To make full use of Chinese natural heritage resources and achieve their sustainable development, it is imperative and necessary to construct Chinese National Park System. Based on the theory of sustainable developmen...To make full use of Chinese natural heritage resources and achieve their sustainable development, it is imperative and necessary to construct Chinese National Park System. Based on the theory of sustainable development and the connotation of national park, this paper will discuss the signifi cance of establishing Chinese National Park System and then propose some measures. Chinese National Park System can be constructed from four levels, including policy, management, economic and social levels, and through such ways as reconstructing the national conservation system, making laws and regulations, establishing planning system, setting up independent and specialized regulatory agency, adopting way of franchising, innovating funding investment mechanisms and establishing mechanisms of public participation.展开更多
Due to long-term human activity interference,the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park(HTRNP)of China has experienced ecological problems such as habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss,and with the expanding s...Due to long-term human activity interference,the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park(HTRNP)of China has experienced ecological problems such as habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss,and with the expanding scope and intensity of human activity impact,the regional ecological security is facing serious challenges.A scientific assessment of the interrelationship between human activity intensity and habitat quality in the HTRNP is a prerequisite for achieving effective management of ecological disturbances caused by human activities and can also provide scientific strategies for the sustainable development of the region.Based on the land use change data in 2000,2010,and 2020,the spatial and temporal variations and the relationship between habitat quality(HQ)and human activity intensity(HAI)in the HTRNP were explored using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs(InVEST)model.System dynamics and land use simulation models were also combined to conduct multi-scenario simulations of their relationships.The results showed that during 2000–2020,the habitat quality of the HTRNP improved,the intensity of human activities decreased each year,and there was a negative correlation between the two.Second,the system dynamic model could be well coupled with the land use simulation model by combining socio-economic and natural factors.The simulation scenarios of the coupling model showed that the harmonious development(HD)scenario is effective in curbing the increasing trend of human activity intensity and decreasing trend of habitat quality,with a weaker trade-off between the two compared with the baseline development(BD)and investment priority oriented(IPO)scenarios.To maintain the authenticity and integrity of the HTRNP,effective measures such as ecological corridor construction,ecological restoration,and the implementation of ecological compensation policies need to be strengthened.展开更多
COVID-19 posed challenges for global tourism management.Changes in visitor temporal and spatial patterns and their associated determinants pre-and peri-pandemic in Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks are analyzed.D...COVID-19 posed challenges for global tourism management.Changes in visitor temporal and spatial patterns and their associated determinants pre-and peri-pandemic in Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks are analyzed.Data was collected through social media programming and analyzed using spatiotemporal analysis and a geographically weighted regression(GWR)model.Results highlight that COVID-19 significantly changed park visitation patterns.Visitors tended to explore more remote areas peri-pandemic.The GWR model also indicated distance to nearby trails was a significant influence on visitor density.Our results indicate that the pandemic influenced tourism temporal and spatial imbalance.This research presents a novel approach using combined social media big data which can be extended to the field of tourism management,and has important implications to manage visitor patterns and to allocate resources efficiently to satisfy multiple objectives of park management.展开更多
Vegetation resilience(VR),providing an objective measure of ecosystem health,has received considerable attention,however,there is still limited understanding of whether the dominant factors differ across different cli...Vegetation resilience(VR),providing an objective measure of ecosystem health,has received considerable attention,however,there is still limited understanding of whether the dominant factors differ across different climate zones.We took the three national parks(Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,HTR;Wuyishan National Park,WYS;and Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park,NTL)of China with less human interference as cases,which are distributed in different climatic zones,including tropical,subtropical and temperate monsoon climates,respectively.Then,we employed the probabilistic decay method to explore the spatio-temporal changes in the VR and their natural driving patterns using Geographically Weighted Regression(GWR)model as well.The results revealed that:(1)from 2000 to 2020,the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)of the three national parks fluctuated between 0.800 and 0.960,exhibiting an overall upward trend,with the mean NDVI of NTL(0.923)>HTR(0.899)>WYS(0.823);(2)the positive trend decay time of vegetation exceeded that of negative trend,indicating vegetation gradual recovery of the three national parks since 2012;(3)the VR of HTR was primarily influenced by elevation,aspect,average annual temperature change(AATC),and average annual precipitation change(AAPC);the WYS'VR was mainly affected by elevation,average annual precipitation(AAP),and AAPC;while the terrain factors(elevation and slope)were the main driving factors of VR in NTL;(4)among the main factors influencing the VR changes,the AAPC had the highest proportion in HTR(66.7%),and the AAP occupied the largest area proportion in WYS(80.4%).While in NTL,elevation served as the main driving factor for the VR,encompassing 64.2%of its area.Consequently,our findings indicated that precipitation factors were the main driving force for the VR changes in HTR and WYS national parks,while elevation was the main factors that drove the VR in NTL.Our research has promoted a deeper understanding of the driving mechanism behind the VR.展开更多
Ecosystem responses to climate change,particularly in arid environments,is an understudied topic.This study conducted a spatial analysis of ecosystem responses to short-term variability in temperature,precipitation,an...Ecosystem responses to climate change,particularly in arid environments,is an understudied topic.This study conducted a spatial analysis of ecosystem responses to short-term variability in temperature,precipitation,and solar radiation in the Qilian Mountains National Park,an arid mountainous region in Northwest China.We collected precipitation and temperature data from the National Science and Technology Infrastructure Platform,solar radiation data from the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset,and vegetation cover remote-sensing data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.We used the vegetation sensitivity index to identify areas sensitive to climate change and to determine which climatic factors were significant in this regard.The findings revealed a high degree of heterogeneity and non-linearity of ecosystem responses to climate change.Four types of heterogeneity were identified:longitude,altitude,ecosystem,and climate disturbance.Furthermore,the characteristics of nonlinear ecosystem responses to climate change included:(1)inconsistency in the controlling climatic factors for the same ecosystems in different geographical settings;(2)the interaction between different climatic factors results in varying weights that affect ecosystem stability and makes them difficult to determine;and(3)the hysteresis effect of vegetation increases the uncertainty of ecosystem responses to climate change.The findings are significant because they highlight the complexity of ecosystem responses to climate change.Furthermore,the identification of areas that are particularly sensitive to climate change and the influencing factors has important implications for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change on ecosystems,which can help protect the stability of ecosystems in the Qilian Mountains National Park.展开更多
Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habi...Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.展开更多
The history of mankind contains so many illustrations of well-classified and violent struggles against various animals over crop production in agricultural fields, attacks on human life or competition in order to have...The history of mankind contains so many illustrations of well-classified and violent struggles against various animals over crop production in agricultural fields, attacks on human life or competition in order to have access to certain natural resources. The aim of this study is to characterise the human-wildlife conflicts that occur around the KBNP, especially with regard to primates. Surveys were carried out in 260 households selected using the snowball method. The results showed that human-wildlife conflicts around the KBNP are characterised by the destruction of crops in riparian fields by monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas, the destruction of houses, physical attacks and zoonoses. Despite the conservation and protection measures for wildlife and local populations put in place by the Park’s managers, conflicts between local populations and the Park’s wild animals are still visible. These conflicts lead to the detention of wild animals by local people roaming in the villages and to poaching on the Park’s boundaries. The weakness of the community management policy on the part of the park managers and the resentment of the indigenous peoples towards the restriction of their access to natural resources are the major constraints on the sustainable management of conflicts between the local populations and the wild animals in the KBNP. The strategies for the sustainable resolution of human-wildlife conflicts around the KBNP must be geared towards and integrated into a community conservation approach.展开更多
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Gabon is a reality occurring in almost all protected areas in the country. These conflicts create real threats both for the survival of wildlife species and of human beings. This study was c...Human-Wildlife Conflict in Gabon is a reality occurring in almost all protected areas in the country. These conflicts create real threats both for the survival of wildlife species and of human beings. This study was carried out at the periphery of Loango National Park in Gabon. This area is particular of seeing elephants wandering around villages. Respondents for the study were drawn from a wide range of stakeholders (State administrators, farmers and NGOs). Data was collected through administration of structured questionnaires and interview guide on the;socio-economic activities. Crops produced/destroyed. Animals are involved and economic loss is incurred due to conflicts. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16 and Kobo tool box. For qualitative data chi-square, descriptive statistic and linear regression model were also used. The results of the study showed that the elephants account for (60.1%) of crop destroyed followed by Ungulates (30.4%) and lastly by rodents (0.9%). The economic damage caused by the wildlife to crops valued at 72,084 USD in the zone in 2022. An urgent solution to this conflict is needed because the consequences are visible as well as the illegal repression by communities that have led to poisoning and killing of wildlife in the study area.展开更多
As one of the oldest and best-known park systems,the US National Park System continues to influence park systems around the world.However,the origins and wide diversity of US national parks are often not fully underst...As one of the oldest and best-known park systems,the US National Park System continues to influence park systems around the world.However,the origins and wide diversity of US national parks are often not fully understood as there is a long-lived misconception that the large western parks represent the entirety of the US National Park System.In fact,the establishment of the first US national parks was heavily influenced by large 19th-century picturesque urban parks that provided benefits to the public and society.The foundational concept of national parks serving a public purpose has never changed,however,the types of landscapes selected as national parks have changed as societal values have evolved and now the system provides public benefits beyond those originally envisioned.This paper examines the development of the US National Park System,emphasising the evolution of landscape values.The emergence of the cultural landscape concept illustrates the evolution of landscape values from their early antecedents in the late 19th century to their contributions to innovative conservation strategies today.Throughout the development of the US National Park System,international exchange has and continues to play a pivotal role,advancing the inter-linkages of culture and nature for the most effective conservation.展开更多
The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to the tourism sector globally.We investigated changes in visitor demographics,satisfaction level,and its determinants pre-and peri-COVID-19.Data were collected using questionnai...The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to the tourism sector globally.We investigated changes in visitor demographics,satisfaction level,and its determinants pre-and peri-COVID-19.Data were collected using questionnaire surveys in 2019 and 2021 within Banff National Park(BNP).The data analyses were based on a sample size of 1183 respondents by conducting factor analysis,correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis.Results highlight that there were fewer international visitors and more local and domestic visitors during the pandemic.Park attributes were evaluated at a higher satisfaction level peri-COVID-19.The quality of the Park facilities and services were the most important satisfaction determinants pre-and peri-COVID-19,and all the Park COVID-19 measures and actions received positive experience from visitors.This research fills this knowledge gap by developing a better understanding in the change of visitor demographics and satisfaction level in BNP under the context of the pandemic.It also provides implication for both scholars and practitioners to understand the impacts of the pandemic on Park visitation.The study can provide insights for utilizing the pandemic as a transformative strength and for mitigating its negative impact on tourism industry.展开更多
A single nomenclature for national park terminology has evolved into a massive global data network from information gathered together from the past 140 years.This has been created using the most recent UNEP-WDPA data ...A single nomenclature for national park terminology has evolved into a massive global data network from information gathered together from the past 140 years.This has been created using the most recent UNEP-WDPA data and its 98483 national designation records from 192 countries,two other customized databases accommodating 2638 records of officially designated national parks from 184 jurisdictions around the globe,and 2064 records of extended Chinese national park sites.However,mushrooming designations and growing databases are posing significant challenges even though the IUCN and UNEP have both devoted efforts to build and promote a common language called the ＂System of Management Categories for Protected Areas＂.Thus conversely the best possible outcome and the worst confusion might have originated from the same objective that is known by the simple moniker as a national park.This is why much more work needs to be done to enhance communication among different stakeholders from the world.In this paper,the authors are intending to demonstrate that China＇s government agencies should boost a dialogue with the UNEP-WDPA operating staff in order that the current innovative national park programs are recognized by the global community.Meanwhile,the authors also recommend that IUCN needs to revise and refresh the current protected area classification system for the purpose of effectively servicing the diverse stakeholders in such a diversified world of national park systems around the globe.展开更多
Species diversity exhibit a close relationship with ecosystem services, and making clear the relationship can help us understand the service value and functional mechanism of ecosystems and take measures to promote hu...Species diversity exhibit a close relationship with ecosystem services, and making clear the relationship can help us understand the service value and functional mechanism of ecosystems and take measures to promote human well-being. Here, we used species survey data and multi-source habitat factors to simulate the spatial distribution of species richness and four types of ecosystem services(water production, net primary productivity, carbon storage, and habitat quality) in Sanjiangyuan National Park located in Qinghai Province, China. We also analyzed the spatial distribution pattern and explored the spatial relationship between species richness and ecosystem services through Geo Detector analyses. We found that high species richness in Sanjiangyuan National Park was shown to be mainly distributed in areas with high vegetation growth on both sides of rivers. The effect of climate on the spatial distribution of species richness in the park is the highest among all the selected environmental variables. For the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem services, the relative correlation strength of single ecosystem service varied among the three main ecosystems(grassland, meadow, and wetland) and all relations are positive.展开更多
Conservation-compatible development of rural communities is an important part of nature conservation objectives.Understanding the role of agriculture,which is often practiced in or bordering the protected areas in rur...Conservation-compatible development of rural communities is an important part of nature conservation objectives.Understanding the role of agriculture,which is often practiced in or bordering the protected areas in rural China,is critical for managing conservation networks considering that limited spatial areas are available for enclosed protected areas.Important Agricultural Heritage Systems stand out for their multi-functionality,and some of their values are compatible with nature conservation.This paper examined the concept,management objectives and resource management characteristics of the Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(IAHS)by analysing their interactions with national parks in terms of community development.The results reveal that management strategies of dynamic conservation,integrated protection and adaptive management of the IAHS can contribute to those national park management objectives concerning conservation-compatible livelihood.However,the typology of the protected area system,including the traditional agricultural system as a new type,needs further consideration.展开更多
National parks are highly valuable natural areas and have the potential to attract a large number of visitors.The number of visitors at national parks is systematically increasing,often exceeding Tourism Carrying Capa...National parks are highly valuable natural areas and have the potential to attract a large number of visitors.The number of visitors at national parks is systematically increasing,often exceeding Tourism Carrying Capacity(TCC)of trails.This situation requires adjusting the number of park visitors to adapt to sustainable management systems of visitor flow,thus preventing or counteracting overtourism.The aim of the study is to propose a comprehensive method for tourists monitoring in mid-mountain national park presented on the example of the Sto?owe Mountains National Park(SMNP)in Poland,called as Monitoring System of tourist traffic(MSTT).The study describes six stages procedure of tourists Monitoring System creation and application as an optimal measurement technique.The MSTT enabled a multidimensional analysis of tourist traffic in SMNP.With the help of 39 pyroelectric sensors and surveys data spatio-temporal characteristic of visitor flow was obtained.The data generated in MSTT included hourly,daily,weekly,monthly,and annual reports,taking into account the direction of traffic measuring both directions:entries(IN),exits(OUT)and passages(IN+OUT).The results from pyroelectric sensors were supplemented with field surveys,where visitor’s motivations,preferences,and behaviours were determined.In 2017 a total of 871,344 visitors were recorded in SMNP what causes one of the most popular national parks in Poland.The SMNP is a suitable destination for short breaks leisure visits in wilderness.In order to sustain MSTT methodology in the long-run the set of guidelines together with the workload estimates were presented.In the future,the MSTT can be further developed,including monitoring of climbing,cycling,cross-country skiing,car traffic and illegal tourism assessment.The MSTT can be considered as a useful tool for tourism management in mid-mountain national parks throughout the entire calendar year.展开更多
Water conservation is one of the most important ecosystem functions.This study uses the InVEST model to examine the water conservation function of the Qilian Mountain National Park(QMNP),an important water supply area...Water conservation is one of the most important ecosystem functions.This study uses the InVEST model to examine the water conservation function of the Qilian Mountain National Park(QMNP),an important water supply area in northwest China.We analyzed the spatiotemporal water conservation patterns of QMNP from 1988 to 2019.It showed that the water conservation capacity in QMNP has increased over the past 32 years,reaching a peak of 6.495×108 m3 in 2019.The area with an increased water conservation capacity is 12 times larger than the area with a reduced capacity.We also examined how climatic,land-use,vegetation coverage,and topographical factors influence water conservation functions.We found that precipitation is the main climatic factor in water conservation.The water conservation function also varies with land-cover type,with forests having the highest capacity,followed by grasslands.Lastly,topographical factors,including altitude and slope,also shape the spatial patterns of water conservation functions in QMNP.展开更多
This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic,sociocultural,and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park(SMNP),Ethiopia.We combined qualitative and quantitative techn...This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic,sociocultural,and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park(SMNP),Ethiopia.We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection.A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used.We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woredas,namely Debark,Janamora,and Beyeda woredas.Finally,397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda.Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire,interviews,and focus group discussions.Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods,including means,standard deviations,analysis of variance(ANOVA),and logistic regression models.The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender(B=1.850,P=0.023),level of education(B=0.238,P=0.032),geographical location(B=0.420,P=0.041),and occupation(B=0.920,P=0.019).This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism.Furthermore,individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations,those engaged in tourism-related work,and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism.In conclusion,the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism’s benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP.To achieve this,it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency,the Ministry of Tourism,and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions.Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of females and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.展开更多
The floristic diversity was carried out from the selected trails while studying wildlife at the Baraiyadhala National Park of Chattogram in Bangladesh from August 2012 to July 2013 and June to October 2017. In total 2...The floristic diversity was carried out from the selected trails while studying wildlife at the Baraiyadhala National Park of Chattogram in Bangladesh from August 2012 to July 2013 and June to October 2017. In total 267 species of plants (Bryophytes three, Pteridophytes 15, Gymnosperm one, Dicotyledons 200 and Monocotyledons 48) belonging to 186 genera and 80 families were recorded, which included 102 (38.20%) species of trees, 84 (31.46%) shrubs, 66 (24.71%) herbs and 15 (5.61%) species of climbers. Overall, Euphorbiaceae (dicotyledon) constituted the largest family in the study area having 12 genera and 18 species, while Cyperaceae (monocotyledon) was the second largest family represented by four genera and 11 species. The single gymnosperm species was Cycas pectinata Griff. (Assam cycas) under Cycadaceae family that naturally grows there. Most of the recorded plants were terrestrial while the others were aquatic or swampy. Among the plants, 210 (78.66%) species were native, of which 152 were Native (wild), 40 Native (wild & cultivated) and 18 Native (cultivated), and the remaining 57 (21.34%) alien species. Of the alien species seven were Alien (wild), ten Alien (wild and cultivated), four Alien (invasive) and 36 Alien (cultivated). Of the 267-plant species, the highest number was medicinally followed by 41 edible, 31 timber, 13 fuel wood and ornamental, 13 fodder, seven ornamental, six species used for domestic purposes and fodder, five edible and medicinal, three vegetables, two vegetables and medicinal, two edible and timber, two timber and leaf, two ornamental and medicinal, one chemical indicator, one ornamental and timber, and the use of 17 rest species was unknown.展开更多
The idea of cultural route heritage protection expands the protection theory for world cultural heritage.The Long March route carries the prominent characteristic of cultural route heritage.By actively building the Lo...The idea of cultural route heritage protection expands the protection theory for world cultural heritage.The Long March route carries the prominent characteristic of cultural route heritage.By actively building the Long March National Cultural Park,China has strengthened the overall protection and integrated utilization of the Long March cultural heritage,upgraded the hardware facilities for exhibition,and investigated ways to protect cultural route heritage with Chinese characteristics.During the construction of the Park,it is necessary to draw on the concept and norms of the cultural route heritage protection,optimize the construction approach,and make the construction of the Park more in line with the linear cultural characteristics of Long March heritage.Specifically,it is proposed to improve the Long March cultural route heritage protection system oriented towards“authenticity”protection,to deeply tap and interpret the prominent universal worth of the Long March route,augmenting the international dissemination of the Long March culture in an innovative way,and realizing a more scientific and effective protection and utilization of Long March cultural resources.展开更多
The article is devoted to the study of stocks of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits on the territory of the Zarafshan National Park. Hippophae rhamnoides is a medicinal plant. This species is a naturally distributed plant. A...The article is devoted to the study of stocks of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits on the territory of the Zarafshan National Park. Hippophae rhamnoides is a medicinal plant. This species is a naturally distributed plant. All parts of Hippophae rhamnoides are a source of biologically active substances, especially flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols and others. In the course of field studies, 10 monitoring sites were selected in the size of 10 × 10 m, and the productivity of one site in the amount of 10 × 10 averaged 51.33 ± 8.24 kg. According to the results obtained, it was revealed that the biological reserve averages 21.9 tons, respectively, the operational reserve is 13.14 tons and the volume of annual harvesting averages 1.31 tons. When the water level of the Zarafshan River rises, some plants are damaged.展开更多
Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected ...Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m<sup>2</sup>/ha and 46,540.82 m<sup>3</sup>/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.展开更多
基金Sponsored by National Social Science Fund(14CGL020)
文摘To make full use of Chinese natural heritage resources and achieve their sustainable development, it is imperative and necessary to construct Chinese National Park System. Based on the theory of sustainable development and the connotation of national park, this paper will discuss the signifi cance of establishing Chinese National Park System and then propose some measures. Chinese National Park System can be constructed from four levels, including policy, management, economic and social levels, and through such ways as reconstructing the national conservation system, making laws and regulations, establishing planning system, setting up independent and specialized regulatory agency, adopting way of franchising, innovating funding investment mechanisms and establishing mechanisms of public participation.
基金Under the auspices of the National Social Science Found of China(No.21XGL019)Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.421RC1034)Professor/Doctor Research Foundation of Huizhou University(No.2022JB080)。
文摘Due to long-term human activity interference,the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park(HTRNP)of China has experienced ecological problems such as habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss,and with the expanding scope and intensity of human activity impact,the regional ecological security is facing serious challenges.A scientific assessment of the interrelationship between human activity intensity and habitat quality in the HTRNP is a prerequisite for achieving effective management of ecological disturbances caused by human activities and can also provide scientific strategies for the sustainable development of the region.Based on the land use change data in 2000,2010,and 2020,the spatial and temporal variations and the relationship between habitat quality(HQ)and human activity intensity(HAI)in the HTRNP were explored using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs(InVEST)model.System dynamics and land use simulation models were also combined to conduct multi-scenario simulations of their relationships.The results showed that during 2000–2020,the habitat quality of the HTRNP improved,the intensity of human activities decreased each year,and there was a negative correlation between the two.Second,the system dynamic model could be well coupled with the land use simulation model by combining socio-economic and natural factors.The simulation scenarios of the coupling model showed that the harmonious development(HD)scenario is effective in curbing the increasing trend of human activity intensity and decreasing trend of habitat quality,with a weaker trade-off between the two compared with the baseline development(BD)and investment priority oriented(IPO)scenarios.To maintain the authenticity and integrity of the HTRNP,effective measures such as ecological corridor construction,ecological restoration,and the implementation of ecological compensation policies need to be strengthened.
基金This research was supported by the UBC APFNet Grant(Project ID:2022sp2 CAN).
文摘COVID-19 posed challenges for global tourism management.Changes in visitor temporal and spatial patterns and their associated determinants pre-and peri-pandemic in Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks are analyzed.Data was collected through social media programming and analyzed using spatiotemporal analysis and a geographically weighted regression(GWR)model.Results highlight that COVID-19 significantly changed park visitation patterns.Visitors tended to explore more remote areas peri-pandemic.The GWR model also indicated distance to nearby trails was a significant influence on visitor density.Our results indicate that the pandemic influenced tourism temporal and spatial imbalance.This research presents a novel approach using combined social media big data which can be extended to the field of tourism management,and has important implications to manage visitor patterns and to allocate resources efficiently to satisfy multiple objectives of park management.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.31971639)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(grant no.2023J01477)the Special Investigation on Science and Technology Infrastructure Resources(grant no.2019FY202108)for their support of this research。
文摘Vegetation resilience(VR),providing an objective measure of ecosystem health,has received considerable attention,however,there is still limited understanding of whether the dominant factors differ across different climate zones.We took the three national parks(Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,HTR;Wuyishan National Park,WYS;and Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park,NTL)of China with less human interference as cases,which are distributed in different climatic zones,including tropical,subtropical and temperate monsoon climates,respectively.Then,we employed the probabilistic decay method to explore the spatio-temporal changes in the VR and their natural driving patterns using Geographically Weighted Regression(GWR)model as well.The results revealed that:(1)from 2000 to 2020,the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)of the three national parks fluctuated between 0.800 and 0.960,exhibiting an overall upward trend,with the mean NDVI of NTL(0.923)>HTR(0.899)>WYS(0.823);(2)the positive trend decay time of vegetation exceeded that of negative trend,indicating vegetation gradual recovery of the three national parks since 2012;(3)the VR of HTR was primarily influenced by elevation,aspect,average annual temperature change(AATC),and average annual precipitation change(AAPC);the WYS'VR was mainly affected by elevation,average annual precipitation(AAP),and AAPC;while the terrain factors(elevation and slope)were the main driving factors of VR in NTL;(4)among the main factors influencing the VR changes,the AAPC had the highest proportion in HTR(66.7%),and the AAP occupied the largest area proportion in WYS(80.4%).While in NTL,elevation served as the main driving factor for the VR,encompassing 64.2%of its area.Consequently,our findings indicated that precipitation factors were the main driving force for the VR changes in HTR and WYS national parks,while elevation was the main factors that drove the VR in NTL.Our research has promoted a deeper understanding of the driving mechanism behind the VR.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2019YFC0507402)
文摘Ecosystem responses to climate change,particularly in arid environments,is an understudied topic.This study conducted a spatial analysis of ecosystem responses to short-term variability in temperature,precipitation,and solar radiation in the Qilian Mountains National Park,an arid mountainous region in Northwest China.We collected precipitation and temperature data from the National Science and Technology Infrastructure Platform,solar radiation data from the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset,and vegetation cover remote-sensing data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.We used the vegetation sensitivity index to identify areas sensitive to climate change and to determine which climatic factors were significant in this regard.The findings revealed a high degree of heterogeneity and non-linearity of ecosystem responses to climate change.Four types of heterogeneity were identified:longitude,altitude,ecosystem,and climate disturbance.Furthermore,the characteristics of nonlinear ecosystem responses to climate change included:(1)inconsistency in the controlling climatic factors for the same ecosystems in different geographical settings;(2)the interaction between different climatic factors results in varying weights that affect ecosystem stability and makes them difficult to determine;and(3)the hysteresis effect of vegetation increases the uncertainty of ecosystem responses to climate change.The findings are significant because they highlight the complexity of ecosystem responses to climate change.Furthermore,the identification of areas that are particularly sensitive to climate change and the influencing factors has important implications for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change on ecosystems,which can help protect the stability of ecosystems in the Qilian Mountains National Park.
文摘Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.
文摘The history of mankind contains so many illustrations of well-classified and violent struggles against various animals over crop production in agricultural fields, attacks on human life or competition in order to have access to certain natural resources. The aim of this study is to characterise the human-wildlife conflicts that occur around the KBNP, especially with regard to primates. Surveys were carried out in 260 households selected using the snowball method. The results showed that human-wildlife conflicts around the KBNP are characterised by the destruction of crops in riparian fields by monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas, the destruction of houses, physical attacks and zoonoses. Despite the conservation and protection measures for wildlife and local populations put in place by the Park’s managers, conflicts between local populations and the Park’s wild animals are still visible. These conflicts lead to the detention of wild animals by local people roaming in the villages and to poaching on the Park’s boundaries. The weakness of the community management policy on the part of the park managers and the resentment of the indigenous peoples towards the restriction of their access to natural resources are the major constraints on the sustainable management of conflicts between the local populations and the wild animals in the KBNP. The strategies for the sustainable resolution of human-wildlife conflicts around the KBNP must be geared towards and integrated into a community conservation approach.
文摘Human-Wildlife Conflict in Gabon is a reality occurring in almost all protected areas in the country. These conflicts create real threats both for the survival of wildlife species and of human beings. This study was carried out at the periphery of Loango National Park in Gabon. This area is particular of seeing elephants wandering around villages. Respondents for the study were drawn from a wide range of stakeholders (State administrators, farmers and NGOs). Data was collected through administration of structured questionnaires and interview guide on the;socio-economic activities. Crops produced/destroyed. Animals are involved and economic loss is incurred due to conflicts. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16 and Kobo tool box. For qualitative data chi-square, descriptive statistic and linear regression model were also used. The results of the study showed that the elephants account for (60.1%) of crop destroyed followed by Ungulates (30.4%) and lastly by rodents (0.9%). The economic damage caused by the wildlife to crops valued at 72,084 USD in the zone in 2022. An urgent solution to this conflict is needed because the consequences are visible as well as the illegal repression by communities that have led to poisoning and killing of wildlife in the study area.
文摘As one of the oldest and best-known park systems,the US National Park System continues to influence park systems around the world.However,the origins and wide diversity of US national parks are often not fully understood as there is a long-lived misconception that the large western parks represent the entirety of the US National Park System.In fact,the establishment of the first US national parks was heavily influenced by large 19th-century picturesque urban parks that provided benefits to the public and society.The foundational concept of national parks serving a public purpose has never changed,however,the types of landscapes selected as national parks have changed as societal values have evolved and now the system provides public benefits beyond those originally envisioned.This paper examines the development of the US National Park System,emphasising the evolution of landscape values.The emergence of the cultural landscape concept illustrates the evolution of landscape values from their early antecedents in the late 19th century to their contributions to innovative conservation strategies today.Throughout the development of the US National Park System,international exchange has and continues to play a pivotal role,advancing the inter-linkages of culture and nature for the most effective conservation.
文摘The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to the tourism sector globally.We investigated changes in visitor demographics,satisfaction level,and its determinants pre-and peri-COVID-19.Data were collected using questionnaire surveys in 2019 and 2021 within Banff National Park(BNP).The data analyses were based on a sample size of 1183 respondents by conducting factor analysis,correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis.Results highlight that there were fewer international visitors and more local and domestic visitors during the pandemic.Park attributes were evaluated at a higher satisfaction level peri-COVID-19.The quality of the Park facilities and services were the most important satisfaction determinants pre-and peri-COVID-19,and all the Park COVID-19 measures and actions received positive experience from visitors.This research fills this knowledge gap by developing a better understanding in the change of visitor demographics and satisfaction level in BNP under the context of the pandemic.It also provides implication for both scholars and practitioners to understand the impacts of the pandemic on Park visitation.The study can provide insights for utilizing the pandemic as a transformative strength and for mitigating its negative impact on tourism industry.
基金Lab Construction Support Funding for Returned Oversea Scholars,Ministry of Education,No.[2003]18
文摘A single nomenclature for national park terminology has evolved into a massive global data network from information gathered together from the past 140 years.This has been created using the most recent UNEP-WDPA data and its 98483 national designation records from 192 countries,two other customized databases accommodating 2638 records of officially designated national parks from 184 jurisdictions around the globe,and 2064 records of extended Chinese national park sites.However,mushrooming designations and growing databases are posing significant challenges even though the IUCN and UNEP have both devoted efforts to build and promote a common language called the ＂System of Management Categories for Protected Areas＂.Thus conversely the best possible outcome and the worst confusion might have originated from the same objective that is known by the simple moniker as a national park.This is why much more work needs to be done to enhance communication among different stakeholders from the world.In this paper,the authors are intending to demonstrate that China＇s government agencies should boost a dialogue with the UNEP-WDPA operating staff in order that the current innovative national park programs are recognized by the global community.Meanwhile,the authors also recommend that IUCN needs to revise and refresh the current protected area classification system for the purpose of effectively servicing the diverse stakeholders in such a diversified world of national park systems around the globe.
基金This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant number 2018YFC0507201)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant number 41801366)。
文摘Species diversity exhibit a close relationship with ecosystem services, and making clear the relationship can help us understand the service value and functional mechanism of ecosystems and take measures to promote human well-being. Here, we used species survey data and multi-source habitat factors to simulate the spatial distribution of species richness and four types of ecosystem services(water production, net primary productivity, carbon storage, and habitat quality) in Sanjiangyuan National Park located in Qinghai Province, China. We also analyzed the spatial distribution pattern and explored the spatial relationship between species richness and ecosystem services through Geo Detector analyses. We found that high species richness in Sanjiangyuan National Park was shown to be mainly distributed in areas with high vegetation growth on both sides of rivers. The effect of climate on the spatial distribution of species richness in the park is the highest among all the selected environmental variables. For the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem services, the relative correlation strength of single ecosystem service varied among the three main ecosystems(grassland, meadow, and wetland) and all relations are positive.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China (42001194)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA23100203)。
文摘Conservation-compatible development of rural communities is an important part of nature conservation objectives.Understanding the role of agriculture,which is often practiced in or bordering the protected areas in rural China,is critical for managing conservation networks considering that limited spatial areas are available for enclosed protected areas.Important Agricultural Heritage Systems stand out for their multi-functionality,and some of their values are compatible with nature conservation.This paper examined the concept,management objectives and resource management characteristics of the Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(IAHS)by analysing their interactions with national parks in terms of community development.The results reveal that management strategies of dynamic conservation,integrated protection and adaptive management of the IAHS can contribute to those national park management objectives concerning conservation-compatible livelihood.However,the typology of the protected area system,including the traditional agricultural system as a new type,needs further consideration.
文摘National parks are highly valuable natural areas and have the potential to attract a large number of visitors.The number of visitors at national parks is systematically increasing,often exceeding Tourism Carrying Capacity(TCC)of trails.This situation requires adjusting the number of park visitors to adapt to sustainable management systems of visitor flow,thus preventing or counteracting overtourism.The aim of the study is to propose a comprehensive method for tourists monitoring in mid-mountain national park presented on the example of the Sto?owe Mountains National Park(SMNP)in Poland,called as Monitoring System of tourist traffic(MSTT).The study describes six stages procedure of tourists Monitoring System creation and application as an optimal measurement technique.The MSTT enabled a multidimensional analysis of tourist traffic in SMNP.With the help of 39 pyroelectric sensors and surveys data spatio-temporal characteristic of visitor flow was obtained.The data generated in MSTT included hourly,daily,weekly,monthly,and annual reports,taking into account the direction of traffic measuring both directions:entries(IN),exits(OUT)and passages(IN+OUT).The results from pyroelectric sensors were supplemented with field surveys,where visitor’s motivations,preferences,and behaviours were determined.In 2017 a total of 871,344 visitors were recorded in SMNP what causes one of the most popular national parks in Poland.The SMNP is a suitable destination for short breaks leisure visits in wilderness.In order to sustain MSTT methodology in the long-run the set of guidelines together with the workload estimates were presented.In the future,the MSTT can be further developed,including monitoring of climbing,cycling,cross-country skiing,car traffic and illegal tourism assessment.The MSTT can be considered as a useful tool for tourism management in mid-mountain national parks throughout the entire calendar year.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(2019YFC0507402)。
文摘Water conservation is one of the most important ecosystem functions.This study uses the InVEST model to examine the water conservation function of the Qilian Mountain National Park(QMNP),an important water supply area in northwest China.We analyzed the spatiotemporal water conservation patterns of QMNP from 1988 to 2019.It showed that the water conservation capacity in QMNP has increased over the past 32 years,reaching a peak of 6.495×108 m3 in 2019.The area with an increased water conservation capacity is 12 times larger than the area with a reduced capacity.We also examined how climatic,land-use,vegetation coverage,and topographical factors influence water conservation functions.We found that precipitation is the main climatic factor in water conservation.The water conservation function also varies with land-cover type,with forests having the highest capacity,followed by grasslands.Lastly,topographical factors,including altitude and slope,also shape the spatial patterns of water conservation functions in QMNP.
文摘This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic,sociocultural,and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park(SMNP),Ethiopia.We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection.A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used.We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woredas,namely Debark,Janamora,and Beyeda woredas.Finally,397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda.Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire,interviews,and focus group discussions.Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods,including means,standard deviations,analysis of variance(ANOVA),and logistic regression models.The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender(B=1.850,P=0.023),level of education(B=0.238,P=0.032),geographical location(B=0.420,P=0.041),and occupation(B=0.920,P=0.019).This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism.Furthermore,individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations,those engaged in tourism-related work,and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism.In conclusion,the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism’s benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP.To achieve this,it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency,the Ministry of Tourism,and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions.Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of females and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.
文摘The floristic diversity was carried out from the selected trails while studying wildlife at the Baraiyadhala National Park of Chattogram in Bangladesh from August 2012 to July 2013 and June to October 2017. In total 267 species of plants (Bryophytes three, Pteridophytes 15, Gymnosperm one, Dicotyledons 200 and Monocotyledons 48) belonging to 186 genera and 80 families were recorded, which included 102 (38.20%) species of trees, 84 (31.46%) shrubs, 66 (24.71%) herbs and 15 (5.61%) species of climbers. Overall, Euphorbiaceae (dicotyledon) constituted the largest family in the study area having 12 genera and 18 species, while Cyperaceae (monocotyledon) was the second largest family represented by four genera and 11 species. The single gymnosperm species was Cycas pectinata Griff. (Assam cycas) under Cycadaceae family that naturally grows there. Most of the recorded plants were terrestrial while the others were aquatic or swampy. Among the plants, 210 (78.66%) species were native, of which 152 were Native (wild), 40 Native (wild & cultivated) and 18 Native (cultivated), and the remaining 57 (21.34%) alien species. Of the alien species seven were Alien (wild), ten Alien (wild and cultivated), four Alien (invasive) and 36 Alien (cultivated). Of the 267-plant species, the highest number was medicinally followed by 41 edible, 31 timber, 13 fuel wood and ornamental, 13 fodder, seven ornamental, six species used for domestic purposes and fodder, five edible and medicinal, three vegetables, two vegetables and medicinal, two edible and timber, two timber and leaf, two ornamental and medicinal, one chemical indicator, one ornamental and timber, and the use of 17 rest species was unknown.
基金the National Social Science Fund of the China Western Project,“Research on the Cultural Characteristics of the Display of the Long March History of the Chinese Workers’and Peasants’Red Army”(17XDJ008)The Key Special Project of Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences,“Research on Promoting Cultural Confidence and Self-improvement through the Construction of the National Long March National Cultural Park from the Perspective of World Cultural Heritage”(2022ZX02).
文摘The idea of cultural route heritage protection expands the protection theory for world cultural heritage.The Long March route carries the prominent characteristic of cultural route heritage.By actively building the Long March National Cultural Park,China has strengthened the overall protection and integrated utilization of the Long March cultural heritage,upgraded the hardware facilities for exhibition,and investigated ways to protect cultural route heritage with Chinese characteristics.During the construction of the Park,it is necessary to draw on the concept and norms of the cultural route heritage protection,optimize the construction approach,and make the construction of the Park more in line with the linear cultural characteristics of Long March heritage.Specifically,it is proposed to improve the Long March cultural route heritage protection system oriented towards“authenticity”protection,to deeply tap and interpret the prominent universal worth of the Long March route,augmenting the international dissemination of the Long March culture in an innovative way,and realizing a more scientific and effective protection and utilization of Long March cultural resources.
文摘The article is devoted to the study of stocks of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits on the territory of the Zarafshan National Park. Hippophae rhamnoides is a medicinal plant. This species is a naturally distributed plant. All parts of Hippophae rhamnoides are a source of biologically active substances, especially flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols and others. In the course of field studies, 10 monitoring sites were selected in the size of 10 × 10 m, and the productivity of one site in the amount of 10 × 10 averaged 51.33 ± 8.24 kg. According to the results obtained, it was revealed that the biological reserve averages 21.9 tons, respectively, the operational reserve is 13.14 tons and the volume of annual harvesting averages 1.31 tons. When the water level of the Zarafshan River rises, some plants are damaged.
文摘Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m<sup>2</sup>/ha and 46,540.82 m<sup>3</sup>/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.
