Wild Cats on the Internet: The Role of Social Media in Popularising Caracals in South Africa

Environmental Communication, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 15

Published: Nov. 7, 2024

In the digital age online platforms provide new models of engagement between science and society. Garnering sufficient involvement in conservation relies largely on communicating aims findings research projects. Here, role social media understanding ecology an elusive wildcat, caracal (Caracal caracal), Cape Town, South Africa is explored. There has been sustained growth Urban Caracal Project's following since its inception 2014 (>16,800 followers Facebook; > 7,300 Instagram). The public made valuable contributions to core aims, including reporting sightings mortalities. Encounters with Town's caracals are positive experiences revealing attitudes care for species. Social a launchpad other forms engagement, enhancing project's scientific outreach reputation. success appeal likely stems from phenomenon "cats internet," relying use domestic cats popular meme culture. Using aesthetic species, such as caracal, effective way capture attention communicate importance conserving urban wildlife. These highlight smaller carnivores flagship species rapidly urbanizing areas.

Language: Английский

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Hopes and Fears for Incentivising Coexistence With Big Cats Through Innovative Market‐Based Financial Mechanisms

Wildlife Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 17, 2025

ABSTRACT There is increasing global interest in developing market‐based financial mechanisms to direct greater private capital funding into biodiversity conservation. Additional derived through credit or bond‐based products can offer hope improve local cost:benefit ratios of wildlife presence and incentivize coexistence. However, conservation complex, we fear these carry risks unintended consequences, particularly where metrics are insufficiently thought through, locally affected communities not equitably engaged. Here, outline our perspective hopes fears, with a particular focus on big cat conservation, conflict We encourage scientists, practitioners, community members cede the development completely experts standard setters, but take more active role learning, offering critique, supporting engagement Indigenous Peoples Local Communities. This vital managing risk head maximizing potential benefit for human‐big

Language: Английский

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Habitat-dependent dietary pattern of white-bellied sea-eagle: a cross-regional meta-analysis

Ornithology Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 33(1)

Published: March 25, 2025

Language: Английский

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Global Tiger Density Linked With Forest Carbon Stock, Top‐Down and Bottom‐Up

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Tiger ( Panthera tigris ) survival, as apex predators in forest ecosystems, largely depends on abundant prey healthy, intact forests. Because large herbivore are drivers of plant biomass, we reasoned that tiger distribution and density probably also closely linked with carbon (C) stock, the management which is critical for mitigating climate change. However, whether tigers exert top‐down control C stocks or passive surrogate indicators bottom‐up a salient unanswered question conservation management, particularly trophic rewilding. Here, compiled estimates global presence to test effects tiger‐carbon relationships along gradient from “empty forests” without “target state” ecosystems living at different abundances. Our results showed was associated higher vegetation stocks, lower emissions, inputs globally. Top‐down via ungulate biomass were stronger less established Furthermore, soil increased reached peaks four habitat types covering most range. findings reveal tigers, represented by their density, both an indicator driver ecosystem depending underlying ecological conditions, could safeguard forests against future emissions improve our understanding climate‐C cycle feedback.

Language: Английский

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The capacity of sentinel species to detect changes in environmental conditions and ecosystem structure

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 61(7), P. 1638 - 1648

Published: May 7, 2024

Abstract A major obstacle to preventing and reversing biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene lies scarcity of tools data for monitoring health trajectory ecosystems. Sentinel species can provide insight into unobserved ecosystem change, but it is unclear how effective sentinels are due local, context‐dependent nature past research. Here, we present first global evaluation on effectiveness sentinel as indicators change. We conducted a meta‐analysis 372 case studies identify ecological methodological factors that correlate with most species. performance did not vary consistently across taxa or system; instead, were more directly linked change their trophic role predators effective. In addition, responses measured shorter timescale at indicating Policy Implications . These results contribute longstanding debate “what makes good sentinel” demonstrate importance both when selecting detect For example, which trophically short timescales may be managers seeking monitor than other By identifying traits use species, scientists policymakers will able develop rapid adaptable management plans response

Language: Английский

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From popularity to preservation: large carnivore potential for ecosystem conservation

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 55(1)

Published: May 29, 2024

Abstract Conservation efforts are challenged by lack of funding and ambiguity in strategic prioritisation. Flagship species generate public attention but may not adequately represent protect biodiversity. Integrating species‐centric approaches with area‐based strategies refine conservation outcomes could improve achievements towards biodiversity targets. We present this case for a globally appealing flagship species, the cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus ). identified research trends gaps, estimated value associated occurrence throughout its free‐ranging distribution. Although existing body literature encompasses insights from diverse interdisciplinary approaches, current knowledge is mostly derived limited number localised study areas, whereas most populations understudied. Cheetahs inhabit more than half Africa's ecoregions their contemporary coincides areas valuable conservation, particular, closer to equator where poorly protected human footprint high. Cheetah yield substantial benefits, particularly outside thereby complementing area protection networks. Growing pressures on remaining habitat will require adaptive strategies; hence, it becomes imperative embrace inclusive comprehensive approach cheetahs, drylands landscapes shared humans.

Language: Английский

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Review of the global research on Hyaenidae and implications for conservation and management

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 54(2), P. 193 - 212

Published: Dec. 9, 2023

Abstract Despite the ecological importance of four extant species Hyaenidae, and threats they face globally, there has been no review nearly 100 years published research on hyaenas, nor a synthesis management‐related literature regarding these species. We reviewed 907 studies summarized broad temporal, geographic topical trends, evaluated findings from to determine ways forward for hyaena conservation management. Since first known study in 1939, most have focused spotted ( Crocuta crocuta ; 75% all studies), yet overall publications Hyaenidae increased by 372% recent decades. Only 44 67 range states were represented across publications, with half conducted Kenya (18%), South Africa (16%) Tanzania (13%). Twenty‐eight countries had fewer than five studies. Ecology diet most‐studied topic areas. The least‐studied topics disease physiology. Studies human–hyaena interactions highly variable topic, infrastructure impacts benefits people covered least. All reported consumed anthropogenic items. Mortality data included within 11% 79% recorded mortality constituting causes, although few targeted subject. Lastly, 12% involved community engagement their methods. There is significant bias among species, studies, little explicitly related coexistence. Our management‐focused suggests that could better reflect large carnivore management inquiry increasing human Hyaenidae. To address gaps inform management, we recommend applied outside protected areas using interdisciplinary, community‐involved methods increase foundational knowledge understudied habitats locations.

Language: Английский

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The voice of the little giants: Arcellinida testate amoebae in environmental DNA‐based bioindication, from taxonomy free to haplotypic level

Molecular Ecology Resources, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(7)

Published: July 23, 2024

Abstract Bioindication, evaluating biological responses to environmental disturbances, is crucial for assessing the ecological status of an ecosystem. While historical bioindication relied on macroscopic organisms, introduction DNA (eDNA) techniques allows application protists without necessity morphological identification. In this study, we propose a novel methodology utilizing Arcellinida, group top predators among protists, as bioindicators freshwater ecosystems. For that purpose, first characterized Arcellinida diversity over 1 year at three different points Lake Sanabria, ancient glacier lake known be subjected anthropogenic disturbances. We compared with undisturbed control site. Second, in other ecosystems generate background test connectivity between them. Results indicate limited and edge effect terrestrial aquatic Disturbed exhibited reduced both specific infraspecific levels, providing valuable insight into recent Arcellinida‐based provides sensitive, accurate easy‐to‐interpret protocol monitoring disturbances It represents tool assessments conservation strategies.

Language: Английский

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Mediterranean Islands as Refugia for Elasmobranch and Threatened Fishes

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 6, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most anthropized seas in world but also a marine biodiversity hotspot with many fish species under threat. main goal study to test whether on heavily fished and coast, less impacted Corsica Balearic Islands, can be considered as refugia for threatened elasmobranch fishes independently protection by reserves. Location French coast three north‐western islands: Mallorca Minorca from archipelago. Methods We performed 187 surveys using environmental DNA metabarcoding islands 109 along continental coast. Of 78 22 correspond no‐take reserves 26 were carried out within After eDNA filtration, extraction, amplification, sequencing we estimated number commercial, each sample. then an ANOVA permutation effect insularity these four metrics. modelled metrics function human pressure environmental, habitat sampling conditions. built accumulation curves obtain asymptotes representing potential regional pools category both island coasts. Results obtained total 175,982,610 reads over samples that assigned 153 including 17 among which 7 only detected islands. observed higher richness than regardless surveys. significant, negative predominant gravity impact diversity species. asymptote reached 148 teleostean 196 coastline very similar rate increase effort shape differed markedly elasmobranchs stronger Main Conclusions Our findings highlight sharks rays this overexploited region. results suggest reducing or banning trawling activities may play key role conserving vulnerable fishes, beyond benefits reserves, appear limited large home‐range

Language: Английский

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Unraveling Plastic Pollution in Protected Terrestrial Raptors Using Regurgitated Pellets

Microplastics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(4), P. 671 - 684

Published: Nov. 8, 2024

The threat of plastic pollution has escalated to unprecedented levels, with particular concern surrounding microplastics (MPs) and artificial fibers or particles (AFs) due their wide distribution across ecosystems bioavailability wildlife. Although research on the impact wild birds is rapidly growing, knowledge terrestrial species remains limited, especially regarding raptors, which have been significantly understudied. Here, we investigated prevalence MPs AFs in regurgitated pellets from six protected raptor species, namely Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata), Little Owl (Athene noctua), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Red Kite (Milvus milvus), Barn (Tyto alba), collected between 2022 2023. Our analysis revealed that 68% contained (47 out 69), 81% (56 69). Additionally, two macroplastics were found inside pellets: a cable tie bird identification ring Vulture. concentrations (mean ± standard error mean) 2.39 0.39 MPs/pellet 5.16 0.72 AFs/pellet. concentration varied among some studied species; however, no significant differences observed urban, rural, areas. This could indicate contamination levels are mainly related type species. Fibers emerged as predominant contaminant shape, different polymers identified, PET, PE, acrylics most prevalent. These findings highlight reached raptors life cycles needs be assessed.

Language: Английский

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