Diversity of bacterial communities in wetlands of Calakmul Biosphere Reserve: a comparative analysis between conserved and semi-urbanized zones in pre-Mayan Train era.

BACKGROUND: The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR) is known for its rich animal and plant biodiversity, yet its microbial communities remain largely unknown. The reserve does not possess permanent bodies of water; nevertheless, seasonal depressions associated with fractures create wetlands, known locally as aguadas. Given the recent construction of the Maya train that crosses the CRB, it is essential to assess the biodiversity of its microorganisms and recognize their potential as a valuable source of goods. This evaluation is pivotal in mitigating potential mismanagement of the forest ecosystem. To enhance comprehension of microbial communities, we characterized the microbiota in three different wetlands. Ag-UD1 and Ag-UD2 wetlands are located in a zone without human disturbances, while the third, Ag-SU3, is in a semi-urbanized zone. Sampling was carried out over three years (2017, 2018, and 2019), enabling the monitoring of spatiotemporal variations in bacterial community diversity. The characterization of microbiome composition was conducted using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Concurrently, the genomic potential of select samples was examined through shotgun metagenomics. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of alpha and beta diversity indices showed significant differences among the bacterial communities found in undisturbed sites Ag-UD1 and Ag-UD2 compared to Ag-SU3. However, no significant differences were observed among sites belonging to the undisturbed area. Furthermore, a comparative analysis at the zone level reveals substantial divergence among the communities, indicating that the geographic location of the samples significantly influences these patterns. The bacterial communities in the CBR wetlands predominantly consist of genera from phyla Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria. CONCLUSION: This characterization has identified the composition of microbial communities and provided the initial overview of the metabolic capacities of the microbiomes inhabiting the aguadas across diverse conservation zones. The three sites exhibit distinct microbial compositions, suggesting that variables such as chemical composition, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, vegetation, and fauna may play a pivotal role in determining the microbial structure of the aguadas. This study establishes a foundational baseline for evaluating the impact of climatic factors and human interventions on critical environments such as wetlands.

Ethnoprimatology reveals new extended distribution of critically endangered banded langur Presbytis femoralis (Martin, 1838) in Pahang, Malaysia: Insights from indigenous traditional knowledge and molecular analysis.

The banded langur (Presbytis femoralis) is a critically endangered primate, which within Malaysia has not been known to extend significantly outside the state of Johor. Traditionally, distribution studies on this highly threatened primate have relied on conventional methods such as DNA identification, live counting, and camera trapping. However, ethnoprimatology offers an alternative approach to data collection, involving the active participation of indigenous and local communities possessing valuable knowledge and experience with local primate species. This study employed an integrated approach incorporating ethnoprimatology by utilizing pooled local expert opinion, local surveys, interviews, and fecal DNA analysis, resulting in a novel distribution range for the banded langur. The combination of expert opinions revealed this species' most optimistic distribution scenario across Johor and Pahang, inhabiting various ecosystems, including lowland forests, peat swamps, and human-modified landscapes. Further interviews and surveys conducted within the Orang Asli community in Tasik Chini and Tasek Bera have provided additional support for the revised distribution, documenting occurrences of banded langur utilization in indigenous practices, such as food consumption, cultural beliefs, medicinal applications, and craftsmanship. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated genetic differentiation between populations in Johor and Pahang, with the populations in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia likely serving as ancestral sources for other populations. Consequently, this study not only elucidated the updated distribution of banded langur through DNA records and direct observations but also established the efficacy of ethnoprimatology as a precursory tool for uncovering the present distribution patterns of other primate species in Malaysia.

Uncovering NDVI time trends in Spanish high mountain biosphere reserves: A detailed study.

Global warming is increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems, especially in peninsular Spain. Biosphere Reserves are internationally protected areas that seek to protect biodiversity and, at the same time, promote sustainable development. Evaluating these protected areas is essential to verify environmental changes and establish priorities in their management. In this work, we have studied the time trends of NDVI in the high mountain Biosphere Reserves of Spain from 2001 to 2016 to check if the trend patterns are associated with some environmental variables. Significant differences were found between NDVI trends and high mountain Biosphere Reserves. Firstly, significant positive trends in NDVI were observed when analysing both reserves together. However, significant differences were found between the two reserves. The Ordesa-Viñamala Reserve shows higher positive NDVI trends and lower negative trends, while this pattern is reversed in Sierra Nevada. We observed how the fluctuations in temperature and drought due to climate change have already negatively affected the Mediterranean reserve (Sierra Nevada). In contrast, the alpine reserve (Ordesa-Viñamala) maintains positive NDVI trends. This study helps to close the gap in information related to Biosphere Reserves, which gives value to the work that is being carried out by the local communities that make up them, generating statistically significant results that Biosphere Reserves are protected areas that help us understand how to manage and govern socioecological systems sustainably.

Household Dependence on Forest Resources in the Luki Biosphere Reserve, Democratic Republic of CONGO.

This study was aimed at examining the contribution of forest products to rural livelihoods and the socio-economic factors that influence household forest dependence in the Luki Biosphere Reserve. A structured questionnaire poll of 193 households randomly chosen from two enclaves in the Luki Biosphere Reserve, and focus group discussions were used to gather the data. For data analysis, a binary logistic regression model was used. The study revealed a substantial contribution of forest products to household livelihood based on household wealth strata and the gender of the household head. The contribution of forest income has been found to be higher for poor households than to other wealth categories, although their mean income from forest was low. However, the present research further revealed that household forest dependence was significantly determined by socioeconomic factors such as length of residency, age, sex, education, employment and household size. Compared to their elderly counterparts, the youth were probably more dependent on forest products. Therefore, there should be increased capacity-building efforts among the young people to enable them enlighten the local communities about the need for sustainable forest management. Meanwhile, highly educated people were observed to be less dependent on forests. The findings of this research provides empirical evidence from the Mayombe tropical forest, thus contributing to the growth of knowledge on the impact of socioeconomic factors on the household dependence on forest resources, especially in the tropical forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the complexity of the relationship between local communities and their environment is still being studied.

Exploring the Implementation of UNESCO's MAB Program in South Africa: A Case Study of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve.

The Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) responds to challenges of the Anthropocene through an explicit social-ecological approach. Implemented as a world network of biosphere reserves, MAB aims to increase [eco]system sustainability and resilience globally, via individual model sites for learning and sustainable development. This research provides an in-depth case study of MAB implementation in South Africa using the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR), established in 2007 when a key MAB guiding policy, the Madrid Action Plan came into effect. The study utilized semi-structured in-depth interviews with strategic and operational management, and document analysis. The CWBR prioritizes their role as a landscape coordinator, a driver of socio-economic development and site in which humans derive benefits from healthy natural environments. The CWBR have adopted a non-profit organization cooperative governance model in support of this vision, fulfilling the socio-economic development function primarily through successful international partnerships. Challenges faced include a perceived lack of sufficient government support, limited stakeholder awareness and insufficient resources for project implementation. Over reliance on the pillar of their model, the chief executive officer in the current governance form, is an instrument in their effectiveness, yet carries significant risk. These are learnings useful for other biosphere reserves translating an international designation for a local context.

Modelling groundwater vulnerability in a vulnerable deltaic coastal region of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India.

Groundwater is the most reliable source of freshwater for human well-being. Significant toxic contamination in groundwater, particularly in the aquifers of the Ganges delta, has been a substantial source of arsenic (As). The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), located in the southwestern part of the world's largest Ganges delta, suffers from As contamination in groundwater. Therefore, assessment of groundwater vulnerability is essential to ensure the safety of groundwater quality in SBR. Three data-driven algorithms, i.e. "logistic regression (LR)", "random forest (RF)", and "boosted regression tree (BRT)", were used to assess groundwater vulnerability. Groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical characteristics were evaluated by Piper, United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL), and Wilcox's diagram. The result of this study indicates that among the applied models, BRT (AUC = 0.899) is the best-fit model, followed by RF (AUC = 0.882) and LR (AUC = 0.801) to assess groundwater vulnerability. In addition, the result also indicates that the general quality of the groundwater in this area is not very good for drinking purposes. The applied methods of this study can be used to evaluate the groundwater vulnerability of the other aquifer systems.

Pesticide Mixtures in Surface Waters of Two Protected Areas in Southwestern Germany.

Pesticides enter non-target surface waters as a result of agricultural activities and may reach water bodies in protected areas. We measured in southwestern Germany pesticide concentrations after heavy rainfalls in streams of a drinking water protection area near Hausen (Freiburg) and in the catchment of the Queich (Landau), which originates from the biosphere reserve Palatinate Forest. On average, 32 (n = 21) and 21 (n = 10) pesticides were detected per sample and event in the area of Hausen (n = 56) and in the Queich catchment (n = 17), respectively. The majority of pesticides detected in > 50% of all samples were fungicides, with fluopyram being detected throughout all samples. Aquatic invertebrates exhibited highest risks with 16.1% of samples exceeding mixture toxicity thresholds, whereas risks were lower for aquatic plants (12.9%) and fish (6.5%). Mixture toxicity threshold exceedances indicate adverse ecological effects to occur at half of sites (50%). This study illustrates the presence of pesticide mixtures and highlights ecological risks for aquatic organisms in surface waters of protected areas in Germany.

BREMi-A New Tool for the Evaluation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Management Effectiveness: Case-study in the Arab Man and Biosphere (ArabMAB) Regional Network.

Scholars and practitioners have been striving to develop straightforward and effective tools to measure protected area management effectiveness (PAME). UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BR), with their unique functional and zonation schemes are monitored according to their compulsory 10-year Periodic Review (PR), which is useful for UNESCO's evaluation purposes but lacks comprehensiveness and utility for adaptive management. Based on existing PAME methodologies, we develop and propose the first quantitative tool for the evaluation of BR management effectiveness, that would enhance and complement the currently used qualitative PR report, and serve the rapid evaluation needed for BR managers to monitor, evaluate, and adapt their management approach to achieve the three functions of BRs. The tool consists of 65 indicators, embodied within the 6 elements of the World Commission on Protected Areas Framework. We then tested this tool, named Biosphere Reserve Effectiveness of Management index (BREMi) to evaluate management effectiveness across the Arab Man and the Biosphere Reserve network involving 17 BRs spanning 8 countries of the Middle East and North Africa. BREMi scores ranged from 4.43 to 8.65 (on a scale between 0 and 10), with a mean of 6.31 ± 1.040. All indicators were considered valuable measures of progress by our respondents, as well as by independent experts. We discuss our findings in light of available literature concerning the Arab region and through the conceptual frames of adaptive management and resilience. Finally, we discuss where the BREMi tool would be most useful for BR management authorities in the iterative process of evaluation and adaptive management.

Stakeholder Analysis on Ecosystem Services of Lake Manyara Sub-basin (Tanzania): How to Overcome Confounding Factors.

Ecosystem services are a telling concept to discuss the integrated management of natural resources, such as integrated water and soil, with non-academic stakeholders. Stakeholders have different perceptions regarding the management of various ecosystem services, which is challenging when aiming to develop and foster sustainable ecosystem management. We performed a stakeholder analysis as part of a social-ecological study in preparation of a decision support system for integrated water management within the Lake Manyara sub-basin (LMSB), Tanzania. The area includes a National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A group discussion listed 26 stakeholders, categorized according to the sector, influence, and interest. The stakeholders were grouped into six functional categories: local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), other civil society groups, Belgian and international NGOs, authorities, academics associated to international donors and the private sector. We empirically identified advantages, shortcomings and associated risks when performing a stakeholder analysis with an interest-influence matrix. Confounding factors may include, e.g., the omission of important stakeholders, a different understanding of 'influence' and 'interest', or the omission of fragile groups. Instead of 'low' or 'high' interest and influence, we propose the terms 'supportive', 'potentially supportive', 'unsupportive', 'not interested', 'low or no influence' and 'antagonistic'. Further, we consider stakeholders who directly extract resources from the social-ecological system (SES) as a separate category, because of their direct dependence and impact on the SES. This improved stakeholder analysis framework for developing decision support systems in water basins can contribute to better analysis, understanding and management of aquatic social-ecological systems in general.

Chitinophaga silvatica sp. nov., isolated from forest soil, and reclassification of Chitinophaga extrema as a later heterotypic synonym of Chitinophaga solisilvae.

A novel bacterial strain, designated K2CV101002-2T, was isolated from forest soil collected at Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Guangdong Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that it belonged to the genus Chitinophaga and was most closely related to Chitinophaga terrae KP01T (99.0 %), followed by Chitinophaga extrema Mgbs1T (98.3 %) and Chitinophaga solisilvae O9T (98.1 %). The draft genome sequence was 6.8 Mb long with a relative low G+C content of 39.8 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the novel strain and closely related type strains were 71.4‒76.2 % and 18.4‒19.6 %, respectively. Meanwhile the corresponding values between C. extrema Mgbs1T and C. solisilvae O9T were 98.6 and 88.1 %, respectively. The novel strain contained iso-C15:0, C16:1 ω5c and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the major fatty acids and MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The polyphasic study clearly supported that strain K2CV101002-2T represents a new species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chtinophaga silvatica sp. nov. (type strain K2CV101002-2T=GDMCC 1.1288T=JCM 32696T) is proposed. In addition, Chitinophaga extrema Goh et al. 2020 should be taken as a later heterotypic synonym of Chitinophaga solisilvae Ping et al. 2020.

Holistic health risk assessment in an artisanal mercury mining region in Mexico.

Mexico is one of the world's leading mercury producers and exporters. However, mercury mining is carried out using artisanal procedures, which highly impact ecosystems. In the municipality of Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro, Mexico, artisanal mercury mining (AMM) is practiced in a region that has been categorized as a Biosphere Reserve. Therefore, a holistic health risk assessment for mercury was performed in the region, including environmental monitoring (air, water, and soil) and mercury exposure in both humans (children, women, and miners) and biota (plants, rodents, and worms). The atmospheric mercury determination was carried out using the JEROME® J405 analyzer, whereas total mercury in environmental and biological samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry/cold vapor. Results showed that mercury concentrations in the environmental and biological matrices exceeded their respective reference values. These results demonstrate the direct influence of AMM in the increasing levels of mercury in all the components of the studied ecosystem. Therefore, comprehensive intervention strategies must be implemented to reduce and prevent human health and ecological risks due to the presence of mercury. In this regard, the Minamata Convention for mercury control should include biomonitoring programs not only for humans but also for critical ecological receptors in polluted ecosystems.

Long-term forest vegetation dynamics in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Indian west Himalaya: evidence from repeat studies on compositional patterns.

It has been established that resurvey of historical vegetation stands, even those not marked permanently, could foster our understanding of vegetation dynamics and changes in structure and composition over time. However, such studies are poorly available, particularly in remote landscapes of the Indian Himalaya. There exists a complete lack of resurveys, which has limited our ability to provide reliable evidence of changes over the decades. This study, for the first time in the Indian Himalaya, considered repeat surveys (nearly after 25 years) of vegetation stands in eleven forest communities of the buffer zone of NDBR (Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve). Thirty historical forest stands, earlier studied in 1988-1990, were revisited during 2012-2014 and investigated using the same survey methods as used in the previous study. We found that previously reported dominant tree species, i.e., Alnus nepalensis, Acer cappadocicum, Quercus floribunda, Quercus semecarpifolia, Hippophae salicifolia, and Betula utilis, in nine out of eleven communities in the study area are continuing to exhibit dominance in the community. However, a significant increase in species richness and density in the seedling and sapling layer in Quercus floribunda, Quercus semecarpifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, and Abies pindrow is indicative of the ongoing process of change in forest composition. The compositional features of plant communities, when analyzed through Community Change Sensitivity (CCS) approach, identified Quercus floribunda, mixed Quercus-deciduous spp., Hippophae salicifolia, and Abies pindrow as the most change-sensitive communities in the study area and thus can be prioritized as the long-term ecological monitoring sites in the west Himalaya to understand intensity and patterns of changes. The potential changes based on the ecological information from two time period compositional data sets, having conservation and management implications, should be accommodated in the long-term perspective plans of the reserve.

Fortiea necridiiformans sp. nov., a soil-dwelling cyanobacterium from Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, India.

Cyanobacterial strain PS4G was isolated from seepage soil sampled at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The results of morphological analysis showed that strain PS4G had unique morphological characteristics which were not observed in the other described species of the genus Fortiea. In the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis inferred using Bayesian inference, maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining methods, strain PS4G clustered within the clade consisting of the members of the genus Fortiea. Furthermore, in the secondary structure analysis using the D1-D1' helix and BoxB regions of 16S-23S ITS, strain PS4G showed marked differences in comparison with other members of the genus Fortiea. Overall, the morphological, phylogenetic and folded 16S-23S ITS secondary structure examination indicated that strain PS4G represents a novel species of the genus Fortiea. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature of Algae, Fungi and Plants we describe a novel species of Fortiea with the name Fortiea necridiiformans sp. nov.

Alien parasites on an alien fish species: monogeneans from the black bullhead Ameiurus melas (Siluriformes) in the Lake Srebarna Biosphere Reserve, Bulgaria, with the first record of Gyrodactylus nebulosus in the Palaearctic.

Black bullhead Ameiurus melas (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) is an alien fish species of North American origin, which has expanded its invasive geographical range in Europe. In 2017-2019, 32 black bullhead specimens from the Lake Srebarna Biosphere Reserve, Bulgaria, were examined for monogenean parasites. Two species of monogeneans were recorded and identified on the basis of morphological and molecular data: Ligictaluridus pricei (Ancyrocephalidae), with prevalence 100% and intensity 2-32 (mean 13.3 ± 6.8), and Gyrodactylus nebulosus (Gyrodactylidae), with prevalence 72.0% and intensity 1-15 (mean 7.4 ± 4.3). Partial 18S rDNA and the ITS1 region of L. pricei were sequenced. For G. nebulosus, sequenced genes included the partial 18S rDNA and the entire ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 region as well as the mitochondrial COI gene. Both recorded monogenean species are specific parasites of North American ictalurid fishes and alien to Europe. The present study is the first record of L. pricei from Bulgaria and the first record of G. nebulosus from Europe and the Palaearctic Region.

Hidden species diversity in Marcusenius moorii (Teleostei: Mormyridae) from the Congo Basin.

New collections from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (YBR) and Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) revealed the presence of two groups of specimens similar to, but different from Marcusenius moorii. To study both these groups, an integrated morphological and genetic (mtDNA, cytb) approach was used. This study revealed that one of the two groups is conspecific with Marcusenius lambouri, a junior synonym of M. moorii, which is herein revalidated, with M. moorii longulus as its junior synonym. Marcusenius lambouri differs from M. moorii by a higher number of lateral line scales (44-46 vs. 40-43), a shorter pectoral-fin length (14.6-19.9 vs. 20.3-25.2% standard length; LS ) and a more elongated body due to a usually shallower middle body depth (19.8-26.5 vs. 26.3-35.9% LS ). The other group revealed to be a new species for science, Marcusenius verheyenorum, which can be distinguished from its congeners with eight circumpeduncular scales by the following unique combination of characters: a rounded head with a terminal mouth; a short and deep caudal peduncle (middle caudal-peduncle depth, 44.9-54.6% caudal-peduncle length; LCP ), a deep body (middle body depth, 27.7-34.2% LS ), 38-43 scales on the lateral line, 40-41 vertebrae, 20-21 dorsal-fin rays and 26 anal-fin rays. Some specimens previously attributed to M. moorii were examined and reassigned to M. lambouri or M. verheyenorum. As a result, M. moorii and M. lambouri occur in sympatry in the middle Congo Basin, with the distribution area of M. moorii still further extending into the lower Congo Basin. Instead, the distribution of M. verheyenorum is limited to some right bank tributaries of the upstream part of the middle Congo Basin. Two museum records from the Lilanda River (YBR), collected in the 1950s and previously identified as M. moorii, were re-identified as belonging to the new species, M. verheyenorum. However, the species now seems locally extinct in that region, which reflects the significant anthropogenic effects even within this reserve.

Tracking conservation effectiveness in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in South Africa using Landsat imagery.

Biosphere reserves (BRs) seek to reconcile a sustainable relationship between human welfare and environmental integrity by adopting a landscape model that distinguishes between three interdependent management zones (core, buffer, transition). Considering the increasing human influence on landscapes in BRs, the tracking land use-land cover (LULC) dynamics is crucial for the development and planning of efficient management strategies for specific management zone. This study aimed at (i) assessing biodiversity protection around the core zones to highlight the threats facing the core zones and (ii) tracking the effect of the proclamation of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) on the LULC dynamics in the management zones through spatio-temporal analysis using Landsat imagery acquired from1999 to 2018. Six LULC categories (water body, forest/bush, shrubs/grass, agricultural land, bare soil, and built-up/mines) were identified and mapped using the support vector machine (SVM) classification to address both objectives. Assessment of threats around the core zones using artificial buffers (0-5, 10-15, and 15-20 km radius) created around them showed agricultural activities in the most immediate buffers (0-5 km radius). The LULC dynamics showed vegetation increase in all the management zones evidenced by the reduction of bare soil as well shrub/grass lands, and by the corresponding increase in foliage-richer forest/bush lands since the proclamation of the reserve in 2009. The findings might signify a positive outcome of vegetation increase as a consequence of the proclamation of the VBR. However, firmer conservation measures must be adopted and priority must be given to the arrangement of the management zones to strengthen biodiversity protection in the core zone.

Organochlorine Pesticides and Potentially Toxic Elements in Groundwater from a Protected Reserve in the Maya Region of Hopelchen, Mexico.

Water quality degradation by organochlorine pesticides and potentially toxic elements is of worldwide concern. This research explores groundwater conditions, regarding organochlorine pesticides and potentially toxic elements, in Hopelchen, Campeche, which is located in the buffer zone of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Unfortunately, agriculture is allowed and agrochemical use is not monitored and sanctioned. Results show that Heptachlor, Endosulfan, and Dieldrin, all recognized carcinogens, had concentrations above the Mexican normative recommended values. Conversely, Cd and Ni concentrations were below recommended values. These results demonstrate that government intervention involving immediate control over agrochemical use is mandatory. Also, the results underscore the contamination of groundwater in several of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve's buffer zones by organochlorine pesticides concentrations, posing a probable threat for local inhabitants who consume this water and use it for recreation.

Assessing Understory Complexity in Beech-dominated Forests (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Central Europe-From Managed to Primary Forests.

Understory vegetation influences several ecosystem services and functions of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests. Despite this knowledge on the importance of understory vegetation, it is still difficult to measure its three-dimensional characteristics in a quantitative manner. With the recent advancements in terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), we now have the means to analyze detailed spatial patterns of forests. Here, we present a new measure to quantify understory complexity. We tested the approach for different management types, ranging from traditionally and alternatively managed forests and national parks in Germany to primary forests of Eastern Europe and the Ukraine, as well as on an inventory site with more detailed understory reference data. The understory complexity index (UCI) was derived from point clouds from single scans and tested for its relationship with forest management and conventional inventory data. Our results show that advanced tree regeneration is a strong driver of the UCI. Furthermore, the newly developed index successfully measured understory complexity of differently managed beech stands and was able to distinguish scanning positions located on and away from skid-trails in managed stands. The approach enables a deeper understanding of the complexity of understory structures of forests and their drivers and dependents.

Measuring Recreation Benefit Loss under Climate Change with Revealed and Stated Behavior Data: The Case of Lac Saint-Pierre World Biosphere Reserve (Québec, Canada).

Based on a case study carried out on the Lac Saint-Pierre (LSP) World Biosphere Reserve (Québec, Canada), this paper estimates ecosystem service loss, more precisely the loss related to cultural and recreational activities of the LSP due to the fall of its water level under the pressure of climate change. We measure two dimensions of this loss. As a first step, the extrapolation of our representative survey reports $100 million annual loss in terms of recreation revenue due to the trip reduction to LSP, which is about 60% of current level. Subsequently, the travel-cost data and the contingent behavior data are combined in a revealed and stated behavior panel random-effect estimation, which reports an additional loss measured by consumer surplus that visitors can obtain from their trips up to $232 million, signifying 42% of reduction in their current value.

Foraging strategies underlying bird egg predation by macaques: A study using artificial nests.

Bird egg predation is widespread in non-human primates. Although nest predation is often described as opportunistic, little is known about foraging strategies and nest detection in primates. Since it is the prevalent cause of nest failure in the tropics, birds select nest sites within specific microhabitats and use different nest types to increase nesting success. Identifying the nests targeted by the northern pigtailed macaques (Macaca leonina), an omnivorous cercopithecine species, and known nest predator, will shine light on nest foraging strategies in primates. The aim of this research was to reveal if nest predation is a selective or opportunistic feeding behavior. We studied, using artificial nests and camera traps, the influence of nest type (open-cup vs. cavity), microhabitat (i.e., understory density, canopy cover, canopy height, ground cover, and presence vs. absence of thorns and lianas), and nest height, on nest predation by a troop of northern pigtailed macaques in the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve (Thailand), a degraded environment. In our study, macaque predation on artificial nests was high; out of the 200 nests that were set up, 112 were plundered by macaques. Although predation rates decreased with nest height, nest type, and microhabitat had no significant effect on predation by macaques. Nest detectability and accessibility did not affect predation rates. Macaques actively searched for nests in different microhabitats, suggesting that nest predation by this primate might be considered a selective feeding behavior in this degraded habitat. Consequently, nest predation by this primate might have important conservation implications on the population dynamics of forest-dwelling bird species. Behavior observation methods, such as instantaneous scan sampling, may underestimate nest predation by primates, a furtive and cryptic behavior.