Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing distur...Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to human activities, which is putting many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to October 2023. We collected butterfly data using transect walks and baited traps in two habitat types. Our study yielded 2799 butterfly Individuals ranging in 124 species divided into five families habitat, season, and anthropogenic factors are significant environmental variables influencing species diversity and abundance of butterflies. Therefore, it’s important to protect habitat and dry-season water for the conservation of invertebrates such as butterflies. Our study findings provide essential information for ecological monitoring and future assessment of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve ecosystem health.展开更多
The concept of virtual water in recent years has been proposed with the world’s water resource consumption management approach. Hashtgerd study area is one of 609 study areas of the country that is located entirely i...The concept of virtual water in recent years has been proposed with the world’s water resource consumption management approach. Hashtgerd study area is one of 609 study areas of the country that is located entirely in Alborz Province. Average annual rainfall in this region was about 200 to 340 mm and the average agricultural production per year was more than one million tons and had more than 16 million cubic meters surplus recovery from underground water resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate resources and amounts of virtual water in the agricultural sector of the study area and its impact on the area water resources balance and ultimately provide solutions to reduce water consumption by the agricultural sector. The most important exported water products in Hashtgerd area in order of importance are peaches and nectarines (33% of water exports), plums (15% of water exports), vegetables (5.14 percent of water exports), cherry (4.7% of water exports) and wheat (6.5 percent of water exports). Virtual water trade balance of agricultural and horticultural products in the digital range is equal to 260+ million cubic meters. Density of agricultural lands can be mentioned as the main reasons for positive balance of virtual water trade in this area.展开更多
In light of the importance of seeds germinative phase in the progress of later stages of development of any particular plant species in semi-arid and arid area, it is essential to study the germinative behavior and to...In light of the importance of seeds germinative phase in the progress of later stages of development of any particular plant species in semi-arid and arid area, it is essential to study the germinative behavior and to evaluate the tolerance of a perennial halophyte of Amaranthacaea family, Arthrocnemum glaucum (Del.) Ung. during this crucial phase. A study is devoted to this species seeds germination, which although it’s a mandatory halophyte, it’s less tolerant to salt stress in germination’ phase. Germinative tests are carried out in laboratory, on seeds putted in Petri dishes placed at different temperatures. They enable us to determine the optimal germination temperature, which is 40°C while the cold one (5°C) completely inhibits it. The seeds of Arthrocnemum glaucum show an optimum germination of 44% in distilled water (NaCl 0 mm) similar to glycophytes but they differ in their ability to germinate at higher salinities. Beyond 300 mM germination is completely inhibited. Prior to break dormancy seeds, a cold treatment at 5°C has been achieved;the germination capacity of the seeds increases with the duration of the cold treatment. It increases from 30% after 2 weeks of treatment to 80% after a treatment of 27 weeks.展开更多
In the cities of Algeria, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the mosquito which presents most interest because of its wide geographical distribution and of its abundance which engender a strong nuisance. Besides...In the cities of Algeria, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the mosquito which presents most interest because of its wide geographical distribution and of its abundance which engender a strong nuisance. Besides, its role of vector of the virus West Nile arouses a particular interest in the Mediterranean Basin. These insects are generally controlled by conventional insecticides for the greater part, chemicals which cause in the long term side effects (effects on the not aimed bodies and the resistance of the aimed species). A research for the effect of the bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (granulated commercial shape in 200 IUT1/mg) was realized on préimaginales populations of the artificial deposits sites (taken directly of them natural the deposits sites) and cleansed populations (stemming from a breeding) having never been handled previously, taking into account local weather and physico-chemical conditions. Analyses of variance, allowed to determine the combined effect of the factor measure and of the factor time which by increasing, increase the efficiency of the product. The results of the rates of mortalities registered after treatment allowed to loosen the DL50 and the DL90 for every embryonic stage. From the results, we estimated the degree of sensibility of the larva populations of Culex pipiens which have proved heterogeneous in partial tolerance in Bacillus thuringiensis for the populations of the sensitive artificial and homogeneous the deposits sites for those stemming from the breeding.展开更多
Mark-recapture models are extensively used in quantitative population ecology, providing estimates of population vital rates, such as survival, that are difficult to obtain using other methods. Vital rates are commonl...Mark-recapture models are extensively used in quantitative population ecology, providing estimates of population vital rates, such as survival, that are difficult to obtain using other methods. Vital rates are commonly modeled as functions of explanatory covariates, adding considerable flexibility to mark-recapture models, but also increasing the subjectivity and complexity of the modeling process. Consequently, model selection and the evaluation of covariate structure remain critical aspects of mark-recapture modeling. The difficulties involved in model selection are compounded in Cormack-Jolly-Seber models because they are composed of separate sub-models for survival and recapture probabilities, which are conceptualized independently even though their parameters are not statistically independent. The construction of models as combinations of sub-models, together with multiple potential covariates, can lead to a large model set. Although desirable, estimation of the parameters of all models may not be feasible. Strategies to search a model space and base inference on a subset of all models exist and enjoy widespread use. However, even though the methods used to search a model space can be expected to influence parameter estimation, the assessment of covariate importance, and therefore the ecological interpretation of the modeling results, the performance of these strategies has received limited investigation. We present a new strategy for searching the space of a candidate set of Cormack-Jolly-Seber models and explore its performance relative to existing strategies using computer simulation. The new strategy provides an improved assessment of the importance of covariates and covariate combinations used to model survival and recapture probabilities, while requiring only a modest increase in the number of models on which inference is based in comparison to existing techniques.展开更多
In the purpose of defining typical urban water management challenges in coastal lowlands in the context of global climate change, a comparative study was conducted between two coastal new towns respectively located in...In the purpose of defining typical urban water management challenges in coastal lowlands in the context of global climate change, a comparative study was conducted between two coastal new towns respectively located in the Netherlands and Northern China. Comparative method is applied to define main functioning patterns of urban water systems in the two cases, then computer simulations were used to furthercompare drainage capacity in order to reveal the trends of urban water management. Major resulthas shown that Almere in the Netherlands generally more advanced in urban water management asmultiple functioning patterns are available.Strong dykes maintain competence for land subsidence and sea level rise. Open water system decreases local runoff and increaseswater retention level. Systematic control ofsluicesand locks which serve for shipping and waterfront landscaping are simultaneously isolating contaminants from outer water body. Tianjin Eco-city in China has shown both strengths and weaknesses. It takes large amount of reclaimed water as main landscaping water source, which adapts to local water pollution and shortage while requires highly centralized facilities. Large water body is reserved and huge scale underground drainage system built, but it is still vulnerable to heavy storms due to the lack of efficient surface water drainage system. Coastal line control does not adequately prevent from increasing storm surge risks in the future. SWMMsimulations have supported the viewpoint ofdistributed surface water with a higher efficiency for storm drainage. Meanwhile, surface water system returns more added values to urban development. The study is corresponding well with the theory of water sensitive city. As a conclusion, urban water system should always incorporate methods to achieve higher system resilience based on multiple functioning patterns.展开更多
The trophy hunting industry in Tanzania plays a significant role in wildlife conservation as well as economic and community development. Trophy hunting has been conducted in Rungwa Game Reserve (RGR) for several decad...The trophy hunting industry in Tanzania plays a significant role in wildlife conservation as well as economic and community development. Trophy hunting has been conducted in Rungwa Game Reserve (RGR) for several decades;however, the trophy hunting opinions from the local communities living adjacent to the reserve are not well documented. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of local communities living adjacent to Rungwa Game Reserves toward trophy hunting. Furthermore, the study assessed factors that influenced the opinions of participants by using structural equation modeling. We used semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews in the three villages adjacent to RGR. The local communities are aware of existing hunting operations around the game reserves. The study found positive attitudes among local communities toward trophy hunting, only if local people accrue benefits from hunting operations. The community’s attitudes towards trophy hunting varied across household size and occupation. Education and household position had an indirect influence on the community’s attitude. Our findings suggest that socio-demographic variables are important to consider when assessing awareness and attitudes toward trophy hunting. Local communities are willing to support trophy hunting operations if the benefits obtained from hunting are significant and it can improve wildlife conservation and their livelihood. In conclusion, trophy hunting is important to local communities living adjacent to protected areas, and banning them may have a significant impact on their livelihood and wildlife conservation. Therefore, it is recommended that conservation policies and interventions consider the dual significance of trophy hunting, fostering strategies that balance socio-economic benefits for communities and wildlife conservation.展开更多
The aim of this work is to study the diversity of phytoplanktonic from some fresh and brackish waters. The methodology employed consisted of sampling the organisms using the Van Dorn bottle at the surface (0.5 m) of f...The aim of this work is to study the diversity of phytoplanktonic from some fresh and brackish waters. The methodology employed consisted of sampling the organisms using the Van Dorn bottle at the surface (0.5 m) of fresh and sea waters from Container Terminal from San-Pedro Port Area (CTSP) during June and July 2021 and Ebrié Lagoon in June 2023. A total of 324 taxa were collected with 274 taxa for CTSP and 82 taxa for Ebrié Lagoon. The identified phyla were, in order of importance, the Bacillariophyta (151 taxa), Dinophyta (80 taxa), Euglenophyta (34 taxa), Chlorophyta (31 taxa), Chrysophyta (12 taxa), Cyanobacteria (11 taxa), Cryptophyta and Rhodophyta with 2 taxa respectively and Ochrophyta (1 taxon). In the CTSP, the species Prorocentrum lima and Prorocentrum micans have contributed to the highest number of the taxa during the first mission, but with low contribution during the second mission. At this mission, the contribution of the Dinophyta Protoperidinium quinquecorne and the Bacillariophyta Melosira spp., Coscinodiscus nodulifer, Thalassionema frauenfeldii and Thalassionema nitzschioides was revealed. The Ebrié Lagoon was characterized by the high contribution of the species Cyclotella meneghianana during the sampling mission. As a recommendation, we propose the monitoring in time and space of toxin-producing species and the evaluation of their toxins that could constitute a risk for the fishery, recreational and commercial activities, and the ecosystems studied providing important ecosystem and economic services.展开更多
Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and the only wetland city in South Asia under the Ramsar Convention. Crow Island Beach Park and associated coastal area belong to the Colombo urban coastal wetland ecosystems. Crow ...Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and the only wetland city in South Asia under the Ramsar Convention. Crow Island Beach Park and associated coastal area belong to the Colombo urban coastal wetland ecosystems. Crow Island wetland contributes diverse habitats for numerous flora and fauna species. The present study was conducted to assess the status of floral diversity in the Crow Island Beach Park and associated coastal ecosystem during the months of August to October 2021. Study area is divided in to three sites (A, B, C). Line transects method and field observations were used in the study. This coastal wetland consists of mosaic of five major vegetation types: Herbaceous, tree, shrub, creeper, grass and other than that marine algae namely<em> Chaetomorpha antennina</em>, <em>Rhizoclonium africanum</em>, <em>Ulva compressa</em> belonging to chlorophyta (green algae) and <em>Grateloupia</em> <em>lithophila</em> belonging to rhodophyta (red algae) were found in the study area. A total number of 102 flora species belonging to 50 families were recorded from the study area. There were two true mangrove species and 16 mangrove associated species in the study sites. Out of the 102 plant species 46 were recognized and documented as plants with medicinal values. Shannon-Wiener diversity indexes for mangrove and mangrove associated species were recorded as 2.378, 2.304 and 1.676 in site A, B and C respectively. Simpson’s diversity index for mangrove and mangrove associated species was recorded as 0.889, 0.874 and 0.735 respectively in site A, B and C and Jaccard index of similarity between three study sites showed high values ranging from 41% to 69% for mangrove and mangrove associated species.展开更多
The present study provides a vegetation analysis and species distribution at 50 sites, emphasizing the environmental factors that affect species distribution. A total of 74 plant species belonging to 67 genera and rel...The present study provides a vegetation analysis and species distribution at 50 sites, emphasizing the environmental factors that affect species distribution. A total of 74 plant species belonging to 67 genera and related to 23 families of vascular plants are recorded. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Zygophyllaceae are the largest families, and therophytes (41.89) and chamaephytes (24.32%) are the most frequent, indicating a typical desert life-form spectrum. Chorological analysis revealed that 25 of the studied species were Mediterranean taxa, Saharo-Sindian chorotypes, either pure or penetrated into other regions, comprised 47 species. After application of the TWINSPAN and DCA programs, 4 vegetation groups (A-D) were identified, groups A and B were dominated by Achillea santolina, group C was codominated by Zygophyllm coccinum and Launaea spinosa and group D was dominated by Leptadenia pyrotechnica. Groups A and B may represent the vegetation types of the Western Mediterranean coast of Egypt, while groups C and D may represent the Wadi Hagul. The linear correlation of soil variables with the importance values of some dominant species and the application of Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA-biplot) indicates significant associations between the floristic composition of the studied area and the edaphic factors such as electrical conductivity, pH, calcium carbonate, sulphates, bicarbonate, cations (Na+, K+, Ca++ and Mg++) and PAR.展开更多
Understanding the significance of butterflies in an ecosystem as an environmental healthy indicator and pollination of flowering plants is crucial to achieving sustainability and conservation of floral diversity. The ...Understanding the significance of butterflies in an ecosystem as an environmental healthy indicator and pollination of flowering plants is crucial to achieving sustainability and conservation of floral diversity. The aim of the study was to investigate the butterfly species diversity and abundance and compare the relationship between physical factor and butterfly species. Line transect were used to survey three habitats around botanical garden with scooped-net between June and July, 2010. Diversity varied from habitat to habitat. A checklist was made comprising a total of 57 butterfly species that were surveyed belonging to 9 families. There was a relationship between temperature and butterfly species diversity and abundance. There was no correlation between physical factors (relative humidity and temperature) and the total number of species and families. Moreover, butterfly numbers were not related to relative humidity in any species and family. However, temperature was significantly correlated with species. Therefore, understanding of the factors that affect butterfly species diversity and abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden is important for conservation.展开更多
The Yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina , was accidentally introduced in France in 2004, and then spread rapidly through the French territory but also to adjacent European countries (Spain, Portugal, and Belgium). Du...The Yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina , was accidentally introduced in France in 2004, and then spread rapidly through the French territory but also to adjacent European countries (Spain, Portugal, and Belgium). During summer and autumn, V. velutina workers hunt domestic honeybees, Apis mellifera, for feeding their larvae. The impact of this alien species is mainly economic, beekeepers experiencing heavy colony losses, but also ecological, V. velutina hunting other pollinators. In their year-round life cycle, nest initiation by single queen during spring is the critical stage. In invaded areas, spring queen trapping using food baits has been promoted by apicultural unions in order to limit V. velutina population expansion. The goals of this work were 1) to evaluate the yield of this method, 2) to identify appropriate sites for trapping, 3) to identify potential optimal climatic windows of capture, and 4) to quantify the impact on local entomofauna. Our results showed that water proximity enhances trapping but not beehives proximity, and that trapping is inefficient if average week temperatures are below 10°C. Although the trapping effect on biodiversity should be studied more carefully, spring queen trapping is highly questionable unless specific attractants could be proposed.展开更多
Sundarban Mangrove forest is highly productive marine ecosystem where halophilic microbes actively participate in bio-mineralization and biotransformation of minerals. The population of aerobic halophilic microbes was...Sundarban Mangrove forest is highly productive marine ecosystem where halophilic microbes actively participate in bio-mineralization and biotransformation of minerals. The population of aerobic halophilic microbes was studied to determine their distribution with the availability of different physicochemical parameters with increasing depth of this forest sediment. The present study revealed that microbes present in the top soil region were less tolerant to fluctuation in salinity than the middle and bottom segment. Microbes isolated from bottom segment showed higher growth rate in anaerobic condition. A decreasing trend of total microbial population and organic carbon content of soil were found with increase in depth. In contrary a reverse profile was found for salinity. A significant stratification was found to exist among microbial population and the salty nature of the soil of Sundarban Mangrove forest.展开更多
The objective of this research is to lift the dormancy of seeds of S. kunthianum in with a view to domesticating them. In this experiment, we used the soaking of seeds in sulfuric acid for different durations (10 min,...The objective of this research is to lift the dormancy of seeds of S. kunthianum in with a view to domesticating them. In this experiment, we used the soaking of seeds in sulfuric acid for different durations (10 min, 30 min and 1 h). The treated seeds were sown in transparent germinators. The explants obtained were then transplanted into pots containing five types of substrate (black earth, fine sand, sawdust, mixtures 1/1 of sawdust/black earth and 1/1 of sawdust/fine sand). This second test made it possible to determine the rate of germination on the substrate. The results obtained compared to those of the control showed a clear reduction in the latency time or germination time (62 hours) instead of 6 days (control), in the germination time 3 days/7 days (control) and a very high germination rate (100%). At the 5% threshold, soaking for 10 min and 30 min (100%) is the best result on the germination of S. kunthianum seeds. Soaking for 1 hour gives (7%) very low. After transplantation of the explants, the percentages obtained independently of the treatments show that the 1/1 mixtures of sawdust/black earth (75.19%), black earth (73.33%) and sawdust/fine sand (66.30%) have a higher performance than the others. The type of germination is epigeal. This work makes it possible to domesticate S. kunthianum in Chad.展开更多
A nonlinear dynamic simulative model has been discussed with variable cycles of entire world per capita ecological footprint taken from 1961 to 2003. The model was further classified and decomposed and extracted by th...A nonlinear dynamic simulative model has been discussed with variable cycles of entire world per capita ecological footprint taken from 1961 to 2003. The model was further classified and decomposed and extracted by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. To deal with the problems proposed in the Living Planet Report 2006, three ecological footprint scenarios are presented. Simulative numerical values of the three global per capita (GPC) ecological footprint scenarios are also analyzed based on the simulative model. The results show that: 1) The clear varying cycle of global per capita EF growth is 4.6 years, 9.5 years, 19.5 years and 41 years over the last 42 years;2) According to the business-as-usual scenario, if the global per capita increases positively with the constant growth, it is expected that GPC EF would be 3.262 gha in 2050. Assuming global per capita biocapacity (BC) to be 1.236 gha, global per capita ecological deficit (ED) would increase from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 2.026 gha in 2050;3) The slow-shift scenario shows global per capita EF would decrease from 2.23 gha in 2003 to 1.619 gha in 2080 and 1.406 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate of it is 0.447 percent. Global per capita ED would decrease from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 0.222 gha in 2080 and 0.038 gha in 2100, if global per capita BC is 1.397 gha;4) The rapid-reduction scenario depicts global per capita EF would decrease to 1.414 gha in 2050, if the negative annual change rate is 0.842% from 2003 to 2050. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.461 gha, global per capita ecological reserve (ER) would be 0.047 gha, and overshoot would be eliminated in 2050. Global per capita EF would decrease to 1.054 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate is 0.438% from 2050 to 2100. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.474 gha, GPC ER would be 0.420 gha. Then, wild species of the planet will be allocated nearly 28.5% of the planet’s biological productivity, which coincides with the results of Living Planet Report 2006.展开更多
Changing contexts in a long-term and short-term perspective should be managed within an integrated risk management framework that accounts for both temporary management strategies and permanent preventive measures to ...Changing contexts in a long-term and short-term perspective should be managed within an integrated risk management framework that accounts for both temporary management strategies and permanent preventive measures to reduce the impact of natural hazard processes. In this study, statistical transformation indicators of short-term (20 year) to long-term (30 year) used flood regional coefficients. After the tests of data validation and the reconstruction of missing and outlier data, the data of 18 hydrometric stations were completed for 30 years (1985 to 2014). In the next phase, the return period values were prepared for 20-year and 30-year statistical periods (1985 to 2004 and 1985 to 2014) using the HYFA software. Thus the 20-year to 30-year ratio for various return period discharges obtained and these dimensionless values were plotted for the return periods of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 years, also fitted the logarithmic trend line and the values of coefficients of the relationship were obtained. The statistics including average, standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV), skewness coefficient (CS) and Kurtosis coefficient (CK) were calculated for 20-year data period for each station and we identified the statistics as independent parameters and the coefficients of A and B as dependent parameter, thus analyzed using linear multivariate regression, and regional factors were obtained. In the hydrometric station with 17-027 code, the discharge using the regional factors was calculated and compared with the discharge values of 30 years data. The results showed that there is little difference between the observed and estimated values from regional factors thus this method can be used in projects that require at least 30 years of data.展开更多
Ambient concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>S were determined by modeling the H<sub>2</sub>S emissions dispersion for three sites located in the surroundings of oil and gas maritime terminal at the ...Ambient concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>S were determined by modeling the H<sub>2</sub>S emissions dispersion for three sites located in the surroundings of oil and gas maritime terminal at the southeast of Mexico. Hazard quotient is reported for different age groups. Paraiso City in Tabasco State reported the highest values for over 19 years old group (0.49). It was concluded that there was no threat to human health due to H<sub>2</sub>S emissions derived from the maritime terminal for the studied sites.展开更多
The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous reefs and changes ...The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous reefs and changes in macroalgal cover resulting from a loss of substrate. The temperate reef at L?s? Trindel in Kattegat, Denmark, has now been re-established with the aim of restoring the reef’s historical structure and function. The effects of the restoration on the local fish community are reported here. Fishing surveys using gillnets and fyke nets were conducted before the restoration (2007) and four years after the restoration of the reef (2012). Species of the family Labridae, which have a high affinity for rocky reefs, dominated both before and after the restoration. Commercially important species such as cod Gadus morhua, and saithe Pollachius virens, occurred infrequently in the catches in 2007 but were significantly more abundant in the catches in 2012. Cods were especially attracted to the shallow part of the reef that was restored by adding stones. For some species, such as ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, and cod, the proportion of larger individuals increased after the restoration. The findings highlight the importance of reef habitats for fish communities and the need for their protection.展开更多
Prescribed fire produced a landscape with two types of severely burned patches: charred shrub patches and charred patches with tree trunks at the center. Soil nematodes were more abundant in burned and unburned junipe...Prescribed fire produced a landscape with two types of severely burned patches: charred shrub patches and charred patches with tree trunks at the center. Soil nematodes were more abundant in burned and unburned juniper (Juniperus monosperma) tree patches than in yucca-shrub patches. There were no differences in nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches during the late spring and summer samples. Nematode abundance was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in unburned patches than in burned patches in the early spring samples, reflecting large differences in soil moisture between unburned and burned patches. There were no differences in soil nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches at oneyear post-burn and three-year post-burn sites. When all samples were pooled, taxonomic diversity, ecological indices, and abundance of trophic groups (bacteria-feeders, fungi-feeders, and omnivore-predators) were higher in unburned than burned patches. These results suggest that the long-term (up to three years post-burn) effects of fire on soil nematodes are indirect, i.e., by loss of tree canopies, litter accumulation, and shrub foliage, which affects soil temperatures and water redistribution.展开更多
The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pre...The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pressure which does not make it possible to keep balance between the exploitation of the natural resources and their regenerations in time and space. Following the example results obtained through a floristic study by the factorial analysis of correspondences (F A C), concerning the identification of anthropozoogenes species such as: Chamaerops humilis, Asphodelus microcarpus, Withania frutescens, Calycotome spinosa, Asparagus albus;furthermore, the calculation of the disturbance index which marks the rate of therophytisation which is about 68%, that one finds it very high. These indices show a disturbance and an imbalance of the plant formation of the zone of study, caused by the high anthropozoogene pressure. Vis-a-vis this threat, it is essential to propose a possibility of intervention for a durable management of these spaces.展开更多
文摘Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to human activities, which is putting many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to October 2023. We collected butterfly data using transect walks and baited traps in two habitat types. Our study yielded 2799 butterfly Individuals ranging in 124 species divided into five families habitat, season, and anthropogenic factors are significant environmental variables influencing species diversity and abundance of butterflies. Therefore, it’s important to protect habitat and dry-season water for the conservation of invertebrates such as butterflies. Our study findings provide essential information for ecological monitoring and future assessment of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve ecosystem health.
文摘The concept of virtual water in recent years has been proposed with the world’s water resource consumption management approach. Hashtgerd study area is one of 609 study areas of the country that is located entirely in Alborz Province. Average annual rainfall in this region was about 200 to 340 mm and the average agricultural production per year was more than one million tons and had more than 16 million cubic meters surplus recovery from underground water resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate resources and amounts of virtual water in the agricultural sector of the study area and its impact on the area water resources balance and ultimately provide solutions to reduce water consumption by the agricultural sector. The most important exported water products in Hashtgerd area in order of importance are peaches and nectarines (33% of water exports), plums (15% of water exports), vegetables (5.14 percent of water exports), cherry (4.7% of water exports) and wheat (6.5 percent of water exports). Virtual water trade balance of agricultural and horticultural products in the digital range is equal to 260+ million cubic meters. Density of agricultural lands can be mentioned as the main reasons for positive balance of virtual water trade in this area.
文摘In light of the importance of seeds germinative phase in the progress of later stages of development of any particular plant species in semi-arid and arid area, it is essential to study the germinative behavior and to evaluate the tolerance of a perennial halophyte of Amaranthacaea family, Arthrocnemum glaucum (Del.) Ung. during this crucial phase. A study is devoted to this species seeds germination, which although it’s a mandatory halophyte, it’s less tolerant to salt stress in germination’ phase. Germinative tests are carried out in laboratory, on seeds putted in Petri dishes placed at different temperatures. They enable us to determine the optimal germination temperature, which is 40°C while the cold one (5°C) completely inhibits it. The seeds of Arthrocnemum glaucum show an optimum germination of 44% in distilled water (NaCl 0 mm) similar to glycophytes but they differ in their ability to germinate at higher salinities. Beyond 300 mM germination is completely inhibited. Prior to break dormancy seeds, a cold treatment at 5°C has been achieved;the germination capacity of the seeds increases with the duration of the cold treatment. It increases from 30% after 2 weeks of treatment to 80% after a treatment of 27 weeks.
文摘In the cities of Algeria, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the mosquito which presents most interest because of its wide geographical distribution and of its abundance which engender a strong nuisance. Besides, its role of vector of the virus West Nile arouses a particular interest in the Mediterranean Basin. These insects are generally controlled by conventional insecticides for the greater part, chemicals which cause in the long term side effects (effects on the not aimed bodies and the resistance of the aimed species). A research for the effect of the bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (granulated commercial shape in 200 IUT1/mg) was realized on préimaginales populations of the artificial deposits sites (taken directly of them natural the deposits sites) and cleansed populations (stemming from a breeding) having never been handled previously, taking into account local weather and physico-chemical conditions. Analyses of variance, allowed to determine the combined effect of the factor measure and of the factor time which by increasing, increase the efficiency of the product. The results of the rates of mortalities registered after treatment allowed to loosen the DL50 and the DL90 for every embryonic stage. From the results, we estimated the degree of sensibility of the larva populations of Culex pipiens which have proved heterogeneous in partial tolerance in Bacillus thuringiensis for the populations of the sensitive artificial and homogeneous the deposits sites for those stemming from the breeding.
文摘Mark-recapture models are extensively used in quantitative population ecology, providing estimates of population vital rates, such as survival, that are difficult to obtain using other methods. Vital rates are commonly modeled as functions of explanatory covariates, adding considerable flexibility to mark-recapture models, but also increasing the subjectivity and complexity of the modeling process. Consequently, model selection and the evaluation of covariate structure remain critical aspects of mark-recapture modeling. The difficulties involved in model selection are compounded in Cormack-Jolly-Seber models because they are composed of separate sub-models for survival and recapture probabilities, which are conceptualized independently even though their parameters are not statistically independent. The construction of models as combinations of sub-models, together with multiple potential covariates, can lead to a large model set. Although desirable, estimation of the parameters of all models may not be feasible. Strategies to search a model space and base inference on a subset of all models exist and enjoy widespread use. However, even though the methods used to search a model space can be expected to influence parameter estimation, the assessment of covariate importance, and therefore the ecological interpretation of the modeling results, the performance of these strategies has received limited investigation. We present a new strategy for searching the space of a candidate set of Cormack-Jolly-Seber models and explore its performance relative to existing strategies using computer simulation. The new strategy provides an improved assessment of the importance of covariates and covariate combinations used to model survival and recapture probabilities, while requiring only a modest increase in the number of models on which inference is based in comparison to existing techniques.
文摘In the purpose of defining typical urban water management challenges in coastal lowlands in the context of global climate change, a comparative study was conducted between two coastal new towns respectively located in the Netherlands and Northern China. Comparative method is applied to define main functioning patterns of urban water systems in the two cases, then computer simulations were used to furthercompare drainage capacity in order to reveal the trends of urban water management. Major resulthas shown that Almere in the Netherlands generally more advanced in urban water management asmultiple functioning patterns are available.Strong dykes maintain competence for land subsidence and sea level rise. Open water system decreases local runoff and increaseswater retention level. Systematic control ofsluicesand locks which serve for shipping and waterfront landscaping are simultaneously isolating contaminants from outer water body. Tianjin Eco-city in China has shown both strengths and weaknesses. It takes large amount of reclaimed water as main landscaping water source, which adapts to local water pollution and shortage while requires highly centralized facilities. Large water body is reserved and huge scale underground drainage system built, but it is still vulnerable to heavy storms due to the lack of efficient surface water drainage system. Coastal line control does not adequately prevent from increasing storm surge risks in the future. SWMMsimulations have supported the viewpoint ofdistributed surface water with a higher efficiency for storm drainage. Meanwhile, surface water system returns more added values to urban development. The study is corresponding well with the theory of water sensitive city. As a conclusion, urban water system should always incorporate methods to achieve higher system resilience based on multiple functioning patterns.
文摘The trophy hunting industry in Tanzania plays a significant role in wildlife conservation as well as economic and community development. Trophy hunting has been conducted in Rungwa Game Reserve (RGR) for several decades;however, the trophy hunting opinions from the local communities living adjacent to the reserve are not well documented. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of local communities living adjacent to Rungwa Game Reserves toward trophy hunting. Furthermore, the study assessed factors that influenced the opinions of participants by using structural equation modeling. We used semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews in the three villages adjacent to RGR. The local communities are aware of existing hunting operations around the game reserves. The study found positive attitudes among local communities toward trophy hunting, only if local people accrue benefits from hunting operations. The community’s attitudes towards trophy hunting varied across household size and occupation. Education and household position had an indirect influence on the community’s attitude. Our findings suggest that socio-demographic variables are important to consider when assessing awareness and attitudes toward trophy hunting. Local communities are willing to support trophy hunting operations if the benefits obtained from hunting are significant and it can improve wildlife conservation and their livelihood. In conclusion, trophy hunting is important to local communities living adjacent to protected areas, and banning them may have a significant impact on their livelihood and wildlife conservation. Therefore, it is recommended that conservation policies and interventions consider the dual significance of trophy hunting, fostering strategies that balance socio-economic benefits for communities and wildlife conservation.
文摘The aim of this work is to study the diversity of phytoplanktonic from some fresh and brackish waters. The methodology employed consisted of sampling the organisms using the Van Dorn bottle at the surface (0.5 m) of fresh and sea waters from Container Terminal from San-Pedro Port Area (CTSP) during June and July 2021 and Ebrié Lagoon in June 2023. A total of 324 taxa were collected with 274 taxa for CTSP and 82 taxa for Ebrié Lagoon. The identified phyla were, in order of importance, the Bacillariophyta (151 taxa), Dinophyta (80 taxa), Euglenophyta (34 taxa), Chlorophyta (31 taxa), Chrysophyta (12 taxa), Cyanobacteria (11 taxa), Cryptophyta and Rhodophyta with 2 taxa respectively and Ochrophyta (1 taxon). In the CTSP, the species Prorocentrum lima and Prorocentrum micans have contributed to the highest number of the taxa during the first mission, but with low contribution during the second mission. At this mission, the contribution of the Dinophyta Protoperidinium quinquecorne and the Bacillariophyta Melosira spp., Coscinodiscus nodulifer, Thalassionema frauenfeldii and Thalassionema nitzschioides was revealed. The Ebrié Lagoon was characterized by the high contribution of the species Cyclotella meneghianana during the sampling mission. As a recommendation, we propose the monitoring in time and space of toxin-producing species and the evaluation of their toxins that could constitute a risk for the fishery, recreational and commercial activities, and the ecosystems studied providing important ecosystem and economic services.
文摘Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and the only wetland city in South Asia under the Ramsar Convention. Crow Island Beach Park and associated coastal area belong to the Colombo urban coastal wetland ecosystems. Crow Island wetland contributes diverse habitats for numerous flora and fauna species. The present study was conducted to assess the status of floral diversity in the Crow Island Beach Park and associated coastal ecosystem during the months of August to October 2021. Study area is divided in to three sites (A, B, C). Line transects method and field observations were used in the study. This coastal wetland consists of mosaic of five major vegetation types: Herbaceous, tree, shrub, creeper, grass and other than that marine algae namely<em> Chaetomorpha antennina</em>, <em>Rhizoclonium africanum</em>, <em>Ulva compressa</em> belonging to chlorophyta (green algae) and <em>Grateloupia</em> <em>lithophila</em> belonging to rhodophyta (red algae) were found in the study area. A total number of 102 flora species belonging to 50 families were recorded from the study area. There were two true mangrove species and 16 mangrove associated species in the study sites. Out of the 102 plant species 46 were recognized and documented as plants with medicinal values. Shannon-Wiener diversity indexes for mangrove and mangrove associated species were recorded as 2.378, 2.304 and 1.676 in site A, B and C respectively. Simpson’s diversity index for mangrove and mangrove associated species was recorded as 0.889, 0.874 and 0.735 respectively in site A, B and C and Jaccard index of similarity between three study sites showed high values ranging from 41% to 69% for mangrove and mangrove associated species.
文摘The present study provides a vegetation analysis and species distribution at 50 sites, emphasizing the environmental factors that affect species distribution. A total of 74 plant species belonging to 67 genera and related to 23 families of vascular plants are recorded. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Zygophyllaceae are the largest families, and therophytes (41.89) and chamaephytes (24.32%) are the most frequent, indicating a typical desert life-form spectrum. Chorological analysis revealed that 25 of the studied species were Mediterranean taxa, Saharo-Sindian chorotypes, either pure or penetrated into other regions, comprised 47 species. After application of the TWINSPAN and DCA programs, 4 vegetation groups (A-D) were identified, groups A and B were dominated by Achillea santolina, group C was codominated by Zygophyllm coccinum and Launaea spinosa and group D was dominated by Leptadenia pyrotechnica. Groups A and B may represent the vegetation types of the Western Mediterranean coast of Egypt, while groups C and D may represent the Wadi Hagul. The linear correlation of soil variables with the importance values of some dominant species and the application of Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA-biplot) indicates significant associations between the floristic composition of the studied area and the edaphic factors such as electrical conductivity, pH, calcium carbonate, sulphates, bicarbonate, cations (Na+, K+, Ca++ and Mg++) and PAR.
文摘Understanding the significance of butterflies in an ecosystem as an environmental healthy indicator and pollination of flowering plants is crucial to achieving sustainability and conservation of floral diversity. The aim of the study was to investigate the butterfly species diversity and abundance and compare the relationship between physical factor and butterfly species. Line transect were used to survey three habitats around botanical garden with scooped-net between June and July, 2010. Diversity varied from habitat to habitat. A checklist was made comprising a total of 57 butterfly species that were surveyed belonging to 9 families. There was a relationship between temperature and butterfly species diversity and abundance. There was no correlation between physical factors (relative humidity and temperature) and the total number of species and families. Moreover, butterfly numbers were not related to relative humidity in any species and family. However, temperature was significantly correlated with species. Therefore, understanding of the factors that affect butterfly species diversity and abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden is important for conservation.
文摘The Yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina , was accidentally introduced in France in 2004, and then spread rapidly through the French territory but also to adjacent European countries (Spain, Portugal, and Belgium). During summer and autumn, V. velutina workers hunt domestic honeybees, Apis mellifera, for feeding their larvae. The impact of this alien species is mainly economic, beekeepers experiencing heavy colony losses, but also ecological, V. velutina hunting other pollinators. In their year-round life cycle, nest initiation by single queen during spring is the critical stage. In invaded areas, spring queen trapping using food baits has been promoted by apicultural unions in order to limit V. velutina population expansion. The goals of this work were 1) to evaluate the yield of this method, 2) to identify appropriate sites for trapping, 3) to identify potential optimal climatic windows of capture, and 4) to quantify the impact on local entomofauna. Our results showed that water proximity enhances trapping but not beehives proximity, and that trapping is inefficient if average week temperatures are below 10°C. Although the trapping effect on biodiversity should be studied more carefully, spring queen trapping is highly questionable unless specific attractants could be proposed.
文摘Sundarban Mangrove forest is highly productive marine ecosystem where halophilic microbes actively participate in bio-mineralization and biotransformation of minerals. The population of aerobic halophilic microbes was studied to determine their distribution with the availability of different physicochemical parameters with increasing depth of this forest sediment. The present study revealed that microbes present in the top soil region were less tolerant to fluctuation in salinity than the middle and bottom segment. Microbes isolated from bottom segment showed higher growth rate in anaerobic condition. A decreasing trend of total microbial population and organic carbon content of soil were found with increase in depth. In contrary a reverse profile was found for salinity. A significant stratification was found to exist among microbial population and the salty nature of the soil of Sundarban Mangrove forest.
文摘The objective of this research is to lift the dormancy of seeds of S. kunthianum in with a view to domesticating them. In this experiment, we used the soaking of seeds in sulfuric acid for different durations (10 min, 30 min and 1 h). The treated seeds were sown in transparent germinators. The explants obtained were then transplanted into pots containing five types of substrate (black earth, fine sand, sawdust, mixtures 1/1 of sawdust/black earth and 1/1 of sawdust/fine sand). This second test made it possible to determine the rate of germination on the substrate. The results obtained compared to those of the control showed a clear reduction in the latency time or germination time (62 hours) instead of 6 days (control), in the germination time 3 days/7 days (control) and a very high germination rate (100%). At the 5% threshold, soaking for 10 min and 30 min (100%) is the best result on the germination of S. kunthianum seeds. Soaking for 1 hour gives (7%) very low. After transplantation of the explants, the percentages obtained independently of the treatments show that the 1/1 mixtures of sawdust/black earth (75.19%), black earth (73.33%) and sawdust/fine sand (66.30%) have a higher performance than the others. The type of germination is epigeal. This work makes it possible to domesticate S. kunthianum in Chad.
文摘A nonlinear dynamic simulative model has been discussed with variable cycles of entire world per capita ecological footprint taken from 1961 to 2003. The model was further classified and decomposed and extracted by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. To deal with the problems proposed in the Living Planet Report 2006, three ecological footprint scenarios are presented. Simulative numerical values of the three global per capita (GPC) ecological footprint scenarios are also analyzed based on the simulative model. The results show that: 1) The clear varying cycle of global per capita EF growth is 4.6 years, 9.5 years, 19.5 years and 41 years over the last 42 years;2) According to the business-as-usual scenario, if the global per capita increases positively with the constant growth, it is expected that GPC EF would be 3.262 gha in 2050. Assuming global per capita biocapacity (BC) to be 1.236 gha, global per capita ecological deficit (ED) would increase from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 2.026 gha in 2050;3) The slow-shift scenario shows global per capita EF would decrease from 2.23 gha in 2003 to 1.619 gha in 2080 and 1.406 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate of it is 0.447 percent. Global per capita ED would decrease from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 0.222 gha in 2080 and 0.038 gha in 2100, if global per capita BC is 1.397 gha;4) The rapid-reduction scenario depicts global per capita EF would decrease to 1.414 gha in 2050, if the negative annual change rate is 0.842% from 2003 to 2050. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.461 gha, global per capita ecological reserve (ER) would be 0.047 gha, and overshoot would be eliminated in 2050. Global per capita EF would decrease to 1.054 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate is 0.438% from 2050 to 2100. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.474 gha, GPC ER would be 0.420 gha. Then, wild species of the planet will be allocated nearly 28.5% of the planet’s biological productivity, which coincides with the results of Living Planet Report 2006.
文摘Changing contexts in a long-term and short-term perspective should be managed within an integrated risk management framework that accounts for both temporary management strategies and permanent preventive measures to reduce the impact of natural hazard processes. In this study, statistical transformation indicators of short-term (20 year) to long-term (30 year) used flood regional coefficients. After the tests of data validation and the reconstruction of missing and outlier data, the data of 18 hydrometric stations were completed for 30 years (1985 to 2014). In the next phase, the return period values were prepared for 20-year and 30-year statistical periods (1985 to 2004 and 1985 to 2014) using the HYFA software. Thus the 20-year to 30-year ratio for various return period discharges obtained and these dimensionless values were plotted for the return periods of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 years, also fitted the logarithmic trend line and the values of coefficients of the relationship were obtained. The statistics including average, standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV), skewness coefficient (CS) and Kurtosis coefficient (CK) were calculated for 20-year data period for each station and we identified the statistics as independent parameters and the coefficients of A and B as dependent parameter, thus analyzed using linear multivariate regression, and regional factors were obtained. In the hydrometric station with 17-027 code, the discharge using the regional factors was calculated and compared with the discharge values of 30 years data. The results showed that there is little difference between the observed and estimated values from regional factors thus this method can be used in projects that require at least 30 years of data.
文摘Ambient concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>S were determined by modeling the H<sub>2</sub>S emissions dispersion for three sites located in the surroundings of oil and gas maritime terminal at the southeast of Mexico. Hazard quotient is reported for different age groups. Paraiso City in Tabasco State reported the highest values for over 19 years old group (0.49). It was concluded that there was no threat to human health due to H<sub>2</sub>S emissions derived from the maritime terminal for the studied sites.
基金funded by the EU LIFE project“Rebuilding of Marine Cavernous Boulder Reefs in Kattegat(Blue Reef)”.LIFE06 NAT/DK/000159by the National Program for Coastal Recreational Fisheries“marinfiskepleje”.
文摘The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous reefs and changes in macroalgal cover resulting from a loss of substrate. The temperate reef at L?s? Trindel in Kattegat, Denmark, has now been re-established with the aim of restoring the reef’s historical structure and function. The effects of the restoration on the local fish community are reported here. Fishing surveys using gillnets and fyke nets were conducted before the restoration (2007) and four years after the restoration of the reef (2012). Species of the family Labridae, which have a high affinity for rocky reefs, dominated both before and after the restoration. Commercially important species such as cod Gadus morhua, and saithe Pollachius virens, occurred infrequently in the catches in 2007 but were significantly more abundant in the catches in 2012. Cods were especially attracted to the shallow part of the reef that was restored by adding stones. For some species, such as ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, and cod, the proportion of larger individuals increased after the restoration. The findings highlight the importance of reef habitats for fish communities and the need for their protection.
文摘Prescribed fire produced a landscape with two types of severely burned patches: charred shrub patches and charred patches with tree trunks at the center. Soil nematodes were more abundant in burned and unburned juniper (Juniperus monosperma) tree patches than in yucca-shrub patches. There were no differences in nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches during the late spring and summer samples. Nematode abundance was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in unburned patches than in burned patches in the early spring samples, reflecting large differences in soil moisture between unburned and burned patches. There were no differences in soil nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches at oneyear post-burn and three-year post-burn sites. When all samples were pooled, taxonomic diversity, ecological indices, and abundance of trophic groups (bacteria-feeders, fungi-feeders, and omnivore-predators) were higher in unburned than burned patches. These results suggest that the long-term (up to three years post-burn) effects of fire on soil nematodes are indirect, i.e., by loss of tree canopies, litter accumulation, and shrub foliage, which affects soil temperatures and water redistribution.
文摘The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pressure which does not make it possible to keep balance between the exploitation of the natural resources and their regenerations in time and space. Following the example results obtained through a floristic study by the factorial analysis of correspondences (F A C), concerning the identification of anthropozoogenes species such as: Chamaerops humilis, Asphodelus microcarpus, Withania frutescens, Calycotome spinosa, Asparagus albus;furthermore, the calculation of the disturbance index which marks the rate of therophytisation which is about 68%, that one finds it very high. These indices show a disturbance and an imbalance of the plant formation of the zone of study, caused by the high anthropozoogene pressure. Vis-a-vis this threat, it is essential to propose a possibility of intervention for a durable management of these spaces.
