk density. In contrast, agricultural soils exhibited significant compaction (BD 1.0–1.5 g cm⁻³). Forest soils recorded highest MBC (~520 µg g⁻¹) in the topsoil (0–10 cm), whereas agricultural soils reached a minimum of 40–50 µg g⁻¹ at depth (20–30 cm). TN stocks were highest in surface Jhum soils during winter (~310 Mg ha⁻¹) but declined drastically with depth. Statistical analysis revealed that SOC, TN, and MBC are strongly positively correlated, while BD and soil temperature negatively affect microbial pools. The findings highlight that forest-to-agriculture conversion significantly degrades microbial-driven nutrient cycling, emphasizing the need for sustainable fallow management and reduced disturbance to preserve soil health in this ecologically sensitive landscape.

Investigating Urban Environmental Shifts in Hyderabad and Bangalore Cities in India During The COVID-19 Lockdown

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the complex dynamics of air quality and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in urban region and rural region of Hyderabad and Bangalore pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing advanced spatial and temporal analyses, including spatio-temporal maps, box plots, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and post-hoc analysis, the study meticulously examines the distribution and temporal changes in key pollutants. In Bangalore, carbon monoxide (CO) levels exhibited a significant urban-rural disparity, with urban areas experiencing higher concentrations during the pre-lockdown period. However, an intriguing shift occurred during the lockdown, with CO levels decreasing in urban areas while increasing in rural areas. Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) levels displayed a consistent urban-rural gradient, significantly higher in urban areas. Notably, both HCHO and AOD levels decreased in regions both rural and urban during the lockdown, indicating a notable impact of reduced anthropogenic activities. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, a critical indicator of vehicular emissions, showed a substantial reduction during the lockdown in both urban and rural environments. Ozone (O3) levels, on the other hand, increased post-lockdown, revealing a complex interplay of factors influencing air quality. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels, typically associated with industrial emissions, exhibited lower concentrations in urban areas during the lockdown. The UHI effect, manifested through elevated Land Surface Temperature (LST) in urban regions, demonstrated a significant reduction during the lockdown, aligning with decreased anthropogenic heat sources. In Hyderabad, CO levels were consistently higher in urban areas, reaching a peak during the lockdown, indicative of localized emissions. HCHO and AOD levels followed a similar pattern to Bangalore, with a significant urban-rural gradient. NO2 levels experienced a substantial reduction during the lockdown, consistent with a decrease in vehicular activities. O3 levels showed an interesting urban-rural dichotomy, with increases in urban areas post-lockdown and higher concentrations in rural areas during the lockdown. SO2 levels did not exhibit a consistent urban-rural gradient, indicating diverse emission sources. LST in urban areas demonstrated a significant reduction during the lockdown, suggesting a moderation of the UHI effect. This research provides a meticulous examination of the complex interplay between lockdown measures, pollutant concentrations, and the UHI effect in two distinct urban environments. These findings provide important insights that may be used for urban planning strategies and environmental management in the context of global pandemics and emphasize the need for sustainable approaches to mitigate air quality challenges in urban regions.

Landscapes Change Dynamics and Patch Connectivity in the Chitwan–Parsa Complex, Nepal

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes can lead to various environmental consequences, such as soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, flood risks, and the loss and fragmentation of habitats. These alterations not only modify land cover patterns but also disrupt ecological connectivity, affecting species movement, gene flow, and the overall functionality of habitats. This study combines nine spectral indices (NDVI, EVI, GCI, SAVI, BSI, NDWI, MNDWI, NDSAI, and NDBI) and topographic variables (elevation and slope) across the Chitwan–Parsa complex (CPC) for LULC mapping and enhancing accuracy. This study revealed major transitions such as increase in built-up areas from 0.88 % to 3.41 %, increase in grassland from 2.08 % to 7.36 %, decline of cropland from 16.95 % to 8.97 %, decrease in forest cover from 69.07 % to 64.09 %, increase in sand gravel from 6.28 % to 13.19 %, and declined in water bodies from 4.56 % to 2.81 %. This indicates the pressure of urbanization, hydrological stress which reshape the landscape and potentially influencing habitat quality and connectivity in CPC. Furthermore, sixteen core areas are identified across CPC by using core mapper tool. Then, least cost path analysis was done between core habitats to understand habitat dynamics, identify critical corridors, and inform conservation strategies to sustain ecological connectivity. The patches on the eastern side of the complex shows better connectivity than the ones on the western side based on cost values. Patches 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 16 emerge as the most connected indicating that they are highly linked to other patches and function as key hubs in the ecological network. The study underscores the need to restore riparian zones and wetlands, protect forest–grassland-water mosaics to sustain key species such as tiger (Panthera tigris), one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), elephant (Elephas maximus), and gaur (Bos gaurus).

Forecasting Urbanization Dynamics On İstanbul’s European Side Using Deep Learning And Extrapolation Techniques

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Rapid urbanization in metropolitan regions poses significant environmental, social, and infrastructural challenges, necessitating advanced analytical approaches to monitor and predict urban growth. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of urbanization on the European side of Istanbul from 2013 to 2024 using Landsat 8 imagery and a deep learning (DL)–based Land Cover Classification model integrated within ArcGIS Pro. The U-Net–based pre-trained model generated 15-class Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps, which were validated against the Urban Atlas dataset, resulting in high classification accuracies for forest and water classes (PA: 0.84–0.94; UA: 0.87–0.87) and an overall binary urban/non-urban accuracy of 87 %, confirming the robustness of the employed DL approach. Spatio-temporal analyses of LULC data were conducted using both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and nonlinear regression functions to examine urban growth trends and project future development for 2025, 2026, and 2027. The results indicate a strong linear increase in urbanized areas across most districts, with total developed area on the European side projected to reach approximately 807 km² by 2027, representing a nearly 50% increase compared to 2013. These findings highlight the significant pressure of urban expansion on natural and agricultural lands and emphasize the need for informed planning strategies. By integrating remote sensing, deep learning, and predictive modeling, this study provides actionable insights for sustainable urban development, offering a replicable framework for monitoring rapid urbanization and supporting policy decisions to mitigate environmental and socio-spatial impacts in rapidly growing metropolitan regions.

Urban Influence on Landscape Transformation and Land Cover Interactions During Urban Expansion (1972–2022): A Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Analysis

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigates how urban expansion influences land cover dynamics. An interactive analytical approach was adopted to examine the transitions among built-up areas, cropland, and bare land throughout the urbanization process. Remote Sensing and GIS techniques, in conjunction with the Land Transfer Matrix (LTM), Landscape Metrics (LM), Multi-buffer Ring (MBR) and complementary spatial tools, were employed to analyze the city of Tiaret in Algeria over the past half century (1972-2022). The results reveal a marked intensification of urbanization, with an Overall Average Annual Urban Expansion Rate (OA-AUER) of 28.3 ha and a concurrent rise in bare land driven by cropland conversion under urban pressure. Notably, 89.4 % of cropland loss initially transitions into bare land, while subsequent urban development originates from cropland (52 %) and bare land (47 %). The observed density patterns in peripheral areas confirm the significant influence of the urban core on surrounding land-cover transformations. These findings elucidate the urbanization process while considering the transitional role of bare land and further explain diffusion coalescence process. Further empirical research is recommended to refine theoretical frameworks on landscape transformation dynamics and to inform policies aimed at mitigating bare-land expansion in peri-urban areas, controlling cropland urbanization, and planning sustainable urban growth.

Post-Breach Landscape Transformation of the Former Kakhovka Reservoir Bed

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydropower Plant dam in June 2023 caused rapid drainage of one of the largest reservoirs in Ukraine and exposed an extensive reservoir bed that began to develop as a new post-disturbance landscape mosaic. This study assesses the post-breach landscape transformation of the former Kakhovka Reservoir bed using multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9 satellite data processed in Google Earth Engine. The analysis combines a five-class surface-type classification, monthly structural dynamics, transition-matrix analysis for 2023–2025, an author-proposed Degradation State Difference Index (DSDI), and statistical evaluation of vegetation-moisture-temperature relationships. Five surface types were identified: residual water bodies, dry sandy-detrital surfaces, flat dry muddy surfaces, wet or waterlogged surfaces, and surfaces with a distinct vegetation signal. Between 19 August 2023 and 19 August 2025, the area of residual water decreased from 312.7 km² to 136.2 km², while surfaces with a distinct vegetation signal increased from 265.4 km² to 1315.7 km². The dominant transition pathway was the conversion of flat dry muddy surfaces to surfaces with a distinct vegetation signal, covering 540.7 km². DSDI indicated a substantial reduction in highly degraded surfaces, with DSDI ≥ 0.50 decreasing from 1067.7 km² in summer 2023 to 127.9 km² in summer 2025. Nevertheless, large areas remained exposed to residual thermal and moisture stress. In 2025, Spearman correlations between NDVI and NDMI, NDVI and LST, and NDMI and LST were 0.89, -0.64, and -0.71, respectively. The DSDI-NDMI relationship also showed a strong negative association (Spearman ρ = -0.94), indicating that the integrated degradation signal decreased with increasing surface moisture. The results show that the former reservoir bed should not be interpreted only as a degraded surface, but as a rapidly reorganising post-reservoir landscape mosaic combining initial vegetation establishment, potential surface stabilisation and persistent ecological risks.

Biodiversity Conservation from the Perspective of Diet Composition of the Domestic Goat (Capra hircus) On Socotra Island (Yemen) - What Goat’s Excrements Can Reveal About the Landscape

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Goats are known as some of the most impactful invasive mammals on islands and are now considered the sixth greatest threat to plant communities worldwide due to uncontrolled and extensive grazing. The negative impact of the growing population of semi-feral animals on endemic plants in Socotra Island (Yemen) is well known. Yet, there is virtually no data on the proportion of individual endangered plant species in the diet of goats. It is also unknown whether and to what extent goats consume non-native plants, and what factors influence the overall composition of their diet. This study is the first to focus on the dietary habits of domestic goats on the island of Socotra using DNA barcoding of plant remains in goat excrements. We hypothesize that goats browse on woody plants, including tree seedlings, mainly during the dry season, as in the rainy season, there are sufficient grass and herbs. Therefore, the dry season is crucial for the survival of woody plant seedlings, when high mortality of saplings is not caused only by drought but also by overgrazing. Our results are consistent with this hypothesis. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between the dry season and woody plants grazing and a negative correlation between altitude and grazing of endemics. The reduction of goat’s abundance on the island is a necessary management measure to ensure the tree protection and their regeneration, which should be accompanied by a change of goat grazing system and active support of tree regeneration.

Biogeographic Realism in Species Distribution Models: Pseudo-Absence Strategies and Spatial Autocorrelation in Apodemus sylvaticus

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Species distribution models (SDMs) often extrapolate into regions that are ecologically and geographically unsuitable for the focal species. Using the Western Palaearctic wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) as a case study and data pre-filtering, we evaluated six pseudo-absence (PA) generation strategies and four variable selection protocols aimed at improving the accuracy of predicted distribution maps while minimising spatial autocorrelation of residuals. Models were fitted using an iterative Bayesian additive regression trees algorithm (bart.step) and evaluated based on AUC, TSS, false-negative rate, Moran’s I, and Biogeographic Realism – the latter defined as the absence of predicted suitability in absolute dispersal barriers such as deserts, Arctic tundra, and northern islands.Environmental-contrast filtering (SRE) produced only limited improvements in spatial autocorrelation and did not consistently enhance the realism of predicted distributions. Across the tested pseudo-absence strategies, several models achieved very high discriminatory performance (AUC ≈ 0.97–0.99), including EuGlobal with Range and Palaearctic-based approaches. However, these models often produced spatial artefacts in barrier regions or showed reduced coverage of the species’ peripheral range. In contrast, the Global+AC strategy (random PA selection combined with autocorrelation-guided variable selection) provided the most balanced performance, achieving high predictive accuracy (test AUC ≈ 0.98; TSS ≈ 0.86) along with enhanced Biogeographic Realism and reduced spatial artefacts. All four best models were obtained using residual autocorrelation‑guided variable selection. The reproducible workflow, implemented in custom R functions, is transferable to other Palaearctic terrestrial vertebrates.

Woody Plant Species Diversity and Community Types Along Environmental Gradients in Damota Forest Patches in Melokoza District, South Ethiopia

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Forests are dynamic systems, where structure, composition, and ecological function emerge from the complex interplay of altitude, soil, and biological interactions. Although the forests in the region are central to biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods, they remain poorly documented, especially in terms of ecological community structure. To address this gap, we classified the forest’s woody plant communities and identified the environmental gradients that govern their distribution. Vegetation data were collected from 120 systematically arranged 20 m × 20 m quadrats placed along five transects. Species composition, abundance, and cover were quantified and analyzed using cluster analysis, canonical correspondence analysis, and standard diversity measures. A total of 60 woody species belonging to 55 genera and 33 families were recorded, with shrubs (35 species) more numerous than trees (25 species). The analyses revealed four distinct community types. The forest exhibited high overall diversity (Shannon H′ = 3.5) and a well-balanced distribution of species (evenness J = 0.93). Variation in altitude, aspect, soil pH, available phosphorus, and sand content emerged as the principal factors explaining differences in community composition (p < 0.05). These findings show that the Damota Forest is strongly structured by topographic and edaphic gradients and retains considerable woody-species diversity despite ongoing human pressure. Strengthening conservation efforts, restoring degraded sites with native indicator species, and aligning local forest management with climate- and carbon-focused initiatives such as Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme are essential steps toward securing the forest’s long-term resilience.

Estuary Echoes: Unraveling Research Trends with Bibliometric Analysis in Sri Lanka

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Estuaries can be found all throughout Sri Lanka’s coasts, but the kinds of research that have been done on them, their relative importance, and the trends in those studies have not been systematically examined until now. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to undertake a bibliometric analysis of estuaries in the context of Sri Lanka, comprising trends in publication, most-cited articles, influential authors, collaborating nations, prominent institutions, journal types, keyword co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling in the field.Articles on Sri Lankan estuary research published in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 1987 and 2023 were analyzed using bibliometric techniques and visual mapping. This study examined 58 papers in total, Visualization of Similarities (VOS) viewer was used to analyze data. 1987 to 2011 had one or two publications per year, however the positive quadratic coefficient (0.0074) indicates an accelerating growth trend in publications over time. Many studies have been conducted focusing on the Negombo estuary. Notably, the majority of articles focused on water quality studies. Further, fisheries, mangroves, and environmental-related research have also been undertaken equally in this regard. However, the findings emphasize the necessity of integrating spatial information techniques, geological and geographical data, coastal sediment dynamics, tourism, and further studies on sea-level rise in estuaries. Many studies have focused mainly on the southern and western parts of the estuaries. The Northern Coastal Zone’s estuaries remain largely unexplored. High-security zones surrounding the estuaries, particularly in the coastal regions to the north and east, restrict researchers’ freedom to conduct certain research. Fewer studies have been conducted, yet those that have are detailed. Therefore, the review indicates that future research should consider an integrated, multidisciplinary, and holistic ecosystem approach to Sri Lanka’s estuaries.

Coupling Diversity Indices with Boosted Regression Trees Predicts Species Abundance and Spatial Community Patterns in Dry Afromontane Forests

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding how species diversity interacts with spatial environmental gradients to shape landscape-level community patterns is a central question in contemporary landscape ecology. Although predictive modelling of biodiversity is advancing globally, dry Afromontane forests remain poorly represented in analyses that link spatial heterogeneity with community structure. This study addresses this gap by integrating diversity indices with a spatially explicit Boosted Regression Tree modelling framework to predict species abundance and community patterns across the Desa’a Forest, northern Ethiopia. Data from 301 plots were used to quantify woody species richness, abundance, and community composition, and to identify the environmental controls governing the distribution of dominant species. The forest contained ninety-four woody species and 7,207 individuals, with diversity values and plot-level abundances revealing a highly heterogeneous landscape composed of species-poor and species-rich patches. Cluster analysis delineated seven ecological communities, and dominant species such as Cadia purpurea, Tarchonanthus camphoratus, and Juniperus procera contributed disproportionately to spatial variation in forest structure. Boosted Regression Tree models showed that temperature, elevation, precipitation, and slope were the strongest predictors of Juniperus procera abundance, explaining sixty-three percent of deviance and revealing a narrow elevational and climatic niche. These findings clarify how landscape-scale environmental gradients shape species distributions and community mosaics in dry Afromontane forests. By demonstrating a data-driven approach for predicting spatial community structure, this study provides a modelling framework that can enhance conservation planning and landscape-level management in biodiversity-rich mountain ecosystems worldwide.

Spatiotemporal Risk of Species Colonization of Palo Santo (Triplaris cumingiana Fisch, & C.A.Mey) in the Quezon Protected Landscape, Philippines

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Invasive Alien Plant Species threaten the sustainability of remaining forest ecosystems including those in Protected Areas. Unfortunately, there are only a few investigations on their colonization and dispersal over time, particularly most protected areas in the Philippines. This study aimed to assess the spatial extent of areas at risk of species colonization and dispersal of T. cumingiana that was introduced in the Quezon Protected Landscape over 40 years. A tree inventory following a combined belt transect and purposive sampling was made to determine occurrences of their natural regenerations. The spatial extent and areas at risk of species colonization were determined by modeling its species distribution using species occurrence and 9 environmental predictor variables via Random Forest Classification in a Geographic Information System. The species occurrences of T. cumingiana at different growth stages were used to project areas at risk to species colonization at different time slices. Results revealed a total of 996 individuals composed of 547 seedlings, 375 saplings, 54 poles, and 20 standard trees. Projections showed an increase in spatial extent and areas at risk to species colonization from 12.54 ha (1.29 %) in the 2000s to 39.28 ha (4.05 %) by the 2020s, with distance to seed sources and topography-related features, specifically slope, aspect, and elevation, among the most important variables determining its occurrence. These results indicated slow colonization of T. cumingiana in QPL which can provide foundations for understanding biology and impacts of this invasive species, as well as identifying its optimal management and control strategies for sustaining the ecology of the landscape.

Spatiotemporal Evaluation of Land Use Land Cover Change in Jemma Sub-Basin, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Land use land cover change (LULCC) is a complex phenomenon influenced by human activities and environmental factors that significantly affect ecosystems and sustainable development. To effectively understand this dynamic process and integrate it into planning and natural resource management, current and projected LULC information is crucial. This study aimed to assess the LULCC from 2003 to 2024 and project for the next 20 years in the Jemma sub-basin of Ethiopia. We employed random forest (RF) machine-learning algorithms for classification, and a CA-ANN model to project future LULC changes using the MOLUSCE plugin in QGIS. Elevation, distance from rivers, and distance from roads were used as inputs in the projection process. The major land use types identified in the study area were cropland, grazing land, water bodies, forest land, bare land, and built-up areas. Classification accuracy ranged from 83 % to 90 %, and the kappa coefficient ranged from 0.78 to 0.88. Between 2003 and 2024, cropland, built-up areas, and water bodies increased by 6.5, 2.3, and 0.2 %, respectively, while forest land increased by 1.7 %. Conversely, grazing and bare land decreased by 9.9 % and 0.7 %, respectively, between 2003 and 2024. In 2034, cropland, water bodies, forest land, and built-up areas are projected to increase by 1.99 %, 0.01 %, 0.56 %, and 0.18 %, respectively; however, these land use types show a slight decreasing trend from 2034 to 2044, except for built-up areas. Urban areas are expected to increase by 0.48 % between 2034 and 2044, primarily at the expense of grazing and bare lands. The findings suggest that significant land use changes are shaping the ecological and socioeconomic dynamics of the sub-basin. Therefore, promoting the wise utilization of natural resources and effective land management practices is essential to ensure ecological and environmental sustainability in the sub-basin.

Military-Induced Landscape Changes in Ukraine’s Protected Areas: Spatial Patterns and Ecological Consequences

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Military activities represent a major driver of environmental change, leading to large-scale transformations of landscape structure and ecosystem functioning within protected areas. This study examines the impact of armed conflict on the Nature Reserve Fund (NRF) of Ukraine, with a particular focus on spatial patterns of landscape fragmentation, pyrogenic dynamics, and ecosystem degradation.An integrated methodological approach combining geoinformation (GIS) analysis, remote sensing, ecological monitoring, and descriptive assessment was applied to evaluate environmental changes during pre-war (2019–2021) and wartime (2022–2024) periods. The analysis was based on Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, FIRMS (MODIS and VIIRS) thermal anomaly data, NDVI calculations, and landscape metrics (patch density, edge density, mean patch size, and landscape shape index).The results reveal significant spatial reorganisation of protected landscapes, characterised by increased fragmentation, reduced habitat continuity, and intensified edge effects. Fire disturbance emerged as a key factor of landscape transformation, as evidenced by a sharp increase in thermal anomalies and expansion of burned areas. Vegetation dynamics indicate incomplete ecosystem recovery under conditions of repeated disturbances.In addition to structural changes, military impacts have contributed to soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, leading to reduced ecosystem resilience. The disruption of ecological connectivity and the formation of heterogeneous landscape mosaics complicate natural recovery processes.The findings highlight the importance of applying landscape ecology approaches and geospatial tools for assessing war-related environmental impacts. The study provides a scientific basis for developing spatially explicit strategies for post-conflict ecological restoration, including the prioritisation of degraded areas and the restoration of ecological networks. The results also emphasise the broader European significance of environmental damage in Ukraine and the need for international cooperation in ecosystem recovery.

Assessing of the Spatio-Temporal Climate and Airborne Pollution Changes and Trends in Ukrainian Steppe Zone

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Land cover changes in arid zones with industrial agglomerations require a comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of drought and soil airborne pollution. Geospatial maps were obtained for each level of the two time periods -2019-2021 and 2022-2024 based on the distribution and contextual significance of each parameter. An analysis of the identified trends in the climate change indicators (precipitations, evapotranspiration and land surface moister) allows us to speak about a meteorological type of drought complicated with large Kakhovka water reservoir disappearance in June 2023. At the same time, the advance of drought conditions was fixed in the LAI change in canopy density throughout the steppe zone of Ukraine by 2024. It was found that the progression of arid conditions has the character of horizontal zonality in the direction from south to north.The main differences in the risk of acid rain caused by industrial agglomerations are related to the spatial distribution of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere in the northern part of Ukrainian steppe.

Biomass and Carbon Dynamics in Dry Afromontane Forest of Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Dry afromontane forests are important for climate change mitigation in Ethiopia, yet a systematic synthesis of their biomass and carbon storage capacity is lacking. This review aims to (1) quantify the biomass and carbon stocks in these forests, (2) map their geographic distribution, and (3) identify the key biophysical and anthropogenic factors driving carbon stock variation. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed 72 relevant studies (2000–2025) identified from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The results showed that aboveground biomass (AGB) ranged from 35.1 ± 16.6 t ha⁻¹ in Desa Forest to 720.7 ± 503 t ha⁻¹ in Banja Forest, with belowground biomass (BGB) following a similar pattern and generally representing 18–22 % of AGB. Soil organic carbon (0–30 cm depth) also varies substantially from 58 ± 7.6 t ha⁻¹ in Gara Muktar to 277.6 ± 11.6 t ha⁻¹ in Egdu Forest. Forests such as Banja, Gedo, Egdu, Ades, and Zafenigus show particularly high AGB, highlighting the capacity of well-conserved high forests to store roughly 215–425 t ha⁻¹, depending on site conditions. Factors contributing to this variation include measurement errors, the choice of allometric equations for biomass and carbon estimation, species composition and community structure, and topographic factors such as altitude and slope. Additionally, human disturbances play a significant role. Future research focuses on integrating advanced remote sensing technologies, particularly LiDAR, and applying climatic and biogeochemical models (e.g., CO2Flux, BIOME-BGC) to simulate future biomass and carbon dynamics.

Coexistence with Giants: Exploring Community Perspectives on Elephant Conservation and Conflict Resolution

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Anaikatti corridor in Tamil Nadu is a critical migration route for elephants, but frequent human-elephant conflicts arise due to increasing anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to assess local perceptions of elephant conservation and conflict through a questionnaire survey conducted in the Anaikatti North-Anaikatti South corridor, Coimbatore, between January and May 2023. A total of 196 respondents participated in the survey. The results indicated a significant rise in elephant visits over the past decade. Among respondents, 38 % believed that natural coexistence was the most effective conflict mitigation strategy, while 33.5 % expressed a religious connection with elephants. Fear of elephants was reported by 22 % of participants, and only 5 % remained neutral. The findings highlight the importance of integrating community perspectives into conservation strategies. Strengthening coexistence through awareness programs, conflict mitigation measures, and policy interventions is essential for ensuring both community safety and wildlife conservation.

Conserving Sacred Groves in Western Haryana: A Geospatial and Biocultural Analysis for Resilient Ecosystem Management

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Sacred groves (SGs) are community-protected forest patches dedicated to local deities, crucial for biodiversity conservation but threatened by habitat loss and weakening traditions. This study provides the first inventory of SGs in Western Haryana, documenting 108 groves across 107 Gram Panchayats, covering 5,888 acres. The Bhiwani division contained 43 % of groves and 50 % of total area, with clustering in Loharu, Charkhi Dadri, and Bhiwani ranges. Sizes varied from <50 acres (48 %) to >100 acres (17 %), and eight grove types were identified, dominated by Temple/Mandir groves (58.3 %). In total, 69 deities were recorded, with 48 % of groves linked to village-based deities. Notably, over 90 % showed ecological degradation due to boundary erosion, biomass removal, and encroachment, while most lacked formal recognition. These findings affirm SGs as biocultural “mini-biospheres” shaped by rituals and land-use legacies, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened governance through People’s Biodiversity Registers, panchayat bylaws, and cultural incentives. The study provides a quantitative baseline for conservation strategies that integrate ecological and cultural sustainability.

Siamese Herbal Rice and the Negotiation of Local Food Landscape in Constructing Place and Ethnic Identity of Siamese In Kelantan, Malaysia

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This article investigates the cultural significance of Siamese herbal rice (khaoyam) in Kelantan, Malaysia, with a focus on its role in shaping the relationship between people, plants, and place. Using an ethnographic approach, the research involved fieldwork in six villages across four districts and utilized focus group interviews and key informant discussions to compile a comprehensive list of fifty-nine edible plants used in herbal rice preparation and herbal rice narratives. The analysis considers both the plant knowledge embedded in plant selection and the ways herbal rice practices are performed, including khaoyam shops and temple-based festivals. The study introduces the new concept of “Eating in a shared landscape” to articulate how the preparation and sharing of herbal rice materialize deep-rooted ecological knowledge and foster adaptation, negotiation within a multicultural context. Findings demonstrate that herbal rice acts as a living foodscape that reflects Siamese identity, transmits ecological wisdom across generations, and mediates relationships with both landscape and neighboring communities.

Evaluating the Importance of Tsaghkunyats Mountain for Bird and Butterfly Protection in Armenia

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Tsaghkunyats Mountain of Armenia (26,354 ha) doesn’t have a legally protected status and requires evaluation as a potential Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and Prime Butterfly Area (PBA). Recent surveys have found that 136 species of birds are recorded in, among which 113 are breeding and 23 occur during migration or stay in the area over winter. The area meets the criteria A1, B1a, B1b, and B2a of IBAs, hosting significant populations of Caucasian grouse Tetrao mlokosiewiczi Taczanowski (55-65 lekking males), semi-collared flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata Homeyer (41-56 pairs), green warbler Phylloscopus nitidus Blyth (108-363 pairs), and Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus L. (2 pairs). Among butterflies, 141 species have been recorded in the area, including several species of global, regional, and national importance, such as Phengaris arion L. and Phengaris nausithous Bergsträsser, listed in IUCN Global Red List; ten species listed in the European Red Book of Butterflies, and eight species listed in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia. Also, the area hosts relict populations of temperate species such as Nymphalis antiopa L., Proclossiana eunomia tenera Morgun (endemic subspecies) and Melitaea diamina Lang. The site, therefore, qualifies for designation as a PBA. In addition, the area qualifies as an Emerald Site under the Bern Convention, hosting essential populations of 23 bird species listed in Resolution 6. Existence of several threats, such as overgrazing, poorly controlled water abstraction, uncontrolled haymaking, illegal logging and snag removal, illegal hunting, and human-induced fires, require designation of the area as protected.